How to Get Blueprints of Your House in NYC: A Casual Guide
Getting blueprints of your NYC house can be a daunting task, but it's not impossible. With a little patience and perseverance, you can track down those elusive plans and gain a better understanding of your home's structure and history.
Why Do You Need Blueprints?
There are several reasons why you might need blueprints of your NYC house:
- Renovations: If you're planning on renovating your home, blueprints can help you visualize the space and plan your project more effectively.
- Insurance Claims: In the event of a fire, flood, or other disaster, blueprints can be invaluable for documenting the original layout of your home and making insurance claims.
- Historical Research: If you're interested in learning more about the history of your home, blueprints can provide valuable insights into its construction and design.
Where to Start Your Search
The first place to check for blueprints is with the Department of Buildings (DOB). The DOB has a vast archive of building plans, and they may have a copy of your home's blueprints on file. You can search for plans online or visit the DOB in person.
If the DOB doesn't have a copy of your blueprints, you can try contacting the New York City Municipal Archives (NYCMA). The NYCMA has a collection of historical records, including building plans.
Other Resources
If you're still having trouble finding blueprints, you can try the following resources:
- Real Estate Agents: If you bought your home from a real estate agent, they may have a copy of the blueprints.
- Homeowners Associations (HOAs): If your home is part of an HOA, they may have a copy of the original building plans.
- Neighbors: Sometimes, neighbors may have old blueprints or information about the construction of your home.
- Online Resources: There are a few online resources where you can search for historical building plans, such as the New York Public Library Digital Collections.
Tips for Finding Blueprints
Here are a few tips to help you in your search for blueprints:
- Be Patient: Finding blueprints can take time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't find them right away.
- Be Persistent: Keep searching different resources until you find what you're looking for.
- Be Prepared to Pay: You may need to pay a fee to obtain copies of blueprints.
- Consider Hiring a Professional: If you're having trouble finding blueprints on your own, you can consider hiring a professional archivist or researcher to help you.
FAQs
How to find blueprints of my old house in nyc?
- Start by searching the Department of Buildings (DOB) and the New York City Municipal Archives (NYCMA). You can also try contacting real estate agents, homeowners associations, neighbors, or online resources.
How to get a copy of house plans in nyc?
- Once you've located the blueprints, you'll need to contact the organization that has them and request a copy. You may need to pay a fee.
How to get old house plans for free in nyc?
- While it's unlikely that you'll be able to get blueprints for free, you may be able to find them online through the New York Public Library Digital Collections or other resources.
How to find original house plans in nyc?
- The best place to start your search for original house plans is the Department of Buildings (DOB). They have a vast archive of building plans.
How much does it cost to get house plans in nyc?
- The cost of obtaining blueprints can vary depending on the organization that has them and the age of the plans. You may need to pay a fee.
