Search online: There are several websites that offer free access to blueprints of homes. Some popular ones include Blueprint Finder, The House Designers, and Family Home Plans. However, keep in mind that not all homes may be listed on these sites.
One option for how to get a blueprint of your house is to search online public record systems, like the Nationwide Environmental Title Research. If your community has an online archive system, you may also be able to request access to your blueprint there.
You can find many public records for home plans online. You may be able to make an old record request from your town or city's archive online. NETR Online, which Nationwide Environmental Title Research runs, is a website that continues to add public records to its databases.
One possible option for finding the as-built plans for any structure is to contact the original builder, designer, and/or engineer. This information can typically be found on the original building permit.
Home Plans Are Copyrighted!
Just like books, movies and songs, home plans receive protection under the federal copyright laws. The copyright laws prevent anyone, other than the copyright owner, from reproducing, modifying or reusing the plans or designs without written permission of the copyright owner.
Under copyright law, the architect who prepares architectural plans and drawings is considered the author and owner of the copyright in those plans or drawings, unless there is an agreement to the contrary.
Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, or Redfin sometimes provide floor plans for properties listed for sale or rent. You can search by address, and if the floor plan is available, it will typically be included in the listing details. Another option is to reach out to the property owner or real estate agent directly.
The county clerk, county recorder, or land registrar may maintain copies of building blueprints. If so, you may need to fill out paperwork and pay a fee for administrative and copying costs. Depending on your municipality, you may also find a copy of the blueprints online.
The average cost of drafting house plans is $700 to $1,500 for pre-drawn plans and $2,000 to $10,000 for custom house plans. Residential drafting fees and blueprints cost $0.35 to $5.00 per square foot. Drafting services charge $30 to $120 per hour.
The typical plan set does not include any plumbing, heating or air conditioning drawings due to the wide variety of local codes and climatic conditions. These details and specifications are easily obtained from your builder, contractor, and/or local suppliers.
Many libraries have archives of local history that include documents related to mobile home manufacturing companies in your area. You may find brochures, floor plans, or even magazines that featured mobile homes from decades past. Don't forget about contacting mobile home manufacturers directly.
There are several programs available for making blueprints, ranging from free online tools to sophisticated software applications. The RoomSketcher App is a preferred blueprint maker for many due to its user-friendly interface, drag-and-drop functionality, and variety of templates and tools.
Your local county records office should hold a handful of public records, including things like building permits and even the information about who built homes in the area.
3. Search online: There are several websites that offer free access to blueprints of homes. Some popular ones include Blueprint Finder, The House Designers, and Family Home Plans. However, keep in mind that not all homes may be listed on these sites.
Press the B key on your keyboard to open the build menu while you are in your territory. In the build menu, look for the House Blueprint section in the top right corner. You will also see a Presets option, which contains various pre-made structures you can build if you have the necessary materials.
Step 1: Check Your Local Government Website
Many municipalities offer free site plans to property owners. You can usually find them on the planning and zoning section of the website. If you can't find the information you need online, contact your local zoning department for assistance.
The pros of buying stock home plans online
The initial cost of new house plans online is generally significantly cheaper than custom plans. Looking through lots of stock plans can help you find features you would like to include in your custom house building plans.
On your computer, open Google Maps. Search for a place that has indoor maps. To see the floor plan, zoom in to the map and click on a building or place. In the bottom right, choose among levels and floors.
Blueprints are much more detailed drawings than simple Floor Plans. Blueprints are exact detailed scaled drawings of plans of a home, building, or structure which include many more details than a basic floor plan.