Ever wonder if it isn't time to get a new appliance, siding or flooring for your home?  Consider this:

A home is expected to last for several generations, but what about its individual components? A study by the National Association of Home Builders and Bank of America Home Equity shines some light on how many years of service homeowners can reasonably expect to receive from various housing components. Although the life expectancy of household items will vary depending on maintenance, use, the quality of installation, climate and a host of other factors, the report does provide some useful general guidelines. The following are a few of the study’s findings:

 Appliances: Dishwashers, 9 years; electric ranges, 13 years; gas ranges, 15 years, gas water

heaters, 10 years; gas furnaces, 18 years

 Cabinetry and Storage: Kitchen cabinets, 50 years; medicine cabinets, 20 years

 Countertops: Cultured marble, 20 years; natural stone and tile, lifetime

 Faucets and Fixtures: Kitchen faucet, 15 years; shower doors, 20 years

 Flooring: All wood floors, lifetime; carpet, 8-10 years; tile, 75-100 years; vinyl, 50 years

 Siding: Brick and wood, lifetime; stucco, 50-100 years

 Windows: Aluminum, 15-20 years; wood, 30 years