Building Scraps Can Fetch Thousands as Material Costs Soar

Homeowners undertaking renovation or demolition projects may be discarding valuable materials that could be sold for significant sums, as the cost of new building supplies continues to rise. Bricks, copper piping, boilers, and even roof tiles can fetch hundreds or thousands of pounds on the reclamation market.

The increasing cost of raw building materials, which has seen a 40 percent increase in six years, has driven up demand for salvaged items. Experts advise homeowners to consider selling old building components rather than disposing of them.

Valuable Bricks

Older bricks, particularly sought-after types like Red Imperials and London Yellows, have doubled in value over the past six years. These bricks are in high demand for renovations of period properties where matching existing materials is crucial. Handmade Victorian and Edwardian London Yellows can sell for approximately £700 per pallet of 250 bricks, or £2.80 each, to traders. While private sellers may receive up to £2 per brick, this still represents a substantial sum.

Accrington and Red Imperials are also popular and can cost around £2 each. Older, slimmer bricks from the Tudor or Georgian eras are particularly valuable for feature walls, selling for between £1.50 and £2 each. Experts note that pre-World War II bricks are often stronger and more aesthetically appealing than modern alternatives, making them desirable for long-term property investments.

Copper, Brass, and Lead

The price of copper has risen by nearly 40 percent in the last year. Old boilers can contain valuable copper piping and brass valves, potentially worth up to £50. A typical home might have as much as 300 feet of copper piping, weighing around 70kg, which could be worth at least £470. Traditional copper water tanks can weigh 20kg and be worth about £135, while copper heating cylinders might fetch £100.

Scrap metal dealers pay market rates for these materials, with copper valued at £6,750 per tonne, brass at £3,900 per tonne, and lead at £1,000 per tonne. Rewiring a property can yield up to 30kg of copper, worth approximately £135. Even small amounts of brass, such as taps, can add up, and 100kg of lead flashing could be worth £100.

Reclaimed Floorboards

Victorian and Edwardian pine floorboards, even if showing signs of age, can sell for between £50 and £150 per square metre. Wider planks, between seven and nine inches, are rarer and command a higher price. Hardwood floorboards, such as oak, can be worth £100 to £250 per square metre.

Reclamation yards are the recommended points of sale for old floorboards. The value depends on the quality, finish, and the presence of original character marks. Professional sanding and oiling can enhance their appeal, though this may reduce the seller's profit margin if not done by the homeowner.

Roof Tiles and Stone Slabs

Old roof tiles and stone slabs are also in demand. Curved clay tiles, often referred to as French tiles, can sell for up to £5 each. A house with 4,000 roof tiles could potentially have tiles worth up to £20,000 on its roof. Reclaimed Welsh slate is also highly sought after, with large slate tiles fetching around £6 each.

Even concrete tiles are increasing in value, potentially selling for up to £5 each. Stone lintels and Yorkshire stone slabs are also valuable, with lintels costing over £200 and slabs ranging from £100 to £200 per square metre. Unusually large, undamaged stone slabs can command prices up to £350.

Homeowners interested in selling these materials are advised to contact reclamation yards. Providing clear photographs and honest descriptions of the condition and any imperfections can facilitate the selling process. Resources like thereclaimedcompany.com/reclamation-yards and salvoweb.com can help locate reclamation yards and potential buyers.