How Do I Find Out How Old a Building Is?
Determining the age of a building can be a fun historical quest, but it requires a bit of detective work. There's no single magic method, but by using a combination of techniques, you can often pinpoint a building's age with surprising accuracy. This guide outlines several avenues you can explore.
1. Utilize Online Resources:
This is often the easiest starting point. Many online resources can help you uncover a building's history:
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County Assessor's Office Websites: These websites are goldmines of information. They often contain property records including the year the building was constructed or significantly renovated. Search using the building's address. The information may vary in detail from county to county.
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Historical Societies and Archives: Local historical societies and archives often hold detailed records, including building permits, photographs, and historical maps. They are invaluable resources for uncovering a building's past. Contact them directly – their staff is usually very helpful!
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Sanborn Maps: These detailed fire insurance maps, often available online through libraries or historical societies, show buildings as they existed at specific points in time. They are incredibly useful for visualizing a building's history.
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Google Maps & Street View: While not a definitive source for age, Google Street View's historical imagery can sometimes reveal changes in the building over time, offering clues about its construction or renovations.
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Online Genealogy Databases: Surprisingly, genealogy websites can sometimes list building construction dates as part of family history records. Try searching for past residents of the building's address.
2. Investigate Physical Clues:
Sometimes, the answers lie right in front of you. Look for these clues on or near the building itself:
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Foundation Stones or Bricks: Often, foundation stones or bricks can bear dates or maker's marks that indicate when the structure was built.
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Architectural Styles: Familiarize yourself with common architectural styles and their corresponding time periods. This can give you a reasonable estimate of the building's age. For example, Victorian architecture is easily identifiable and associated with a specific time frame.
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Building Permits (if accessible): Check for physical building permits. While they might not always be visible to the public, sometimes they're available via a local government office. These will explicitly state construction dates.
3. Ask Local Experts:
Don't underestimate the power of local knowledge:
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Long-time Residents: Talking to long-time residents in the neighborhood can yield invaluable information. They may know the building's history or have access to old photographs and documents.
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Real Estate Agents: Real estate agents familiar with the area may have knowledge of the building's age, gleaned from past sales records or neighborhood history.
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Local Historians or Librarians: These individuals possess in-depth knowledge of local history and may possess records concerning your building.
4. Consider Professional Assistance:
For particularly challenging cases, consider seeking professional help:
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Architectural Historians: These experts can analyze architectural details to provide a more precise age estimation.
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Surveyors: In some instances, surveyors may have records indicating the building’s construction date.
Finding the age of a building takes persistence and a multi-pronged approach. By combining these strategies, you are likely to successfully uncover its history and learn more about this fascinating structure. Remember to always respect private property and local regulations while conducting your research.
