Searching for Blueprints

February 15, 2008 9:01 AM

Marylanders - have you ever been able to track down original house blueprints that are not in public records?

I've used all the online services that Frederick County and Maryland have available, and have gotten a lot of data. I'm buying a custom house that was built over 30 years ago, an unusual place. I figure I have to go to town records (if they exist) or a historical society, but before I do that, I'd like to know if you've had any success getting originals or copies of plans and how you managed to do it.

posted by nj_subgenius to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

I don't know about Maryland, but generally municipalities do not keep copies of building plans. In a lot of places you are lucky if you can find drawings of recent sewer and water projects. Your best bet would be to contact the builder. It is extremely unlikely that the plans to your house still exist.
posted by Uncle Jimmy at 9:25 AM on February 15, 2008

...Addressed to 'Marylanders'...generally towns do not keep blueprints as public records, which was in my question. So, if you have something helpful to add, many thanks. Otherwise fill your posting quota elsewhere...
posted by nj_subgenius at 10:46 AM on February 15, 2008

Call planning and zoning, not everything can be accomplished on the computer. Uncle Jimmy is right that most municipalities don't keep copies of blueprints and if they do, even fewer have them available online.

Also, don't be such a dick.
posted by electroboy at 12:55 PM on February 15, 2008