This story is adapted from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Residential Rehabilitation Inspection Guide, 2000.

The following material was developed for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Economics Department based on a survey of manufacturers, trade associations and product researchers. Many factors affect the life expectancy of housing components and need to be considered when making replacement decisions, including the quality of the components, the quality of their installation, their level of maintenance, weather and climatic conditions, and intensity of their use. Some components remain functional but become obsolete because of changing styles and tastes or because of product improvements. Note that the following life expectancy estimates are provided largely by the industries or manufacturers that make and sell the components listed.


Appliances Life in years	Compactors	10 Years
	Dishwashers	10 Years
	Dryers	14 Years
	Disposal	10 Years
	Freezers Compact	12 Years
	Freezers, standard	16 Years
	Microwave ovens	11 Years
	Electric ranges	17 Years
	Gas ranges	19 Years
	Gas ovens	14 Years
	Refrigerators, compact	14 Years
	Refrigerators, standard	17 Years
	Washers, automatic and compact	13 Years
	Exhaust fans	20 Years
	Source: Appliance Statistical Review, April 1990

Bathrooms Life in years	Cast iron bathtubs	50 Years
	Fiberglass bathtub and showers	10-15 Years
	Shower doors, average quality	25 Years
	Toilets	50 Years
	Sources: Neil Kelly Designers, Thompson House of Kitchens and Bath

Cabinetry Life in years	Kitchen cabinets	15-20 Years
	Medicine cabinets and bath vanities	20 Years
	Sources: Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association, Neil Kelly Designers
Countertops Life in years	Laminate	10-15 Years
	Ceramic tile, high-grade installation	Lifetime
	Wood/butcher block	20+ Years
	Granite	20+ Years
	Sources: AFP Associates of Western Plastics, Ceramic Tile Institute of America
Doors Life in years	Screen	25-50 Years
	Interior, hollow core	Less than 30 Years
	Interior, solid core	30 Years - Lifetime
	Exterior, protected overhang	80-100 Years
	Exterior, unprotected and exposed	25-30 Years
	Folding	30 Years - Lifetime
	Garage doors	20-50 Years
	Garage door opener	10 Years
	Sources: Wayne Dalton Corporation, National Wood Window and Door Association, Raynor Garage Doors
Electrical Life in years	Copper wiring, copper plated, copper clad aluminum, and bare copper	100+ Years
	Armored cable (BX)	Lifetime
	Conduit	Lifetime
	Source: Jesse Aronstein, Engineering Consultant

Finishes used for waterproofing	Paint, plaster, and stucco	3-5 Years
	Sealer, silicone, and waxes	1-5 Years
	Source: Brick Institute of America Floors
Floors Life	Oak or pine	Lifetime
	Slate flagstone	Lifetime
	Vinyl sheet or tile	20-30 Years
	Terrazzo	Lifetime
	Carpeting (depends on installation, amount of traffic, and quality of carpet)	11 Years
	Marble (depends on installation, thickness of marble, and amount of traffic)	Lifetime+
	Sources: Carpet and Rug Institute, Congoleum Corporation, Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Association, Marble Institute, National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association, National Wood Flooring Association, Resilient Floor Covering Institute
Footings and foundation	Poured footings and foundations	200 Years
	Concrete block	100 Years
	Cement	50 Years
	Waterproofing, bituminous coating	10 Years
	Termite proofing (may have shorter life in damp climates)	5 Years
	Source: WR Grace and Company
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)	Central air conditioning unit (newer units should last longer)	15 Years
Sweetin Construction Company Odus Sweetin, Owner/Remodeler Chattanooga, Tennessee Phone: (423) 877-0443 Fax: (423-870-2008 Email: info@remodelchattanooga.com