How to Quote a Gutter Replacement in Australia
Gutter replacement looks like a quick run of Colorbond, until the fascia's rotten and the house is two storeys. Here's how to quote gutter replacement so downpipes, access and hidden rot don't come out of your margin.
A gutter replacement can look like an easy day — pull the old run, hang the new one. But downpipes, fascia repairs, waste removal and getting up a two-storey wall safely are where the real cost sits, and they're the lines most quotes skip. This guide covers what to include, what materials and labour cost in 2026, and the mistakes that quietly eat your margin.
What a good gutter quote covers
Start every gutter quote with a proper site measure, then list the lot. A complete quote covers:
- Linear metres of guttering — measured, not eyeballed.
- Downpipes — how many and where they run.
- Fascia and timber repairs — the big variable; check for rot before you price.
- Material, colour and profile — named so there's no argument at handover.
- Waste removal — carting the old guttering away.
- Access equipment — scaffold or an EWP for anything multi-storey.
- Timeline and warranty — in writing, in line with Australian Consumer Law.
Gutter replacement costs in 2026
Installed price is usually quoted per lineal metre, and access is the main thing that moves it:
| Job type | Cost / lineal metre | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-storey | $35–$65/lm | Simpler, faster access |
| Double-storey or complex roof | $60–$120/lm | More labour and safety gear |
For an average three-bedroom house — roughly 50–70 lineal metres — a complete job usually lands between $2,500 and $7,000, depending on downpipe numbers, fascia condition and how hard the roof is to get around.
Material costs and profiles
The guttering itself is only part of the material bill — accessories add up too. Current supply pricing runs roughly:
| Material | Cost / lineal metre | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Zincalume | $10–$20/lm | Budget, unpainted runs |
| Colorbond steel | $15–$30/lm | Colour match and durability — the default |
| PVC | $5–$15/lm | Downpipes and low-cost jobs |
On top of the guttering, price the brackets, joiners, stop ends and pop-rivets — usually another 10–15% of the guttering cost. Colorbond from Lysaght or Stramit gives you the colour range most customers want; source from a reputable supplier so it meets the Australian Standard.
Labour and safety
Labour is often the biggest single cost, at around $60–$100/hour per tradie. An average home takes a two-person team 1–3 days. The number that catches people out is height:
- Single-storey work is usually straightforward with basic fall protection.
- Multi-storey jobs need scaffold or an EWP, adding roughly $500–$1,500 to the job.
- Fall protection isn't optional — Safe Work Australia and state WHS rules apply, and the fines for skipping it dwarf the hire cost.
Check the fascia before you commit to a fixed price. Hidden timber rot behind the old gutter is the single most common blowout on these jobs — call it out on the quote with a variations clause so a rotten fascia becomes a priced extra, not an argument.
Common mistakes that eat your margin
- Skipping a proper site inspection. Underquoting almost always starts here. Measure the runs, count the downpipes and check the fascia in person before you price.
- Missing hidden timber rot. Rotten fascia or sub-fascia behind the old gutter adds material and labour fast. Flag it as a possible variation up front.
- Vague inclusions and exclusions. If the quote doesn't say what's in and what's out, you get scope creep and disputes. Spell it out.
- Forgetting waste, travel and permits. Carting the old guttering, travel time and scaffold permits in some councils all cost money. Don't absorb them.
- No contingency. Add a 5–10% buffer for the surprises. On older homes there's almost always one.
Pro tips for a gutter quote that holds
- Inspect on site — photograph and measure the guttering, downpipes and fascia.
- Name the exact material, colour and profile (for example Colorbond 'Surfmist').
- Itemise everything — guttering, downpipes, brackets, waste removal and any repairs.
- Include a variations clause for hidden rot and how it'll be priced.
- Cost fall protection and scaffold from the start, not as an afterthought.
- Send a clean, itemised quote fast — the quick professional quote often wins the job.
ServiceYak keeps your gutter, downpipe and access rates in a reusable kit, so you can measure the runs, itemise the job and send a branded PDF before you've left the driveway.
Frequently asked questions
How much does gutter replacement cost in Australia?
Installed, expect $35–$65 per lineal metre on a single-storey home and $60–$120 on a double-storey or complex roof. A full three-bedroom house — around 50–70 metres — usually runs $2,500–$7,000.
What's the best gutter material?
Colorbond steel is the default for most homes — durable, with a colour range to match the roof, at $15–$30/lm supply. Zincalume is cheaper if colour doesn't matter, and PVC suits downpipes and budget jobs.
Why do quotes include a fascia allowance?
Because you often can't see the fascia until the old gutter is off, and hidden timber rot is common. A variations clause or allowance means a rotten fascia is priced fairly as an extra rather than eating your margin.