House blueprints can be an important asset for homeowners or those who are considering purchasing a certain property. However, you might be wondering if it is even possible to get house blueprints for certain properties and whether or not these documents are public record.
Our article gives you an overview of public record documents, how to access them, and whether or not house blueprints are included as part of the public record in your area.
What Is Public Record?
The public record is the record of documents maintained by state and federal governments that members of the general public have access to. These public record documents are maintained for the safety of the public and to provide transparency into certain parts of life.
For example, most criminal and civil records are public record in every state in order to give members of the public the ability to ensure someone is safe to be around and to keep checks and balances on the criminal and civil court system.
It’s important to note that states do have different disclosure laws regarding which documents are specifically considered public record and how to access each type of document. It’s best to check with courthouses and other local record offices directly to understand how public record works in your state.
How Do I Access Public Record Documents?
You can access public record documents fairly easily with a public record search tool. Using this tool, simply type in a person’s name, an address, or a phone number that you wish to research.
From there, you can run the search and let the tool compile a report that includes all of the easily accessible information available on public record. You can review the report and conduct further research on what you find as needed.
Why Would I Need My House Blueprints?
There are a few different reasons why you might need your house’s blueprints, not including curiosity. To start with, you may be building a new home or adding to it. You will need blueprints to get an idea of the layout and to potentially find utility hookups.
Reviewing your home’s blueprints can also help you discover hidden areas and get an idea of whether or not there are any issues with your property, such as a basement that may cause structural issues.
Oftentimes, if you are hiring contractors to do something around your home, they will request a set of blueprints to get a better visual idea of the property before starting on any project.
Are House Blueprints Public Record?
Many house blueprints are part of the public record, especially if the building is a new construction within the last ten or so years. In general, most states will consider house blueprints and any associated building permits as part of the public record, so you can access these documents for your own home or someone else’s home.
You may also be able to access historical house blueprints that have been archived in local records offices or libraries; this is especially common for homes with historical significance.
How Do I Access My Home’s Blueprints?
If you want to access your home’s blueprints, you can ask your realtor or the former owner to see if they have these documents on hand. Alternatively, you can use free online search tools, or you can use the records office of local land development services (LDS). Most counties will have their own LDS department, which is in charge of holding onto building permits and associated house blueprints.
You may also want to look through historical archives, city hall records, and libraries. This is the most helpful when you are searching for the blueprints of a very historical home.
Are Property Surveys Public Record?
Property surveys are similar to house blueprints in that they give the details about a property. However, while a house’s blueprint covers the inside of a home, a property survey looks at the exterior of the home and the property that the home sits on.
These documents note property lines and more, and they are not considered public record. You can only access or request a property survey on a piece of property you own.
Are House Blueprints Public Record? Keeping Track of Blueprint Information
Keeping track of your property’s blueprint information can seem overwhelming at first, but it can be surprisingly easy to find your home’s blueprints once you know where to look. Research your property online, use government records offices, or speak with former owners and realtors of a property to track down the house blueprints you need.
