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How you can make money from your renovation or demolition

Salvaged building materials are big business. - by Laura Barry
  • 28 Feb 2019
How you can make money from your renovation or demolition

If you’re planning a major renovation or rebuild of a home, then it’s likely that there’s going to be a whole lot of materials, such as timber, steel, doors and windows, that are going to be pulled out and sent to landfill. But did you know that taking the time to salvage some of the materials you don’t want or need could actually make you money?

Selling salvaged goods is big business, particularly if you’re the proud owner of federation-style windows and doors, original leadlights, ornate fire surrounds, vintage bricks, floorboards and rusted roof sheeting.

In fact, Cameron Little of Home Demolitions told Domain that he has seen popular demand grow for rusted or damaged roof sheeting and weathered timbers as they’re being used to create rustic looks in interiors and businesses.

restoring a salvaged door

Old windows, doors and timber features can be sold online or to salvagers.

Getty

“The cost per metre of rusted roof sheeting with holes and damage is three times what it costs brand new,” Cameron told Domain. “This trend is convenient because metal recyclers are governed by a lot of levies and, given the sheer volume of roof sheeting, they won’t accept [the sheeting] because it costs them money to recycle.”

Cameron told the real estate company that vintage or unique features in homes that are no longer in production (such as windows, doors, and other decorative features) can be worth a pretty penny to the right buyers. Other valuable materials worth salvaging include modern fixtures and fittings, aluminium windows, kitchens and the associated appliances, bathroom fixtures, split-system air conditioners, hot-water units, pool fencing, ceiling fans and light fittings.

empty room with timber pallets

Even old bricks and timber pallets can be sold.

Getty

How to sell salvaged goods

Feel free to advertise your items on Gumtree, eBay and Facebook groups to make extra money from your salvaged goods. However, for more niche products, it’s worthwhile calling in a local salvage operator so they can evaluate what you have.

How much money can you make?

If you’re doing a serious renovation or demolition, you could make anywhere from $1000 to $10,000 in profits, depending on the property and what other items you may have.

You might also like:

The pros and cons of building a new home 

Top 5 tips for renovating for profit 

5 things you need to know before hiring a tradie 

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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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