If you’re staring up at an ageing or leaking roof, wondering how much a Colorbond® replacement will cost, you’re asking the right question. Replacing a new roof isn’t a spur‑of‑the‑moment decision. But knowing what affects the price can save you thousands.
For most Adelaide homeowners, the cost of Colorbond® roof replacement depends on the size, design, and extras such as insulation or gutter upgrades. But behind every quote sits a mix of hidden variables (labour, roof pitch, material thickness, and access challenges) that explain why one roofer might charge double another.
We’ve seen hundreds of local families go through this same decision. So in this guide, you’ll learn exactly what drives Colorbond® roof pricing in Adelaide, what’s included in a quote, and how to spot the difference between a fair estimate and an overpriced one.
Most Colorbond® roof replacements in Adelaide sit between $50 and $100 per square metre, including both labour and materials. But that figure only scratches the surface. The real cost depends on what’s happening above your ceiling and how much work it takes to strip, prep, and rebuild.
A small single-storey home with an easy-access skillion roof might fall on the lower end of the range. A double-storey place with steep pitches, awkward valleys, or multiple ridgelines can push that number closer to $100 per square metre once scaffolding and safety rails come into play.
If you translate that into total project value:
• Replacing an existing metal roof with new Colorbond® steel typically costs $20,000–$40,000, depending on roof size and site conditions, according to Roof and Render.
• Swapping out tiled roofing for Colorbond®, which involves tile removal, batten upgrades, and roof frame preparation, can sit between $20,000 and $60,000.
• Removing and replacing an asbestos-cement roof is the most complex and heavily regulated process, averaging $20,000 to $60,000. The price is often influenced by safe disposal, encapsulation, and clearance certification.
Those differences come down to what some roofers call scope stack; that is, all the behind-the-scenes steps that turn a quote from a number on paper into a watertight roof.
In Adelaide, roof access, crane logistics, and safety compliance often bump prices up compared to other states. That’s because older suburbs have tighter driveways, mature trees, and steeper blocks that make roof removal and steel delivery trickier.
Every quote should clearly show:
• Sheeting and flashing quantity showing how much steel is required for your layout
• Fixing systems and ridge capping suited to your roof profile
• Safety setup, like rails, harnesses, and temporary scaffolds
• Waste management plan, including removal, transport, and disposal fees for old material
• Optional upgrades like foil-backed blankets, thermal insulation, or solar vents
When you see a cheaper quote, it’s often missing something, usually insulation, disposal, or sarking. The best contractors will guide you through each stage, from take-off measurements and substrate checks to site preparation, sheeting alignment, and final water-test inspection. That level of transparency is what separates a true Colorbond® roof specialist from a quick-turnover crew.
So while national averages might make $50 per square metre sound standard, Adelaide homes often sit toward the higher end of the scale, especially where removal, height access, and complex ridge layouts are involved. Paying for that experience upfront saves you from costly leaks and callbacks later.
A proper full roof replacement quote should include the following:
| Item | Description / Why It Matters |
| Colorbond® roof sheets (genuine Bluescope or approved) | The core material |
| Flashings, ridge capping, valleys, gutters & downpipes | All the “trim” that seals the roof |
| Fasteners, screws, sealants | Underestimated but essential |
| Sarking, insulation, underlay | Thermals, condensation control, warranty compliance |
| Removal of existing roof, disposal fees | Especially relevant if old tiles, asbestos, etc. |
| Structural repairs or reinforcements | Hidden damage found once old roof is off |
| Safety systems, scaffolding, fall arrest | Mandatory for safety compliance |
| Permitting, inspections (if required by council) | Especially for changes in roof style or structure |
| Clean-up, waste removal, minor finishing touches | Final tidy and handover |
When you compare quotes, make sure the above are listed. If one quote seems “cheap,” check whether they’ve omitted any of these vital items.
Here are rough ballparks to frame expectations (materials + installation, excluding extraordinary conditions):
| Roof Size / Type | Estimate Range* |
| Single-storey, simple design, ~150 m² | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Mid-size double-storey, ~250 m² | $17,000 – $25,000 |
| Larger or complex homes, ~350 m²+ | $25,000 – $45,000+ |
*Assumes average accessibility, no major structural surprises, but genuine Colorbond®.
If you’ve ever gone through the quoting stage, you’ll know it’s a bit of a rollercoaster. Every roofer looks at the same house, yet the numbers come back all over the place: $18k here, $28k there, maybe $35k “if the rafters need work.”
One Adelaide homeowner shared his experience online after finishing a complete Colorbond® roof replacement on a 220 m² home. He paid approximately $11,000 for labour, $10,000 for steel, plus $2,000 for insulation and $3,000 for scaffolding and safety gear. All up, around $114 per square metre.
It’s not the cheapest job, but nothing outrageous once you realise what went into it.
Then there’s another story of a homeowner in an older semi-detached cottage down south. About 70 m² of roof, one side pitched, the other flat. They got a $20,000 quote that included new skylights. A second roofer returned with a quote of $30,000, stating that the timber frame required repair.
The third fellow said he could “patch it up for cheap”, but never even bothered climbing up to look. You can probably guess who they didn’t hire.
That’s the thing most people miss. The biggest difference in quotes isn’t always greed; it’s what’s actually being done. Some quotes include proper underlay, insulation blanket, disposal fees, new battens, and site safety. Others don’t. You might think you’re saving ten grand, but you end up paying for leaks and call-backs down the track.
From what we’ve seen around Adelaide, honest roofers usually land in the same ballpark once all the details are clear: site access, slope, frame condition, extras like vents or gutters. If someone’s several thousand dollars cheaper, something’s missing.
So when you’re comparing quotes, don’t fixate on who’s the lowest. Look at what they’re offering to keep your house watertight. A good Colorbond® roof installation should be a one-and-done job, not something you’re patching every few summers.
Understanding the levers that affect your quote’s direction gives you control and helps you identify potential red flags.
• More square metres = more material + labour
• Steep or multi-level roofs slow installation, increase risk, and often require specialised fall safety gear
• Complex geometry (hips, valleys, dormers, skylights) adds junction work and trimming
• Stripping tiles is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and may reveal structural damage
• Asbestos removal is heavily regulated and expensive
• If the existing roof structure is compromised, you may need battens, purlins, or truss reinforcement
• Two-storey or narrow lot access may require scaffolding, hoisting, or special safety infrastructure
• If the property is hard to reach (e.g. tight laneway, overhanging trees), labour rates may be inflated
• Standard Colorbond vs premium (Ultra, special finishes, dual-sided, metallics)
• Thickness (BMT) of steel
• Colour longevity in intense sun exposure (premium coatings last longer)
• Accessories (matching gutters, custom flashings)
Including or upgrading insulation adds cost but improves thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
A quote from a licensed, insured roofing contractor often costs more, but it gives you peace of mind, a better warranty, and ensures compliance with building codes.
• Permits or engineering reports (especially when converting tiles to metal)
• Council or structural requirements (storm ties, wind rating upgrades)
• Waste disposal, scaffolding, safety gear, permit fees
• Downpipes, fascia, gutters upgrade
The cost of a Colorbond® roof replacement project ranges from $20,000 to $60,000 for a 3-bed home, depending on various factors like roof area, existing roof type, and more. Replacing your roof isn’t something you do twice, so it pays to do it right the first time. The peace of mind comes from knowing you’ve compared real value; that your new roof is genuine Colorbond® steel backed by proper warranties, installed by a licensed and insured crew who stand by their work.
When you choose Roof & Render SA, you’re dealing with four generations of roofers who know South Australian conditions inside out. We’ve built our reputation on honest quotes, watertight craftsmanship, and roofs that don’t need second chances. If you’re ready to see what a proper Colorbond® roof should really cost, get in touch today. We’ll measure it, price it fairly, and make sure it lasts for decades.
Fill in the form below to book a free consultation at our Colorbond Showroom in Lonsdale.
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Fill in the form below to book a free consultation at our Colorbond Showroom in Lonsdale.
We will give you a call within 24 hours to organise a time that suits you.
