Although this article may be useful for people living in older homes, purchasers of newer homes can also benefit from this. A home in not unlike a car – it’s made up of a variety of components that have different life expectancies and that need to be replaced throughout various stages of it’s use. If you live in a new home, this list is merely something to keep in mind down the road as your house ages. If you’re living in a older home, it’d be wise to check up on the different parts of your home to see if it’s time for them to be replaced.
Here is a list of important items in your home and their average life expectancies:
The Roof
- Standard asphalt shingles – 12-15 years.
- Premium asphalt shingles – 15-30 years.
- Wood shingles – 10-20 years.
- Concrete or clay tiling – 20-40 years.
- Asbestos cement – 40-80 years.
- Slate tiles – 40-80 years.
- Roll roofing – 5-15 years.
- Tar and gravel – 15-25 years.
- Metal – 60 years.
Heating
- Forced air furnace – 10-25 years.
- Oil tank – 20 years.
- Welded steel water/steam boiler – 15-30 years.
- Cast iron water/steam boiler – 30-50 years.
- Water/steam circulating pump – 10-25 years.
Cooling
- Central air – 10-25 years.
- Heat pump – 10-15 years.
- Window air conditioning – 10-20 years.
Plumbing
- Galvanized water pipes – 20-25 years.
- Hot water heater – 5-15 years.
- Septic/sewer pump – 5-10 years.
- Well pump – 10 years.
Appliances
- Dishwasher – 5-12 years.
- Dryer – 10-25 years.
- Garbage disposal – 5-12 years.
- Oven/range – 15-20 years.
- Washing machine – 5-15 years.
As always, this is only a general guide. Some components may need to replaced sooner due to wear and tear, while others may last longer because of great quality.
Till next time!
This post has 1 comment |
I am looking for reasonable contractor for stamped concrete work. Noticed your estimate of about $10/sq foot. Can you provide some recommendations?