The roof is the project you never see coming: everything is fine, until a tile blows off or a damp stain appears on the ceiling. Between a small repair and a full replacement, the budget gaps are huge. Here are the 2026 brackets, so you can see clearly before sending a roofer up your roof.
Rates in 2026
Here are the brackets observed for a roofer in Belgium:
- Hourly rate of a roofer: €40 to €60/hour excl VAT
- New tiled roof, excluding the roof structure: €120 to €250/m²
The per-m² bracket excludes the roof structure: if the framework needs reinforcing or replacing, that is an extra item. Insulation, roof windows and zinc work also come on top depending on the project. A serious quote details each of these items.
In practice, insist on a quote that spells out the removal of the old covering, the underlay, the zinc work, waste disposal and any scaffolding hire. It is the only way to know what a per-m² price really covers, and to avoid extras discovered mid-project.
What makes the price vary
- The complexity of the roof. Steep pitch, height, dormers, chimneys: every obstacle slows the work and requires protection. A simple gable roof costs less per m² than a heavily cut-up one.
- The type of tiles. Clay, concrete, special formats: the choice of material explains a good part of the gap between €120 and €250/m².
- Access and scaffolding. A terraced house in a city centre with a narrow pavement demands more logistics than a detached house with space all around.
- What is found underneath. Under an old covering, roofers sometimes find a tired framework or no underlay at all. Keep a margin for site surprises.
- Season and weather. After a storm, roofers' schedules explode and lead times stretch. A planned project negotiates better than an emergency.
Worked examples
Three common situations, built only from the brackets above:
Replacing a few tiles after a gust of wind. The job is billed by the hour: €40 to €60/hour excl VAT, plus the tiles and any access equipment. A quick repair remains a small budget compared with the water damage it prevents.
Replacing a 100 m² tiled roof. At €120 to €250/m² excluding the structure, the budget sits between €12,000 and €25,000 excl VAT, depending on the tiles chosen, the complexity of the roof and the access.
The same project with 6% VAT. If the home is more than 10 years old, the invoice switches to the reduced rate instead of 21%: on a project of this size, the saving runs into thousands of euros.
VAT at 6% or 21%
Roofing work on a private dwelling more than 10 years old qualifies for 6% VAT instead of 21%, labour and materials included when invoiced by the contractor. Given the amounts at stake on a roof, it is one of the most significant savings in any renovation.
The conditions to remember:
- The property is a private dwelling, occupied by an owner or a tenant
- It was first occupied more than 10 years ago
- The work is carried out and invoiced by a contractor
- The invoice states the conditions for the reduced rate
The reduced rate is applied directly on the invoice, but the quote must state it explicitly. A recent building or professional use means the 21% rate. All the conditions are detailed in our guide to 6% VAT in Belgium.
Mistakes to avoid
Signing with the roofer who rings your doorbell after the storm. Post-storm door-to-door canvassing is a classic scam: deposit cashed, work botched or never started. Always check the company with our BCE checklist before signing before paying anything.
Forgetting the roof structure in the budget. Per-m² prices exclude the framework. Ask the roofer to inspect the structure before you sign, and to spell out exactly what the quote covers.
Comparing per-m² prices without the same scope. Removal of the old covering, underlay, zinc work, waste disposal: two quotes at the same price per m² can cover very different services. Compare line by line.
Neglecting maintenance. Moss, shifted tiles, clogged gutters: a regular check by a professional pushes the big replacement back by years. It is the best roofing investment there is.
FAQ
How much does a new tiled roof cost in Belgium?
Expect €120 to €250/m² excluding the roof structure. The final price depends on the type of tiles, the complexity of the roof and the access to the site.
What is a roofer's hourly rate?
Expect €40 to €60/hour excl VAT for repairs and small jobs, excluding materials and any access costs.
Does the 6% VAT rate apply to roofing work?
Yes, if the building is a private dwelling more than 10 years old and the work is invoiced by a contractor. Otherwise, the 21% rate applies.
Find the right roofer at the right price
One-off repair or complete roof, the winning reflex is the same: compare several detailed quotes before signing. Describe your project once on Batizzy and receive offers from verified roofers, presented in a format you can compare line by line. Compare roofer quotes: free and without obligation.
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