Track Home Origins: Find the OG Builder!

Have you ever wondered who built your home or what the history behind your walls is? Learning about your home's origins not just adds a personal aspect to your living space, but it can also provide valuable insights into the craftsmanship and historical context of the era in which it was built. Whether you own an antique Victorian or a mid-century modern gem, uncovering the story of your home and its original builder can be a fascinating journey. In this article, we'll guide you through various expert tips and historical tracking methods to help you discover your house's roots.

Step 1: Consult Your Deed and Property Records

The first step in tracing the origins of your home is to examine your property's deed. This legal document officially records who owns the property and often includes information about previous owners.

Visit the Local Courthouse or Assessor's Office: Often, property deeds can be found at the local courthouse or the assessor's office. Ask for the registry of deeds or land records department to access this information.
Check Online Databases: Some regions have digitized property records. An online search might lead you to a website where you can access the details you need about your home's previous ownership.

Step 2: Research Property Tax Records

Property tax records can provide a timeline of ownership and reveal changes in the property over time.

Request Historical Tax Records: Inquire about obtaining historical tax records from your local tax assessor's office. These records can not only indicate ownership but may also call out significant improvements or changes to the property that could point to when the house was built.

Step 3: Explore Building Permits and Architectural Plans

Building permits and blueprints can often lead you to the original builder or architect.

Visit Local Building Departments: Check with your local building department for any permits filed for your address. These documents typically state the builder's or architect's name and the date of construction.
Blue Print Information: If the blueprints are available, they can offer detailed insights into the home's original design and any alterations made over the years.

Step 4: Tap into Historical Societies and Neighborhood Associations

Local historical societies or neighborhood associations can be invaluable resources for learning about the history of your area and, potentially your home.

Local History: Reach out to these organizations for neighborhood histories, which might mention builders known for working in the area.
Photographic Archives: Historical societies often maintain photo archives, which might include images of your house as it was originally built or portraits of the builder.

Step 5: Interview Long-time Residents

Neighbors who have lived in the area for many years can sometimes offer a wealth of knowledge.

Oral History: Speak to long-time residents for any anecdotes or knowledge about the original construction of your home.

Step 6: Utilize Library and Archive Resources

Libraries and archives can be useful for digging into your property's past.

City Directories: Available at many local libraries, city directories can help you trace the occupants of your home over the years, which may lead you back to the original builder.
Historic Newspapers: Libraries and online databases might provide access to past newspaper issues that might have advertisements or articles mentioning the builder or construction company.

Step 7: Consider Professional Help

Hire a Title Search Company: If your efforts don't yield results, consider hiring a professional title search company to dig deeper into the history of your property.
Consult with Historians or Preservationists: These experts can provide targeted research and advice on how to uncover the origins of your home.

Conclusion

Discovering who built your home can connect you with a piece of local history and provide unique insights into your property. With patience and a little detective work, you can uncover the story behind your home's construction and celebrate the legacy of its original builder. Whether through deeds and tax records, construction documents, or help from local historians, there's a rich past waiting to be discovered. Start your journey today and learn about the origins of the place you call home!