Wear and Tear: Average Life Expectancy of Your Rental Home's Contents and Structure

As a proud owner of a rental home, maintaining the quality and longevity of your property is essential. Understanding the average lifespan of key items in your home can help you plan for necessary repairs and replacements. By being proactive, you can ensure your home remains inviting and comfortable for your guests while managing your expenses effectively. The estimates below will guide you on when to expect and prepare for these updates.

Flooring

One of the most heavily used areas in any rental home is the flooring. Carpets typically last around 5-6 years, depending on the type and amount of traffic they endure. Regular professional cleaning, at least twice a year, can significantly extend their lifespan. When it's time to replace your carpet, opt for a minimum of 6-pound density padding for better durability.

Vinyl flooring is another popular choice for rental properties due to its cost-effectiveness and durability. Its average lifespan is about 7 years, so choose the thickest available option to maximize its longevity. Plus, vinyl is waterproof, making it ideal for handling spills and pet accidents.

Bedding, Sofas, Upholstered Furnishings

Creating a comfortable and welcoming environment for your guests is a top priority. Upholstered furnishings, including sofas and mattresses, generally last 3-6 years. Regular Scotchgard treatments can help protect these items from stains and extend their life. Bedding, including bedspreads, comforters, and pillows, should be replaced every 1 to 2 years to ensure guests enjoy a restful stay. Check the quality of mattresses and mattress pads at the end of each season to maintain a luxurious feel. Remember, our guests are looking for a bit of luxury when vacationing, so any amenity that revolves around comfort should be a priority. 

Recommendation:  The Zinus Spa Sensations Serenity Foam Mattress is an affordable and comfortable solution. Expect guests to rave about the cozy beds in their reviews and to book your home again for future stays.

Kitchen Appliances and Equipment

Let’s move to the kitchen, which is probably one of the most utilized rooms in any home, right? You would be surprised how many guests call and inquire about what is provided and what they need to bring.  While we do communicate to our guests in prior-to-arrival emails what to bring, this information is based on what we require our homeowners to stock in their rental homes.  Providing a well-equipped kitchen is certainly a must, and the quality is probably one of the most reviewed amenities. We all know how the dish ran away with the spoon; it is not out of the ordinary for small items to go missing.  Make sure there are adequate amounts of flatware, glassware, and dishes for each guest in the home.  Cookware should last, with moderate use, about 3 years.  We all know that rental homes take a bit more than moderate abuse or "use" rather, so again, this is an amenity that should be checked at the end of every season.  Your large appliances, dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer, etc., should last between 6 and 8 years with yearly maintenance.  With that being said, we’ve all had that one appliance that refuses to go and hangs on year after year.  These life expectancies are an average based on quality and daily use and will certainly vary.   

Moving outside!  

Mother nature can be a harsh mistress to the exterior of your home.  Living on an island and enjoying that salty sea air is a blessing but also a curse at times.  Exterior paint lasts about 5 to 7 years, depending on the quality and location of the property in proximity to the salty spray of the sea (keeping in mind the widest stretch of land between the ocean and sound in our stretch of the Outer Banks is roughly two miles). 

Our knowledgeable Beach Realty Construction team, with decades of experience, specializes in building homes using materials that can withstand the test of time in our coastal environment. We recommend selecting mildew-resistant coatings and paints with lifetime limited warranties, as they can save you money in the long run.

Pool or Deck Furniture

Outdoor furniture must withstand both use and the elements. While plastic chairs may not last through the season, and metal rusts rather quickly in the salty air, we suggest either wood or polywood.  Polywood is a better investment, as well as being heavier and able to withstand strong winds, a frequent occurrence on the Outer Banks. Polywood furniture, lasting up to 10 years, is becoming a popular choice for its durability and ease of maintenance. Wood furniture, though slightly less durable, can still provide up to 6 years of service if stained to protect from moisture, UV exposure, and splintering.