Questions to Ask a Painter Before You Hire

Hiring a painter is about more than the cheapest quote. The right questions reveal how thorough, experienced and professional a painter is — before you hand over your home.

Ten questions to ask

1. Are you licensed and insured? Ask to see their licence and public liability insurance.
2. Do you have an ABN? A registered business is a basic trust signal.
3. Can I see recent references or reviews? Real, recent feedback beats a polished sales pitch.
4. What preparation is included? This is the biggest factor in how long the paint lasts.
5. What paint will you use, and how many coats? The brand and coat count should be in writing.
6. How long will the job take? A realistic timeline shows experience.
7. Who will be on site each day? Confirm whether it's the same crew throughout.
8. What's the warranty? 5–7 years on workmanship is common.
9. How do you handle changes? Scope changes should be agreed in writing.
10. When is payment due? Be wary of large upfront deposits.

Red flags to watch for

• Quotes that are dramatically cheaper than others — preparation is often the casualty
• Pressure to sign immediately
• No written quote or vague scope
• Unwillingness to provide references or insurance details

Get everything in writing

A written quote should list the scope, preparation, paint products, number of coats, timeline, warranty and payment terms. If it's not in writing, it doesn't exist.

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