AZE.US
Demand for used construction materials is growing in Azerbaijan as sharp increases in the price of new products push more homeowners and builders toward cheaper alternatives.
A wide range of second-hand goods is now available on the market, including doors, plastic windows, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, radiators, roofing materials, metal structures and leftover tiles.
Most of these products come from demolition and renovation projects and can be reused if they remain in suitable condition. Prices vary depending on the item’s size, condition and place of sale.
Used interior doors are offered for 80 to 250 manats ($47 to $147), while wooden doors cost between 30 and 100 manats ($18 to $59).
Second-hand plastic windows sell for 50 to 200 manats ($29 to $118), while wooden windows are available for 20 to 70 manats ($12 to $41).
Cast-iron and panel radiators are priced between 25 and 120 manats ($15 to $71). Metal profiles and structures are offered for 1 to 3 manats ($0.59 to $1.76), depending on their specifications.
Used roofing sheets cost 5 to 10 manats ($3 to $6) each, while leftover ceramic and floor tiles are sold for 3 to 10 manats ($1.76 to $5.88) per square meter.
Sellers say the materials are most frequently purchased by people building private homes, carrying out repairs themselves or renovating properties in rural areas.
Because the products are considerably cheaper than new alternatives, buyers are increasingly turning to the second-hand market. Sellers say they try to select materials that remain functional and suitable for reuse.
However, construction expert Mukhtar Erturan warned that a lower price does not always mean a good deal.
He said buyers should carefully inspect the technical condition and remaining service life of any used construction material before purchasing it.
Materials that have reached the end of their usable life can create serious safety risks, particularly when used in structural or technically important parts of a building.
Decorative products such as wall panels, chandeliers, furniture and certain household appliances may be safer to reuse, provided they are in good condition.
Experts advise buyers to consider safety and quality alongside price. What appears to be an immediate saving could later result in higher repair or replacement costs.
AZE.US