By Barry Stone
Dear Barry,
The house I'm buying is quite old, and I was hoping that my home inspector could determine what year it was built. His best estimate was about 60 years, but I'd like a more definite disclosure. How can I obtain this information? --Julie
Dear Julie,
Home inspectors generally estimate the approximate time a home was built and are often able to determine within a year or two the precise date of construction. But the accuracy of such assessments depends largely upon available evidence. Manufacture dates on plumbing and mechanical fixtures often provide reliable clues to structural vintage, but these indicators may or may not be present in a given dwelling. For example, if a home still has an original toilet, the date of its manufacture is likely to be found on the inner wall of the tank or on the underside of the tank lid. Often, however, older toilets have been replaced with newer models, for the sake of water conservation.
In old homes, such as yours, dates can also be found on the under-surfaces of some bathroom sinks. And in later model homes, usually those built after World War II, there are also manufacture dates on the fuel connectors to gas-burning appliances.
If the fixtures in your home do not provide such clues, check with your local building department. Their records may indicate the date of construction. You might also consult the local tax assessor's office. Sometimes their documents indicate when a property began to be taxed as improved real estate. If these avenues lead to dead ends, see the reference librarian at your local library. There may be some useful public records, such as old photographs of the neighborhood. If you can find photos taken just before and just after the house was constructed, you will have found the answer to your question.
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