You can redecorate, repair, and refurbish your house to your heart’s content. When you’re done though, you might wonder how long it will take until you have to do it again.
Relax! Most household materials and furnishings will probably last for years. Here’s an overview on the lifespan of the most common household items:
Roofing Tiles
Most roofing tiles are made for long life. The most common asphalt slates will survive 15 to 20 years. High-end concrete and ceramic tiles can go as long as 50 years without replacement.
Insulation
The familiar pink fiberglass insulation can last for decades, even for a century. Unless the material suffers water damage due to leaks or flood, you can usually “set it and forget it.”
Outdoor Decks and Patios
In wet or cold environments, look for your outdoor structures to hold up for around 20 years. Stone and wood porches or decks will last much longer in warm, dry climates.
Heating and Air Conditioning
Most components of your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system will last 15 to 20 years depending demands placed on the system by your local climate.
Electrical Wiring
Your internal wiring should hold up as long as your house does. You may need to replace switches, outlets and light fixtures every 10 or 15 years, depending on how often they are used.
Windows
Wooden window frames can last two decades or more, while aluminum frames should see 15 years or so before needing replacement. Window glass can survive for decades or centuries. The coatings used in some windows can discolor over time if exposed to moisture.
Pipes and Fixtures
Internal copper or brass pipes should last as long as your house does, depending on the chemicals in the local water supply. Sinks, tubs and showers should last as long as you need them. Expert fixtures that get a lot of daily use, like faucets, to hold up for fifteen years or so.
Carpet/Rugs
Foot traffic and dirt determines how long floor covers will last. Most carpets and rugs show serious wear after three to five years, especially in high-use areas. Before you pull up an old carpet, however, invest in a thorough cleaning which can restore a lot of luster.
Appliances
Appliances are one of the few things that don’t hold up as long as they did 10 years ago. Many are made to last 7-10 years. The electronics in these devices are the main culprit.
How is your house holding up? If it’s time for a repair or replacement, or if you’re wanting to remodel an existing room in your home, take a look around my website and view some of the projects we’ve done over the years. We have more than 40 years of experience working in and around Louisville and would love to hear from you!
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