How much does a new roof cost in New Zealand?

While the cost of a new roof can range anywhere from $15,000* to upwards of substantially more than $50,000*, those figures, without any context, are not terribly helpful. Of all the factors that come into play when discussing a new roof, these three have the most impact: the size/scope of your renovation, the products used, and the nature of any associated structural changes. 
In this article, we’ll explore these main budget drivers and explain just how they affect the bottom line. This will help you set realistic budget expectations; we’ve also included a few real-life examples of Refresh roofing projects so you can see how they compare with your property and situation.
Since no two projects are the same, discussing your specific renovation goals with a Refresh Renovation Consultant is the best way to get an accurate idea of what your roof renovation will cost. But we want to give you a head start by providing details and actual renovation costs so you can see what can be accomplished at different price points. 

Main budget drivers

• Size/scope of your renovation
• Products used
• Structural changes

Read on to find out how much your roof renovation may cost depending on the changes you are looking to make.

Size/scope of your renovation

The assumption that a larger roof will always be more expensive to replace or repair than a small one isn’t always true. In many cases, big projects are able to maintain a modest budget by opting for cost-effective materials such as steel or metal. The overall scope and commonly occurring side projects, such as gutters, joinery, and remedial work, are far more indicative of the final cost than roof area size alone. The roofing portion of this villa’s exterior makeover cost $23,000*, but in combination with the cladding, joinery, and other associated tasks, the total came to $84,000*. (SEP 2022)

Cost of labour is a significant contributor to the final price and that will be determined by a range of factors including the pitch of the roof, height of the home, design and style, required speciality, size of the project, and level of roofer experience. See how installing a new roof for the alfresco entertaining area allowed this homeowner to have a weathertight enclosure.

Scaffolding is also an integral part of roofing renovations; your budget will need to accommodate both the erection and dismantling costs as well as the length of time the scaffolding is on site. 

Products used 

When discussing material cost, there’s more to consider than just the figure on the price tag. Some styles or custom work, such as clay tiles, a mid-range material in terms of cost, may require a specialist for installation. Others may carry a substantial initial outlay, but their longevity and lack of maintenance make up for it over time. One such material is slate. It’s extremely durable; a high-quality slate installed by professionals can last over 100 years. It’s also much heavier than other roofing materials, such as long-run iron or asphalt shingles.
Copper roof tiles may be triple the price of metal roof tiles but have longevity on their side; cedar shingles really add to kerb appeal; membrane roofing is only suitable for flat surfaces. Aside from the variety of materials to consider, there are also produce add-ons to factor into your budget, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and other eco-friendly upgrades. And the environmental influences also need to be included when choosing the best roofing products for your home: whether it’s salt-laden sea spray, wildfire risk, incidence of extreme weather events or seasonal temperature, the durability and maintenance of your preferred roofing material will be affected by climate and location. 
Changing materials altogether isn’t always straightforward. There are codes in place to ensure your home is properly prepared. For example, replacing an iron roof with clay tiles will require a structural assessment as clay is considerably heavier than iron. And even though the same requirements don’t apply when opting for a lighter material, council or building consent may be needed: such consent applications cost money. 

Structural changes

Reinforcing roof structures is essential to ensure the safety of your property and its occupants. Obviously, a change to a heavier roofing material can affect a home’s structural integrity but you can also opt for structural changes to alter your home’s appearance. Repitching a roof is a great way to gain extra vertical space and give your property’s façade a completely new look. Yet not all structural changes will require major expenditure. These homeowners were able to keep costs relatively low during their roof replacement by opting to remove their home’s six skylights instead of replacing them. See how this property was transformed for $51,000*. (DEC 2019)

Want to discuss how much your roof renovation may cost?

Part of Refresh’s proven 5-step approach to renovations is a thorough costing phase which determines an accurate quote for your specific project. Get started on your own roof renovation journey today by arranging a no-obligation consultation. Simply get in touch with a local Renovation Consultant.
*Costs are shown as an indicative guide of what previous projects have cost. The price of renovating a home increases each year as material and labour costs rise. For an estimate/quote on your specific project, please consult your local Refresh Renovations specialist to find out more about our planning, design and build process.
**All Refresh Renovations franchises are independently owned and operated.