Architectural Salvage Buying Guide
Old doors, hardware, and fixtures can be genuinely functional again — if you check the right things first.
Measure before you buy
Salvaged doors, windows, and fixtures rarely match modern standard sizes — bring exact measurements of your space before committing to a piece.
Check for lead paint and rewiring needs
Older painted salvage may contain lead paint; older lighting fixtures typically need rewiring to modern code before use. Factor this into your budget.
Where to look
Southeast Michigan has a particularly strong architectural salvage scene, tied to the region's older housing stock and industrial history — see our Southeast Michigan region guide.
Architectural Salvage Buying Guide FAQ
Do salvaged doors and windows fit standard modern openings?
Not usually — measure your space precisely before buying, since salvage predates modern standard sizing.
Is old salvage safe to use as-is?
Painted pieces may contain lead paint, and old lighting fixtures typically need rewiring to modern code — budget for this before buying.