Buzz
Home renovations and remodels can be expensive—the typical renovation can run around $22,000, while gutting and completely redoing a house might cost up to $200,000. However, the biggest challenge of renovating isn’t the price tag—it’s the unpredictability. Even with a carefully planned budget, nearly every renovation project tends to go over budget. It's wise to set aside an extra 10-20% of the initial budget to account for surprises. A hidden way to reduce these costs is by selling scrap metal.
When you're tearing down parts of your house, especially during a gut renovation, you're bound to find valuable materials hidden within the walls, floors, and ceilings. If you simply throw everything away by filling up a dumpster, you're losing out on potential profits—sometimes a substantial amount. Here's what to watch for when you're removing materials during your renovation.
Electrical wiring and plumbing systems
Copper may not be as valuable as gold or silver, but its role as a construction material and its recyclability make it worth saving (and unfortunately, also worth stealing). If you're upgrading your house's wiring or replacing old copper plumbing, it's a good idea to check the current scrap prices in your area. Copper usually commands the highest price in the scrap metal market.
The condition of the copper doesn't matter either. Even worn-out, damaged copper is just as valuable to scrap dealers as any other. Be aware that your copper may be mixed with other metals, so you might get an unexpected offer when the dealer inspects it, but if it's pure copper, you're likely to make a good profit.
For those renovating older homes, lead pipes can also be worth something. While lead pipes pose risks to residents, the lead itself holds value. Not all scrap dealers will accept lead due to its toxicity, so it's wise to check with a few dealers before you haul it away.
Gutters and Roofing Materials
If you're replacing an old metal roof, the panels could still hold value, even if they're showing signs of wear and tear. Common metal roofing materials such as copper, aluminum, steel, and tin are all valuable when sold as scrap.
If your old gutters are made of aluminum and need replacing due to rust and dents, it’s worth checking how much you can get for them from a scrap dealer.
Hardware and Fixtures
Fixtures and hardware in your home—such as faucets, doorknobs, drawer pulls, and light fixtures—can also be a valuable source of scrap. These items are often made of brass or other metals with scrap value. If you're remodeling a larger home, you could end up with a significant quantity of them.
Steel, including stainless steel, is another potential scrap metal. While steel is lower in value compared to other metals, typically priced by the ton instead of the pound like copper, it can still be worth scrapping. If you're already scrapping other materials, it's worth considering including steel panels from your kitchen appliances, though it’s probably not worth gathering small amounts on their own.
How to Scrap Metal
If you're planning a home renovation and want to profit from scrap metal, the process is fairly simple: Sort your scrap by metal type, reach out to a local scrap dealer, and transport your metal to them. Keep in mind that not all scrap dealers are interested in all types of materials, so you may need to contact several if you have different metals to sell. It’s also a good idea to compare prices from multiple dealers to ensure you're getting the best deal for your scrap.
The iScrap app is a helpful resource. It allows you to find local scrap dealers and provides current national prices for various materials (as of now, the national average for copper is $3.15 per pound), helping you determine if you're getting a fair offer for your scrap.
