Finding the name behind the home
Despite the wonderful things about being a homeowner, it comes with some baggage, too. You’re always going to be learning new things about your home for as long as you live there, and when you come across something like a structural issue, are planning a remodel, or are even just wondering about its resale value, knowing how to find the builder of a home will come in handy. We’ve compiled a list of six ways you can find the builder of your home, so you can have clarity on all the nuts and bolts that came together to be your home.
Your local county records office should hold a handful of public records, including things like building permits and even the information about who built homes in the area. There could be some limits to what information is kept in county records—for instance, if your home was built more than a few decades ago it might be harder to find the information you need through this service. But it’s worth looking them up online if your county offers them through a website, or popping into their office yourself to check. This is also a method for how to find out when a house was built, if you need that information.
Previous owners of the home are another option to finding the original builder. Whether it’s the people who decided who to hire to build a house, or generations after them, they could have the information you need.
If you can’t recall past owners yourself, you can check the county records, review your abstract of title, or visit the tax assessor’s office to find a list of past homeowners.
Neighbors can be great company for a dinner party, but they also might be able to provide you with the information you need when you’re trying to find the builder of a home.
It’s likely that at least some of your neighbors have lived in the area for a while and know the neighborhood well. Ask around and see if they can tell you who the original builder is, or if they’re in touch with any previous owners or contractors who might know this information. If you live in a designed neighborhood, your neighbors might have contact with custom home builders near you who could be good points of connection.
This may not be the most intuitive way of finding who built your house, but it can be helpful. Check around your home for the service stickers that subcontractors have left on things like your furnace, water softener, and air conditioning unit.
If you find these stickers, and can connect with the person who did the job, see if they know the name of the original home builder or anyone else who may know it.
Talking to your real estate agent could help you in this scenario, especially if you just recently bought your home and are still working closely with them. Seeing as your real estate agent would need to have a wide range of information to sell the house, it is possible they know who built it, and can put you in touch with them if needed. Your real estate agent might also be able to help you if you’re wondering how to get blueprints of your house, too.
Similarly to accessing your city’s public records, browsing their archives can help you find information about your home’s original builder. Not every city has archives, but some keep things like maps, building plans, and old photos. They’ll probably have a variety of different types of construction documents too, which can help you determine the name of the original builder.
Every town and city manages their records and history differently, so you may need to check your local library or seek out a city historian to access archived information.
If you’re looking for a home builder to build your next house, you should start with research. Look for builders in your area with a portfolio of projects of a similar size and scope to yours. Ask around to see if you know anyone who can recommend a good home builder near you, and read reviews online.
Once you have narrowed down your list, look for a guide from the builder that explains their process so you know what to expect. Pay close attention to the home builder’s track record so you know you’re connecting with a contractor who can oversee your project from start to finish. Once you have your research, set up meetings with at least three options to discuss your needs and timeline and get detailed quotes to compare before choosing your pro.
