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Replacing a home's windows, appliances, or roofing can be very expensive.  So knowing approximately how long before the refrigerator is likely to stop working or the roof might spring a leak can have great value to buyers or sellers.  Buyers may want to factor in replacement costs for aging components when they make an offer.  Owners can use the information to decide whether or not to replace a component before they put their home on the market. 

The following study was done by the National Association of Home Builders and provides some insight that can help estimate the average useful life span of many household appliances and building materials.  The true longevity of any household material depends on maintenance, use, quality of installation, and climate conditions, so this is strictly a general guide, but very helpful.

Lifetime of the home:  brick siding, all wooden floors

50 years:  kitchen cabinets, acrylic kitchen sinks, vinyl floors, concrete, slate, or copper roofs

30+ years:  thermostats, wooden windows, wood shake roofs, french interior doors

10 to 20 years:  aluminum windows, asphalt shingle roofs, faucets, kitchen sinks, gas ranges, cultured marble countertops, dryers & refrigerators, air conditioning units, electric or gas water heaters, furnaces.

5 to 10 years:  security systems, heat & smoke detectors, dishwashers, microwave ovens, carpeting

Again, this is just a guide.  Some components will last much longer and some will wear out prematurely.  Depending on the age of the home and how carefully it is maintained, these guidelines will fluctuate and need adjusted.  But both buyers and sellers should be aware of the values that any major home improvements will add to the home.