Is $30,000 Too Much for a Roof? Real Costs in Australia 2025

When you hear a quote of $30,000 for a new roof, your first thought might be: Is this a scam? Or maybe you’ve been told your old roof is beyond repair and you need to act fast. You’re not alone. In Melbourne, $30,000 for a roof sounds like a lot-until you know what’s actually included. This isn’t about upselling. It’s about understanding what you’re paying for-and whether it’s worth it.

What’s Actually Included in a $30,000 Roof Quote?

A $30,000 roof isn’t just new tiles or sheets. It’s a full system replacement. That means:

• Removing and hauling away your old roof (including all nails, broken tiles, underlayment)
• Inspecting and repairing damaged roof decking or rafters
• Installing new underlayment (synthetic or felt)
• Adding proper ventilation-ridge vents, soffit vents, or turbine vents
• Installing new flashing around chimneys, skylights, and valleys
• Putting on the actual roofing material: tiles, metal, or shingles
• Installing guttering and downpipes if needed
• Waste disposal fees and council permits
• Labour for a crew of 4-6 trained workers over 5-8 days

Some quotes skip the extras. They’ll just slap new tiles on top of old decking. That’s not a roof replacement. That’s a temporary fix-and it’s why so many homeowners end up paying twice.

Why Melbourne Roofs Cost More Than You Think

Roofing in Melbourne isn’t like roofing in Queensland or Western Australia. Here, you’re dealing with:

• Extreme weather swings: Hot summers, cold winters, hailstorms, and heavy rain mean materials need to last longer and be installed better.
• Higher labour costs: Skilled roofers in Victoria are in short supply. The average roofer earns $45-$65/hour, and a full roof takes 40-60 hours of labour.
• Strict building codes: The National Construction Code (NCC) requires specific wind ratings, fire ratings, and insulation standards. Not every roofer follows them.
• Material import delays: Since 2023, steel and tile imports from China and India have been slower. Prices for Colorbond steel and concrete tiles have risen 12-18%.

In 2025, a standard 200m² roof in Melbourne using mid-range materials (like Colorbond or premium concrete tiles) typically costs between $25,000 and $35,000. $30,000 sits right in the middle. That’s not overpriced-it’s average.

What You Get for $30,000 vs. $18,000

Let’s compare two real quotes from Melbourne homeowners last month:

The $18,000 roof might look cheaper. But in 5 years, you’ll likely need repairs. Condensation builds up without ventilation. Flashing fails. Water leaks into the attic. That $18,000 roof could cost you another $10,000 in repairs before it’s even 10 years old.

When ,000 Is a Bargain

Here’s when $30,000 is not just fair-it’s smart:

• Your roof is over 25 years old and shows signs of sagging.
• You’ve had multiple leaks in the past 2 years.
• Your home has a complex design: multiple gables, dormers, or skylights.
• You plan to sell in the next 3-5 years. A new, high-quality roof adds 5-8% to your home’s value.
• You live in a hail-prone area like the Dandenongs or outer eastern suburbs.

One client in Ringwood had a $32,000 roof installed in March 2025. Three months later, a severe hailstorm hit. Their old roof would’ve been destroyed. Their new Colorbond roof? Not a single dent. The insurance adjuster said they saved $15,000 in claims.

Red Flags That Mean You’re Being Ripped Off

Not every $30,000 quote is legit. Watch out for:

• No written itemised quote: If they won’t break down each cost, walk away.
• Payment upfront: Reputable companies ask for 10-20% deposit, not 50% or 100%.
• No licence number: Check their licence at Victorian Building Authority.
• “Today only” discounts: Pressure tactics are a classic scam.
• No warranty documents: A good roof comes with two warranties: one for materials, one for workmanship.

One Melbourne family paid $28,000 to a company that vanished after the first day. They ended up with half a roof and no recourse. Always get references. Ask for photos of past jobs. Call their last three clients.

How to Get the Best Value Without Overspending

You don’t need the most expensive roof. But you do need the right one.

1. Get at least three detailed quotes. Don’t pick the lowest-pick the most transparent.
2. Ask: “What’s the warranty on the workmanship?” If they say “5 years,” that’s standard. If they say “10-25 years,” they’re confident.
3. Check the material specs. Colorbond Ultra, Colorbond Std, and generic steel aren’t the same. One costs $35/m², another $65/m².
4. Ask if the quote includes disposal. Some lowballers charge extra for bin hire.
5. Look for local companies with 10+ years in business. They’ve seen every weather event Melbourne throws at them.

Many homeowners save money by choosing a mid-range material like Colorbond Ultra in Monument or Surfmist. It’s durable, energy-efficient, and looks great. You don’t need the $120/m² premium tiles unless you’re building a luxury home.

What Happens If You Delay

Waiting to replace a failing roof doesn’t save money-it multiplies costs.

• Water damage to ceiling plaster: $3,000-$8,000 to repair
• Mould in insulation or walls: $5,000+ for remediation
• Structural rot in rafters: $10,000+ to replace
• Insurance claim denial: Many policies won’t cover damage if the roof was visibly degraded

In 2024, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a warning: over 600 complaints were filed about roofing scams in Victoria alone. Most involved homes with old roofs that were ignored until it was too late.

Final Answer: Is $30,000 Too Much?

No. Not in Melbourne, in 2025.

For a full, code-compliant, high-quality roof replacement on a standard home, $30,000 is fair. It’s not luxury. It’s standard. It’s what you pay to protect your biggest investment.

If you’re being quoted $30,000 and the quote is detailed, the company is licensed, and the materials are top-tier? You’re getting a good deal.

If you’re being quoted $15,000? Be afraid.

Roofs don’t last forever. But a good one can last 40-60 years. That’s decades of peace of mind. That’s not a cost. That’s insurance.