How Long Do Things Last?

 

When buying a home, you want to have a general idea about how long appliances may continue to work so that you can budget for replacement(s) if necessary.  When selling a home, you want to make sure that you provide a home warranty that covers the appliances so that you will not have to worry about appliances breaking down and being contacted by the buyer.  This is a general list of appliances and major structural components of homes.  It is intended to be used as a guideline only.  Make sure you check with a licensed home inspector or appliance manufactures to get written information on these matters. 

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The general expectancy of properly installed and maintained products and materials in the home:

• Dishwasher - 10-12 years (keep drains clear of debris by pre-rinsing dishes)

• Range - 19 years gas, 17 years electric, (keep area directly below range lined with foil)

• Garbage Disposal - 6-15 years (Avoid contact with hard objects; use cold water)

• Bathtub – 50 years cast iron, 10-15 years fiberglass

• Water Heater – 14 years electric, 11-13 years gas (drain 3-4 gallons from tank each year)

• Wood Deck – 15 years (paint or preservative each two years)

• Roof – 15-30 years asphalt, wood shingles and shakes (shakes preserved every 5-7 years), 50-100 years slate and tile, 5-15 years rolled, 10-20 years tar and gravel

• Siding - 50 years vinyl, 20-50 aluminum, 10-100 years wood (depending on moisture)

• Sink – 8-10 years enamel steel; 25-30 years enamel cast iron or porcelain

• Counter Top – 10-15 years laminate, lifetime ceramic tile

• Exterior door with protected overhang – 80-100 years

• Garage door opener – 10 years

• Cooper wiring – 100 years

• Sealer, silicone and waxes – 1-5 years

• Paint – 5-10 years wall and trim, 7 years exterior

• Ducts – 30 years galvanized, 15 years plastic

• Swimming Pool – 18 years

• Trash Compactor – 8-15 years

• Wallpaper – 7 years

• Carpet – 11 years

• Brick, Stone Wall – 100 years

• Gravel Walk – 4 years

• Concrete Walk – 24 years

• Drywall –30-70 years

• Microwave – 11 years

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