Get full architectural plans for free. It's easier than you think.
Floor plans, structural details, and engineering drawings are public records that few people know about. They cost nothing and take minutes to pull. Here’s how.
In hot real estate markets like SF or Seattle, buyers often spend under an hour at a property before dropping a suitcase of cash. And if you’re building new, you’re already scrolling Redfin and Pinterest, so why not sneak a peek at your neighbors’ blueprints for inspiration? They’re public, free, and only a few clicks away.
Why get these architectural plans?
- Exact room sizes and layouts: No more guessing if the sectional will fit or bringing tape measure to every open house.
- Nitty gritty details: Foundation, beams, drainage, HVAC, roofing… basically everything agents haven’t seen or know much about.
- Design inspiration: Remodeling or building? Copy the clever bits and avoid the silly ones, and check best practices before you draft your own plans.
- Future change: Know which walls are load bearing and how drainage works so you can safely update or fix things when they inevitably break.
Why nobody talks about this
Most buyers and realtors don’t know architectural plans are public information. And the rare realtor who does? Well, let’s just say they’ve got better things to do than click around a permit portal. 🤷♂️
If your agent actually hands over these documents, they're a unicorn. Drop their name and contact below so we can all work with these pros who go the extra mile.
How to get the architectural plans
- Easiest approach: Ask the builder directly. They just finished construction so they will have the digital files handy.
- Plan B: If you don't know the builder, pester the agent to get the documents.
- DIY from your couch:
- Bellevue: submit request on Public Records Center
- Kirkland: find plans on MyBuildingPermit
- Medina: submit request on NextRequest Public Records
- Redmond: submit request on Public Records Center
- Clyde Hill: find planson Citizen's Connect Permit Portal or submit request on Public Records Center
- Mercer Island: submit request on Public Records Request
- Seattle: find plans on Permits and Property Records
- Issaquah: submit request on Public Records Center
Found this helpful? Share it and let others know about this hack.
And if you know a realtor who actually shares these blueprints, share their info below. Let’s all hire the hustlers instead of the slackers.
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