How Much Does a Colorbond Garage Cost in Australia? 2025 Pricing Guide
How much does a Colorbond garage cost in Australia?
Short answer: 2025 pricing for a compliant Colorbond steel garage varies by size, wind region, slab, and inclusions.
- Kit-only (Colorbond cladding, engineered frame):
- Single (approx. 3.0–3.6 m x 6 m): $3,800–$7,500
- Double (approx. 6 m x 6 m): $6,900–$13,500
- Triple (approx. 9 m x 6–7.5 m): $9,500–$18,000
- Installed (kit + slab + erection; typical metro, Region A/B):
- Single: $9,000–$18,000
- Double: $14,000–$29,000
- Triple: $20,000–$40,000+
- Upgrades that move the needle: Cyclone rating (Region C/D) +10–40%; coastal Colorbond Ultra +8–15%; extra height +5–15%; insulation +$1,200–$4,500; automated doors +$350–$650 per door.
Figures include GST. Regional, sloping, or sandy/coastal sites in WA/QLD/NT can price higher due to wind loads, corrosion class, and footings.
Cost breakdown: where your garage budget really goes
- Colorbond garage kit: 30–55% of total. Heavier frames, 0.42–0.48 mm cladding, wind-rated connections increase cost.
- Slab and footings: $120–$180/m² metro (100 mm slab with edge thickenings), $180–$260/m² remote/cyclone/sandy sites. 36 m² double-garage slab is often $4,500–$8,500+
- Erection labour: $2,500–$6,500+ depending on size, height, and wind region.
- Roller/sectional doors: Single $600–$1,100; double $1,200–$2,200; openers $350–$650 each.
- Windows/PA doors: Windows $250–$450 each; PA door $450–$900.
- Insulation: Foil + blanket $10–$18/m²; insulated roof panels add $80–$140/m².
- Wind/cyclone upgrades: Region C +10–25%; Region D +25–40% (more hold-downs, heavier frames, doors).
- BAL bushfire upgrades: BAL-12.5 to BAL-40 can add $600–$2,500 (spark arrestors, ember seals, non-combustible details).
- Delivery: $150–$600 metro; more remote.
- Council/shire fees & engineering: $300–$1,200+ (Class 10a), engineer’s certification $250–$900.
- Electrical & plumbing: $800–$2,500 typical (lights, power, GPO, external tap).
- Site works & drainage: $1,200–$4,500+ (cut/fill, access, soak wells, pits).
Real-world examples and what they cost
- Perth double garage (custom-built): 6 m x 7 m, gable roof, 2x auto roller doors, PA door, one window, sarking + R1.3 roof blanket, 100 mm slab. Region B, inland. Supply, slab, install: approx. $23,800 (Q1 2025).
- Brisbane coastal (cyclone-rated double): 6 m x 6 m, skillion roof, Region C tie-downs, wind-rated roller doors, Colorbond Ultra within 400 m of surf coast. Slab and install: approx. $32,500.
- Rural NSW triple (DIY kit + local trades): 9 m x 7 m, 3 m eave height, manual doors, no insulation initially. Kit $15,900; slab $9,200; erection $3,800; total approx. $28,900.
Colorbond vs Zincalume — which is better for WA or coastal sites?
| Feature | Colorbond | Zincalume |
|---|---|---|
| Price | About 8–15% higher | Lower material cost |
| Colours/finish | Wide palette incl. Matt, Classic | Silver/grey only |
| Coastal performance | Colorbond Ultra recommended within ~200–400 m of surf coast | May require additional protection |
| Warranty (indicative) | Up to 20+ years (conditions apply) | Comparable base warranty |
| Heat & reflectance | Lighter colours reduce heat gain | High reflectance but no colour control |
| Curb appeal/resale | High for urban homes | Utility look |
Tip: For coastal WA or QLD, choose Colorbond Ultra and stainless fixings; add sacrificial coatings near splash zones.
Roof style cost comparison: flat/skillion vs gable
| Roof style | Typical impact on cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skillion (single fall) | Baseline (often cheapest) | Simple drainage, modern look | Height limit at low side, less overhead storage |
| Gable | +5–12% | Classic look, better headroom, ventilation | More steel, more flashing details |
| Hip or complex | +12–25% | Premium aesthetics | More engineering and labour |
DIY kit vs custom-built installation
| Approach | Budget guide | Who it suits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY shed kit | Single $3,800–$7,500; Double $6,900–$13,500 (kit only) | Handy owners in Region A/B, simple sites | Still need slab, tools, mates, council paperwork |
| Custom-built turnkey | Single $9,000–$18,000; Double $14,000–$29,000+ | Time-poor owners, complex or coastal/cyclonic sites | One contract, proper engineering, warranty continuity |
What are the best shed materials for Perth’s climate?
Perth summers are hot and dry; sea breezes push salt inland. For a custom-built double garage in Perth, choose Colorbond in lighter colours (Surfmist, Shale Grey) for heat reflectance, consider insulated roof panels to control radiant heat, and specify marine-grade fasteners within coastal zones.
Pro tip: Insulated roof panels can reduce internal shed temperatures by up to 10°C in summer, improving comfort and protecting stored items.
Do you need cyclone or wind-rated upgrades?
Wind region per AS/NZS 1170.2 determines structural demands:
- Region A/B: Most of southern Australia and inland. Standard tie-downs and doors.
- Region C: Cyclonic QLD/WA coasts. Heavier frames, extra hold-downs, wind-rated doors—budget +10–25%.
- Region D: Severe cyclonic (parts of WA). Highest loads, +25–40% common.
Ask for “wind-rated sheds for cyclonic areas” and specify “cyclone-rated sheds QLD” if applicable to avoid under-engineering.
Added 2024 WA wind-rating compliance notes: WA projects typically require site classification (Region B, C, or D), terrain category, and topographic multiplier. Your engineering certificate should reference AS/NZS 1170.2:2021 and connection schedules.
How to get council approval for your custom shed in WA
Action steps (typical for a council-approved shed in WA)
- Check zoning and R-Codes setbacks for Class 10a outbuildings.
- Order certified plans: site plan, elevations, slab detail, engineering to AS/NZS 1170.2 and AS/NZS 4600.
- Lodge Building Permit (BA2 or BA1) with owner/installer details and fees.
- Provide stormwater management plan (soakwells, discharge) per AS/NZS 3500.3.
- Receive permit and book inspections if required (footings/slab). Keep records for warranty/resale.
Outside WA, the process is similar: confirm setbacks, BAL rating, drainage, and engineering compliance. Ask for “council-approved sheds WA” style documentation even if you’re in SA/NSW/VIC—completeness saves time.
How long does it take to build a Colorbond garage?
- Design and quote: 3–10 business days
- Council approval: 2–8 weeks (shire dependent)
- Manufacture: 3–6 weeks (longer for Ultra, custom colours, insulated panels)
- Slab cure: 7–14 days (weather dependent)
- Erection: 1–3 days (single/double); 3–6 days (large/triple, cyclonic)
2025 market context and why prices changed
- Steel prices eased from 2022 peaks but remain elevated (2024 Australian Steel Market Outlook).
- HIA’s 2024 Outdoor Structures and Home Improvement notes steady demand for garages and carports, with labour availability still impacting install timelines.
- Energy efficiency push: more owners opting for insulation and light-coloured roofs to reduce heat load.
5-step buying guide for custom sheds in Australia
- Site & climate: Confirm wind region, BAL, soil, drainage, corrosion class.
- Design for use: Car storage, workshop, farm machinery storage—set height, door widths, power points accordingly.
- Compare specs: Ask for cladding thickness, door wind rating, frame type, fastener grade, and certifications.
- Total cost: Add slab, site works, delivery, install, council, electrical—don’t compare kit price only.
- Paperwork & warranty: Get engineer’s certificate, council-approved plans, and Colorbond warranties in writing.
FAQs
Is Colorbond worth the premium over Zincalume?
For urban/coastal homes, yes—colour options, curb appeal, and Ultra performance near the coast often justify the 8–15% premium.
How much to build a garage that matches my house roof?
Matching colour/roof pitch (gable) and adding eave infills typically adds 5–12%. For a double garage, budget $16,000–$30,000 installed depending on site and finishes.
What door size for a dual-cab 4WD?
Common clear opening 2,400–2,700 mm wide x 2,200–2,400 mm high. If you have roof racks/lifts, consider 2,700–3,000 mm high with wind-rated doors in cyclonic areas.
Can I finance a garage build?
Many owners use personal loans or redraw. Check if your installer offers staged payments tied to approvals and milestones.
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Next steps
- Measure your space and confirm vehicle heights.
- Ask for a fixed, itemised quote including slab, wind region, BAL, and delivery/install.
- Choose a lighter Colorbond colour and add roof insulation for comfort.