Lake Properties Lake Properties
Let’s go deeper and unpack this properly. Building a new house is usually your biggest lifetime investment, so the choice between second-hand vs. new materials needs careful thought.
πΉ 1. Where Second-Hand Materials Can Work Well
Certain parts of a house are low-risk if you use reclaimed items, as long as they’re in good condition. These can help you save money without compromising safety:
- Face Bricks or Paving: Second-hand clay bricks or paving blocks are durable and often weathered beautifully. Great for feature walls, garden paths, or driveways.
- Solid Wood Doors: Old hardwood doors are often better quality than new pine ones. With sanding and varnishing, they look premium.
- Windows & Frames: Aluminium windows can be reused if the glass and seals are intact, though fitting them may cost extra.
- Tiles (Floor or Roof): If intact, roof tiles and ceramic floor tiles can be reused. However, they need careful inspection to avoid cracks or leaks.
- Fixtures & Fittings: Bathtubs, sinks, taps, light fittings, and cabinets can often be salvaged, especially vintage ones.
- Timber (Non-structural): Reclaimed wood works beautifully for built-in furniture, cladding, ceilings, or shelving — but not for structural beams unless certified.
π‘ Tip: Always check for cracks, water damage, rot, or rust before reusing. Labour costs may increase because old materials take more time to fit properly.
πΉ 2. Where You Should Always Use New Materials
Some components are too critical for safety, compliance, and durability — they must be new, SABS-approved, and under warranty:
- Foundations & Concrete Work: Must meet engineering specs; using weak second-hand material risks collapse.
- Roof Trusses & Structural Timber: Needs certification (SABS-approved); old wood can weaken and fail.
- Electrical Wiring: Second-hand wiring is dangerous (fire risk). Always buy new, compliant with electrical codes.
- Plumbing Pipes & Fittings: Old pipes can leak, rust, or contaminate water. Always install new.
- Windows & Doors in External Walls: For security and insulation, better to buy new, sealed units.
- Geysers & Appliances: Must be new for insurance and warranty coverage.
- Waterproofing Materials: Roof sheeting, damp-proofing, flashing — reusing these almost always leads to leaks.
π‘ Tip: Even if you save on these items upfront, the repair costs later (like water damage, rewiring, roof collapse) can be 5–10x higher than buying new.
πΉ 3. Cost Comparison (Typical Example in SA)
Let’s say you’re building a 100 m² 3-bedroom home. Here’s what you might save:
| Item | New Material Cost | Second-Hand Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face Bricks (10,000) | R14,000 | R7,000 | Half-price, if cleaned & sorted |
| Wooden Doors (6) | R9,000 | R3,000 | Salvaged hardwood, better than new pine |
| Aluminium Windows (8) | R40,000 | R18,000 | May require custom fitting |
| Roof Tiles (4,000) | R36,000 | R15,000 | Only if not cracked |
| Kitchen Sink & Fittings | R6,000 | R2,500 | Vintage/second-hand stores |
| Electrical Wiring | R15,000 | ❌ Not safe | Must be new |
| Plumbing Pipes | R20,000 | ❌ Not safe | Must be new |
| Geyser | R10,000 | ❌ Not safe | Must be new & insured |
π Estimated Savings: About R50,000 – R70,000 on non-structural finishes.
π Risk: If you tried to reuse plumbing, wiring, or roofing structure, you could lose that savings — and more — in future repairs.
πΉ 4. Resale Value Considerations
- A home built with new materials is easier to resell — buyers and banks feel safer.
- Too many visible second-hand finishes may make the house look “cheap” or unfinished unless done tastefully (e.g., reclaimed wood features, vintage doors).
- If you’re building to flip or resell, stick mostly to new materials. If it’s your forever home, you can take more creative risks.
✅ Bottom Line:
- Use new materials for all structural, electrical, plumbing, and waterproofing.
- Use second-hand for aesthetic finishes, decorative elements, and non-critical features.
- The “hybrid” approach saves money and keeps your house safe, compliant, and valuable.
