How Long Do Things Last?

appliances home maintenance real estateWhen 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.

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
  • Brick, Stone Wall – 100 years
  • Exterior door with protected overhang – 80-100 years
  • Garage door opener – 10 years
  • Cooper wirireal estate home maintenance remodel construction home improvementng – 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
  • Gravel Walk – 4 years
  • Concrete Walk – 24 years
  • Drywall -30-70 years
  • Microwave – 11 years