Appliance Remaining Economic Life

[Wayne Henry]

Does anyone know of a web site or any information on the remaining economic life space of appliances not marshall and swift. I would like to get a general multi family template in ACI and would like this information which I can tweak on a case by case basis. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Wayne

 

[wyecoyote]

Other than M&S no. You might want to talk to some of the appliance repair stores in your area. Had a good conversation with several. One of the things I found out was that today most washing machines are made to break down after 5 years. The older appliances can last forever. Had one that said if I wanted appliances that last buy 1960's to early 1980's appliances. If I wanted ones that looked pretty but would need to replace every 5-10 years buy 1990's and new appliances. This could be a good source of information for your area much like builders since they deal with appliances.

 

[Mike Garrett RAA]

There is no good general rule of thumb. We had Sears washer and dryer that lasted for 18 years. So much depends on how well they are maintained and how hard they are used. I still believe in the M/S cost book for that sort of thing.

 

[Non Sequitur]

Remember if you have to defend your figure, what looks better? M&S or a local shop? We all know the local tradesman is the better source, and usually free, but M&S has become the de facto standard on these issues.

 

[xm39hnu]

Originally posted by CLedet@Dec 22 2003, 11:13 PM
Remember if you have to defend your figure, what looks better? M&S or a local shop?

Actually, ..... both, if I have to defend it.

 

[Farm Gal]

I have been using a life expectancy list that was developed about 8 years ago for Handyman magazine (it was based on a real live survey, honest...)

Now before you all land on me about the scientific method or lack thereof given that particular 'resource', I get to tell you that several goodsized local property managers use it and consider it in their analyses .

And besides as Mike says 'it depends'.

When it comes to income property the typical property manager type tends to buy used appliances anyway. Homeowners tend to 100%discount 'abandonded' perfectly good applicances if they happen to have a newer better model, and abandon thier own old units if their units are older than what has been left in the 'new houe'. So actions of buyers in my area.

I figure that the Handyman Life expectancy list has about as much validity as the Marshall & Swift study because methinks they were studying a more middle class group of individuals in the Handyman survey. Which is the grouping I am most often dealing with.

 

[TC]

I use an 8 year life based on my experience with my rental properties. Tenants seem to be a little more rough on them, plus I don't buy top of the line. As Mike said, an w/d can last a long time. I have a washer/dryer set that is going on 17 years, however, the first 10 years I was single, only used once a month. B)

TC

 

[Wayne Henry]

Originally posted by Lee Ann@Dec 23 2003, 09:48 AM
I have been using a life expectancy list that was developed about 8 years ago for Handyman magazine (it was based on a real live survey, honest...)

Where do you get the handy man guide and does it also have cost of appliances as well as life expectancy.

 

[Farm Gal]

Wayne, if you private message me with your fax and address, I will try to FAX you a copy... it doesn't fax well... and yoru physical address, I will snailmail one.

I am sure there are more recent resources out there, but I haven't seen any witht he bredth of appliances and 'stuff that is on this particular list. The Life Expectancy for the various appliances is within a year or two of most more 'updated' lists and resources I have come across...

Someday when I got more time I'll retype the thing and post it don't hold your breath

 

[tommcsherry]

Here's a good link to an article that details life expectancies
http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/10382.shtml

also, the HUD Residential Rehab Inspection guide that it references has a pretty good breakdown of useful building component life.

Hope this is helpful.