How to Get Floor Plans of Your House (Without Losing Your Mind)
So, you’re staring at your living room, wondering if that wall is load-bearing or if it’s just really committed to its job. Maybe you’re planning a kitchen remodel, daydreaming about a home addition, or just curious how your 1970s split-level became the architectural equivalent of a Rubik’s Cube. Whatever the reason, you need floor plans—and fast.
At Verified Builders, Denver’s go-to crew for custom home remodeling, luxury home renovations, and everything in between, we’ve seen it all. Spoiler: You’re not the first person to wonder where those original blueprints vanished. Let’s break down how to track them down (or create new ones) without resorting to bribing your local librarian.
Contents
- 1 Method 1: Dig Into Local Records (Channel Your Inner Sherlock)
- 2 Method 2: Measure & Draft Your Own (Embrace Your Inner Picasso)
- 3 Method 3: Hire a Pro (Let Someone Else Sweat the Details)
- 4 Method 4: Use Technology (Because It’s 2024, Not 1994)
- 5 “But What If My House Is Older Than My Grandma’s Fruitcake?”
- 6 Floor Plan FAQs: Because We Know You’re Curious
- 7 When to Call Verified Builders (Hint: Now)
- 8 Final Thoughts: Blueprints Aren’t Just for Spies
Method 1: Dig Into Local Records (Channel Your Inner Sherlock)
Most cities keep records of building permits, and sometimes those files include original floor plans. Here’s how to play detective:
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Visit Your County Assessor’s Office
Head downtown (or check their website—we’re not savages) and request copies of your home’s building permits. Pro tip: Bring coffee. Government offices aren’t exactly known for their espresso machines. -
Check with the Builder or Architect
If your home was built in the last few decades, the original builder or architect might still have copies. Unless they’ve retired to a beach in Bali. In that case, good luck.
Why Bother?
Having the original plans can save you time (and cash) if you’re working with home addition contractors or tackling interior remodeling. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to see how your house looked before someone decided avocado-green shag carpet was a vibe.
Method 2: Measure & Draft Your Own (Embrace Your Inner Picasso)
No luck with records? Time to DIY. Grab a tape measure, graph paper, and a strong dose of patience.
Step-by-Step:
- Sketch each room’s layout, noting doors, windows, and that weird alcove that’s perfect for hiding holiday decorations.
- Use free apps like Floorplanner or RoomScan (because who wants to do math manually?).
But Here’s the Catch:
Unless you’re a pro, DIY sketches might lack the precision needed for design build construction or whole home remodeling. That’s where Verified Builders comes in—we’ll turn your doodles into legit plans. No judgment if your lines are wobbly.
Method 3: Hire a Pro (Let Someone Else Sweat the Details)
For luxury home renovations or basement contractors, accurate floor plans are non-negotiable. Hiring an architect or drafting service ensures everything’s up to code—and that your “open-concept” vision doesn’t accidentally remove a support beam.
Why We’re Biased (But Right):
At Verified Builders, we partner with architects who’ve mastered the art of turning “I want a spa-like bathroom” into measurable reality. Bonus: We handle permits, inspections, and the existential dread of choosing between quartz or marble.
Method 4: Use Technology (Because It’s 2024, Not 1994)
Laser measures. 3D scanning apps. Drones. Okay, maybe not drones (unless your HOA is cool with it). Here’s what actually works:
- Apps like MagicPlan: Scan rooms with your phone’s camera. It’s like Pokémon Go, but for floor plans.
- LiDAR Scanners: Fancy, but worth it for home restoration projects where millimeters matter.
FYI: Even the best app can’t replace a pro’s touch. Use tech for rough drafts, then hand it off to a home remodeling company (hi, that’s us) for final tweaks.
“But What If My House Is Older Than My Grandma’s Fruitcake?”
We get it. Denver’s packed with historic homes where the original blueprints were lost to time (or a basement flood). Here’s your game plan:
- Check Historical Societies: They might have photos, sketches, or tales of your home’s former glory.
- Hire a Specialist: Architects who specialize in home restoration can reverse-engineer your layout.
Fun fact: Verified Builders once helped a client recreate plans for a 1920s bungalow using nothing but a Polaroid and sheer determination. Your house isn’t hopeless—just stubborn.
Floor Plan FAQs: Because We Know You’re Curious
Let’s tackle the big questions:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How long does it take to get floor plans? | If you’re DIY-ing, a weekend. Pros? 1-2 weeks. Historic homes? Grab a book—it might take a month. |
| Can I create my own legally? | For personal use, sure. For permits or design build construction, you’ll need stamped plans from a licensed architect. |
| What if my house was renovated illegally? | Oof. Time to call a home renovation company (wink) to help untangle the mess. We’ve seen it all—yes, even the “DIY electrical” phase. |
| Why are floor plans even important? | They’re the roadmap for kitchen remodeling services, interior remodeling, or adding a second story. Without them, you’re basically renovating blindfolded. |
When to Call Verified Builders (Hint: Now)
Look, we love a good DIY project. But if you’re knee-deep in custom home remodeling or need home addition contractors near me, let’s chat. Our Denver team lives for turning “What if…?” into “How soon can we start?”
You Should Reach Out If:
- Your floor plan hunt feels like a Netflix thriller.
- You’re eyeing luxury home renovations (read: you want a pizza oven and a chandelier).
- You’d rather binge-watch TV than measure your baseboards for the third time.
Final Thoughts: Blueprints Aren’t Just for Spies
Whether you’re tweaking a closet or overhauling your whole home remodeling strategy, floor plans are your secret weapon. And hey, if you hit a wall (literally or metaphorically), Verified Builders is here to help. We’ll even laugh with you when you confess you measured the hallway in “feet” using your actual feet.
Ready to turn chaos into clarity? Contact Verified Builders—because life’s too short to guess where the plumbing’s hiding. 😉
