If you’re planning a renovation, your design team will need the existing plans to understand the current layout, measurements, how the home was built, etc. 

If you don’t have the plans at home, check with your city or local permitting office to find out if they have a copy of your existing plans on file (the benefit of getting a permit is that it’s usually kept on file).

Keep in mind, though, that not all existing plans perfectly reflect what was actually built. Take some time to compare the plans to your home’s layout. If you notice anything that doesn’t match—like walls or windows that aren’t where they’re supposed to be—let your design team know. They’ll likely do a thorough review and walk-through themselves, but your input can help them get a jumpstart.

If no plans exist, your design team will need to schedule a site visit to measure the house. Depending on your project, they may focus just on the renovation area or measure the entire home. 

Note: Be sure to clarify with your design team what will be included in the existing plans. If the additional cost is reasonable, consider having the entire house documented—it’s a valuable resource to have on hand for future projects or maintenance.

From here, your design team will use these plans as the foundation to create a design that not only meets your vision but works seamlessly with your property’s existing footprint and home’s existing structure.