Structure & Specs
Roof Material
The roof material on your new home affects durability, energy efficiency, maintenance, and street appeal for decades. Whether a builder includes Colorbond steel or concrete tiles as standard — and what they charge to upgrade — can represent a significant cost difference.
0
Builders Include Standard
0
Offer as Upgrade
0
Do Not Include
What is it?
Roof material refers to the external roofing on your home. Concrete tiles are the traditional standard in many Australian markets — heavy, durable, and available in various profiles. Colorbond steel is lighter, available in many colours, and increasingly popular. Terracotta tiles are a premium option. Each material has different thermal, acoustic, and maintenance properties.
Why buyers compare it
- Colorbond and concrete tile roofs have different lifespans and maintenance needs
- Some builders include Colorbond as standard while others charge a premium
- Roof material affects attic space usability and solar panel installation
- Steel roofs are lighter, reducing structural requirements and cost
Is it worth upgrading?
Questions to Ask Your Builder
Roof Material — Typical Costs
Included
Traditional, heavy, durable — common in QLD and NSW
$0 – $5,000
Lighter, modern, wide colour range — included by some builders
$2,000 – $6,000
Non-standard colours (Woodland Grey, Monument, etc.)
Compare My Build Tip
If you're choosing Colorbond, ask whether roof sarking (a reflective insulation blanket under the steel) is included. Sarking significantly improves thermal performance and is essential in hot climates — but some builders treat it as an upgrade.
Related Guides
What Are Inclusions vs Upgrades?
Understand the difference between standard inclusions and paid upgrades in a new home build.
Hidden Costs Builders Don't Mention
Discover the costs that builders commonly exclude from their advertised 'from' prices.
Upgrade Costs Guide
Full breakdown of common upgrade costs across all categories in Australian home builds.
What to Compare Before Signing
The essential checklist of what to compare between builders before you sign a contract.
Compare Roof Material Across All Builders
Use our free comparison tool to see all inclusions side-by-side and find the best builder for your needs.
Compare All Builders