As a property owner, you can do a lot to maintain your rental home, it’s important to know the life expectancy for each of your rental property’s major interior fittings. And prepare a plan to replace them, without stretching your budget or cashflow. Don’t let tenants be the first ones to notice broken furniture, or the rug on its last legs. By replacing interior items in your rental home, you can improve its curb appeal and rental value over time. The trick is knowing what to look for; and understanding what needs repairing versus what needs to be replaced. And then to make it all seamlessly happen.
The Life Expectancy Of Interior Items
The question now is, what is the life expectancy of these interior items? According to HUD, the life expectancy for common interior items is highest with appliances, air conditioning units, and water heaters. For instance, an exceptional kitchen range ought to be useful and still in good condition for 20 years, whereas a refrigerator or microwave can be projected to last approximately 10 years. Air conditioning units and water heaters equally have a life expectancy of around ten years, as do faucets and smoke detectors.
Interior items with shorter life expectancies include carpet, tile or vinyl flooring, and interior paint. Each of these usually lasts five years before they begin to look dilapidated. Blinds, window shades, and curtains, on the other hand, last as little as three years due to heavier wear and tear while being made of components that break more easily than most.
Replacing Interior Items In The Living Room
The usage of living rooms tends to be different from bedrooms. And often are a natural gathering place and the scene for countless activities. Like reading books, playing games, watching TV watching, or even doubling as a home office. No surprise then, that articles in living rooms may have a shorter life expectancy than say, the bedrooms. It is important to take note of each piece’s life expectancy taking into account scratches, stains, and damage to your living room furniture.
- Center tables, coffee, and end tables: Tables that get wobbly, or have too many water stains, or scratches need repairing, or replacing. And if they no longer fit your rental home’s decor, it’s time for replacements. On average they need attention every 5-10 years.
- Fabric/cloth couches, sofas, and fabric-topped chairs: Telltale signs are sagging cushions, lack of support, and damaged pieces. Life expectancy on average 10 years.
- TVs: If you start to notice fading screens, poor sound quality, or a TV that is obsolete and can no longer be connected to modern devices, it is time to consider a new TV. Life expectancy used to be higher in the past. But in today’s rapidly evolving electronics and home audio world, it is 5-7 years.
Replacing Interior Items in the Bedroom Of Your Rental Home
Naturally, you want your bedroom to be your sanctuary, the place where you can relax. However, over time, the wallpaper will get jaded, the bed lumpy or the bed tables worn out. Well, it is time to consider replacing the interior items in your rental property.
- Pillows and Mattresses: These should be replaced if springs break, pillows flatten, or items get soiled. Flip the mattress regularly to even out usage. The average life expectancy is 5-10 years,
- Bed linen, Duvets, bedspreads, blankets, and comforters: Regular and careful washing helps prevent the buildup of dust mites, etc., in bed linen. But usually, it is time to purchase new bedding, every couple of years, due to regular wear and tear.
Replacing Interior Items in the Kitchen
It is important to stay up to date with all your kitchen essentials and maintain your appliances to earn positive tenant reviews. Broken or damaged appliances not only send the wrong message to renters but also get in the way of finding quality tenants. As with most home purchases, higher-quality items tend to last longer, but they also come at a higher cost. Careful usage and routine maintenance can lengthen their replacement schedules. And this can save you money in the long term.
- Coffee machine, blenders, dishwasher: Every 5 years or so.
- Refrigerator, microwave, and garbage disposal: Every 10 years or so.
- Stove and oven: Every 10-15 years.
How We Can Help?
Being able to understand and acknowledge the life expectancy for interior items in your rental property can help you to prepare better for foreseeable replacements sometimes. Scheduling regular maintenance services and replacing parts in advance will help you budget wisely, thus protecting your investment and ensuring a regular cash flow.
For more information on replacement planning and how the property management services offered by Real Property Management Premier can help keep your property values high and tenants satisfied, contact us online or by calling us directly at 954-362-5235.