Know the life expectancy of major features in home before you buy
Finding your perfect dream home is hard. As a homebuyer, there is a long list of things you want in a home. Your home is a significant financial investment and the place you will spend a lot of your time, so you should get everything on your list! However, it is easy to overlook that some of your dream home’s features might have a shelf life that is rapidly approaching.
Unexpected home repairs or replacement of significant structural items can be expensive and stressful. Knowing and planning for when you need to replace key features in your dream home will save you money and anxiety. It also can help determine how much you want to offer for a home. Use this list as a guide for when key items will need to be replaced.
Bluebid Tip: Make sure to ask the owner about the major features in a prospective home, including the year installed or replaced and any upkeep or maintenance they have made.
Average Life Expectancy For Major House Features:
10 – 15 Years
Automatic garage door opener
Interior and exterior paint
Kitchen faucet
Aluminum windows
20 – 25 Years
Aluminum gutters
Asphalt driveway
Asphalt roof
Concrete shingle roof
Linoleum floor
Marble countertop
Sprinklers and valves
Vinyl door
Wood shutters
Wooden deck
30 Years
Aluminum downspouts
Wooden shake roof
Wooden windows
50 Years
Copper, concrete or slate roof
Copper gutters
Kitchen sink
Vinyl floor
100 Years – Forever
Chimney
Concrete foundation
Concrete waste pipes
Copper-plated electric wiring
Fiberglass, steel or wood doors
Fireplace
Wood floors
Wood, brick, vinyl or stone siding