Hiring Guides
Hiring a House Painter: Questions to Ask Before You Book
By TradieCorner Team · · 1 min read
Two painting quotes can look similar on paper and produce very different results. Most of the difference lies in what happens before the first coat goes on: cleaning, sanding, filling, priming and protecting your floors and furniture. Asking about the process tells you far more than comparing totals.
Questions about preparation
- How will you prepare the surfaces — washing, sanding, filling cracks?
- Will you prime bare or repaired areas?
- How will furniture, floors and gardens be protected?
- For exteriors, how will you deal with flaking or chalky old paint?
Questions about the paint
- Which brand and product range will you use, and in what sheen?
- How many coats are included?
- Are ceilings, doors, trims and window frames included or extra?
- Who chooses and buys the paint?
Questions about the job itself
- How long will the job take, and what happens if it rains?
- Who will be on site each day?
- How will you clean up at the end of each day and at the finish?
- What warranty do you offer on workmanship?
Pick colours before the quotes come in
Painters can quote more accurately when they know whether you're going lighter, darker or making a dramatic change, since strong colour changes can need extra coats. Test pots on the actual walls, in both morning and evening light, before you commit.
This article is general information only and isn't legal, financial or trade advice. Requirements vary by state and territory and by the type of work.
