Fortunately, most home components will last for many years if they are well-maintained.

For example, a natural-gas, forced-air furnace can last 15 to 25 years. By changing the filter each autumn, and having seasonal tune-ups performed, you can decrease the chance of a surprise furnace failure.

Preventative maintenance is essential to successful home ownership!

In the meantime, you should know something about the lifespan of home appliances, mechanical systems and materials. We’re sharing a home lifespan checklist below, courtesy of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.

Lifespan of home mechanical systems and appliances:

• Conventional water heater, gas or electric: 6 to 12 years
• Forced-air furnace: 15 to 25 years
• Boiler: 40 years, ring burner for boiler: 10 years
• Instant hot water heating system: 10 years
• Faucets: 15 to 20 years
• Washing machine: 5 to 15 years
• Clothes dryer: 13 years
• Clothes dryer vent: steel, 20 years. Plastic: not recommended.
• Electric cooking range: 13 to 15 years
• Gas cooking range: 15 to 17 years
• Refrigerator: 9 to 13 years
• Dishwasher: 9 years

Lifespan of home materials, interior and exterior:

• Wood floors (all natural wood types): 100 years
• Engineered wood floors: 50 years
• Carpeting: 8 to 10 years
• Laminate: 15 to 25 years
• Concrete: 50 years
• Slate roofing: 60 to 150 years
• Asphalt roof shingles (3-tab) : 20 years
• Metal roof: 40 to 80 years
• Aluminum siding: 25 to 40 years
• Vinyl siding: 60 years
• Brick and stone exteriors: 100 years+

Please keep in mind that these averages are a statistical reference, not a guarantee. You might end up replacing something sooner than expected. If you need to swap out an appliance or replace a mechanical system, don’t despair! Upgrade to an energy-saving product that reduces your utility costs.

You can obtain more information about home components, construction quality, and how to avoid pitfalls by reading our free e-book, “How to Buy a Home Like a Pro.” This comprehensive guide is not available anywhere else. It might be one of the most important books you’ll ever read!

As your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.

Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!

Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!

Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax

The post Columbus Home Buyer Tips: The Home Lifespan Checklist appeared first on Columbus Ohio Real Estate | Buyer's Resource Realty Services.