A close-up photo showcasing a neatly laid out blueprint of a house, with accurate measurements, annotations, and labeled rooms, providing a comprehensive floor plan for easy reference and analysis.

How To Get Floor Plans For Your House

ByHulya Aksu Updated on

Having access to accurate floor plans of your home can be extremely useful for a variety of reasons. Whether you’re looking to remodel, repair, or just want to understand the layout better, obtaining floor plans is an important first step.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: You can get floor plans for your house by finding original blueprints, hiring an architect to draft new plans, using online home plan services, or creating DIY floorplans yourself.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore several methods for getting floor plans for your existing house and discuss the pros and cons of each approach.

Look for Original Blueprints

If you’re looking to get floor plans for your house, one of the best places to start is by searching for the original blueprints. These blueprints provide a detailed layout of the house and can be invaluable when it comes to making renovations or additions.

Here are some ways you can find the original blueprints for your house:

Check with the Local Building Department

The first step is to reach out to your local building department. They keep records of all construction permits and may have a copy of the original blueprints on file. You can contact them either in person or through their website to inquire about obtaining a copy.

Keep in mind that there may be a small fee associated with obtaining the blueprints.

Inquire with Previous Homeowners or Your Real Estate Agent

If the building department doesn’t have the blueprints, try reaching out to the previous homeowners or your real estate agent. They may have kept a copy of the blueprints when they purchased the house and can provide you with a copy.

It’s worth asking, as it can save you time and effort in searching for the blueprints.

Search in Basements, Attics, Garages

If you’re unable to find the blueprints through official channels, you can try searching in the basements, attics, or garages of your house. Previous homeowners may have stored the blueprints in these areas, as they are often used for storage.

Be prepared for some digging, as the blueprints may be tucked away or hidden among other documents.

Consider Hiring an Architectural Historian

If all else fails, you may want to consider hiring an architectural historian. These professionals specialize in researching and documenting the history of buildings, including obtaining original blueprints.

While this option may be more expensive, it can provide you with valuable insight into the history of your house and ensure that you have accurate and complete floor plans.

Remember, having the original blueprints for your house can be a great asset when it comes to making improvements or understanding the layout of your home. So don’t hesitate to explore these avenues to get your hands on those valuable documents!

Hire an Architect

If you want to get accurate and professional floor plans for your house, hiring an architect is the best option. Architects are trained professionals who have the knowledge and expertise in designing and creating floor plans.

They have the skills to accurately measure the dimensions of your house and translate it into a detailed and precise floor plan.

Best for Accuracy

Architects use advanced tools and software to create floor plans that are highly accurate. They take into consideration all the necessary measurements and incorporate them into the design. This ensures that the floor plan reflects the actual dimensions of your house, making it easier for you to plan and visualize any renovations or remodeling projects.

Can Be Expensive

While hiring an architect provides the best accuracy, it can be an expensive option. Architects typically charge a fee based on the complexity and size of the project. However, the cost can be worth it if you want a professional and reliable floor plan for your house.

Time Consuming Process

Creating a floor plan with an architect can be a time-consuming process. It involves multiple meetings and discussions to ensure that the design meets your requirements and preferences. The architect will also need time to measure your house and create the floor plan, which can take several weeks.

Pro Tip: When hiring an architect, make sure to discuss your budget and timeline upfront to avoid any surprises later on. It’s also a good idea to check the architect’s portfolio and ask for references to ensure that they have experience in creating floor plans.

Use an Online Home Plan Service

If you are looking to get floor plans for your house, using an online home plan service can be a convenient and efficient option. These services allow you to easily access and obtain floor plans for your home without the need for hiring an architect or designer.

Here are a few reasons why using an online home plan service can be beneficial:

Fast and Affordable

One of the main advantages of using an online home plan service is the speed at which you can get your floor plans. With just a few clicks, you can browse through a wide selection of pre-designed floor plans and choose the one that best suits your needs.

This saves you the time and hassle of starting from scratch and allows you to get your plans quickly. Additionally, online home plan services are often more affordable than hiring a professional architect, making it a cost-effective choice for homeowners.

Limited Customization

While online home plan services offer a wide range of floor plans to choose from, it’s important to note that customization options may be limited. While you can make some modifications to the floor plan, such as adding or removing rooms or changing the layout to some extent, major structural changes may not be possible.

If you have specific requirements or a unique vision for your home, it may be worth considering hiring an architect or designer for a more personalized approach.

Results May Not Be Precise

When using an online home plan service, it’s important to keep in mind that the results may not be as precise or accurate as hiring a professional architect. While these services strive to provide accurate floor plans, there may be some discrepancies or errors in the measurements or dimensions.

It’s always a good idea to double-check the floor plan and consult with a professional before proceeding with any construction or renovation work.

Create DIY Floorplans

Creating your own floorplans can be an exciting and rewarding project. Not only does it give you a better understanding of your space, but it also allows you to personalize your home according to your specific needs and preferences. Here are some tips on how to create DIY floorplans for your house.

Take Your Own Measurements

The first step in creating DIY floorplans is to accurately measure the dimensions of your rooms. Grab a tape measure, a pen, and a notepad, and start measuring each room, including the length and width of the walls, the size and position of doors and windows, and the height of the ceiling.

Don’t forget to note down any architectural features or unique characteristics that you want to incorporate into your floorplans.

Pro tip: Take multiple measurements to ensure accuracy and double-check your measurements to avoid any mistakes. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Use Apps or Software

If you’re looking for a more tech-savvy approach, there are numerous apps and software available that can assist you in creating floorplans. These tools offer user-friendly interfaces and a wide range of features, allowing you to easily draw and edit your floorplans with just a few clicks.

Pro tip: Some popular floorplan apps and software include Home Design 3D, RoomSketcher, and Floorplanner. These tools often provide pre-made templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and even 3D visualization options to help bring your floorplans to life.

Requires Time and Effort

It’s important to note that creating DIY floorplans requires time and effort. Depending on the size and complexity of your house, it may take several hours or even days to complete the task. However, the end result can be truly rewarding, as you will have a customized floorplan that reflects your unique style and preferences.

Pro tip: Don’t rush the process. Take your time to carefully plan and design your floorplans. Consider your lifestyle, furniture placement, and future needs when making decisions about room layouts and flow.

Consider 3D Scanning

When it comes to obtaining accurate floor plans for your house, one option to consider is 3D scanning. This advanced technology allows for precise measurements and detailed representations of your home’s layout.

With 3D scanning, you can get a complete and realistic visual representation of your house, including the placement of walls, windows, doors, and other structural elements.

Advanced Technology for Precision

3D scanning utilizes lasers and cameras to capture the dimensions and details of your house. The technology creates a digital model by measuring millions of points in your space. This level of precision ensures that the resulting floor plan is accurate and reliable, making it an excellent option for those who need precise measurements for renovations, interior design, or other purposes.

Additionally, 3D scanning allows you to view your floor plan from different angles and perspectives, giving you a comprehensive understanding of your space. This can be particularly helpful when planning furniture arrangements or assessing potential remodeling projects.

Can Be Expensive For Whole Home

While 3D scanning is an excellent option for obtaining floor plans, it’s important to note that it can be more expensive for larger homes. The cost of 3D scanning services typically depends on the square footage and complexity of the space.

Therefore, if you have a smaller house or only need floor plans for specific areas, 3D scanning can be a cost-effective solution.

Best For Limited Areas

If you’re looking to get floor plans for specific areas of your home, such as a kitchen remodel or a new addition, 3D scanning is the ideal choice. It allows you to capture precise measurements and details for those specific areas, ensuring that your plans are accurate and tailored to your project’s needs.

Keep in mind that 3D scanning is not limited to just residential spaces. It can also be used for commercial buildings, historical sites, and even outdoor areas. The versatility of this technology makes it a valuable tool for various industries.

When considering 3D scanning for your floor plans, it’s important to choose a reputable and experienced provider. They will have the necessary expertise and equipment to ensure accurate and high-quality results.

Additionally, make sure to discuss your specific requirements with the provider to ensure they can meet your needs.

Conclusion

Having access to floor plans for your home can make many projects easier and give you greater insight into your living space. While original blueprints may be difficult to obtain, hiring an architect, using an online service, DIY methods, and 3D scanning can all produce usable floor plans to suit different needs and budgets.

The best approach depends on your goals, budget, and how precise you need the plans to be. With some effort, you can likely find or create floor plans to help understand and improve your home.

Hulya Aksu is the founder and editor-in-chief of Posh Seven Magazine, the leading lifestyle publication serving the affluent suburbs of Washington D.C. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Hulya moved to the United States to pursue her passion for fashion. She worked for major fashion houses before recognizing a need for a magazine that spoke to successful women in D.C.'s prestigious neighborhoods.

In 2007, Hulya launched Posh Seven Magazine from her home while on maternity leave. The magazine quickly gained an avid following for its insider's perspective on upscale living in communities like McLean, Potomac, and Bethesda.

Over the past 15 years, Hulya has built Posh Seven into a multimedia brand with print, digital, social media, and experiential components. Her visionary leadership and hyper-local approach has made Posh Seven a go-to resource for over 100,000 readers.

As founder and editor-in-chief, Hulya lends the magazine her impeccable taste and insights into luxury living. She resides with her family in Ashburn, Virginia where the Posh Seven headquarters are located. Hulya is deeply committed to serving the vibrant community of successful women who call D.C.'s affluent suburbs home.

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