APPLIANCES
AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY
Comments
Dishwasher 5-10 years routinely remove food particles and debris from sump
pump area in the bottom of the tub.
Garbage 5-10 years should be used sparingly when the Disposal building is
served with a private waste disposal system.
Ranges 10-15 years Ranges and ovens may become Ovens cosmetically
obsolete long before they are functionally defective.
Refrigerator 10-15 years Clean the refrigerator back and bottom yearly.
Exhaust Fan 15-20 years many newer installations have ductless model fans,
which seem to do a relatively good job of removing smoke.
The charcoal filters need to be washed regularly, depending on the
amount of use.
Washer 5-8 years Check shut off valves periodically for leaks and keep both
supply valves shut off when the washer is not in use to prevent
burst hose flooding.
Dryer 5-10 years Dryers should be vented to the exterior to prevent
excessive moisture conditions. Clean dryer vents and ducts
periodically.
Estimated life expectancies represent averages and can be greatly affected by
the usage, relative care, the mineral content or acidity of the water and luck.
USABLD USABLD
Chieef inspector Inspector
10 to 16 years
Average lifespan estimates are based on “average” conditions. Many factors
contribute to a longer or shorter life of the roof
AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY
ELECTRICAL
Accessories 10+ Years
Arc-Fault Circuit
Interrupters (AFCIs) 30 Years
Bare Copper 100+ Years
Bulbs 8,000 to 10,000+ hours
Copper-Clad Aluminum 100+ Years
Copper-Plated 100+ Years
Fixtures 40 Years
Ground-Fault Circuit
Interrupters (GFCIs) up to 30 Years
Lighting Controls 30+ Years
Residential Propane
Backup Generator 12 Years
Service Panel 60 Years
Comments
ROOF
AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY
Comments
Asphalt Shingles 3-tab - 15 to 18 years
Asphalt Shingles,
Architectural
24 to 30 years
Galvalume (metal) 30 to 45 years
Built-Up or
Modified Bitumen
10 to 16 years
EPDM (rubber)
Concrete Tile 35 to 50 years
Copper-plated wiring, copper-clad aluminum, and bare copper wiring are expected to last a lifetime,
whereas electrical accessories and lighting controls, such as dimmer switches, may need to be replaced
after 10 years. GFCIs could last 30 years, but much less if tripped regularly. Remember that faulty,
damaged or overloaded electrical circuits or equipment are the leading cause of house fires, so they
should be inspected regularly and repaired or updated as needed.
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Chieef inspector Inspector
Air Conditioner (central) 5 to 12 Years
Air Exchanger 15 Years
Attic Fan 15 to 25 Years
Boiler 40 Years (if installed)
Burner 10+ Years
Ceiling Fan 5 to 10 Years
Condenser 5 to 7 Years (for coastal areas, or 15 to 20 inland)
Dampers 20+ Years
Dehumidifier 8 Years
Diffusers, Grilles and Registers 25 Years
Ducting 60 to 100 Years
Electric Radiant Heating 40 Years
Evaporator Cooler 15 to 25 Years
Furnace 15 to 25 Years (if installed)
Gas Fireplace 15 to 25 Years
Handler Coil 1 to 3 Years
Heat Exchanger 10 to 15 Years
Heat Pump 10 to 15 Years
Heat-Recovery Ventilator 20 Years
Hot-Water and Steam-Radiant Boilers 40 Years
Humidifiers 12 Years
Induction and Fan-Coil Units 10 to 15 Years
Chimney Cap (concrete) 50+ Years
Chimney Cap (metal) 8 to 10 Years
Chimney Cap (mortar) 10+ Years
Chimney Flue Tile 20+ Years
Thermostats 35 Years
Ventilator 7 Years
Comments
AVERAGE LIFE EXPECTANCY
Thermostats may last 35 years but they are usually replaced before they fail due to technological
improvements.
AIR CONDITIONIG
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Chieef inspector Inspector
MAINTENANCE ADVICE
Upon Taking Ownership
Change the locks on all exterior entrances, for improved security.
Check that all windows and doors are secure. Improve window hardware as necessary.
Security rods can be added to sliding windows and doors.
Consideration could also be given to a security system.
Install smoke detectors on each level of the house. Ensure that there is as smoke
detector outside all sleeping areas. Replace batteries on any existing smoke detectors
and test them. Make a note to replace batteries again in one year.
Create a plan of action in the event of a fire in your home. Ensure that there is
aonp erable window or door in every room of the house. Consult with your local fire
department regarding fire safety issues and what to do in the event of fire.
Examine driveways and walkways for trip hazards. Undertake repairs where necessary.
Examine the interior of the home for trip hazards. Loose or torn carpeting and flooring
should be repaired.
Undertake improvements to all stairways, decks, porches and landings where there is a
risk of falling or stumbling.
Review your home inspection report for any items that require immediate improvement
or further investigation. Address these areas as required.
Install rain caps and vermin screens on all chimney flues, as necessary.
Investigate the location of the main shut offs for the plumbing, heating and
electrical systems. If you attended the inspection, these items would have been
pointed out to you.
Ensure that the grade of the land around the house encourages water a flow away from
the foundation.
Inspect all driveways. Walkways, decks, porches and landscapes components for
evidence of deterioration, movement or safety hazards.
Clean windows and test their operation. Improve caulking wand weather stripping
as necessary.
Watch for evidence of rot in window frames. Paint and repair windowsills and
frames as necessary.
Test all ground fault interrupter (GFCI) devices.
Test the temperature and pressure relief (TPR) valve on water heaters.
Eliminate any wood / soil contact around the perimeter of the home.
Test the overhead garage door opener, to assure that the auto-reverse mechanism is
responding properly. Clean and lubricate hinges, rollers and tracks on overhead doors.
Replace or clean exhaust hood filters.
USABLD USABLD
Chieef inspector Inspector
ANNUALLY
Replace smoke detector batteries.
Have the heating, cooling and water heater systems cleaned and serviced.
Have the chimneys inspected and cleaned. Ensure the rain caps and vermin screens are
secure.
Examine the electrical panels, wiring and electrical components for evidence of
overheating. Ensure that all components are secure. Flip the breakers on and off to
ensure that they are not sticking.
If the house utilizes a well, check and service the pump and holding tank.
Have the water quality tested. If the property has a septic tank, have the tank
inspected (and pumped as needed).
If your home is in an area prone to wood destroying insects, (termites, carpenter ants,
etc.) have the home inspected by a licensed professional. Preventative treatments may
be recommended in some cases.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST APPROACH
Although we’re heard it many times, nothing could be more true than the old cliché “an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Preventative maintenance is the best way to keep your
house in great shape. It reduces the risk of unexpected repairs and improves the odds of selling
your house at a fair market value, when the time comes. Please feel free to contact our office
should you have any questions regarding the operation or maintenance of your home.
ENJOY YOUR HOME.
