VHA PROGRAM GUIDE PG-18-3
April 2001
TOPIC 13. SERVICE LIFE AND REPLACEMENT CYCLES
1. GENERAL: Design VA facilities in a cost-effective manner while providing an environment that
promotes quality health care, which:
a. Allows staff to maximize patient care and provide efficient medical services.
b. Is user friendly to patients and staff.
c. Offers best value for construction dollars.
d. Meets industry standards for maintainability.
e. Remains attractive and provides a visual statement of quality health care.
2. SERVICE LIFE: Design the structure and exterior skin, respectively, to support specific loads
and to provide a weather tight enclosure so that the critical building systems inside the building have a
finite service life. Recommended service life of the building's critical individual components are identified
below, assuring appropriate maintenance:
CRITICAL BUILDING
SERVICE LIFE
PERCENTAGE OF COST OF
Structural (foundation, sub-structure,
Indefinite
20%
& superstructure)
Exterior Skin
Indefinite
12%
Roofs
20 Years
2.5%
Interior Construction/Equipment
10 Years
24%
Mechanical Systems
25 Years
25%
Electrical Systems
20 Years
12%
Automatic Transport
25 Years
4.5%
3. DEFINITIONS
a. Service Life. The average time during which a particular system or component remains in it
original service application and when it should be replaced. Replacement may occur for any reason,
including, but not limited to failure, general obsolescence, reduced reliability, excessive maintenance
cost, and changed system requirements due to such influences as changed functional programs or energy
prices.
b. Critical Component. Major system without which the facility could not provide it's primary
function
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