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.
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