How Long Do Household Items Last?

When you’re buying a home, knowing the condition of major systems in the home is an important factor to consider. The cost of repairing and/or replacing major components can equal a substantial investment.

This is also great information to have when selling your home or remodeling. Use as a checklist to provide the new home owner with any records you have. Homebuyers appreciate knowing the home they are buying has been properly maintained.

Even if everything is working properly when you buy a home, it’s good to know the life expectancy of the systems. We all hear about the standard systems within a home; water heater, central air, furnace and appliances, but what about the common products and materials used in a home?

Here’s a list of both the common and “not so common” products and their life expectancy.

Dishwasher: 10 years

Microwave: 11 years

Range: electric, 17 years;  gas, 19 years

Central Air Conditioning: 15–20 years

Water Heater: electric, 14 years; gas, 11–13 years

Bathtub: cast-iron, 50 years; fiberglass, 10–15 years

Counter top: ceramic tile, lifetime; laminate, 10–15 years; Natural Stone, lifetime

Exterior door with protective overhang: 80–100 years

Garage-door opener: 10–15 years

Copper wiring: 100 years

Sealer, silicone and waxes: 1–5 years

Paint: wall and trim, 15 years, if washable; exterior, 15 years

Wallpaper: 7 years

Flooring:

• Natural Wood, 100 years
• Carpet, 8–10 years
• Stone, slate, granite, 100 years
• Vinyl, 50 years
• Linoleum, 25 years

Ducts: galvanized, 30 years; plastic, 15 years

Windows:

• Aluminum, 15–20 years
• Wood, 30+ years

Wood Deck: 15–20 years Swimming Pool: 18 years Brick, stone wall: 100 years Walk: gravel, 4 years; concrete 24 years Sink: enamel steel, 5–10 years; enamel cast iron or porcelain 25–30 years

Roof:

• Asphalt, 20 years
• Wood shingles, shake, 15–30 years
• Slate, 50+ years
• Clay/concrete – Lifetime

Gutters: Aluminum, 20 years; Galvanized Steel, 20 years

Siding:

• Vinyl, 50 years
• Aluminum, 20–50 years
• Wood, 10–100 years
• Stucco, 50–100 years

Drywall: Lifetime For additional information about the life expectancy of commonly used materials, you can find a checklist here from the National Association of Home Builders.