Residential buildings: Factors contributing to the lifespan of a structure

Modern buildings are made with a plethora of different materials. Understanding factors that can affect the lifespan of a building can give great insight on whether a home purchase is worth the buy and what to be aware of during the home building and buying process. 

What is the lifespan of a residential building?

The average lifespan of a residential building can range from around 50 to 100 years. Many factors determine the longevity of a building and the overall well-being of a structure. 

Primary factors contributing to the lifespan of a building include but are not limited: 

• Geographic location (Extreme temperatures and soil quality can impact the structure of a home).
• Building materials (higher quality materials often last longer).
• If it’s regularly maintained.
• Wear and tear.
• Etc. 

What is the average life expectancy of appliances?

The average life span of many common household appliances ranges from around 8 to 15 years - these appliances include things such as your refrigerator, stove, microwave and dishwasher. 

Generally speaking, appliances won’t last forever but you can improve their longevity by emptying filters regularly, leaving room for proper ventilation, cleaning (read instruction manual for proper cleaning techniques) and using the appliance only for what it’s intended for. 

What types of buildings last the longest?

Quality building material plays a great role in how long a home or any other building may last, however certain types of materials will help a structure to be long-lasting. These materials include: 

• Steel 
• Iron
• Brick
• Stone

If you’re purchasing a new home or having one built, it’s essential to research the building materials. This ensures the home not only appears beautiful on the outside, but is also a quality structure on the inside as well.