Old construction files are a useful starting point for researching your home.
Where do you start?
Ask your municipality or the designated archive for the construction file of the address. The method of application varies per municipality. Where possible, ask for architectural and structural drawings and previous renovations.
Which documents help?
Plans, cross-sections, foundation plans and calculations together can provide more insight than one facade view. Also ask about available revisions. Check that address, house number and building section match.
No complete archive?
That does not necessarily rule out a project. A recording, measurement or targeted research can supplement missing information. Discuss with the structural engineer what is required before you have your own investigation carried out.
Ask for different types of drawings
An old sales floor plan has a different purpose than one construction drawing. Ask the building archives what documents are available for the address: architectural drawings, structural overviews, calculations and subsequent changes can each contain part of the story. Note the origin and date of received documents. An incomplete set can also be useful if you clearly indicate which parts are missing or difficult to read.
Create a usable document set
Keep an unaltered copy of the records and add your comments separately. Use recognizable names with subject and date. Mark which floor or cross section relevant to the renovation and add photos of deviations. A designer can then see more quickly which data belongs together. Do not independently fill in missing dimensions as if they have been measured; note that as an open research point.
Your preparation in four steps
- Floor plans per floor
- Sections and facade drawings
- Construction and foundation drawings
- Calculations and revisions
- Comparison with the current situation
Frequently asked questions on this topic
What does a structural calculation for a new home include?
A related assignment can concern the foundation, floors, walls, columns, beams and roof. The precise parts and drawings must be agreed. Also ask which supplier calculations are required and who monitors mutual coordination.
When do I involve the structural engineer in new construction?
Preferably during the development of the main concept. Large openings, free spans and installation space can affect the supporting structure. Early coordination makes it clear which choices require further research or elaboration before the design becomes final.
View the associated structural calculation, create your preparation list or take the guides and checklists along to the consultation.