How to Find Floor Plans of a House: A Comprehensive Guide by NexDrafting
Finding the floor plan of a house can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to renovate your home, a real estate agent trying to sell a property, or simply a curious individual who wants to know the layout of a particular house, there are several ways to find the floor plan you’re looking for. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most effective methods for finding a floor plan of a house.
1. Check with the Original Builder
One of the most straightforward ways to find a floor plan of a house is to check with the original builder. Most builders keep records of the homes they’ve built, including the floor plans. If the house you’re interested in was built by a reputable builder, they should have a copy of the floor plan on file.
To get started, try contacting the builder or the company that built the house. If the builder is still in business, you may be able to find their contact information online or in a local business directory. You can also try contacting the local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for assistance.
When you contact the builder, be sure to provide them with the address of the house and any other relevant information you have, such as the year it was built. They may also ask for your contact information in case they need to follow up with you.
2. Check with the County Assessor's Office
Another option for finding a floor plan of a house is to check with the county assessor’s office. The assessor’s office is responsible for maintaining records of all the properties in the county, including the floor plans. These records are typically public and can be accessed by anyone who requests them.
To get started, you’ll need to contact the county assessor’s office for the county where the house is located. You can typically find their contact information online or in a local government directory. When you contact the assessor’s office, be sure to provide them with the address of the house and any other relevant information you have, such as the owner’s name.
It’s worth noting that the floor plans you receive from the county assessor’s office may not be as detailed as those you would receive from the original builder. However, they should give you a good idea of the layout of the house.
3. Check with the Real Estate Agent
If the house you’re interested in is currently on the market, you may be able to obtain a floor plan from the real estate agent handling the sale. Real estate agents often have access to floor plans for the properties they’re selling, as well as other information that may be helpful.
To get started, try contacting the real estate agent who is handling the sale of the house. You can typically find their contact information on the listing for the property or on their website. Be sure to provide them with the address of the house and any other relevant information you have.
It’s worth noting that not all real estate agents will have access to floor plans for the properties they’re selling. However, if they do have a floor plan available, they should be happy to share it with you.
4. Check Online
Another option for finding a floor plan of a house is to search online. There are several websites that offer floor plans for a wide variety of homes, including both new and old properties. Some of the most popular websites for finding floor plans include Floorplanner, Home Designing, and ArchDaily.
To get started, try searching for the address of the house on one of these websites.
When it comes to finding a floor plan for a house, there are a few different approaches you can take. Some methods will work better than others depending on the age of the home, the location, and other factors. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common ways to find floor plans and provide tips for making the process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Method 1: Check with the Builder
If the home is new construction or relatively recent, one of the easiest ways to obtain a floor plan is to check with the builder. Many builders keep records of the floor plans they use for each home they construct. If you don’t have direct contact information for the builder, you can usually find their contact information on the deed or title of the property. Once you have the builder’s contact information, give them a call or send an email asking if they can provide you with a copy of the floor plan for your home.
Method 2: Search Online
If you don’t have any luck contacting the builder or the home is older, your next option is to search for the floor plan online. There are many websites that specialize in floor plans, such as Floorplans.com, ePlans.com, and Architectural Designs. You can also try searching on general real estate websites like Zillow or Realtor.com, as many listings will include floor plans.
When searching online, it’s important to keep in mind that not all floor plans will be accurate or up-to-date. Additionally, some websites may charge a fee to access their floor plans. Be sure to read the fine print before committing to a purchase or subscription.
Method 3: Visit the Local Building Department
If you’re having trouble finding a floor plan online or through the builder, your next step should be to visit the local building department. The building department keeps records of all permits issued for new construction and remodeling projects. They may have a copy of the floor plan on file for your home.
Keep in mind that the building department may charge a fee for providing a copy of the floor plan. Additionally, they may not have a copy of the floor plan if the home was built before the current building codes were in place.
Method 4: Hire a Professional
If all else fails, you can always hire a professional to create a floor plan for you. There are many architects, designers, and drafters who specialize in creating floor plans. They can take measurements of your home and create a customized floor plan based on your specifications.
While hiring a professional can be more expensive than other methods, it ensures that you’ll have an accurate and up-to-date floor plan for your home. Additionally, if you’re planning any major renovations or additions, having a professional floor plan can be crucial in obtaining the necessary permits and ensuring that the project is completed safely and to code.
Tips for Finding a Floor Plan
Regardless of which method you choose, there are a few tips you can follow to make the process of finding a floor plan as smooth as possible:
- Gather as much information as possible about your home before beginning your search. This can include the age of the home, the name of the builder, and any remodels or additions that have been done.
- Be persistent. If one method doesn’t work, try another. It may take some time and effort, but eventually, you should be able to find a floor plan for your home.
- Be prepared to pay. While some methods of obtaining a floor plan may be free, others may require a fee. Be sure to factor this into your budget before beginning your search.
- Verify the accuracy of the floor plan. Once you have a copy of the floor plan, compare it to the actual layout of your home. If there are any discrepancies,