When you’re planning a project and considering used bricks, it’s pretty obvious to get attracted by the visible savings and eco-friendliness. But that’s, of course, not all! At Bricks Victoria, we really believe in talking openly about certain costs that do not stand out right away. These would likely come up when you buy used, recycled, or refurbished bricks in Melbourne. Understanding those hidden elements can help you decide things more wisely. It also lets you stick to your budget and avoid surprises down the line. Plus, looking into these costs early on means you pick the best supplier. That way, your building project stays right on time.
1. Cleaning And Sorting Costs
One major cost that doesn’t always show up in the quote is the effort to clean and sort the bricks. With refurbished bricks in Melbourne, many suppliers salvage bricks from old buildings or demolition sites. These bricks often have mortar, paint, chip damage or irregular sizing. At Bricks Victoria, each brick is cleaned and inspected to meet high standards.
In case the bricks you purchase are not completely cleaned or sorted, there is a high likelihood that you will spend your time and money cleaning and sorting them—labour, disposal of waste, and perhaps rejecting those bricks that do not meet the requirements. This is a concealed expense that has the potential to lower the cost of recycled bricks you anticipated as a benefit.
2. Delivering And Handling Logistics
Another cost to watch: delivery and logistics. For recycled bricks in Melbourne, it’s common to find pallet-based supply, bulk orders or special delivery terms. At Bricks Victoria, they note that delivery charges will vary and bulk orders may attract discounts.
If you’re working in a suburban location, or you need bricks delivered in small quantities, you may face higher transport fees, waiting times, or additional hire equipment (forklift, unloading, etc). Unless you factor this in early, the total cost of getting the bricks on site can erode your budget.
3. Matching, Colour Variation And Fit-off Costs
Used bricks carry history and charm, but they can vary in colour, size, texture, or shape. While Bricks Victoria’s old bricks are cleaned and ready for use, slight variations are inevitable.
Significant differences may mean ordering extra bricks, sorting batches, or paying for special cuts
and extra adhesive. This applies not just to wall bricks but also to used paving bricks in Victoria, where variations can affect the visual consistency of driveways, pathways, and patios.
4. Structural Suitability And Certifications
Another hidden cost is ensuring the second-hand bricks meet the structural or regulatory requirements of your build. For example, if you use recycled bricks in Melbourne for a load-bearing wall, retaining wall or external feature wall, you’ll want assurance they are strong, durable and compliant. Bricks Victoria lists such capabilities under their solid clay bricks and masonry bricks sections.
In case the bricks are not of the desired quality for the construction, the extra cost that may be incurred for strengthening or even new installation should be regarded as unexpected. You should always ensure that the supplier provides you with guarantees, categories, or validation information.
5. Hidden Waste And Breakage Allowance
Even when buying cleaned, inspected, recycled bricks in Melbourne, there is always some waste or breakage to factor in. When bricks are reclaimed, they may have micro-damage, chips, or weak corners. Bricks Victoria notes that they inspect bricks carefully to weed out those with “excessive wear and tear”.
If you don’t order enough extra allowance (often around 5-10 % extra), you may end up short once installation begins and need to reorder or compromise. That adds transport cost, labour disruptions and possibly a mismatch in colour or texture.
6. Variability In Price Vs Expectations
Many assume that recycled bricks are always far cheaper than new ones. That’s not always the case. At Bricks Victoria, they explain that recycled bricks can, in fact, cost more than new ones in certain cases because of the extra processing (cleaning, sorting, delivery).
If you pick bricks that are heritage grade or in limited supply, the price can climb. If you don’t factor in this variability, you may assume you’re getting a bargain and then be caught out when your quote comes in higher than expected.
7. Compatibility With Existing Building Materials
If you are matching bricks for heritage façades, existing stories or particular architectural details, the cost of sourcing the right reclaimed bricks increases. For example, Bricks Victoria offers cream bricks, clinker bricks, wire-cut and other speciality types.
If you require a specific type to match an existing façade or period home, you may incur additional sourcing costs, smaller batches, and longer lead times. That all adds cost.
8. Time Delays And Project Management
When using paving bricks in Melbourne, another cost comes in the form of time. Because these products often come from salvage, sorting and cleaning steps may take longer; delivery scheduling may be less flexible; and you may need to inspect batches before installation.
If your build timeline is tight and you face delays, then labour costs can rise, and other linked trades may be impacted. Bricks Victoria highlights that their bricks are “cleaned, inspected and ready for immediate use” to reduce this risk.
But in practice, it helps to build some buffer time into your schedule to allow for these factors; otherwise, your cost may rise.
9. Future Maintenance And Perception Costs
Although refurbished bricks often bring strong visual character and aesthetic value, you should also anticipate maintenance considerations. Older bricks may have less consistent performance than brand-new bricks—especially if originally used for decades. While Bricks Victoria says many of their second-hand bricks are still strong and weather-resistant.
When you factor in possible replacement, more obscure sourcing in the future, or issues of uneven wear, those maintenance and replacement costs should be part of your decision. Plus, if the wall or feature is highly visible, variations in brick condition may impact perception of the finish—for example, slight colour fading or surface irregularities may require extra finishing or cleaning work.
Trade-Offs Between Cost Savings And Quality
Finally, remember that while cost savings are a big motivator for choosing recycled bricks in Melbourne, the savings must be balanced against quality, suitability and unseen costs. Bricks Victoria emphasises they provide “100 % recycled” bricks and guarantee thorough cleaning, inspection and immediate use.
If you choose the cheaper reclaimed bricks from the less trustworthy sources, which do not supply these assurances, you may, at the end of the day, suffer higher long-term costs in installation, repair, or replacement. Stay on the safe side by verifying what you will get and demanding a guarantee or at least an inspection process.
Conclusion
When viewing used bricks, it is a very intelligent move to prepare for any unanticipated costs at the very start. The costs may include those of cleaning and sorting, getting the bricks delivered, differences in colour or size, structural checks, extra waste, and delays that cannot be avoided. If you consider all these factors, you will be able to manage your budget, steer clear of difficulties, and maintain the good flow of your project.
Bricks Victoria is there to take care of the cleaning, inspection, and supply of recycled bricks that are ready for use, thus helping you to sidestep most of these problems. Contact Bricks Victoria for a free quote and clear advice before you get started.
Get in touch with us at Bricks Victoria for high-quality used bricks. Call 1300 893 336 or email info@bricksvictoria.com.au to request a free quote today.