Separate fixed requirements from preferences
Write a short specification for the part of the project you are buying for. Record dimensions, quantity, intended use and the latest delivery date. Then distinguish what must be exact from what can vary: colour, patina, profile or the position of an old fixing may be flexible, while an opening dimension might not be.
Discuss important technical requirements with your builder, designer or other relevant professional before shopping. A reclaimed component can be visually appealing without being suitable for the intended application. A seller’s description of an item as architectural or structural does not settle the requirements of your particular project.
Buy a usable quantity, not an attractive sample
For a batch purchase, ask how the quantity is measured and what proportion is suitable for the planned use. Discuss an allowance for selection and cutting with the person installing it rather than applying an arbitrary percentage. If matching matters, inspect the proposed batch rather than assuming the display sample represents every piece.
Ask whether the supplier can provide more from the same batch later, but do not build the project around that possibility unless it is confirmed. Reclaimed stock may be difficult to match after the first lot has sold. Keep measurements, photographs and the supplier’s stock reference together.
Confirm stock before making the trip
Send the supplier a clear enquiry with your specification and ask for current photographs or a stock reference. Vinsan Salvage specifically cautions that one-off items pictured online may already have sold. Use a website to find a promising yard, then establish what is actually available before organising transport or a long visit.
Ask whether items can be held for inspection, how long a hold lasts and whether a deposit changes the cancellation terms. Confirm opening hours and any appointment requirements. Do not treat a message asking about an item as a reservation unless the supplier confirms it.
Allow for condition checks and delivery
Ask what is known about the material’s origin, preparation and previous use. Budget for any professional assessment needed before installation. For suspected asbestos, Asbestos NSW explains that appearance alone cannot identify it and directs people to a licensed assessor; do not treat an informal visual inspection as clearance.
Compare the complete purchase: material, agreed preparation, transport, installation implications and any stated return restrictions. Record the condition and included components on the quote. A useful salvage purchase fits the project’s technical needs and timetable as well as its visual character.
Sources & further reading
Prepared 5 November 2026. General planning guidance, not a substitute for provider instructions or professional advice.