Living March 11, 2020

The Life Expectancy of Your Home

Every component of your home has a lifespan. Common questions asked by homeowners include when to replace the flooring or how long to expect their siding to last. This information can help when budgeting for improvements or deciding between repairing and replacing when the time comes. We’re all familiar with the cliché: They just don’t build things like they used to. And while this may be true when it comes to brick siding or slate roofing, lifespans of other household components have increased in recent years. Here are the life expectancies of the most common household items (courtesy of NAHB):

 

Appliances: Among major appliances, gas ranges have a longer life expectancy than things like dishwashers and microwaves.  

Appliance 

Life Expectancy 

 Oil-burning Furnace   20 years 
 Heat Pump   16 years 
 Gas Range   15 years 
 Electric range / Refrigerator / Dryer   13 years 
 Electric / Gas Water Heater   10 years 
 Garbage disposal   10 years 
 Dishwasher / Microwave / Mini Fridge    9 years

 

Kitchen & Bath: When choosing your countertops, factor in the life expectancies of different materials.  

Kitchen / Bath Item  

Life Expectancy 

 Wood / Tile / Natural Stone Countertops   Lifetime 
 Toilets (parts will require maintenance)   50+ years 
 Stainless steel sink   30+ years 
 Bathroom faucet   20+ years 
 Cultured marble countertops   20 years 
 Kitchen faucet   15 years 

 

Flooring: If you’re looking for longevity, wood floors are the way to go. Certain rooms in your home will be better suited for carpeting, but you can expect they’ll need replacing within a decade.  

Flooring Material 

Life Expectancy 

 Wood / Bamboo   Lifetime 
 Brick Pavers / Granite / Marble / Slate   100+ years 
 Linoleum   25 years 
 Carpet   8 – 10 years 

 

Siding & Roofing: When choosing roofing and siding for your home, climate and maintenance level factor into the life expectancy of the material. However, brick siding and slate roofing are known to be dependable for decades.  

Siding / Roofing Material  

Life Expectancy 

 Brick Siding   100+ years 
 Aluminum Siding   80 years 
 Slate / Tile Roofing   50+ years 
 Wood Shingles   30 years 
 Wood Siding  10 – 100 years (depending on climate)

 

Are extended warranties warranted? 

Extended warranties, also known as service contracts or service agreements, are sold for all types of household items from appliances to electronics. They cover service calls and repairs for a specified time beyond the manufacturer’s standard warranty. 

You will have to consider whether the cost is worth it to you. For some, it brings a much-needed peace of mind when making such a large purchase. Also consider if the cost outweighs the value of the item. In some cases it may be less expensive to replace a broken appliance than to pay for insurance or a warranty.