30 Years and Out
By Jeffrey M. Nocera
 The current housing market has not been kind to homeowners. Tight credit, underwater mortgages, and a general down outlook for the near term has seemingly touched owner, buyer, and seller. Still, we need to take a long look ahead in order to plan for our home and financial future. While no “one size fits all” approach exists, a good rule of thumb is that 30 years is a major landmark for, well, darn near anything.
Most home building materials and installed items have a life cycle of 30 years or less (15-20 on average). Use the below as a guide:
-On the lower end, the average life expectancy of a Central Air Conditioning and Heating Unit is 15 years, as is that of a 3-ply asphalt roof and indoor furnace.
-Within 20 years, your gutters, asphalt shingles, driveway, exterior lights and wood decking will require attention if not outright replacement.
-At the 3-decade mark, downspouts, wood shingles, concrete porches, and T1-11 wood siding will require replacement. Thirty Winter colds and Summer heats have a negative effect on all of those.
Indoor components, naturally, fare slightly better. On average, electrical wiring, water piping (PVC and Copper), operable windows, and stairways tend to last 35-40 years before requiring replacement. Most of these items will need periodic repair and preventive maintenance, however, so avoid the mindset of leaving well enough alone.
Taking a detailed, long look ahead can save both financial resources and homeowner frustration. If you’re not comfortable or skilled enough to review materials and installed items, contact a professional to do it for you. The time and investment will be worth it.
Information provided by Jeffrey M. Nocera, Proprietor of ProHome Asset Inventory. Visit our website or contact us below.
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About the Author
| Jeffrey M. Nocera, ProHome Asset
3820 Carter Road
Bethlehem, PA 18020
610-317-0968
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