The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently completed a study that provides some insights into the average life expectancy of more than 100 household appliances and various types of building materials and home systems.  This can be helpful information when a prospective buyer considers purchasing a property:  if the refrigerator is ten years old, should the buyer discount their offer to compensate for the eventual and inevitable demise of the appliance?  Likewise, homeowners can conduct an ‘audit’ of their home and start to plan and budget for the replacement of various home components.

The life expectancy of each item is dependent, at least in part, on the maintenance history, use, and quality of the item and its installation.  Nevertheless, the following averages can be used as a general guide as to what to expect:

•  Home security systems:  5 - 10 years
•  Heat/smoke detectors:  5 - 10 years
•  Carpet:  8 - 10 years
•  Dishwashers:  9 years
•  Microwave ovens:  9 years
•  Air conditioners:  10 - 15 years
•  Lighting controls:  10+ years
•  Electric or gas hot water heaters:  10 years
•  Dryers and refrigerators:  13 years
•  Gas ranges:  15 years
•  Faucets and kitchen sinks:  15 years
•  Aluminum windows:  15 - 20 years
•  Furnaces: 15 - 20 years
•  Interior and exterior paints:  15+ years
•  Built-in audio system:  20 years
•  Asphalt shingle roofs:  20 years
•  Cultured marble countertops:  20 years
•  Wooden windows:  30 years
•  Wood shake roofs:  30 years
•  French interior doors:  30 - 50 years
•  Thermostats:  35 years
•  Kitchen cabinets:  Up to 50 years
•  Modified acrylic kitchen sinks:  50 years
•  Vinyl floors:  50 years
•  Copper gutters:  50+ years
•  Slate/copper/clay/concrete roofs:  50+ years
•  Cellulose insulation material:  100+ years
•  All wooden floors:  Life of the home
•  Brick siding:  Life of the home

 Access my website for a complete list of appliances and various home components included in the NAHB study.