Every house has a few parts that last a lifetime and many that don't. The age of your home tells you a lot about which big-ticket items are coming up next. Find your home's age in the table, then compare it with what you know about past replacements.
What an original item would need, by home age
| Item | Typical lifespan | 10-year-old home | 20-year-old home | 30-year-old home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural shingle roof | About 30 years | Usually fine | Usually fine | Overdue |
| 3-tab shingle roof | About 20 years | Usually fine | Overdue | Overdue |
| Central air / heat pump | 7 to 15 years | Due | Overdue | Overdue |
| Furnace | 15 to 25 years | Usually fine | Due | Overdue |
| Tank water heater | 6 to 12 years | Due | Overdue | Overdue |
| Vinyl windows | 20 to 40 years | Usually fine | Due | Due |
| Wood deck planks | About 15 years | Usually fine | Overdue | Overdue |
| Exterior paint | 7 to 10 years | Due | Overdue | Overdue |
| Interior paint | 10 to 15 years | Due | Overdue | Overdue |
| Carpet | 8 to 10 years | Due | Overdue | Overdue |
| Laminate countertops | 20 to 30 years | Usually fine | Due | Due |
| Dishwasher | About 9 years | Overdue | Overdue | Overdue |
| Refrigerator | 9 to 13 years | Due | Overdue | Overdue |
| Garage door opener | 10 to 15 years | Due | Overdue | Overdue |
| Smoke detectors | Under 10 years | Overdue | Overdue | Overdue |
| Kitchen cabinets | About 50 years | Usually fine | Usually fine | Usually fine |
| Hardwood floors | 100+ years | Usually fine | Usually fine | Usually fine |
Lifespans from the InterNACHI Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes. "Due" means an original item has reached its typical lifespan; your home's actual condition depends on care, materials and past updates.
Where to start
- Safety first. Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that are 10 years old or more.
- Water next. Roof, gutters, water heater and decks. Leaks and rot get expensive fast.
- Comfort and bills. HVAC and windows.
- Looks and value. Paint, flooring, countertops and kitchen updates.
Keep a home record
Write down when each major item was installed or replaced, who did the work, and the warranty. It makes future decisions easier and is a plus when you sell.
Lifespans are typical ranges for well-maintained homes, not guarantees. Have a licensed professional inspect your home before deciding on a repair or replacement.
Get paid to get quotes
Founding members can book 45-minute meetings with vetted local vendors and get paid $200 to $300 per meeting, with no obligation to buy. When several neighbors need the same job, we negotiate one group rate.