Other than the fact that it’s a proudly local product, Colorbond steel has become quite a staple in Australia for its aesthetic flexibility and durability. If you are contemplating building your garage or shed using Colorbond, you’re on the right track.

Here’s a quick cost guide to help you with your little project.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Colorbond Garage

From obvious things like the size and design complexity to other less noticeable factors such as site prep and insulation, plenty of factors can affect the overall cost.

• Size: Now, this one’s a bit of a no-brainer. The bigger your garage, the more materials needed, and that’s going to increase your expenses. It’s not just about the space for your car anymore, is it? Think about all the stuff you’re going to be storing or the workspace you might need. Corners, curves, and other fancy shapes could push the costs up, too.
• Materials: I mean, it’s a Colorbond garage, so you’re going to use Colorbond steel, right? But even within the Colorbond range, you’ve got options – just plain steel or Colorbond Ultra Steel. The type you choose can change the price tag.
• Design Complexity: Are we talking about a simple, single-door garage or something a bit fancier with multiple sections, automatic doors, and fancy windows? If your design’s got more intricate than your typical garage, it’ll cost more to build.
• Site Preparation: Is the land flat and all ready to go, or are you dealing with an uneven lot that needs a bit of work? Clearing the land, levelling it, and bearing in mind any sloping can add to the building costs. And don’t forget about any underground pipes and cables that might need moving.
• Additional Features: Think about added extras like insulation, electrics, and plumbing. Do you want a slab floor or something a bit fancier? What about internal walls and ceilings? These little add-ons, while they make your garage comfortable and functional, will add to that final bill.

Average Cost of a Colorbond Garage

A simple, no-frills single-car garage made from Colorbond steel in the range of $5,000 to $10,000. This would give you a pretty standard size of about 3.5 x 6 metres, enough room to park the Ute and stash some tools.

If you’re planning on housing the family Commodore and your weekend project in the same place, a double-car garage might be more your speed. With a standard size of about 6 x 6 metres, these beauties generally range between $10,000 and $20,000.

But listen, every project is unique – just like your favourite barman at the local. Say you want a loft for storage, or a workshop space for those endless DIY projects (yeah, we all have ’em), or extra spots for the bikes and the caravan. For these larger, custom-built garages, you’re looking at $20,000 up to about $50,000.

Price Breakdown for Colorbond Garage Components

Of course, you can’t make a garage with just sheets of Colorbond steel. You still have to put them all together with a structural framework, windows, doors, and other necessary components.
So, let’s break it down into the cost of the components:

• Colorbond Steel Sheets: These are your main players, covering your walls and roof. They’re typically priced around $18 to $36 per sheet. But keep in mind the price varies depending on the type, thickness, and profile you pick.
• Structural Framework: This typically consists of steel columns, beams, and roof purlins, and you might see prices around the $20 per lineal metre range. Again, that can fluctuate a bit based on your specific garage design.
• Doors: How much you’re up for here depends on whether you’re after a basic roller door or an automatic panel lift. You’re likely looking anywhere from a few hundred up to over a grand or two.
• Windows: This can get vary widely. A simple aluminium sliding window can start around $200 each, but if you’re after something more special, you could be up for more.
• Insulation: Especially important if you’re planning to spend time out there working on your pet projects. Insulating the walls and roofing materials can cost around $5 to $10 per square metre.
• Internal Fittings: Lighting, electrical, shelving, or flooring – all these bits and pieces can add up. It’s a tad difficult to provide a precise estimate, as it really depends on what extras you’re after.
• Roofing Materials: We’ve already chatted about the Colorbond sheets up top, but let’s not forget guttering, downpipes, and flashing. They could set you back a few hundred more.

Installation Costs for Colorbond Garages

Putting them all together requires a lot of work. From site preparation, foundation work, down to the last coat of paint – it’s challenging to obtain an accurate cost estimate. So, we’ve done our best to give you a rough idea. Here are some general installation costs for Colorbond garages:

Site Preparation

This is the first step in the process, and it involves clearing the land, removing any debris or rocks, and, sometimes, leveling the land if it’s not level. Expect to shell out around $20 to $40 per square metre for this.

Foundation Work

The foundation is the base supporting the garage structure. The cost here can be a bit tricky to pin down as there are variables such as the size of the garage, the type of soil, and whether you’re laying a concrete slab or a more complex foundation. As a rough guide, you can expect to pay approximately $4,000 to $15,000 for a full basement foundation, though less complex types will be significantly cheaper.

Assembly

This is where your Colorbond garage really starts to take shape, with the structure assembled and the Colorbond sheets attached. In terms of labour costs, as a general guideline, installation can run from around $50 to $70 per hour.

Additional Expenses

Remember to keep in mind some potential additional costs that can sneak up on you. These can include costs for building permits, electrical wiring if you need lighting or power, plumbing if you want a sink or toilet installed, or a concrete floor if you want something more sturdy to stand on. These costs can vary quite a bit, depending on what you need and local rates.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Colorbond Garage

So, you might have already chosen Colorbond because it’s become the default choice for a lot of people, but what else should you consider?

Durability

Colorbond is popular for a reason. It’s highly durable and designed to withstand tough Australian weather conditions. It’s corrosion-resistant and termite-resistant, making it a solid choice for long-term durability.

Maintenance Requirements

One of the big benefits of Colorbond is that it’s low maintenance. It doesn’t require painting, it’s easy to clean with just a hose, and its baked-on colour finish resists chipping and cracking. This makes it a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Customisation Options

Colorbond offers a wide range of colours and profiles, allowing you to perfectly match your garage to the aesthetic of your home. Whether you’re after a traditional or modern look, you’re sure to find a design that suits you.

Warranty

Most Colorbond steel products come with a warranty, which is a testament to their quality and the confidence the manufacturer has in their durability. Make sure to check the warranty details for your specific product.

Manufacturer/Installer Reputation

Lastly, don’t forget to look into the reputation of the manufacturer and installer. Read reviews or ask for references. A well-established company with a history of quality work and positive customer feedback will give you peace of mind that your garage is in good hands.

Cost-Saving Tips for Colorbond Garage Projects

Here’s some down-to-earth advice for saving some of your hard-earned cash on your Colorbond garage project:

• Multiple Quotes: Don’t just settle for the first quote you get. Shop around a bit. A little competition never hurt anyone and could help you snag a better deal. Just like choosing the best pub for Friday nights, check out a few builders and see who offers the best value for money. Or if you’re going to do it DIY, check out multiple suppliers. You never know what kind of bundles they might have.
• DIY Options: If you’re feeling handy and have some help from your mates, consider a DIY garage kit. You’ll save a decent chunk on labour costs. Unless you’re a seasoned tradie, stick to simpler designs. Remember, a rewarding barbecue will go a long way in persuading your mates for a helping hand.
• Standard Sizes: Custom designs are great, but they can cost you an arm and a leg. Choosing a standard size and layout for your garage can significantly cut down costs. Less material, less complex design – simple as that.
• Keep it Simple: Grand plans for your garage are great, but if you’re trying to save a bit of cash, focus on what you really need. Do you need that automatic door, or can you live with a manual one? Prioritise the essentials over luxury features, then add more as your budget allows over time.
• Second-Hand or Recycled Materials: Check out reuse centres or online marketplaces for second-hand or surplus building materials. You might score a bargain on things like doors, windows, or even insulation.

Colorbond Garage 101

There’s a reason why you see Colorbond garages all over the Australian suburbs: the stuff is tough. It’s been tested to withstand everything from cyclones and earthquakes to termites and fire. But, to top it all off, they are also very cost-effective, because they’re designed and manufactured locally.

But don’t forget to consider the different factors that may affect the final garage cost, such as size, design complexity, and the others mentioned above. These factors may result in a significant cost increase if you go into it blind.

And if you’re really trying to save a little dough, consider multiple builders or suppliers, don’t hesitate to go for a DIY build, and maybe just don’t go overboard with the design. Doing so can help you save as much as 25% on the final garage cost.

So, with that out of the way, it’s time to start your project!