A look to the past proves that historical structures and buildings can last a long time, but what about when it comes to your new home? A house is more than likely going to be the largest asset you ever purchase and you need to know that your home is going to be structurally sound and last many lifetimes. But, how long is that exactly? Not to worry, we have all the information you need on how long your new house is going to last!
So, How long will a new house last?
This is largely debated within the construction industry as it is really dependant on the materials that are used, the quality of the workmanship and the maintenance that is required and followed through on. On average, the generally expected and acceptable lifespan of a home should last at least 60 years. However, many believe that the lifespan of a home is much longer than that reaching well over 100 years.
Lifespan Expectancies
One important thing to understand when answering ‘How long will a new house last?’ is that life expectancies are only averages. There is no way to know for certain that your home is going to last 80 years or even 150 years. This largely comes down to a few key factors that can impact the integrity of your new build and shorten that timeframe drastically.
In saying that many things can also prolong it.
Why do houses age?
It’s all good and well knowing how long your new house is going to last on average but do you know why? There are many factors that can influence the longevity of how structurally sound your build will be.
Knowing these factors prior to building, while you are building and after your build is complete can help ensure you home is going to withstand time and the elements it is put through.
The factors include:
- Materials
- Workmanship
- Maintenance
- Weather/Environment
Materials
There is no question that quality materials and products last longer, and it is the same when it comes to your new home. Building your home out of materials that are sustainable and of a high quality can ensure that it is going to be standing tall for generations to come.
Remember, things that are used more frequently are going to degrade faster over time, so be sure you invest in the right products for your home to last many lifetimes.
Materials that can last a lifetime (60 – 100+ Years) include:
- Natural Stone
- Clay
- Concrete
- Bricks (They require less maintenance and can provide better insulation. However, they can make the building process longer and more costly)
- Wood (Wood is more prone to wind, water and fire damage if not properly maintained. However, wood is more common in areas that are prone to earthquakes as they are more flexible )
- Metals (Slate, copper etc)
- Most types of insulation
- Locally sourced materials
Workmanship
This is one of the most important factors in ensuring your home has a long lifespan. Good quality workmanship can prevent issues arising too soon due to an iffy join, or a seemingly ‘innocent’ crack. A home that is built poorly will degrade much faster than a home that had every detail paid attention too.
With tens of thousands of houses being built each year there is bound to be a couple that slip through the cracks and can have an issue or two – but it is the same with any mass production.
Ensuring that this does not happen with new builds are put through detailed assessments at each stage of the construction from measurements and materials to assessing possible outcomes of each decision made.
They also have to rigorously follow rules and regulations to ensure everything is kept to the same high quality standard to provide you with a home that will last generations. Most newly built houses will come with a 10 year structural warranty certificate to give you a little peace of mind.
Finding a builder/contractor who comes highly recommended is your best bet at ensuring good, quality workmanship on your home. Sloppy workmanship and a poor design can come with issues, replacements and repairs much sooner than they are required.
Maintenance
Things get old, whether they are living or non-living they are bound to wear and tear, damage and break – it is no different for your new home. You may not need to do too much maintenance within the first few years, but it will come. Keeping on top of the maintenance your home requires will ensure that it is going to last much longer.
Your home is made up of various components and while your house may be sound for many years, the components that make your house a house may not be as resilient and last as long.
Here are some of the components of your new house that have a shorter average lifespan that will require repair and/or replacement:
- Aluminum roof coating (3 -7 years)
- Enamel steel sinks (5-10 years)
- Security system (5-10 years)
- Carpet (8-10 years)
- Smoke detector (less than 10 years)
- Faucets (10-15 years)
- Garage door opener (10-15 years)
- Air conditioner (10-15 years)
- Asphalt (12-15 years)
- Termite-proofing during construction (12 years)
- Trash compactor, compact refrigerator, microwave oven, humidifier (9-10 years)
Weather/Environments
Unfortunately, mother nature is something that we can not control and when it comes to your new home you need to be sure that you build it for the environment that it is in. Your home will need to be able to withstand years and years of harsh elements and whatever else mother nature decides to throw at it.
Using materials that are locally sourced is a great option at ensuring your homes longevity as the materials were made with the climate and conditions of your environment in mind.
Keeping the environment and weather your home will be prone to in mind is vital to ensure a good construction and adequate upkeep that provides you with a long lasting home.
How can you increase the lifespan of your home?
When it comes to prolonging the lifespan of your home, there are a few measures that you can take. A lot of it comes down to common and basic routines that can prevent disaster from striking. Checking on a regular basis will allow you to catch any new damages, breaks or wear before it becomes too costly or repair or replace altogether.
Things that can prolong the integrity of your house include:
- Regular cleaning – This prevents the growth of bacteria, mould and fungus which can compromise aspects of your home.
- Proper separation and disposal of waste
- Check for termites, pests, insects – This prevents possible irreversible damage caused by termites, insects and pests in and around your home.
- Look out for damp walls, water leaks and seepage
- Check for plinth, foundations and bases of any structural components
- Right material for the needs and requirements of your house
- Regular and proper maintenance