Before you look at finance
A worn-out roof does not wait for a good time. A leak after a winter front, a run of slipped tiles or a rusting steel roof can turn a someday project into an urgent one. Working out how to pay for it is often more stressful than choosing the roofer.
This guide describes the common ways Perth homeowners fund a roof replacement. It is general information only. Roofing Perth is a roofing referral service, not a licensed financial adviser or credit provider, and nothing here is a recommendation about any loan or product. Your situation matters, so talk to your lender or a licensed financial adviser before you decide.
Start with an accurate scope
The most useful financial step is getting a clear picture of the job. A vague estimate makes it hard to plan anything. A good quote tells you:
- What will be removed and replaced
- The material, sarking, insulation and gutter work included
- Whether any building permit is needed and who arranges it
- How payments are staged through the job
- What is excluded, and how variations are handled
Get two or three detailed quotes so you can see the range. Our roof replacement cost guide explains what tends to drive the price, and how to choose the right roofing contractor in Perth covers what a good quote looks like.
The main options people use
Savings
Paying from savings avoids interest and loan paperwork. If the roof is ageing but not yet failing, a roofer's estimate of its remaining life can help you set a savings target. Many owners combine savings with one of the other options below.
Home loan top-up or redraw
If you have a mortgage, your lender may offer ways to access extra funds, such as a redraw facility, an offset account or a loan increase. A new roof is a long-lived improvement to the property, so some owners prefer to fund it this way. The cost over the life of the loan, fees and effect on your repayments all depend on your loan, so ask your lender to explain the options in writing.
Personal loans
A personal loan is a separate loan, usually over a shorter term than a home loan. Some lenders also offer secured loans or loans for home improvements. Terms and costs vary widely, so compare the total cost, not just the repayment, and read the conditions carefully.
Green or sustainability loans
Some lenders offer loans aimed at energy-efficiency upgrades. A re-roof may or may not qualify on its own, but related work such as insulation or solar sometimes does. Ask your lender whether your project could be eligible and what evidence they need.
Staging the work
Not every roof has to be replaced in one go. Depending on the house, it may be practical to:
- Do urgent roof repairs now to stop leaks.
- Replace the worst section first, such as a rear skillion or a patio roof.
- Complete the main roof once funds allow.
Staging can mean higher total costs, since the roofer sets up more than once, and new and old sections may not match for a while. Ask your roofer whether it makes sense for your roof. Our guide on roof replacement vs repair can help you weigh it up.
Insurance claims for storm damage
If your roof has been damaged by an insured event such as a storm, hail or a falling tree, your home insurance may cover some or all of the repair or replacement. Insurance generally does not cover gradual wear, rust or old age.
After storm damage:
- Make the house safe and stop further water getting in where you can.
- Take photos of the damage, inside and out.
- Contact your insurer promptly and ask what they need.
- Ask your roofer for a written report describing the cause and extent of damage.
Our storm damage roof guide covers the first steps in more detail.
Comparing options at a glance
| Option | Things to consider | Who to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Savings | Timing, emergency buffer | Yourself, your budget |
| Home loan top-up or redraw | Loan term, fees, effect on repayments | Your lender |
| Personal loan | Total cost, term, conditions | Your lender |
| Green loan | Eligibility, evidence required | Your lender |
| Staged work | Extra setup, matching sections | Your roofer |
| Insurance claim | Cause of damage, policy cover | Your insurer |
Making the most of what you spend
Whichever way you fund it, a few choices can help the new roof give good value over its life:
- Fix the cause, not just the symptom. If leaks came from poor flashings or blocked valleys, make sure the new work addresses them properly.
- Think about the layers underneath. Adding sarking, a roof blanket or better ceiling insulation during a re-roof is usually simpler than coming back later, and it can make the house more comfortable through a Perth summer.
- Choose materials for your location. A coastal home may need a more corrosion-resistant steel grade and fixings, and a home in a bushfire-prone area may have extra requirements.
- Plan for maintenance. Clean gutters and regular checks help protect what you have paid for.
Be careful with these
Some arrangements deserve a second look:
- Finance offered on the spot. If a roofer pushes a loan or payment plan during the quote visit, slow down. Take the paperwork away, read it and get independent advice.
- Large upfront payments. The Home Building Contracts Act 1991 (WA) limits deposits on many residential building contracts. Consumer Protection WA explains the rules.
- Pressure to decide today. A genuine quote will still be there next week.
- Cutting scope to fit a budget without advice. Leaving out sarking, flashings or tie-downs can shorten a roof's life. Ask your roofer what is safe to defer and what is not.
Questions to take to your lender or adviser
- What will this option cost me in total, including fees?
- How will it change my regular repayments?
- Can I repay early, and are there charges if I do?
- What documents do you need from the roofer?
- Is there any option better suited to my circumstances?
If money is already tight, the National Debt Helpline offers free, confidential financial counselling. Speaking with a counsellor before taking on new debt can help you see your options clearly.
Planning the rest of the job
Whatever funding you choose, timing matters too. Many Perth owners prefer to re-roof between October and April, when rain is less likely. If a building permit is needed, approval time also needs to fit in. Our guide to the roof replacement process shows how the stages fit together.
Get a clear quote first
A detailed written quote is the starting point for any funding conversation. Request a free on-site quote and we will arrange for a local roofing contractor to inspect your roof and price the work, so you have something solid to take to your lender, adviser or insurer.