Buying a home is likely the biggest investment you’ll make in a lifetime. Not only are you investing in a home to enjoy with family and friends, you are purchasing a house to carry you into the future. If you want your home to last a lifetime, it’s important to know how long your building materials and appliances will last. Not only will you know when you’re about due for replacements, but you’ll also be able to decide which materials will last the longest when renovating your home and making updates. This list will help you estimate the life expectancy of a house and see when your important investment may be due for an update:
Roof
How long exterior materials will last depends heavily on your geographic location, local climate, proper building, design, and regular maintenance, but here are the estimates for the life expectancy of a roof:
Asphalt shingles= 12-20+ years
Clay tile= 50+ years
Concrete tile= 50+ years
Metal panels= 25-40 years
Slate= 50+ years
Wood shingles and shakes= 10-40 years
Windows
Aluminum windows= 15-20 years
Wooden windows= 30+ years
Kitchen
Appliances tend to be the most short-lived features in the kitchen. Here is the life expectancy of appliances, along with the main kitchen components:
Dishwasher= 9-10 years
Electric range= 13-17 years
Gas range= 15-19 years
Refrigerator= 13-17 years
Faucets= 15 years
Kitchen cabinets= 50 years
Modified acrylic sinks= 50 years
Natural stone countertops= lifetime
Cultured marble countertops= 20 years
Bathroom
Bath cabinets= lifetime
Fiberglass bathtub and shower= 10-15 years
Shower door= 20-25 years
Cast iron bathtub= 50 years
Whirpool tubs= 20-50 years
Toilet= 50 years – a lifetime (with proper maintenance/replacements of inner parts)
See also: Be cautious when hiring Water Damage Restoration Companies
Floors
Estimates for flooring are for materials that receive appropriate maintenance and normal traffic:
Carpeting= 8-11 years
Linoleum= 25 years
Vinyl flooring= 20-50 years
Wood flooring= 100+ years
Marble, slate, and granite flooring= 100+ years
HVAC
Life expectancy for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with proper, regular maintenance:
Air-conditioning compressor= 15+ years
Room-size air conditioner= 10 years
Air conditioning units= 10-15 years
Furnaces= 15-20 years
Heat pumps= 16 years
See also: California Homeowner’s Insurance
Water Heater
Gas water heater= 10-13 years
Electric water heater= 10-14 years
Tankless water heaters= 20+ years
When renovating or updating home components, keep in mind the life expectancy of the materials used. Materials that last longer over time will not only save you money on replacements, but quality materials can also increase the value of your home.
Sources:
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,216991-2,00.html
https://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=99359
http://www.atdhomeinspection.com/advice/average-product-life/
