Roofers install, repair, and replace the roof coverings that protect Australian homes from sun, rain, wind, and hail. The trade encompasses three distinct specialisations: roof tilers who work with concrete, terracotta, and slate tiles; roof and wall cladders who install metal sheeting such as Colorbond; and roof plumbers who fit gutters, downpipes, flashings, and roof drainage systems. Homeowners most commonly need a roofer after storm damage, when tiles crack or lift, when metal sheeting corrodes, or when gutters and downpipes fail. Roof work also arises during extensions, re-roofing projects, and solar panel installations that require roof penetrations. Because roof leaks can cause extensive damage to ceilings, walls, and electrical wiring, prompt attention to roofing issues is essential.

NSW Fair Trading — Regulatory Overview

NSW Fair Trading is New South Wales's principal regulator for the building and construction industry, responsible for licensing all roofers who perform regulated work in the state. The NSW Fair Trading issues and renews licences, sets minimum requirements for licensees, investigates complaints, and takes disciplinary action against non-compliant operators.

As of February 2026, NSW Fair Trading oversees 3,212 licensed roofers across New South Wales, covering 3 licence classes. This represents one of the most comprehensive licensing regimes in Australia, designed to protect consumers and maintain industry standards.

Roofer Licence Types in New South Wales

Licence Type	Description
Roofing Contractor Licence	Contract for roof tiling, metal roofing, and roof plumbing
Roofing Tradesperson Certificate	Carry out roofing work under a licensed contractor

Requirements to Become a Licensed Roofer in New South Wales

Certificate III in Roof Tiling (CPC30820) or equivalent
Completed apprenticeship
Contractor: Home Building Compensation Fund cover for work over $20,000
Public liability insurance
Construction induction card (White Card)

Roofer Licence Costs in New South Wales

Application Fee

$388 for 1-year contractor licence

Renewal Fee

$388 per year or $959 for 3 years

Renewal Period

1 or 3 years

Penalties for Unlicensed Work

Unlicensed roofing work in NSW (for work over $5,000) can result in fines up to $110,000 for individuals. Fair Trading can issue penalty notices and pursue prosecution.

Exemptions — Roofer Work You Can Do Without a Licence

Roofing work valued under $5,000
Minor repairs such as replacing a few broken tiles (like-for-like)
Gutter cleaning
Owner-builder work (with Owner Builder Permit for work over $10,000)

How to Verify a Roofer in New South Wales

Verifying a roofer's licence in New South Wales is straightforward and should be done before engaging any tradesperson for work. You can use TradieVerify's free search tool to instantly look up any New South Walesroofer by name, licence number, or business name. Alternatively, you can search directly through NSW Fair Trading at https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au.

When verifying, confirm: (1) the licence is current and active, (2) the licence class covers the type of work you need, (3) there are no conditions or restrictions on their licence, and (4) there is no disciplinary history. A legitimate roofer will have no hesitation providing their licence number for verification.

How to Hire a Roofer in New South Wales

1
Confirm which roofing licence class they hold
Roofing spans multiple licence classes — roof tiling, roof and wall cladding, and roof plumbing are separate licences in most states. A tiler cannot legally install metal sheeting, and a cladder cannot replace terracotta tiles. Verify the licence matches your specific roof type and the work required.
2
Ask about their fall-prevention and safety equipment
Roof work is one of the most dangerous construction activities in Australia. A professional roofer should arrive with edge protection, harnesses, and anchor points, and have a site-specific safety plan. If they propose working on your roof without any visible safety equipment, they are breaching WorkSafe regulations.
3
Request a roof condition report before quoting repairs
Rather than accepting a quote based on a ground-level glance, ask the roofer to conduct a proper roof inspection — including checking the underside from the roof cavity if accessible. A condition report helps you understand whether spot repairs will suffice or a full re-roof is more cost-effective.
4
Check whether they provide a manufacturer-backed warranty
Roofing material manufacturers like BlueScope (Colorbond) require accredited installers to provide manufacturer warranties on their products. Ask whether the roofer is accredited by the product manufacturer, as this can mean the difference between a 10-year and a 25-year material warranty.
5
Ask how they will weatherproof the site during works
A partial roof removal in Australian weather can be disastrous. Ask what temporary weatherproofing measures — such as tarpaulins, staged removal, or scheduling around weather forecasts — the roofer will use to protect your home during the project.

Red Flags When Hiring a Roofer

No fall-protection equipment visible on site:Roof work requires fall-prevention measures under Work Health and Safety legislation in every state. A roofer who climbs onto your roof without a harness, edge protection, or any safety equipment is not only breaking the law but demonstrates a disregard for safety standards that likely extends to the quality of their work.
Offers a suspiciously cheap "roof restoration" without inspecting the roof cavity:Door-to-door roof restoration salespeople sometimes offer low prices for a spray-and-paint job without checking the structural condition of battens, sarking, or the underside of tiles. A coat of paint on crumbling tiles does not fix the underlying problem and can mask serious issues from future buyers.
Cannot provide proof of manufacturer accreditation for warranty claims:If a roofer promises a 25-year Colorbond warranty but is not an accredited installer with BlueScope, the manufacturer warranty may not be valid. Always ask for written confirmation of manufacturer accreditation and ensure the warranty documentation is in your name upon completion.

Typical Roofer Costs in New South Wales

Hourly Rate

$75 – $125

Callout Fee

$85 – $160

Common Roofer Jobs & Estimated Costs

Job	Estimated Cost
Roof leak repair	$260 – $840
Full roof replacement (standard home)	$8,400 – $21,000
Gutter replacement (per metre)	$40 – $85
Ridge capping repair	$315 – $840
Roof tile replacement (per tile)	$30 – $65

Roofer Complaints & Disputes in New South Wales

NSW Fair Trading

13 32 20 Website

How to Lodge a Complaint

1Write to the tradesperson describing the problem and requesting a solution within a reasonable time (14–21 days)
2If unresolved, lodge a complaint with NSW Fair Trading online or by calling 13 32 20
3Fair Trading will assess your complaint and may contact the tradesperson on your behalf
4If mediation fails, Fair Trading can inspect the work and issue rectification orders
5For unresolved disputes, you can escalate to NCAT (NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal)

Related Directories

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a roof last in Australia?

Roof lifespan depends on the material and conditions. Concrete and terracotta tiles typically last 50–70 years, though the pointing and bedding may need re-doing every 15–20 years. Colorbond metal roofing lasts 30–50 years or more. Slate can last over 100 years. Asbestos cement roofing (common on older homes) should be assessed by a licensed removalist when replacement is due.

What is the difference between re-roofing and a roof restoration?

A roof restoration involves cleaning, repairing broken tiles, re-pointing and re-bedding ridge caps, and applying a protective coating — it extends the roof's life without replacing it. A re-roof involves stripping off the existing roof covering and installing new materials. Restoration is significantly cheaper but is only viable if the existing structure is sound. A roofer should honestly assess which approach is appropriate.

Can I claim roof repairs on insurance after a storm?

Storm damage to roofs is generally covered by home and contents insurance. Document the damage with photos before any temporary repairs, and contact your insurer before engaging a roofer for permanent repairs. Many roofers will perform emergency tarping to prevent further damage while your claim is assessed. Keep all invoices and the roofer's licence details for your claim.

What licence types are available for roofers in New South Wales?

New South Wales offers 2 licence types for roofers: Roofing Contractor Licence, Roofing Tradesperson Certificate. Each licence class authorises different scopes of work, so check that your roofer's licence covers the specific work you need.

How much does a roofer licence cost in New South Wales?

The application fee for a roofer licence in New South Wales is $388 for 1-year contractor licence. Renewal costs $388 per year or $959 for 3 years and must be renewed every 1 or 3 years.

What roofer work can I do without a licence in New South Wales?

In New South Wales, some minor roofer tasks are exempt from licensing requirements: Roofing work valued under $5,000; Minor repairs such as replacing a few broken tiles (like-for-like); Gutter cleaning. Any work beyond these exemptions must be done by a licensed roofer.

How many licensed roofers are there in New South Wales?

As of February 2026, there are 3,212 licensed roofers registered with NSW Fair Trading in New South Wales. This includes all licence classes: Roof Plumber, Roof Tiler, Roof Slater.

How do I verify a roofer's licence in New South Wales?

You can verify any New South Wales roofer's licence using TradieVerify's free search tool or directly through NSW Fair Trading at https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au. Enter the roofer's name or licence number to confirm their registration status, licence class, and any disciplinary history.