Is Your Roof Repair Quote Reasonable? Fair Price Guide

When you get a roofing quote, it can be hard to know if the price is fair, or if you’re being overcharged. Some quotes can look completely out of proportion, leaving homeowners wondering: is my roof quote reasonable, or am I being taken for a ride?

At North Shore Roof Repairs, we’ve seen it all, from fair and competitive quotes to outrageous “add-an-extra-zero” estimates. Steve, our licensed roof plumber (NSW Contractor Licence class) with generations of family roofing expertise behind him, breaks down how to judge whether a roofing quote is reasonable.

What Factors Affect a Roofing Quote?

Every roof and every job is different, but some common factors influence the cost:

Roof size and complexity – Larger roofs or those with hips, valleys, and difficult access take longer and cost more.
Type of roofing material – Colorbond, Kliplok, tile, or zinc/aluminium all vary in price.
Extent of repairs vs. full replacement – A few broken tiles will be far cheaper than stripping and re-roofing an entire house.
Additional work included – Gutters, downpipes, whirlybirds, insulation, sarking, and timber work all add to the cost.
Compliance and licensing – Always ensure you’re dealing with a
licensed roof plumber or roofer. It may cost a little more upfront, but it protects you with warranties and ensures the work meets building codes.

Real Homeowner Experiences

Here’s what real homeowners shared online when facing roof repair and replacement quotes:

“I paid $19,000 for a full Colorbond replacement on a 3-bedroom home. Flat roof, no guttering. A licensed roof plumber did the job, and it came with warranty.” – Reddit User
“A small 3-bedroom house in Newcastle had a full Colorbond replacement for $16k, including two whirlybirds.” – Reddit User
“I’m a roof plumber, and a full roof replacement for a single-storey 3-bedroom home should be $30-40k. An inspection for leaks should be around $1k. If you’re quoted way higher, it’s a scam.” – Reddit User
“I had my roof replaced, including extra timber work, for $25k on a single-storey home with Colorbond.” – Reddit User
“For context, a 2-bedroom duplex reroof with sarking and tile replacement cost me $7,920. Anything in the hundreds of thousands is insane.” – Reddit User
“I once got a ridiculous quote that was at least 10x the going rate. Turned out it was a ‘we don’t want the job’ price.” – Reddit User
“Some companies quoted me $28k just to ‘assess’ roof leaks. Others inspected and gave photos for free. Be wary of anyone charging huge fees just for a look.” – Reddit User
“We had a tile roof replaced with Colorbond for $14.5k on an 80m² roof area. The first contractor wanted almost double that.” – Reddit User

How to Tell if Your Roof Quote is Reasonable

When reviewing a roof quote, ask yourself:

Does it include a detailed breakdown? Vague lump-sum quotes are a red flag.
Have you compared at least 2-3 quotes? Prices can vary significantly between contractors.
Is the business licensed and insured? Always check credentials.
Does the price align with industry averages?
Is the quote suspiciously high or low? Extremely high quotes may mean the contractor doesn’t want the job, while extremely low ones may lead to poor quality work or hidden costs later.

Roof Repair Cost Breakdown

Rebedding and Pointing Costs

Pointing roof ridge tiles costs $20 to $25 per lineal metre. For an average-sized roof, the total cost can be around $1500 to $2500.

How to know when your roof needs rebedding and pointing.

Tile and Metal Roof Repair Cost

Roof repair costs depend on the type of repair, the condition of the roof and if it is a single or double storey.

Cost to Replace Valley Irons

The cost of valley iron replacement can vary depending on the size of your roof, the number of valleys, and the type of material used (Colorbond or zinc).

Don’t Get Caught by a Bad Quote

Roof repair can be a major investment, and knowing what’s reasonable is key. If you’re quoted something that feels outrageous, trust your instincts, seek a second opinion, and always ensure your roofer or roof plumber is licensed.

At North Shore Roof Repairs, Steve provides transparent, competitive, and fully itemised quotes – no hidden surprises, and no “add a zero” scams.

Need a Roof Quote You Can Trust?

If you’re unsure whether your roof quote is reasonable, get in touch with Steve today. We’ll give you an honest, itemised breakdown and advice you can rely on.