This provides the basis for appraising the building/house inventory in terms of durability, the expected rate of replacement, and the estimate of the annual rate of building/house construction during the inter-censal period or the preceding 10 years. It also provides the estimate for maintenance costs and an insight into the housing patterns of the population.

The year the building was built refers to the year when the construction was completed and when ready for occupancy and not when construction began. Generally, building construction commenced and finished within the same year, although there are cases when the period of construction extends to several years. Report the year when the building was finished.

If the building is being constructed and vacant, mark the circle opposite the category Not applicable to signify that the question is not applicable to the building. If the building is being constructed but already occupied, enter the year when it was occupied.

Cross out the circle opposite the appropriate selection.

If the respondent finds difficulty in giving the year the building/house was ready for occupancy, help approximate the year by mentioning some historical/national events. The respondent himself may mention an event that occurred when the building was built.