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Sunday, July 12, 2015

Life Expectancy Estimates

非常有用喔,请保存好了~~

Surface preparation and paint quality are the most important determinants of a paint's life expectancy. Ultraviolet (UV) rays via sunshine can shorten life expectancy. Additionally, conditions of high humidity indoors or outdoors can affect the lifespan of these components, which is why they should be inspected and maintained seasonally.
ADHESIVES, CAULK & PAINTS YEARS
Caulking (interior & exterior)5 to 10
Construction Glue20+
Paint (exterior)7 to 10
Paint (interior)10 to 15
Roofing Adhesives/Cements15+
Sealants8
Stains3 to 8

Appliance life expectancy depends to a great extent on the use it receives. Furthermore, consumers often replace appliances long before they become worn out due to changes in styling, technology and consumer preferences.
APPLIANCES YEARS
Air Conditioner (window)5 to 7
Compactor (trash)6
Dehumidifier8
Dishwasher9
Disposal (food waste)12
Dryer Vent (plastic)5
Dryer Vent (steel)20
Dryer (clothes)13
Exhaust Fans10
Freezer10 to 20
Gas Oven10 to 18
Hand Dryer10 to 12
Humidifier (portable)8
Microwave Oven9
Range/Oven Hood14
Electric Range13 to 15
Gas Range15 to 17
Refrigerator9 to 13
Swamp Cooler5 to 15
Washing Machine5 to 15
Whole-House Vacuum System20


Modern kitchens today are larger and more elaborate. Together with the family room, they now form the “great room.”
CABINETRY & STORAGE YEARS
Bathroom Cabinets50+
Closet Shelves100+
Entertainment Center/Home Office10
Garage/Laundry Cabinets70+
Kitchen Cabinets50
Medicine Cabinet25+
Modular (stock manufacturing-type)50

Walls and ceilings last the full lifespan of the home.
CEILINGS & WALLSYEARS
Acoustical Tile Ceiling40+ (older than 25 years may contain asbestos)
Ceramic Tile70+
Concrete75+
Gypsum75
Wood Paneling20 to 50
Suspended Ceiling25+

Natural stone countertops, which are less expensive than they were just a few years ago, are becoming more popular, and one can expect them to last a lifetime. Cultured marble countertops have a shorter life expectancy, however.
COUNTERTOPS YEARS
Concrete50
Cultured Marble20
Natural Stone100+
Laminate20 to 30
Resin10+
Tile100+
Wood100+

Decks are exposed to a wide range of conditions in different climates, from wind and hail in some areas, to relatively consistent, dry weather in others. See FASTENERS & STEEL section for fasteners.
DECKS YEARS
Deck Planks15
Composite8 to 25
Structural Wood10 to 30

Exterior fiberglass, steel and wood doors will last as long as the house, while vinyl and screen doors have a shorter life expectancy. The gaskets/weatherstripping of exterior doors may have to be replaced every 5 to 8 years.
DOORS YEARS
Closet (interior)100+
Fiberglass (exterior)100+
Fire-Rated Steel (exterior)100+
French (interior)30 to 50
Screen (exterior)30
Sliding Glass/Patio (exterior)20 (for roller wheel/track repair/replacement)
Vinyl (exterior)20
Wood (exterior)100+
Wood (hollow-core interior)20 to 30
Wood (solid-core interior)30 to 100+

Copper-plated wiring, copper-clad aluminum, and bare copper wiring are expected to last a lifetime, whereas electrical accessories and lighting controls, such as dimmer switches, may need to be replaced after 10 years. GFCIs could last 30 years, but much less if tripped regularly.
Remember that faulty, damaged or overloaded electrical circuits or equipment are the leading cause of house fires, so they should be inspected regularly and repaired or updated as needed.
ELECTRICAL YEARS
Accessories10+
Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCIs)30
Bare Copper100+
Bulbs (compact fluorescent)8,000 to 10,000+ hours
Bulbs (halogen)4,000 to 8,000+ hours
Bulbs (incandescent)1,000 to 2,000+ hours
Bulbs (LED)30,000 to 50,000+ hours
Copper-Clad Aluminum100+
Copper-Plated100+
Fixtures40
Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs)up to 30
Lighting Controls30+
Residential Propane Backup Generators12
Service Panel60
Solar Panels20 to 30
Solar System Batteries3 to 12
Wind Turbine Generators20

Floor and roof trusses and laminated strand lumber are durable household components, and engineered trim may last 30 years.
ENGINEERED LUMBER YEARS
Engineered Joists80+
Laminated Strand Lumber100+
Laminated Veneer Lumber80+
Trusses100+

Fastener manufacturers do not give lifespans for their products because they vary too much based on where the fasteners are installed in a home, the materials in which they're installed, and the local climate and environment. However, inspectors can use the guidelines below to make educated judgments about the materials they inspect.
FASTENERS, CONNECTORS & STEEL YEARS
Adjustable Steel Columns50+
Fasteners (bright)25 to 60
Fasteners (copper)65 to 80+
Fasteners (galvanized)10+
Fasteners (electro-galvanized)15 to 45
Fasteners (hot-dipped galvanized)35 to 60
Fasteners (stainless)65 to 100+
Steel Beams200+
Steel Columns100+
Steel Plates100+

Flooring life is dependent on maintenance and the amount of foot traffic the floor endures.
FLOORING YEARS
All Wood Floors100+
Bamboo100+
Brick Pavers100+
Carpet8 to 10
Concrete50+
Engineered Wood50+
Exotic Wood100+
Granite100+
Laminate15 to 25
Linoleum25
Marble100+
Other Domestic Wood100+
Slate100
Terrazzo75+
Tile75 to 100
Vinyl25

Concrete and poured-block footings and foundations will last a lifetime, assuming they were properly built. Waterproofing with bituminous coating lasts 10 years, but if it cracks, it is immediately damaged.
FOUNDATIONS YEARS
Baseboard Waterproofing System50
Bituminous-Coating Waterproofing10
Concrete Block100+
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)100
Post and Pier20 to 65
Post and Tensioned Slab on Grade100+
Poured-Concrete Footings and Foundation100+
Slab on Grade (concrete)100
Wood Foundation5 to 40
Permanent Wood Foundation (PWF; treated)75

Framing and structural systems have extended longevities; poured-concrete systems, timber frame houses and structural insulated panels will all last a lifetime.
FRAMING YEARS
Log80 to 200
Poured-Concrete Systems100+
Steel100+
Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)100+
Timber Frame100+

The quality and frequency of use will affect the longevity of garage doors and openers.
GARAGES YEARS
Garage Doors20 to 25
Garage Door Openers10 to 15

Home technology systems have diverse life expectancies and may have to be upgraded due to evolution in technology.
HOME TECHNOLOGY YEARS
Built-In Audio20
Carbon Monoxide Detectors*5
Door Bells45
Home Automation System5 to 50
Intercoms20
Security System5 to 20
Smoke/Heat Detectors*less than 10
Wireless Home Networks5+
* Batteries should be changed at least annually.

Thermostats may last 35 years but they are usually replaced before they fail due to technological improvements.
HVAC YEARS
Air Conditioner (central)7 to 15
Air Exchanger15
Attic Fan15 to 25
Boiler40
Burner10+
Ceiling Fan5 to 10
Condenser8 to 20
Dampers20+
Dehumidifier8
Diffusers, Grilles and Registers25
Ducting60 to 100
Electric Radiant Heater40
Evaporator Cooler15 to 25
Furnace15 to 25
Gas Fireplace15 to 25
Heat Exchanger10 to 15
Heat Pump10 to 15
Heat-Recovery Ventilator20
Hot-Water and Steam-Radiant Boiler40
Humidifier12
Induction and Fan-Coil Units10 to 15
Chimney Cap (concrete)100+
Chimney Cap (metal)10 to 20
Chimney Cap (mortar)15
Chimney Flue Tile40 to 120
Thermostats35
Ventilator7

As long as they are not punctured, cut or burned and are kept dry and away from UV rays, cellulose, fiberglass and foam insulation materials will last a lifetime. This is true regardless of whether they were installed as loose-fill, housewrap or batts/rolls.
INSULATION & INFILTRATION BARRIERS YEARS
Batts/Rolls100+
Black Paper (felt paper)15 to 30
Cellulose100+
Fiberglass100+
Foamboard100+
Housewrap80+
Liquid-Applied Membrane50
Loose-Fill100+
Rock Wool100+
Wrap Tape80+

Masonry is one of the most enduring household components. Fireplaces, chimneys and brick veneers can last the lifetime of a home.
MASONRY & CONCRETE YEARS
Brick100+
Insulated Concrete Forms (hybrid block)100+
Concrete Masonry Units (CMUs)100+
Man-Made Stone25
Masonry Sealant2 to 20
Stone100+
Stucco/EIFS50+
Veneer100+

Custom millwork and stair parts will last a lifetime and are typically only upgraded for aesthetic reasons.
MOLDING, MILLWORK & TRIM YEARS
Attic Stairs (pull-down)50
Custom Millwork100+
Pre-Built Stairs100+
Stair Parts100+
Stairs100+

The lifetime of any wood product depends heavily on moisture intrusion.
PANELS YEARS
Flooring Underlayment25
Hardboard40
Particleboard60
Plywood100
Softwood30
Oriented Strand Board (OSB)60
Wall Panels100+

The quality of plumbing fixtures varies dramatically. The mineral content of water can shorten the life expectancy of water heaters and clog showerheads. Also, some finishes may require special maintenance with approved cleaning agents per the manufacturers in order to last their expected service lives.
PLUMBING, FIXTURES & FAUCETS YEARS
ABS and PVC Waste Pipe50 to 80
Accessible/ADA Handles100+
Acrylic Kitchen Sink50
Cast-Iron Bathtub100
Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (above ground)60
Cast-Iron Waste Pipe (below ground)50 to 60
Concrete Waste Pipe100+
Copper Water Lines70
Enameled Steel Kitchen Sink5 to 10+
Faucets and Spray Hose15 to 20
Fiberglass Bathtub and Shower20
Gas Lines (black steel)75
Gas Lines (flex)30
Hose Bibs20 to 30
Instant (on-demand) Water Heater10
PEX40
Plastic Water Lines75
Saunas/Steam Room15 to 20
Sewer Grinder Pump10
Shower Enclosure/Module50
Shower Doors20
Showerheads100+ (if not clogged by mineral/other deposits)
Soapstone Kitchen Sink100+
Sump Pump7
Toilet Tank Components5
Toilets, Bidets and Urinals100+
Vent Fan (ceiling)5 to 10
Vessel Sink (stone, glass, porcelain, copper)5 to 20+
Water Heater (conventional)6 to 12
Water Line (copper)50
Water Line (plastic)50
Well Pump15
Water Softener20
Whirlpool Tub20 to 50
Radon systems have but one moving part: the radon fan.
RADON SYSTEMSYEARS
Air Exchanger15
Barometric Backdraft Damper/Fresh-Air Intake20
Caulking5 to 10
Labeling25
Manometer15
Piping50+
Radon Fan5 to 8

The life of a roof depends on local weather conditions, building and design, material quality, and adequate maintenance. Hot climates drastically reduce asphalt shingle life. Roofs in areas that experience severe weather, such as hail, tornadoes and/or hurricanes may also experience a shorter-than-normal lifespan overall or may incur isolated damage that requires repair in order to ensure the service life of the surrounding roofing materials.
ROOFING YEARS
Aluminum Coating3 to 7
Asphalt Shingles (3-tab)20
Asphalt (architectural)30
BUR (built-up roofing)30
Cellulose Fiber20
Clay/Concrete100+
Coal and Tar30
Copper70+
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) Rubber15 to 25
Fiber Cement25
Green (vegetation-covered)5 to 40
Metal40 to 80
Modified Bitumen20
Simulated Slate10 to 35
Slate60 to 150
TPO7 to 20
Wood30

Outside siding materials typically last a lifetime. Some exterior components may require protection through appropriate paints or sealants, as well as regular maintenance. Also, while well-maintained and undamaged flashing can last a long time, it is their connections that tend to fail, so seasonal inspection and maintenance are strongly recommended.
SIDINGS, FLASHING & ACCESSORIES YEARS
Aluminum Siding25 to 40+
Aluminum Gutters, Downspouts, Soffit and Fascia20 to 40+
Asbestos Shingle100
Brick100+
Cementitious100+
Copper Downspouts100
Copper Gutters50+
Engineered Wood100+
Fiber Cement100+
Galvanized Steel Gutters/Downspouts20
Manufactured Stone100+
Stone100+
Stucco/EIFS50+
Trim25
Vinyl Siding60
Vinyl Gutters and Downspouts25+
Wood/Exterior Shutters20
Site and landscaping elements have life expectancies that vary dramatically.
SITE & LANDSCAPINGYEARS
American Red Clay100+
Asphalt Driveway15 to 20
Brick and Concrete Patio15 to 25
Clay Paving100+
Concrete Walks40 to 50
Controllers15
Gravel Walks4 to 6
Mulch1 to 2
Polyvinyl Fencing100+
Sprinkler Heads10 to 14
Underground PVC Piping60+
Valves20
Wood Chips1 to 5
Wood Fencing20

Swimming pools are comprised of many systems and components, all with varying life expectancies.
SWIMMING POOLS YEARS
Concrete Shell25+
Cover7
Diving Board10
Filter and Pump10
Interior Finish10 to 35
Vinyl Liner10
Pool Water Heater8
Waterline Tile15+

Aluminum windows are expected to last between 15 and 20 years, while wooden windows should last nearly 30 years.
WINDOWS YEARS
Aluminum/Aluminum-Clad15 to 20
Double-Pane8 to 20
Skylights10 to 20
Window Glazing10+
Vinyl Windows20 to 40
Wood30+

Note: Life expectancy varies with usage, weather, installation, maintenance and quality of materials. This list should be used only as a general guideline and not as a guarantee or warranty regarding the performance or life expectancy of any appliance, product, system or component.

Thursday, July 9, 2015

今天群里的讨论

群里的一小伙上月刚买了房子,一个人住,一个月水费两百多,觉得蹊跷,于是他把水源都关了,发现水表还是走。把总闸关了后,水表才停。于是他在群里征求大家意见,看看可能会是什么问题。他说他有Home Warranty. 但Home Warranty是要自己找到漏水点了后才会派plumber来修。我叫他找City Water的Survey Department(参考我的博客http://jenniferzhengrealty.blogspot.com/2015/04/city-water-department.html)。 有个群友说有可能是从路边到房子之间的主水管出问题了,他家就是这个问题,花了他两千多。也有人建议问题可能出在sprinkler上,如果是sprinkler的管道老了,可以让园林工人检查,重新做。可以关上sprinkler的总闸试试,若不行,再看看闸与总闸之间的接管。实在以上都不行,就只能找leak detection的专业人员了。

从买房的角度讲,我通常会帮客户向卖家了解他们目前一个月的平均水、电、气费,如果有异常,可以在inspection contingency期间做一些investigation.


关于白蚁

那还是两年多前了,有个中国人从朋友那里得到我的联系电话,说要换agent, 要到我这里来。我好奇,问为什么。告知他们在Carmel Valley下了个offer, 房子九十年代的, 查出来有白蚁,他们问自己的经纪,经纪说,"卖家负责tenting, 没问题的。” 他们认为有白蚁是个很严重的事情,agent这样回答太过轻描淡写了,觉得agent不负责任。他们的agent我熟,当然不会take 他们,于是跟他们解释了一番关于termite的东西。

加州多地震,The vast majority of homes and apartments are wood framed. Wood is actually a very good material for surviving earthquakes due to its flexible. 而白蚁又是喜木头和喜潮湿的 insects. 八、九十年代在Carmel Valley和PQ以及RB的房子查出来有白蚁infestation,特别是drywood termites, 特别是Deck/Patio/Wooden fence/Roof eaves的drywood termite是常有的事。Besides美国的东南部州,加州应该是拥有全美最多白蚁公司之一的州。每一次帮客户买房, 做termite inspection的都是不同家的公司!

Termites swarm twice a year so there are two opportunities every year for them to set up shop in your house. Avoiding a house because it has termites is like avoiding a used car because of its dusty. 也是客户的个性有所不同,有些觉得treat了就无所谓, 有些是看情况,但也有个别客户会overreact with fear. 总体上是第一次买房的客户比较看得serious, 已经有过买和卖经历的就好很多。I have a friend, she obsesses about things she can't see...Will there be termites in the walls? What did the carpet cover up? What did the paint cover up? What if there is mold behind the new tile in that house? I told her to keep renting so she could sleep at night....haha

也有客户问我,房子会不会整个被白蚁蛀掉啊?坦白说,我还没有听说过houses actually falling down due to termites. They can do a lot of damage, but wood can take a lot of damage before it fails.  如果发现白蚁,tenting是最好的办法。tenting以后的warranty通常是三年, 并且warranty是transfer到新owner的。但是任何treatment都不是一劳永逸的,而且tenting两、三千起价是必须的,he best you can do after you own a home is to treat your house regularly to keep termites from doing serious damage.


以下是网上的source on termite prevention -

Eliminate Moisture Problems

  • Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and A/C units
  • Divert water from foundation
  • Keep gutters and downspouts clean
  • Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch
  • Get rid of standing water on roof
  • Keep all vents clear and open
  • Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes

Remove Termite Food Sources


  • Keep firewood, lumber or paper away from foundation or crawl space
  • Get rid of stumps and debris near house
  • Place screens on outside vents
  • Check decks and wooden fences for damage
  • Wood on your home shouldn’t contact the soil





Saturday, July 4, 2015

买卖房三大注意

跟无数买家卖家打交道后总结出来的买卖房三大注意点。

卖房:
1。人对自己的房子都是有感情的,都有敝帚自珍的倾向,因此有卖家坚持自己的要价,你会发现,大多数sell by owner (卖家自己卖,不通过经纪人)的房子标价高于市价,就是这个道理。谨记, 不要一厢情愿,价格是市场定的,不要挑战买房者的智商,市场标价低了有人抢,最后高于标价卖掉,标价高了少人看,一两个月还卖不出去大有人在。(过高估计自己的才智和相貌,一不小心成了剩男剩女)

2。杀经纪人的佣金,特别是买方经纪人的佣金。没有比这个更不明智的了。现在的市场标准佣金是2.5%,  有个别卖家付2.25甚至2%, 那样的房子除非价格和状况特别好,否则就要多挂很久,真是得不偿失。(出手不够大方,遭人嫌)

3。对刚进来的买房意向offer不珍惜。房子刚上市就有offer, 卖家要再等等,也不回复之前的offer. 等到后来没有更好的,急了,人家已经不在了。其实,买家的报价和心理买价都是有些弹性的,如果最初议价,既为以后可能的多向议价赢得了时间, 也至少抓住了之前还不错的offer. (有人追时摆谱,没想到美好的爱情不去不回头)


买房:
1。刚开始看房,就看到比较喜欢的,心想,再等等吧,以后也许有更好的。你猜怎么着, 又看了很多,也没碰到像之前那样喜欢的了,或者有,但变了价格。(好了还想更好的,女人易犯的毛病。 是人都那样,看了再多喜欢的概率不变

2。分析这个,分析那个, 最后一无所获或一急,豁出去了买的房子令人大掉眼镜。其实我在帮助客户买房的时候对价格和房子的挑剔已近苛刻,但偶尔还会有更挑剔的客户。我乐了,调侃ta当初是怎样找到配偶的。其实房子如人,没有完美的,只要没有硬伤,住了后都喜欢的很。(剩男剩女和不幸婚姻的来源)

3。看房不够focused,区域和价格弹性太大很难掌握。如果是自住房,建议不超过两个邮编号。(全面撒网,重点选择吗?)

仔细想想,买房卖房和恋爱的道理是如此的接近。