CHAPTER 4 • )·( 
LIFE-CYCLE 
COST 
THINKING 
Think beyond today. 
Plan for the long run. 
Life-cycle cost considers the total expense of owning, 
operating, maintaining, and eventually replacing 
building components over their entire useful life. 
It is a more complete and meaningful way to evaluate 
decisions that affect your property. 
A lower cost today can lead to higher costs tomorrow. 
Life-cycle cost thinking helps you make smarter 
choices that protect your investment for decades. 
EXAMPLE: ROOF MAINTENANCE VS. ROOF REPLACEMENT ---
ROUTINE MAINTENANCE APPROACH 
0 
Soft washing every 6-12 months 
0 
Gutter cleaning and drainage maintenance 
0 
Minor repairs completed early 
0 
Roof life extended to 25+ years 
0 
Lower risk of leaks and interior damage 
0 
More predictable annual budgeting 
Estimated Total Cost Over 25 Years: 
SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER 
I e 
DEFERRED MAINTENANCE APPROACH 
0 
No routine cleaning or inspections 
0 
Minor issues ignored 
0 
Leaks develop, causing interior damage 
0 
Roof life reduced to 15-18 years 
0 
Emergency repairs become necessary 
0 
Higher replacement costs sooner 
Estimated Total Cost Over 25 Years: 
SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER 
THE BENEFITS OF LIFE-CYCLE COST THINKING -------
I) 
@ 
t) 
-
-
e 
EXTENDS ASSET LIFE 
REDUCES TOTAL COST 
REDUCES RISK 
IMPROVES BUDGET 
SUPPORTS VALUE 
BUILDS CONFIDENCE 
Systems that aro 
Preventive care lowers 
Fewor surprises, 
PREDICTABILITY 
Woll-maintained 
Ownors, tonants, 
maintained last longer 
repair frequency and 
lower emergencies, 
Planned maintenance 
properties hold value 
and stakehold8fS gain 
and perf0


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