HOUSE AGE
What to look for, by the year it was built.
Every era of building left something behind — wiring, pipe, paint and panels that were standard then and worth knowing about now. Enter the year the house was built.
House age
When was it built?
5 things worth knowing about a 1972 house
Before 1978
Lead-based paint
Banned for residential use in 1978, so older houses may still have it under newer paint. Mainly a hazard when it chips, peels or gets sanded during renovation.
SEPARATE TESTLead testing is a separate evaluation, not part of a home inspection.
Manufactured homes before June 15, 1976
Pre-HUD Code manufactured homes
If the house is a manufactured home, one built before June 15, 1976 predates federal HUD construction standards. That can affect financing and insurance.
GOOD TO KNOWMention it's a manufactured home when you book.
Roughly the 1920s to 1980s
Asbestos-containing materials
Used in some insulation, flooring, ceiling texture and pipe wrap, including vermiculite attic insulation. Generally a concern when disturbed. You can't identify asbestos by looking at it.
SEPARATE TESTSuspect materials may be noted. Confirming asbestos takes lab testing.
Roughly the 1950s to 1980s
Federal Pacific and Zinsco panels
Two electrical panel brands installed widely in this era. Both have widely reported problems with breakers that may not trip when they should.
IN THE INSPECTIONThe main panel is opened and identified during the inspection.
Roughly 1965 to 1973
Aluminum branch wiring
Aluminum used in place of copper for household circuits. Connections can loosen and overheat at outlets, switches and splices.
IN THE INSPECTIONWiring visible at the panel is checked.
EVERY HOUSE, ANY AGERadon. How radon testing works
Houses get updated over the years. These are things to ask about, not things this house necessarily has. Dates are approximate.
QUICK REFERENCE
The short version.
Dates are approximate, and many houses have been updated since they were built. Radon is worth testing for in a house of any age.
Have a house in mind? Call.
Tell me the year it was built and I’ll tell you what I’ll be looking at.
CALL 828-557-6393
NORCIA HOME INSPECTIONS LLC · NC LICENSE #5562 · 828-557-6393 · norcia.inspections@gmail.com
Hiawassee GA
Hayesville NC
Blairsville GA
Murphy NC
Designed by GingerTech