Is your home in need of an upgrade but your budget’s looking slim? Find out how you can save cash by using second-hand materials.

Before you start giving the credit card a workout when renovating, it’s worth doing a bit of digging around to see if you can use any second-hand materials. It’ll not only bring down the overall cost of your reno, but it’ll also help reduce wastage by breathing new life into used products.

Shave a sizeable chunk off your renovation budget using the tips below.

Building materials

Solid building materials are the basis of any successful renovation, but buying second-hand doesn’t mean having to skimp on quality. Using recycled bricks or sandstone blocks can cut down costs considerably on any structural changes made during your renovation, and they’re perfect for using as decorative architectural elements. Keep your eye on local salvage yards and specialist used brick businesses to see what’s available.

Floorboards

Installing wooden floorboards can be an expensive addition to a renovation, but you can trim off a significant percentage of the cost by buying them used. Have a browse around recycled timber yards or even demolition companies that sell salvaged material. While you may not find a flawless set of floorboards, with a little TLC you can have a unique feature in your home with character and history.

Kitchens

Renovating a kitchen can quickly become a pricey venture, especially when it involves custom joinery. You can save money by buying cabinetry and bench tops second-hand, or even install an entire used kitchen. A new kitchen will set you back around $15,000, while buying second-hand comes with a price tag of about $5000. So it’s worth doing a bit of research to see if your dream kitchen already exists.

Fixtures & fittings

The devil is in the detail, as they say, and it’s often the small features like taps, door handles or light fittings that can tip a budget over the edge. Consider buying fixtures and fittings like these from a second-hand supplier – you’ll not only cut down on costs but also add one-of-a-kind flourishes to your home.

Upcycled furniture

You’d be surprised how many people throw out that antique wooden dresser or set of chairs as soon as they start to show signs of wear and tear. Have a look around junkyards and antique shops to see if you can nab a bargain. Often, all a piece will need is a fresh coat of lacquer or paint and it’ll look good as new (or even better).

Roof tiles

Although used roof tiles are in high demand, they tend to be cheaper than new tiles because they usually come from demolition yards that are eager to offload their waste materials. It’s unlikely that you’ll find enough used tiles to cover an entire roof, but if your reno involves repairing an old roof, a used roofing supplier could be just the ticket.

Windows

Installing new windows can be an expensive venture, especially if you have a particularly ornate style in mind. Consider shopping around for reclaimed stained glass or standard windows to save on your glazing budget. Just be sure to take detailed measurements before buying to avoid any sizing issues when it comes to installation.

Are you renovation-ready? Talk to a local renovation expert to get started.