How Long Should It Last?

We all know that replacing a home's windows, appliances, or roofing can be very pricey and dip into that emergency savings you have stashed away. So knowing how long before the water heater or refrigerator is likely to take its last breath is very valuable to buyers and home owners.

As a buyer, you may want to factor in replacement costs. As a seller, you may want to use replacements or warrantys as a negotiation tool. Remember, additionally as a seller, call me to help you 'green' your home as well and contact us to be advised of our next GREEN SEMINAR and check back on our calendar: http://www.atlantamaven.com/meet/event_calendar.htm

Well, a study conducted by the National Association of Home Builders provides us with some insight that can help you estimate the average useful life of household appliances and building materials.

Of course, the true longevity of any household material depends the use, quality of installation, climate conditions and timely maintenance - so let these averages serve as a general guide.

Let's take a look now and play our new game....'HOW LONG SHOULD IT ASK?' (Just imagine the Price is Right music in the background!)

100 YEARS OR MORE
Brick siding: Lifetime of the home (see why brick has more value?)
All wooden floors: Lifetime of the home
Cellulose insulation material: 100+ years

50-100 YEARS
Slate, copper, and clay and concreate roofs: 50+ years
Copper gutters: 50+ years
Kitchen cabinets: Up to 50 years
Modified acrylic kitchen sinks: 50 years
Modified acrylic kitchen sinks: 50 years
Vinyl floors: 50 years

30-50 YEARS
Thermostats: 35 years
Wooden windows: 30 years
Wood shake roofs: 30 years
French interior doors: 30-50 years

10-20 YEARS
Built-in audio system: 20 years
Aluminum windows: 15-20 years
Asphalt shingle roof: 20 years
Faucets, kitchen sinks: 15 years
Gas ranges: 15 years
Cultured marble countertops: 20 years
Dryers and refrigerators: 13 years
Air conditioning units: 10-15 years
Lighting controls: 10+ years
Interior and Exterior Paints: 15+ years
Electric or gas water hearters: 10+ years
Furnaces: 15-20 years

5-10 YEARS
Security systems: 5-10 years
Heat and smoke detectors: 5-10 years
Dishwashers: 9 years
Microwave ovens: 9 years (is it just me...these things seem to last forever)
Carpet: 8-10 years

Hope you had fun playing! If you ever need a review of the improvements you are planning to make, request a copy of our Vendor Directory or assess the value of the one's you've made, give me a call at 404.309.1098.

Yours in Success,
Christan Ross
Your Advocate & Resource in Real Estate