Where to find existing building drawings

Question

I am under contract for a 1994 SFH which was built by a developer. Where can I find the original architectural drawings? Building is in cook county Illinois. I've tried accessors office and recorders office

Samuel Pavlovcik · Answer

@Connor O'Brien,

You may be able to find some information using the Freedom of Information Act. If the County does have any old drawings in their records they may be able to share them; however, you will likely need to prove ownership or provide an approval letter from the current owners in order for them to release anything. I have done this before with clients within the City of Chicago; however, the building department for Unincorporated Cook County is a whole other story...

One other thought; since you said the property was built by a developer, I assume there are similar structures in the area. It may be a long shot, but you may have some luck by reaching out to any owners of properties that you can find that are "the same" layout as the property you are mentioning. I wouldn't be surprised if you could find at least 1 or 2 people in the neighborhood that have owned the property since its construction, and they may have old plans!

Feel free to reach out if there anything I can do to help. Are you trying to determine something specific? Just know that even if you find the old drawings they may not provide you with the information you're re looking for...

Kenneth Garrett · Answer

@Connor O'Brien

Let me add that you are referencing the building is in cook county.  Do you mean it’s located in unincorporated cook county or one of the municipalities in the county?  As @Samuel Pavlovcik mentioned you can fill out a FOIA request once you have the proper jurisdiction.  You may be able to look at the permit that was issued and it usually shows who the architectural firm was.  You may be able to contact them as well.  The plans are owned by the designer and his/her client.  If you can’t find the plans or information most designers can figure things out by investigating the structure to analyze what you are looking for. Sometimes it requires opening up some drywall or digging along a foundation to determine structural details.

Mitch VanDeveer · Answer

Unfortunately you probably won't find anything on a 1994 structure.  two other places to look are the city development services (who ever would have approved for permit) or the original developer.

I assume you are looking for the plans to either make structural changes and/or an addition?  If so find an inexpensive draftsman or an architecture student want to make a few bucks for the practice.

Where to find existing building drawings

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