Be a house detective

It's National Historic Preservation Week, and old-house enthusiasts may enjoy gathering clues about the past lives of their homes. For more information, visit the Web site: www.nationaltrust.org

*Become familiar with house styles. A pocket guide can help you identify such styles as Victorian, Colonial, and Greek Revival.

*Examine the interior. Is the floor plan consistent? If not, a wing may have been added.

*On the exterior, a mismatched roof line suggests an addition built later.

*In the yard, look for depressions that might indicate an old foundation.