Hiring a painter: what to ask, what to avoid
Two painting quotes for the “same” job often aren't the same job at all — the gap is usually scope: what's included, what's billed as an extra, and what you confirmed before you booked. Here's how to tell a fair deal from an expensive one, grounded in real pricing data.
The one that catches most people out
Cheapest quote, bad paint
Single-coat builder paint fades in 2 years.
Questions to ask a painter
Most overcharging hides in the scope, not the headline price. These pin it down before you commit.
- 1
Does your quote include major plaster repair, or is that extra?
- 2
Is wallpaper removal part of the price, or charged separately?
If it's extra, expect around $20–40/sqm.
- 3
Will I be charged extra for lead paint?
- 4
Is scaffolding included, or an add-on?
- 5
Can you put the full scope and the final price in writing before any work starts?
Scope disputes are the single most common complaint. A written list is what protects you.
- 6
Is GST included in the price you have quoted?
A sole trader under $75k turnover can legally leave GST off, which makes a quote look about 10% cheaper than a registered business for the same work.
Three checks that take five minutes
Check the licence
For licensed trades, ask for the licence number and confirm it on your state's fair-trading or licensing site before you book. Unlicensed work can void your insurance.
Confirm they're insured
Public liability cover protects you if something gets damaged on the job. If an operator can't confirm it, that's a red flag.
Insist on a written quote
A fair quote itemises the scope, names what's excluded, and states whether GST is included. Verbal quotes are where disputes start.
Other mistakes worth avoiding
Skipping prep
Good paint on bad surface = bad result.
What's usually included, and what costs extra
Usually included
- ✓Surface prep
- ✓Two coats
- ✓Masking/protection
- ✓Minor crack fill
- ✓Clean-up
Usually charged extra
- +Major plaster repair
- +Wallpaper removal · $20–40/sqm
- +Lead paint
- +Scaffolding
What pushes the price up: surface prep (60% of the job), high ceilings, wallpaper removal, premium paints, lead paint.
Painting questions, answered
How many coats?+
Paint before selling?+
Already have a quote?
Check it against real painting prices in 30 seconds, then walk in knowing exactly what to ask.