Quck answer
To find out when your roof was put on through public records, you can follow these steps:
1. Research local government websites: Visit your city or county government’s website and look for a section on building permits or property records. These records often include information about construction dates, including roofs.
2. Contact the building department: If you can’t find the information online, reach out to your local building department. They should be able to provide you with the date your roof was installed, as this is typically recorded when permits are issued.
3. Check property tax records: Some jurisdictions include construction dates in property tax records. Contact your local tax assessor’s office or check their website to see if this information is available.
4. Consult with neighbors or previous owners: If you’re comfortable doing so, ask your neighbors if they know when your roof was replaced. If you recently purchased the property, reach out to the previous owners or check any documentation they provided during the sale.
Remember to have your property address or parcel number ready when contacting government offices, as this will help them locate the relevant records more easily.
If you live in a town with zoning laws and building codes, or if the roof on your house was installed after the establishment of local government, there should be public records available in your county, city, village or town clerk’s or code enforcement officer’s office detailing any significant exterior renovations to your home, including a roof replacement. You have the right to access these documents. FOIAdvocates reports that all 50 states have laws that protect the public’s right to access records from local governments.
Step 1
Obtain the tax map parcel number for your property. If you don’t have this information, contact your county’s real property office or recording clerk. They will be able to provide you with the information as long as you have the address.
Step 2
Go to your town, village or city code enforcement office. Provide your address to a code or zoning officer and ask them to search the database or files for any previous building permits issued for your address. A roof replacement project usually requires a building permit, and if the work involved changes to the structure, it may also require approval from a planning, zoning or community historic preservation board. The building permit should have an issue date, and may contain guidelines that limited the work period to a few months or one year. The code enforcement office may also have a final inspection report of the roofing work that confirms the work met all local code regulations.
Step 3
Visit the city, town or village clerk’s office and request any documents related to previous exterior renovations at your address. These records may include minutes from zoning board, planning board or historic review boards that detailed the scope of the proposed roof project and the required timeline for completing the work.
FAQ
1. How can I find out when my roof was put on using public records?
You can start by contacting your local building department or county clerk’s office. They often keep records of building permits and inspections, including information about when a new roof was installed. You may need to provide your property address and any relevant details to help them locate the records.
2. Can I access public records online to find out when my roof was put on?
It depends on the jurisdiction. Some cities and counties have online databases where you can search for building permits and related records. Check your local government’s website or contact the appropriate department to see if this information is available online.
3. What other public records can I check to find out when my roof was put on?
In addition to building permits, you can also look for property tax records, which may indicate when a new roof was installed. Property tax assessments often include details about the property’s features and improvements, including the date of major renovations or additions.
4. Are there any fees involved in accessing public records about my roof?
There may be fees associated with accessing public records, depending on the jurisdiction and the specific records you are requesting. Some offices charge a small fee for copies or research, while others provide the records free of charge. It’s best to contact the relevant department in advance to inquire about any applicable fees.
5. Can I request public records about my roof through email or phone?
Yes, many government offices accept public record requests through email or phone. However, it’s important to check the specific instructions provided by the office or department you are contacting. They may have a designated form to fill out or require certain information to process your request.
6. How long does it typically take to receive public records about my roof?
The processing time for public record requests can vary depending on the workload of the office and the complexity of your request. Some offices may provide the records immediately or within a few days, while others may take several weeks. It’s advisable to inquire about the estimated processing time when submitting your request.
7. Are public records the only way to find out when my roof was put on?
No, public records are not the only way to determine when your roof was installed. You can also try reaching out to the previous homeowners, if possible, to inquire about the age of the roof. Additionally, a professional roofing contractor may be able to provide an estimate based on the condition and type of roofing materials used.