1950s and Earlier: Pioneer Phoenix
Phoenix's oldest neighborhoods include historic districts like Willo, Encanto, and parts of central Tempe. Homes from this era were built before air conditioning was standard.
Common inspection findings in pre-1960 Phoenix homes:
Original evaporative coolers or AC retrofits of varying quality. Older electrical with 60-100 amp service, sometimes with original wiring. Plaster walls with potential settling cracks. Original single-pane steel or wood windows. Cast iron drain lines that may be corroding internally. Flat roofs with older materials. Citrus tree root intrusion into sewer lines.
These homes often have excellent construction quality but need system updates. Insurance can be challenging without electrical upgrades.
1960s: Early Suburbanization
The 1960s brought Phoenix's first major suburban expansion, particularly in areas like Arcadia, Paradise Valley, and North Central Phoenix.
Common findings from 1960s Phoenix homes:
Early central AC installations, sometimes undersized for the homes. Original copper plumbing that often still works well. Single-pane aluminum windows common throughout. Original tile roofs approaching 60 years (underlayment concerns). 100-150 amp electrical that may be adequate or undersized. Swimming pools with outdated equipment and possible replaster needs. Block construction with minimal insulation.
The mid-century homes from this era are desirable for their architecture but require evaluation of systems that are now 55-65 years old.
1970s: Expansion Continues
The 1970s expanded Phoenix into Mesa, Tempe, and early Scottsdale. Construction quality varied as builders rushed to meet demand.
Common findings from 1970s Phoenix homes:
First generation of modern central AC systems, now well past lifespan. Possible polybutylene plumbing in late 70s homes. Original roofs that have likely been replaced at least once. Aluminum wiring in some homes (1965-1972 installations). Single-pane windows still standard. Pools common but often with outdated equipment and surfaces. Stucco beginning to show its age.
Many 1970s Phoenix homes have had significant updates over five decades, creating a mix of old and new systems.
1980s-1990s: The Boom Era
Phoenix grew explosively in the 1980s and 1990s, with master-planned communities spreading across Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Glendale, and Peoria.
Common findings from 1980s-1990s Phoenix homes:
Polybutylene plumbing through mid-1990s (less common here than in Florida but present). HVAC systems now 25-40 years old, most past expected lifespan. Tile roofs with underlayment approaching replacement age. Dual-pane windows becoming standard (single-pane still exists). Larger homes with more complex HVAC zones. Pool equipment upgrades likely needed or recently completed. Stucco showing weather damage and repairs.
These represent a large portion of Phoenix's housing stock. Expect significant system age-related findings.
2000s: Post-Boom Development
Construction continued through the 2000s housing boom, with significant development in Gilbert, Queen Creek, Surprise, and Buckeye. The 2008 crash created some incomplete or abandoned projects.
Common findings from 2000s Phoenix homes:
HVAC systems now 15-25 years old, approaching replacement in Phoenix climate. Improved energy efficiency features but not to current standards. Stucco with potential monsoon damage history. Pools with aging equipment. Builder-grade finishes showing wear. Some homes sat vacant during crash years, creating potential maintenance gaps. Tile roofs with 15-20 years on underlayment.
Homes that were properly maintained through the recession years generally show better condition than those that sat vacant or under-maintained.
2010s to Present: Modern Construction
Recent Phoenix construction benefits from updated energy codes and building practices. New construction continues in peripheral areas with infill development in established neighborhoods.
Common findings in newer Phoenix homes:
Construction quality varies by builder. Monsoon season damage depending on age. HVAC systems typically functioning well but verify installation quality. Energy-efficient features including better windows and insulation. Smart home features that may or may not work reliably. Grade and drainage issues from new construction settling. Cosmetic issues from builder finishing.
New construction inspections focus more on workmanship and completion issues than system age concerns.
Using This Information
Knowing your home's construction era helps set expectations for inspection findings. A 1985 Mesa home with original HVAC isn't surprising. It's expected. A 2015 Gilbert home with the same system would raise questions.
Use era-based expectations to:
Budget appropriately for likely near-term expenses. Understand which findings are normal versus unusual for the home's age. Prioritize inspection questions about era-specific concerns. Evaluate whether previous owners addressed typical issues for the vintage.
Phoenix inspectors see these patterns daily and can help you understand how your specific home compares to others from its era.