How Long Will It Last?

Today's homes have a median age of 28 years, and about 23 percent of the housing stock in the United States is more than 50 years old.

But how long will the different components of a home last? That varies based on such factors as the level of maintenance, the frequency of use, and the local climate, according to research by the National Association of Home Builders based on information from housing and manufacturing experts.

Most appliances last about 15 years, although the life span is longer for refrigerators and shorter for washing machines. Bathrooms can last anywhere from 10 years to 50 years, depending on the fixtures, while kitchens made with stronger materials are highly durable.

The life expectancy of doors varies depending on the weather for exterior doors, and quality for interior doors. Ventilation systems, which include heating and air conditioning, usually won't last longer than 20 years even with proper maintenance.

Landscaping and masonry life spans also vary, with masonry possibly lasting over 100 years. The life span of a roof varies depending on the type of material, and windows should last about 20 years, but the casement of the window will usually last longer.

(Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)