Even though using secondhand or used materials, building supplies or building products (such as aged roof shingles and bricks or recycled timber) can give your home or building added character and value, using faulty or damaged secondhand materials can lead to huge problems, especially when it comes to insurance claims.

What can be wrong?

Just like new materials, secondhand materials can have faults. If a material is fairly new and you find it in a secondhand building material store, stop and think about how it came to be secondhand at such a young age. Sometimes people will simply change their minds, but sometimes it can be a warning card to a bigger problem. Wooden products can be infected by rot or infestation while metal products may fall victim to rust or corrosion. Roofing products need to be cut and laid in a certain way so make sure the cuts are correct.

Insurance

If you are building or renovating a home you need to make sure that whatever you do meets the building codes and any other regulations. If you use materials that aren’t up to scratch or were worn or with defect, then your insurance company may not cover damages that relate to that item. For example, if you use secondhand roofing tiles that are faulty, your insurance company many not cover the flood damage caused by them leaking. Check your insurance policy closely as well as closely checking the materials you use.

What items may be available as secondhand materials?

• Windows – from old church windows to windows to suit the age and style of your home, these are regularly salvaged from old houses and resold.
• Doors – an original old door can create an entry that is unforgettable. Doors are a common material found in secondhand centres.
• Light fittings – from the ceiling roses that they fit into to the actual fittings themselves, you will be able to find a large variety of light fittings around.
• Skirting boards and picture rails – you can get the new variety but you can also look around for the old ones that have been salvaged and cleaned up.
• Benches – there’s nothing like a nice old wooden bench top. Before the days of laminex most bench tops were wooden. A good polish and it will breathe new life.
• Bathroom fittings – from an old bathtub to a pedestal basin you will be able to find it all.
• Timber beams – if you have exposed beams in your home, image having a big old beam with a big old story behind it.
• Posts – from fence to verandah, many posts are recycled and can be reused.
• Trims and awnings – from iron lace trims to wooden window awnings, many have been salvaged and are well and truly reusable.
• Fireplaces – from the surrounds to the mantle, there is nothing more beautiful, and interesting, as a fully restored fireplace.

What to look for

• Obvious wear on the materials that may affect its structural safety
• Cracks and holes in glass, wood or stone
• Warped or wavy bits of wood or metal
• Insect infestation, particularly in wood products
• Gaps between windows and their frames
• Rust or corrosion in metal posts, gates or frames

The degree of safety in using secondhand building materials will come down to common sense and good checking. There are additional risks in using secondhand materials so find a supplier that is reputable and reliable. Get to know a little about the products and what their uses are, this will help you when inspecting each product.