Trade guides
How to Compare Roofing Quotes
Updated 11 June 2026 · 5 min read · Written for Australian homeowners and builders
Roofing quotes in Australia vary by tens of thousands once sarking, gutters, flashings and scaffold are factored in. This guide helps you compare them on the same basis.
What sets one roofing quote apart from another
- Material grade — Colorbond vs unbranded steel, glazed vs terracotta tile.
- Sarking & insulation — replaced, upgraded, or left as-is.
- Gutters, downpipes, flashings — often listed as "as required", which is meaningless.
- Scaffold and edge protection — mandatory for two-storey work; some quotes hide it.
- Skip bins and waste removal.
| Item | Roofer A | Roofer B |
|---|---|---|
| Colorbond sheets | $11,400 | $9,800 (off-brand) |
| New sarking | Included | Excluded ($1,600) |
| Gutters & downpipes | Included | $2,300 |
| Scaffold | $2,200 | Excluded |
| Waste removal | Included | $650 |
| True total | $18,900 | $19,200+ |
Warranty matters
BlueScope Colorbond carries a manufacturer's warranty up to 36 years on coastal/non-coastal exposure — but only when installed correctly. Always ask the installer to register the warranty in your name.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a re-roof take?
- A typical single-storey re-roof takes 3–7 days weather depending. Quotes should specify expected duration and what happens if it rains mid-job.
- Do I need council approval?
- Like-for-like replacement is usually exempt. Changing material, pitch or adding structures often isn't. Confirm in writing.
- What's a fair deposit?
- 10–20% on signing, with progress payments tied to delivery and install milestones. Never pay 50%+ upfront.
Stop guessing whether a quote is fair
QuoteSift reads up to five quotes at once and produces a plain-English report: what's missing, what's inflated, what the best-value option actually is.
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