Blog

One of the more frustrating aspects of repairing or replacing your roof, or any home renovation for that matter, is the often wide variation in pricing.

While quotes may vary from one contractor to the next, having a clear idea of your project requirements from the start and understanding how the costs are generally broken down, can help make sure you get the right roofing specialist at the right price.

Job detail

An assessment by a professional roofing contractor will generally be the first step in repairing or replacing your roof.

While you might simply be wishing to replace broken tiles, a professional check can help rule out any other potential issues. Faded or dirty tiles for instance can signal water damage, which will need to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Once you have a clear idea about exactly what work needs to be done, you can obtain a quote.

Material matters

One area which will obviously affect the price is the materials.

The cheapest materials will save you dollars upfront, but they may also need replacing many years sooner.

If you have a heritage property, it’s particularly important that you use the right materials both for quality and aesthetics (and to meet any heritage guidelines).

Traditional materials such as slate or metal roofing in Sydney are more likely to provide a long-lasting solution, and ensure you maintain the integrity and value of your home.

Cost breakdown

The exact cost of any roof repairs will vary depending on the specific job, but as a guide, your quote is likely to include the cost of materials plus labour for removal and disposal of existing materials, tile replacement, extra roofing repairs if needed and site clean up after completion.

Costs will often be quoted on a per square metre basis. Quotes may increase for steep roofs, remote sites, ones with difficult access or where asbestos is present.

What to remember

It’s often thought that it’s best not to go for the lowest quote received, and there is some justification to the argument. A quote that is far below others may seem too good to be true because it is.

To maintain the value of your property you are always wise to opt for quality materials and quality workmanship. A remarkably cheap price may indicate cheap materials and/or quick and dodgy work.

Always err on the side of caution, and ask for a breakdown of your quote so that you’re aware of exactly what’s included (and that there are no hidden extras).

A qualified solution

If you’re in need of roof repairs in Sydney, the NSW Department of Fair Trading recommends you deal only with contractors who are licensed, experienced, provide a contract for the work and have insurance in place.

We are fully qualified with decades of experience, and we are specialists in heritage roofing restoration and plumbing. We are happy to provide advice, and discuss your needs – however big or small the project is.

To talk to an experienced consultant about your next project, contact the Architectural Leadwork team today.