Denver homebuyers...have you ever wondered "How Long Should It Last?"
If so, you are not alone. The fact is, replacing a roof, windows, flooring, furnaces, air conditioners and appliances can be very expensive. So, once you have an idea about how long something is supposed to last, you will have a better idea how to plan & budget to repair to replace them in the future.

When submitting an offer to purchase a home, homebuyers will have an opportunity to hire a professional home inspector in the Denver Metro area who will spend (on average) 3-4 hours reviewing & testing all of the essential elements within the home to determine if there is anything that is not only unsafe. Your inspector will advise you if anything they see will have any adverse short-term or long-term affects on the home. The more you know about the average life expectancy of the particular household appliances or building materials in your new home, the better equipped you will be to either re-negotiate a better purchase price, budget for future repairs or walk away from a potential money pit. Knowledge is power! Below is a helpful guide to understanding how long things should last. Enjoy! For a more comprehensive list, contact me at (303) 520-3179.

How Long Should It Last?

5-10 YEARS
» Carpeting: 8-10 years
» Microwave Ovens: 9 years
» Dishwasher: 9 years
» Smoke Detectors: 5-10 years
» Security Alarm Systems: 5-10 years

10-20 YEARS
» Furnaces: 15-20 years
» Air Conditioners: 10-15 years
» Electric Gas or Electric Water Heaters: 10 years
» Interior or Exterior Paint: 15+ years
» Refrigerator: 13 years
» Washer & Dryer: 13 years
» Marble Countertops: 20 years
» Gas Range: 15 years
» Faucets & Kitchen Sinks: 15 years
» Aluminum Windows: 15-20 years
» Asphalt Shingle Roof: 20 years

30-50 YEARS
» Interior Doors: 30-50 years
» Wood Shake Roof: 30 years
» Wooden Windows: 30 years
» Thermostat: 35 years

50-100 YEARS
» Vinyl Flooring: 50 years
» Kitchen Cabinets: up to 50 years
» Copper Gutters: 50+ years
» Copper, Clay or Concrete Roof: 50+ years

100 YEARS OR MORE
» Brick Siding: Lifetime of the home
» Solid Hardwood Floors: Lifetime of the home
» Cellulose Insulation: 100+ years

This is just a small sampling of household appliances and building materials. Like anything, the better the items have been maintained over the years or the higher the grade of materials purchased, the longer they may last. If you'd like a more comprehensive list, please Contact Anthony Rael, Denver Metro Brokers Realtor at (303) 520-3179.

Additional First-Time Homebuyer Resources - compliments of anthonyrael.com

» 2009 Federal Stimulus Plan - up to $8,000 Tax Credits/rebates for First-Time Homebuyers
» Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance
» Searching for your dream home, condo or loft...
» Homebuyer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
» Steps for First-Time Homebuyers
» Understanding the value of a Denver Colorado REALTOR®
» Where to live in the Denver metropolitan area?

Mortgages & Loans
» How Much Home Can You Afford in the Denver area?
» Financing Options - Understanding mortgage terms
» FREE Down Payment Assistance & Low-Interest Loan Programs
» Current Denver Colorado Home Loan/Mortgage Interest Rates