InterNACHI’s Estimated Life Expectancy Chart

Florida inspectors are subject to state requirements for reporting deficiencies based on expected service life:

468.8323 Home inspection report.  Upon completion of each home inspection for compensation, the home inspector shall provide a written report prepared for the client.

(1) The home inspector shall report:

(a) on those systems and components inspected that, in the
     professional opinion of the inspector, are significantly deficient or
     are near the end of their service life;
(b) if not self-evident, a reason why the system or component reported
     under paragraph (a) is significantly deficient or near the end of its
      service life.

ADHESIVES, CAULK & PAINTS

NAMEYEARS
Caulking (interior)5 to 8
Caulking (exterior)1 to 3
Construction Glue10+
Paint (exterior)5
Paint (interior)8 to 12
Roofing Adhesives/Cements8+
Sealants5
Stains2 to 6

APPLIANCES

NAMEYEARS
Air Conditioner (portable/window)5 to 7
Compactors (trash)6
Dehumidifier8
Dishwasher9
Disposal (food waste)12
Dryer Vent (plastic)5
Dryer Vent (steel)20
Dryer (clothes)13
Exhaust Fans10
Freezer   10 to 20
Gas Oven10 to 18
Hand Dryer10 to 12
Humidifier (portable)8 (if used)
Microwave Oven9
Range/Oven Hood14
Electric Range13 to 15
Gas Range   15 to 17
Refrigerator9 to 13
Swamp Cooler5 to 15
Washing Machine5 to 15
Whole-House Vacuum System20

CABINETRY & STORAGE

NAMEYEARS
Bathroom Cabinets 50+ 
Closet Shelves 100+
Entertainment Center/Home Office10
Garage/Laundry Cabinets70+
Kitchen Cabinets50
Medicine Cabinet25+
Modular (stock manufacturing-type)50 

CEILINGS & WALLS

NAMEYEARS
Acoustical Tile Ceiling40+ (older than 25 years may contain asbestos)
Ceramic Tile   70+
Concrete75+
Gypsum75
Wood Paneling20 to 50
Suspended Ceiling25+

COUNTERTOPS

NAMEYEARS
Concrete50
Cultured Marble   20
Natural Stone100+
Laminate20 to 30
Resin10+
Tile100+
Wood100+

DECKS

NAMEYEARS 
Deck Planks10
Composite8 to 15
Structural Wood5 to 20