When buying a home, it is important to learn as much about the homes you are viewing, especially ones you really like. This way, you can know expectations up front when you decide to move forward with buying a particular home.

Knowing the age of home components can help you with budgeting for future updates and repairs. The following is a list of life expectancies of certain home components. Keep in mind that these figures are merely averages. If the seller of a particular property does not know how old a certain items is, a home inspector may be able to tell you.

LIFE EXPECTANCY OF HOME COMPONENTS

Appliances -  Gas Range - 15 yrs

                      Dryers/refrigerators- 13 yrs                        

                      Dishwashers and Microwaves - 9 yrs

                      Compactors - 6 yrs

Countertops  -    Natural Stone - lifetime

                           Cultured Marble - 20 years

Decks -              20 years, depending on climate

Doors -              Exterior fiberglass, steel and wood - will last as long as house stands

                          Vinyl doors - 20 years

                          Screen Doors - 40 years

                          French Doors - 30-50 years

Faucets and Fixtures -   Kitchen sinks - 50 years

                                        Faucets - 15 years

                                        Shower Doors - 20 years

                                        Showerheads/toilets - lifetime

Flooring -       Wood, marble, slate and granite - 100 years

                       Vinyl Flooring - 50 years                               

                       Linoleum - 25 years

                       Carpet - 8-10 years

Garage Doors -             10-15 years

Home Technology -       Security Systems- 5-10 years

                                       Heat and Smoke detectors- 5-10 years

Heating, Venting, and AC- HVAC Systems- 15-20 years

                                           Tankless water heaters - 20 years

                                           Electric or gas water heaters - 10 years

Roofing  -                      Slate, Copper and clay/concrete - 50 years

                                      Asphalt-shingle - 20 years                     

                                      Fiber-cement shingles- 25 years

                                      Wood shakes- 30 years

Siding and Accessories-     Brick, wood, stone, and fiber cement- last as long as the home

                                            Exterior Wood shutters - 20 years

                                            Copper Gutters- 50 years

                                            Aluminum Gutters- 20 years

                                            Copper downspouts- 100 years

                                            Aluminum downspouts- 30 years

Windows-                         Aluminum - 15-20 years

                                         Wooden- up to 30 years 

Source= Study by National Association of Home Builders. Life expectancies listed above are general guidelines only. They should not be interpreted as a representation, warranty or guarantee regarding the life expectancy or performance of any individual product or product line.

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About The Authors:

This information is provided compliments of Amy and Dan Schuman, The Schuman Team Keller Williams Realty. The Schumans are experts in the Eastern suburbs of Cleveland and specialize in luxury homes, home staging, and relocation.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Solon, or the surrounding Eastern suburbs of Cleveland, please contact the Schuman Team at 216-346-3235. 

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