According to Macrotrends, the life expectancy for humans as of 1950 was about 68 years. An average American as of then, was expected to live till about 68.14 years on average. As of 2024, the life expectancy for Americans went up by over 12 years (79.40), thanks to the introduction of improved medicine, healthy lifestyle, and nutrition.
Well, is the same to be said about our homes, after all, the construction industry has been revolutionized as well. The questions, “How long do homes last? What is the lifespan of a house? Do homes last forever?” are commonly mentioned.
While this question can be somewhat tricky as various factors can affect the lifespan of a home, I’ll try my best to give you an answer to whichever question you might have regarding the life expectancy of your home. So, without taking too much of your time, let’s dive right into it, shall we?
How long does a home last?
The question of how long a home lasts is surprisingly a very difficult question to answer. We all hope our homes last a lifetime or even two centuries. Homes, however, tend to have a shorter lifespan than we would hope and may need repairs and replacements to stand the test of time.
The average lifespan for most American homes is said to be between 70 to 90 years. But the precise lifespan for your home will depend on other factors like how well it is maintained as well as the initial quality of the construction.
Other factors like the location of the home and the climate conditions and environmental influence can also play a huge role in how long it lasts. No worries, as we proceed, I’ll shed more light on these factors so you get a clear understanding.
Why does a house age?
While it is good to know the lifespan of your home, a more important question to ask is “Why does a home age? Or what factors affect the lifespan of a home?”.
Many factors affect it’s lifespan, and Knowing these factors before, during, and after a home construction can help it stand the test of time. Some of the factors are;
1. The construction material used
It goes without saying that the kind of material you use for your home will determine its longevity. A home with high-quality materials will naturally last longer than one built with low-quality materials.
Remember materials used frequently degrade faster, and a home is basically put to use every day in most cases. Thus, your house is prone to wear and tear so it is important to invest in materials that will stand the test of time, ultimately making the home last longer.
Construction materials known to last longer include;
- Concrete
- Clay
- Natural stone
- Metals
- Bricks
2. Workmanship
Another defining factor for home lifespan is the workmanship put in during the home construction. A house built with high-quality workmanship will undoubtedly last longer than one built poorly. It will also be less likely to develop structural issues or require repair and replacement at early stages.
You can ensure that the workmanship of your home is top-notch by working with a well-recognized contractor and having a detailed building process where all construction stages are taken accordingly. Hiring a reputable and well-experienced contractor or builder ensures your home is built to the highest standards.
3. Maintenance
Various materials or parts of the home will wear over time. Some might not be strong enough to withstand harsh conditions or frequent usage and eventually get damaged or broken down. Thus, they will demand repair or replacement.
Initially, there might be little or no maintenance requirements, but some common components in the home may require occasional maintenance.
Some of these components include the following;
- Smoke detectors
- Asphalt
- Pests and termite proofing
- HVAC systems
- Faucets
- Roof coating, etc.
4. Weather and natural elements
Another defining factor is the natural elements and weather conditions of your home’s location. Sadly, controlling the weather is somewhat impossible so the best solution is to be prepared.
Ensure that you and the builder consider the climate condition within the location of your home. This way, the builder or contractor will factor this into their design and plans for your building.
Various materials are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, be sure to take advantage of this. Doing so will ensure that your home withstands harsh conditions, enhancing its longevity.
FAQs
How long does a home exterior finish last?
Your home’s exterior finishing can last between 20 – 60 years depending on the finishing material used.
Which type of home lasts longer?
The most resilient home materials include; Natural stone, concrete, bricks, metal, tile, fiberglass, etc.
What lasts longer, wood or concrete?
Concrete is considered to be a more durable option with its life expectancy said to be more than two to three times longer than wood.
In conclusion
A home is said to have a lifespan between 70 – 100 years. While this can give you an idea of how long it will last, it is not final. Weather conditions, overuse, or neglect can speed up deterioration, shortening the life expectancy of your home.
The best practices to extend the lifespan of your property include; proper planning, the usage of appropriate and high-quality materials, professional workmanship, and occasional or constant maintenance.
By adhering to the guidelines listed in this article, homeowners can play their part in extending the longevity of their house and protecting its value over time.
I hope you found this article to be helpful. You might also find this article on the impact of technology in the construction industry helpful.
Thanks for reading.