Smart Buying

Lasting Remodeling Value

Find out how certain features affect the value of your home, and how long you can expect appliances, water faucets and other house components to last.

By Elizabeth Razzi

October 2005

Remodeling projects can add value to your house. Below, see how certain features in your home can affect its price -- either positively or negatively. Then scroll down to see how long you should expect appliances, countertops and other home components to last.

Source: National Center for Real Estate Research; G. Stacy Sirmans, David A. Macpherson, Florida State University.

How long should upgrades last?

It's not your imagination that things around the house start to break down after about ten to 15 years. That's the expected lifespan of many components of today's homes.

Expect to last ten to 15 years:
Dishwasher, disposal, microwave, clothes washer and dryer, fiberglass bathtub/shower, laminate countertops, carpeting, gas or electric water heater, wooden deck, asphalt driveway.

Expect to last 15 to 20 years:
Kitchen cabinets, central air conditioner, most furnaces or heat pumps, high-quality water faucets, gas or electric range.

Expect to last 20 years or more:
Granite countertops, brick/concrete patio, concrete walks, enamel/steel or enamel/cast iron sinks.

Expect to last practically forever:
Floors made of oak, pine, slate, Terrazzo or marble. Brick and stone walls.

Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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