How depreciation is figured here
The tool uses straight-line depreciation, age divided by expected life, up to the cap you choose. If you select a labor share, that part of each line isn’t depreciated, which is how some estimates treat labor. Real estimates may use different life spans, condition adjustments or items that aren’t depreciated at all, such as permits.
Common life spans in estimates
| Item | Common range |
|---|---|
| Architectural shingles | 25–30 years |
| Slate roofing | 60–100+ years |
| Plaster walls | 50+ years |
| Hardwood flooring | 50+ years (refinish cycles) |
| Interior paint | 8–12 years |
| Vinyl siding | 30–40 years |
Getting the holdback released
Many policies require you to repair within a set time, or to notify the insurer that you intend to claim replacement cost, before depreciation is paid. The claim calendar builder can remind you before that window closes.
Questions about this tool
Should labor be depreciated in New Jersey?
Practice varies by policy and carrier. Ask the insurer to explain in writing whether labor was depreciated, and check the estimate line by line.
What if I don’t repair?
Under most replacement cost policies you keep the ACV payment but may not recover the held-back depreciation.