In the US, the average home only lasts about 37 to 50 years. Yet, we also see homes lasting for well over 100 years. This of course depends on how it's made, what it's made of, and how well it is maintained. A home is made up of many components, some of which will last longer than others.
Here is a list of items that are made to last 100 years or more, so when building, and selecting building materials, choose wisely, and pick a style that you will want to live with for a long time.
Kitchen cabinets and stucco can both last 50-100 years.
Electric service panel could give you 60 years.
Brick, wood floors, bamboo, marble, slate, and tile should give you 100 years or more of life. Even a good shower-head can give you 100 years of good showers.
But most items won't give you that length of life. For example, your windows will probably only last 10-30 years before needing replaced. Your kitchen appliances usually only last from 5 to 20 years. Your furnace may last up to 20 years, but the duct work may only last about 10 years. Whereas, your shower-head may last a very long time, your faucets usually only give you 10-20 years. Water heaters and smoke detectors give about 10-11 years of good workable life. Caulking needs replaced every 2 to 10 years.
So with this in mind, it's good to have a regular home maintenance schedule, and plan ahead for the larger replacement costs. If you are purchasing a home, it's a good idea to include a Home Inspection Contingency in your offer. This can help negotiate your purchase price, and help you to plan ahead for the homes maintenance needs.
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