how to find out when a house was built

Yum Al Zember

4 min read

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27-11-2024

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Knowing when your house was built is crucial for a variety of reasons. It informs property value assessments, helps you understand the construction methods and materials used (impacting maintenance and potential renovations), and even provides a glimpse into your home's historical context. But how do you find this information if it's not readily available? This article explores several methods, drawing upon research and insights, to help you accurately determine your home's construction date.

I. Official Records: The Foundation of Your Search

The most reliable information comes from official sources. These records may require some digging, but they offer the most accurate and verifiable data.

A. County Assessor's Office: This is your primary starting point. Your county assessor's office maintains property records, often including the construction date or year the house was built. These records are usually accessible online, often requiring a simple property address search. The information may be presented as a "year built," "construction date," or a similar designation.

• Example: Imagine searching your county's online assessor database for 123 Main Street. The results may reveal a "Year Built: 1955." This is your most concrete piece of evidence.

B. City or Municipal Archives: Larger cities and municipalities often hold more detailed records than county assessors. These archives might contain building permits, plat maps (showing property boundaries and development over time), and even photographs from the time of construction. These sources can corroborate your findings from the assessor's office or provide additional historical context.

• Analysis: Accessing city archives might require a visit in person, but the level of detail you can find here is invaluable. Old photographs can provide visual confirmation of your home's age, and building permits can reveal the original construction plans and specifications.

C. Title Company Records: If you recently purchased your home, your title company likely has access to historical property records. They may have a more complete picture than the county assessor's office, especially if there were multiple property transactions or ownership changes over time.

• Practical Example: Reviewing your closing documents might reveal a construction date explicitly mentioned in the title insurance policy or related documents.

II. Clues Hidden in Plain Sight: Physical Evidence and Architectural Styles

While official records are ideal, they aren't always complete or readily accessible. In such cases, examining your home itself can offer valuable clues:

A. Architectural Styles: The architectural style of your house can strongly indicate its age. Victorian homes, for instance, generally date from the late 19th century, while Craftsman bungalows were popular in the early 20th century. Recognizing architectural styles requires some research, but online resources and architectural style guides can be very helpful.

• Added Value: Understanding architectural styles allows you to contextualize your home within broader design trends. You can research the specific characteristics of your style, learn about its historical significance, and even use this knowledge to inform any future renovations, ensuring they are sympathetic to the home's original design. (e.g., if you have a Cape Cod, you'd want to respect its simple, symmetrical design.)

B. Construction Materials and Techniques: Certain materials and construction techniques were prevalent during specific periods. For example, the presence of asbestos (though hazardous) often suggests a pre-1970s construction. Similarly, the type of wiring, plumbing, and insulation can offer clues about the era. However, be aware that renovations can obscure these indicators.

• Analysis: While material clues are less precise than official records, they provide supplementary information. It’s important to consult with a professional building inspector if you intend to make substantial alterations, as they can assess the building materials and recommend safe handling practices for potentially hazardous materials.

C. Hardware and Fixtures: Original light fixtures, door knobs, and plumbing fixtures can be stylistic indicators of age. Antique hardware is often highly valued and can provide further clues about the construction era.

III. Additional Resources: Harnessing the Power of Information

Beyond official records and physical clues, additional resources can prove helpful:

A. Sanborn Maps: These detailed maps, created by the Sanborn Map Company, illustrate the physical structures within cities and towns throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They're a goldmine for historical information, often showing the layout and size of buildings, and can be found at many historical societies and libraries.

B. Historical Societies and Local Libraries: These institutions are treasure troves of local history. They may possess property records, photographs, newspapers, and other documents that shed light on your home's past.

C. Neighbors: Long-time residents in your neighborhood might have knowledge about the history of houses in your area, including when your home was built. They might remember stories or details that could offer insights.

IV. Addressing Challenges and Limitations

Determining a precise construction date isn't always possible. Some challenges include:

• Inconsistent Record Keeping: Historical record-keeping wasn’t always standardized, leading to gaps or inaccuracies in available data.
• Renovations and Additions: Significant renovations or additions can obscure the original construction date, making it difficult to determine the age of the original structure.
• Demolition and Rebuilding: In cases where a house has been completely demolished and rebuilt, determining the original construction date might be impossible.

V. Conclusion: A Multifaceted Approach

Determining when your house was built requires a multifaceted approach. Combining information from official records, physical clues, and additional resources yields the most comprehensive and accurate results. While challenges exist, a systematic investigation utilizing these methods dramatically improves your chances of uncovering your home's fascinating history. Remember that persistence and a willingness to explore multiple avenues are key to success in this detective work.