Cladding installation in Sydney: where to start
Cladding installation in Sydney can give a tired brick or weatherboard home a fresh look, add insulation and protect the walls from the weather. Options include fibre cement, timber, metal, vinyl and composite boards. The best result comes when the existing walls are checked, and any water or rot problems are fixed, before anything is covered up.
Covering an existing wall should not conceal an unresolved water-entry problem. Identify what is being removed, what remains and how the new system meets openings and roof details.
What’s usually included
Every property is different, but a good quote for cladding installation should spell out items like these.
- Existing wall and substrate assessment
- Specified cladding system
- Water-management and junction details
- Access and installation scope
- Removal, disposal and making good
How much does it cost?
Installed cladding in Australia ranges from about $40 to $250 per square metre, depending on the material and the job.
Materials plus professional installation, per m² of wall (national guide, not Sydney-specific). Scaffolding, removing old cladding, repairs, insulation, painting and detailing around windows add to the cost.
Preparation, access, material and details around openings affect cost. Confirm whether insulation, repairs or coatings are included.
Indicative ranges only, compiled October 2026 from TradeHeroes – How much does cladding cost in Australia? (May 2026). Your quote depends on your property and scope.
How long it takes: Smaller cladding jobs often take two to seven days, while recladding a whole house can take much longer.
Licences, insurance and approvals
In NSW, cladding work worth more than $5,000 (incl. GST) usually needs a contractor licence, for example in carpentry or general building. Cladding on one- or two-storey houses can be exempt development only if it does not use external combustible cladding and meets the other standards; otherwise approval is needed.
Every member of our crew has their NSW licence verified and insurance sighted before joining, and agrees to quote in writing with their licence number shown. Before you sign, confirm the licence number on the quote using the NSW Government licence check, and make sure residential work over $5,000 (including GST) has a written contract.
Have these details ready
A clear brief gets you faster, more accurate quotes.
- Wall material and approximate area
- Known damage or water entry
- Preferred system
- Height and access
Cladding installation: common questions
Can new cladding be installed over damaged walls?
The wall condition must be assessed first. The repair and installation scope should identify what is made sound before covering it.
Which cladding material is best?
Fibre cement boards are durable, fire-resistant and paintable. Timber looks warm but needs regular maintenance. Metal cladding is light and tough. Composite and vinyl products need little upkeep. In bushfire-prone areas, your BAL rating may limit your choices, so check that first and ask for the product's fire performance details.
Can cladding go over brick?
Yes, usually by fixing battens to the brick and attaching the cladding to them. This leaves a cavity for drainage and insulation. The installer needs to plan how the new cladding meets windows, doors, eaves and downpipes, and any existing damp or cracking problems should be fixed first.
Does cladding improve insulation?
Cladding alone adds only a little insulation. The real gain comes from adding insulation boards or a suitable wall wrap behind it. Ask your installer what the whole wall system will achieve and whether a breathable wrap is included, so moisture can escape rather than being trapped in the wall.
Do I need approval to reclad my house?
Cladding on a one- or two-storey house can be exempt development if it meets the state standards, including not using external combustible cladding. Houses over two storeys, heritage properties and other cases may need a CDC or DA. Check with your council or a certifier before ordering materials.