Sometimes I read an article that I would rather just print than summarize. In today's economy, we want every dollar to count. When you are buying a home, you want to know if you will have any large expenditures in the near future. When you are selling, you want to be able to assure your buyer that they are receiving a good value. And if you're staying, you want to anticipate what the next year may hold. This article answers the question "How Long Should it Last?" quite well
Appliance Longevity: How Long Should It Last?
Find out how long those kitchen appliances, flooring, fixtures, and more should really last.
by Melissa Dittmann Tracey Feb 1, 2009
Replacing a home’s windows, appliances, or roofing can be pricey. So knowing approximately how long before the refrigerator is likely to stop working or the roof might spring a leak can have value to buyers and home owners.
Buyers may want to factor in replacement costs for aging components when they make an offer. Owners can use the information to decide whether to replace a component before a move. Now, a new study by the National Association of Home Builders provides some insight that can help your clients estimate the average useful life of more than 100 household appliances and building materials.
The true longevity of any household material depends on maintenance, use, quality of installation, and climate conditions, so use these averages as a general guide. The NAHB report still beats asking handy Uncle Fred.
100 Years or More
Brick siding: Lifetime of the home
All wooden floors: Lifetime of the home
Cellulose insulation material: 100-plus years
50-100 Years
Slate, copper, and clay and concrete roofs: 50+ years
Copper gutters: 50+ years
Kitchen cabinets: Up to 50 years
Modified acrylic kitchen sinks: 50 years
Vinyl floors: 50 years
30-50 Years
Thermostats: 35 years
Wooden windows: 30 years
Wood shake roofs: 30 years
French interior doors: 30–50 years
10-20 Years
Built-in audio system: 20 years
Aluminum windows: 15–20 years
Asphalt shingle roofs: 20 years
Faucets, kitchen sinks: 15 years
Gas ranges: 15 years
Cultured marble countertops: 20 years
Dryers and refrigerators: 13 years
Air conditioning units: 10–15 years
Lighting controls: 10+ years
Interior and exterior paints: 15+ years
Electric or gas water heaters: 10 years
Air conditioners: 10–15 years
Furnaces: 15–20 years
5-10 Years
Security systems: 5–10 years
Heat and smoke detectors: 5–10 years
Dishwashers: 9 years
Microwave ovens: 9 years
Carpet: 8–10 years
Find out how long those kitchen appliances, flooring, fixtures, and more should really last.
by Melissa Dittmann Tracey Feb 1, 2009
Replacing a home’s windows, appliances, or roofing can be pricey. So knowing approximately how long before the refrigerator is likely to stop working or the roof might spring a leak can have value to buyers and home owners.
Buyers may want to factor in replacement costs for aging components when they make an offer. Owners can use the information to decide whether to replace a component before a move. Now, a new study by the National Association of Home Builders provides some insight that can help your clients estimate the average useful life of more than 100 household appliances and building materials.
The true longevity of any household material depends on maintenance, use, quality of installation, and climate conditions, so use these averages as a general guide. The NAHB report still beats asking handy Uncle Fred.
100 Years or More
Brick siding: Lifetime of the home
All wooden floors: Lifetime of the home
Cellulose insulation material: 100-plus years
50-100 Years
Slate, copper, and clay and concrete roofs: 50+ years
Copper gutters: 50+ years
Kitchen cabinets: Up to 50 years
Modified acrylic kitchen sinks: 50 years
Vinyl floors: 50 years
30-50 Years
Thermostats: 35 years
Wooden windows: 30 years
Wood shake roofs: 30 years
French interior doors: 30–50 years
10-20 Years
Built-in audio system: 20 years
Aluminum windows: 15–20 years
Asphalt shingle roofs: 20 years
Faucets, kitchen sinks: 15 years
Gas ranges: 15 years
Cultured marble countertops: 20 years
Dryers and refrigerators: 13 years
Air conditioning units: 10–15 years
Lighting controls: 10+ years
Interior and exterior paints: 15+ years
Electric or gas water heaters: 10 years
Air conditioners: 10–15 years
Furnaces: 15–20 years
5-10 Years
Security systems: 5–10 years
Heat and smoke detectors: 5–10 years
Dishwashers: 9 years
Microwave ovens: 9 years
Carpet: 8–10 years
