You're Ready for '06, but Is Your home?

Home Inspector Offers Advice on Evaluating the Life Expectancy of Your
Home and Its Parts



MILFORD, OH -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 01/25/06 -- If you're a conscious
consumer, you know how long milk lasts, how long bread lasts and even
how long you can keep that frozen turkey. But do you know how long
your roof or furnace will last?



Chris Zimmerman, vice president of marketing for The HomeTeam
Inspection Service has some advice for homeowners who are looking to
start the New Year with a clean slate -- or asphalt.



"When we perform home inspections, we offer a detailed report on the
condition of your major appliances and household systems at the time
of inspection. And while we can't offer a guarantee on life of your
home or its parts, an inspection does give you something to start with
when determining your overall home maintenance plan for the next five
to 10 years," says Zimmerman.



Taking good care of your home can end up paying dividends in the
future with less household emergencies and more planned -- and
budgeted -- renovations, Zimmerman adds.



"Life expectancy can vary greatly depending on the quality of
materials used, the installation, how its been maintained and even
some environmental factors, but the National Association of Home
Builders can give an accurate estimate to the average life cycles of
these household items," Zimmerman says.



One of the most important and fundamental parts to a home is the roof,
which can last anywhere from 15 to 100 years, according to the NAHB
estimates.



An asphalt shingle roof can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years on
average, depending on what kind of materials were used during
installation and if the roof has sustained weather damage through
excessive moisture or wind. A slate roof can last much longer -- up to
100 years even -- but it may not suit the overall design of your home.



Maintaining your home's exterior can be done through painting wood
shingles, vinyl or aluminum siding or other weatherproofing
treatments. Waterproofing, which can be used on wood siding or
decking, must be reapplied every one to five years, depending on the
products used. Vinyl siding can last up to 50 years with minimal
maintenance.



If your home has wood shingles, it may be time to consider replacing
or treating the outside in order to prevent wood rot or unsightly
chipping.



"If you have a good working roof over your head, it may be time to
concentrate on the inside," Zimmerman says.



One major household item that you don't want to find yourself without
is your water heater. Depending on whether you have a gas or electric
water heater, it may last on average 11 to 14 years, depending on how
it's been maintained and other factors.



Other major appliances including dishwashers, refrigerators and
electric ranges can last from 10 to 20 years, the NAHB states.



"During an inspection, if we discover a possible problem with a water
heater or furnace, or any other major appliance, we often recommend to
the homeowner to bring in an appliance expert who can give you a solid
evaluation and an estimate to fix or replace the questionable
component," Zimmerman adds.



For more tips on life expectancy, or for tune-up tips and other
maintenance guidelines, visit www.hometeaminspection.com.



EDITORS: The following information can be used for sidebar material.



How Long Will it Last?



According to the National Home Builders Association, these numbers
represent the maximum number of years you can reasonably expect
various components of your home to last. Life expectancy may vary
greatly depending on quality of material, installation, maintenance,
environmental factors and use.





Dishwasher: 10 years

Range (Gas or Electric): 17-19 years

Fiberglass or Cast-Iron Bathtub: 10-15 years

Water Heater (Gas or Electric): 11-14 years

Ceramic or Laminated Countertops: 10-15 years

Garage Door Opener: 10 years

Wall and Trim Paint: 5-10 years

Exterior Paint: 10 years

Washer: 13 years

Dryer: 14 years

Refrigerator: 17 years

Carpet: 11 years

Asphalt Shingle Roof: 15-30 years

Aluminum siding: 20-50 years

Vinyl Siding: 50 years





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