How Long Will My Home Systems and Components Typically Last?

A well-built home can last for hundreds of years, but many of its parts must be replaced or removed regularly.

Here's a sampling of average life expectancy in years for different products and materials used in the home, as listed in a report titled "1997 Housing Facts, Figures and Trends" published by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) based in Washington, D.C. These are estimates only. I am making no guarantees or promises.

The number following the item is in years.

APPLIANCES

Compactor,disposal
Using regularly is the best maintenance. Also grinding bones helps clear away build-up 10
Dishwasher
Proper maintenance includes checking to see if water temperature is at least 130 degrees F and cleaning the filter and screens 10
Dryer
Proper maintenance includes regularly cleaning out the lint, tightening the connection between the wires and the heating element, lubricating the pulleys and rollers, and examining the exhaust outlet. 10
Freezer (compact)
Proper maintenance includes regularly cleaning the condenser coils every three months and sanitizing the door gaskets in order to maintain an effective seal. 12
Freezer (standard)
Same as compact freezers. 16
Microwave Oven 11
Range (free-standing electric)
Proper maintenance includes checking electrical connections, checking the oven vent for blockage and making sure the surface units are secure and level. 17
Range (gas)
Properly maintained by cleaning the igniters once a year. 19
Range (High Oven, gas)
Same as free standing gas ranges. 14
Refrigerator (Compact)
Proper maintenance includes cleaning the condenser coils every three months, sanitizing the door gaskets in order to maintain an effective seal, cleaning the mouth of the drain, and occasionally pouring a tablespoon of chlorine bleach followed by water in order to keep blockages from forming. 14
Refrigerator (Standard)
Same as compact refrigerator 17
Washer (Auto and Compact)
Proper maintenance includes checking the shaft seal, lubricating the pump, and tightening the belts. 13
Exhaust fan 20

BATHROOMS

Cast Iron Bathtub 50
Fiberglass Tub and shower 10-15
Shower Door (average quality) 25
Toilet 50

CABINETRY

Kitchen Cabinets 15-20
Medicine Cabinets/Bath Vanity 20

COUNTER TOPS

Laminate 10-15
Ceramic Tile (high grade) Lifetime
Wood/Butcher Block or Granite 20+

DOORS

Screen 25-50
Interior (Not perfect Hollow Core) <30

Interior (Solid Core Wood) 30+
Exterior (Unprotected Exposed) 25-30
Folding 30+
Garage Door 20-50
Garage Door Opener 10

FINISHES

Paint, Plaster, Stucco 3-5
Sealer, Silicone, and Waxes 1-5

FLOORS

Oak, Pine, or Slate Flagstone Lifetime
Vinyl sheet or Tile 20-30
Terrazzo Lifetime
Carpeting 11
Marble Lifetime

FOOTINGS AND FOUNDATIONS

Poured Footing and Foundation 200
Concrete Block 100
Cement 50
Waterproofing (bituminous coating)
(cracking results in immediate damage) 10
Termite Proofing
(may have shorter life in damp climates) 5
Baseboard System 20

HEATING, VENTILATION AND A/C

A/C Unit (Central)
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 15
A/C Unit (Window Unit)
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 10
Humidifier
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 8
Water Heater (Electric)
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 14
Water Heater (Gas)
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 11-13
Forced Air Furnace, Heat Pump
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 15
Furnace, Gas or Oil Fired
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 18

LANDSCAPING

Wooden Deck
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 15
Brick and Concrete Patio
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 24
Concrete Walk
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 24
Gravel Walk
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 4
Asphalt Driveway
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 10
Swimming Pool
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 18
Sprinkler System, Fence
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 12

PAINTS AND STAINS

Exterior Paint
Varies from the materials and products used 7-10
Interior Wall, Trim, Door Paint
Varies from the materials and products used 5-10
Interior Wallpaper
Varies from the materials and products used 7

PLUMBING

Waste Pipe (Concrete)
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 50-100
Waste Pipe (Cast Iron)
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 75-100
Sink (Enamel, Steel)
Varies from the materials and products used in the construction. 5-10
Sink (Enamel Cast Iron, Porcelain)
Much more durable 25-30
Faucets (Low Quality) 13-15
High Quality Faucets 15-20

ROOFING

Asphalt and Wood Shingles and Shakes
Last longer if pressure treated.
15-30
Tile
Depends on quality of tile and the climate. 50
Slate
Depends on the grade. 50-100
Sheet metal
Depends on gauge of metal, the quality of coatings and application. 20-50+
Built-up Roofing (Asphalt)
Depends on materials and drainage. Coatings will add to life. 12-25
Built-up Roofing (Coat and Tar)
Depends on quality of materials,thoroughness of design and application. 12-30
Asphalt Composition Shingle 15-30
Asphalt Overlay 25-35

SIDING

Gutters and Downspouts 30
Siding (wood) 10-100
Siding (steel) 50-Life
Siding (aluminum) 20-50
Siding (vinyl) 50

WINDOWS

Window Glazing 20
Wood Casement 20-50
Aluminum Casement 10-20
Screen 25-50

(In some categories, installation, quality and traffic/usage impact life greatly.)

Major Home Systems Defined

All home's consist of the following major systems:

The Foundation- Holds a Home in Place

The Structure- Keeps the Home's Shape

The Roof- Keeps the Home Dry

The Exterior- Protects from the Elements

The Interior- Circulates Heat, Air and Water

The Plumbing System- Transports Water and Waste

The Electrical System- Keeps Lights and Appliances Running

The Heating and Cooling Systems- Creates a Comfortable Environment

You've found the house. Is it the right one?

A Home Inspection for the home buyer can make your dream home a worry-free reality.

Finding a new home can be exhilarating, but nothing's worse than buying your dream house, moving in, and finding out that there are serious issues. So make sure your experience is a positive one, all the way through, with home buyer inspection services from Hidden Valley Property Inspection. You'll know the condition of your prospective new home and will be able to make an informed decision, offer the right price, know what to expect once you move in and what to plan for in the years to come.

With a Hidden Valley Property Inspection home inspection, you'll receive a detailed, comprehensive report that explains the condition (both positive and negative) of the home's structural elements, major systems and components. The friendly, knowledgeable and experienced home inspector will answer any questions you may have about your home, during the inspection process or anytime afterwards, so you can make your purchasing decision with confidence.

Hidden Valley Property Inspection offers a number of home inspection services for home buyers, all with a complete report and color digital photographs. Call: 801-913-7183 or visit www.hiddenvalleypropertyinspection.com for more details and to book your next inspection online.

Standard Full-Home Inspection


A thorough inspection of the home's major systems, this home inspection is for the buyer who is primarily concerned with the systems that make the home livable. This visual home inspection includes hundreds of items, from the foundation to the roof and all the major systems of the house including electrical, plumbing and heating/air conditioning. The inspection takes between 2 1/2 and 3 hours depending on the size of the home.

Items inspected include:

Foundation
Structure
Basement or crawl space
Interior and exterior walls
Siding
Water heater
Heating and air conditioning systems
Electrical system
Plumbing system and fixtures
Porches and decks
Attic
Roof
Gutters
Fireplace and exterior chimney

Condominium/Townhome Inspection

Like houses, condos and townhouses should also be inspected before purchase. Hidden Valley Property Inspection provides an extensive inspection of the condominium or townhouse interior reviews the structure, mechanical, and plumbing, electrical and heating/AC systems within the unit, along with any built-in appliances. This inspection takes the home inspector 1 to 2 hours to complete and will provide you with peace of mind in knowing that the unit is sound.

Duplex/Multiplex Inspection

I provide comprehensive inspections for multi-unit properties (duplexes, multiplexes, etc.). Similar to a standard or extended full home inspection, this inspection reviews all visual aspects of the individual units of a property, as well as all shared major systems and structural components.

HUD/Foreclosed Inspection

These type of properties require the all of the important areas of a typical home inspection, but due to the nature of the property they need some additional attention to detail from the inspector. In most cases the previous occupant had to leave the property under forced or stressed circumstances. It is not uncommon to find intentional damage to the property from either the previous occupant or others since these homes often sit for long periods of time unoccupied.

Winterization following HUD Inspection

After your HUD home inspection, HUD requires the home to be Winterized. Hidden Valley Property Inspection is happy to offer this service.

I Only Work For You

You can count on Hidden Valley Property Inspection for a timely and accurate assessment of the condition of your potential new home. We work for you and you only. The knowledgeable and experienced home inspectors will explain the inspection process and findings to you, and answer any questions you may have at the time of the inspection and afterward should any arise.