What should a painting quote include, and how do you compare them?

Why do painting quotes for the same house vary so much?

Because they're rarely quoting the same job. One painter might allow for washing, scraping, filling, sanding, priming and two full coats. Another might allow for a single coat over the top. Both are called a repaint, and the price gap between them is mostly prep and coats that you can't see on the day the job is finished.

Other things that move the price: the paint range used, how many colours, ceilings and trims included or not, access and height, how much furniture has to be moved, and the condition of the surfaces. A quote that doesn't say which of these it covers is hard to compare with one that does.

What should be written on the quote?

Consumer Affairs Victoria says a quote should explain what's included, such as materials, labour and how the price is worked out, any extra charges, and the timeline. For painting, that translates to:

• The surfaces: which rooms or walls, and whether ceilings, doors, skirtings, window frames, eaves, fascias and fences are in or out.
• The preparation: washing, scraping, filling, sanding, spot-priming, caulking, mould treatment, and any repairs.
• The paint: brand and product range, the sheen for each surface, and colours if chosen.
• Coats: how many coats on each surface, including primer or undercoat where needed.
• Protection and clean-up: covering floors, furniture and gardens, and cleaning up at the end.
• Exclusions: anything that isn't included, so there's no argument later.
• Price: the total, and whether it includes GST.
• Timing: expected start date, how long it should take, and what happens if weather delays outside work.
• Payment: deposit amount, when the balance is due, and how variations are priced.

How do you compare quotes fairly?

Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends getting at least three quotes based on the same detailed description of the job. The easiest way is to write your own short list of what you want painted before anyone comes out, give the same list to each painter, and ask them to quote against it.

Then line the quotes up side by side. If one is much cheaper, look for what's missing: fewer coats, no primer, trims left out, or a vague line like 'prep as required'. Ask the painter directly. A good one will explain their price without getting defensive.

It's also worth asking how long they expect the job to take and how many people will be on site. A very short timeframe on a big job can be a sign that prep is being skipped.

How much deposit is reasonable?

Consumer Affairs Victoria's checklist for home improvements of up to $10,000 advises not paying the full amount up front, and suggests a deposit of no more than 10 per cent for work under $20,000. Be wary of anyone who wants most of the money before starting, or cash only with no paperwork.

Our own deposit only covers the materials for your job, and the payment terms are written into the quote before we start.

How do I check a painter's insurance and ABN?

Ask for a certificate of currency for their public liability insurance. Consumer Affairs Victoria recommends this, and it's a normal request that any insured business can answer quickly. Check the business name on the certificate matches the name on the quote, and that the policy dates cover the time of your job.

You can look up any Australian Business Number for free on the Australian Government's ABN Lookup. It shows whether the ABN is active, the business name and whether it's registered for GST, which tells you whether GST on the quote makes sense.

For the record, Aussie Painting is fully insured with $20 million public liability, and we're happy to show you the certificate.

Does a painter need to be registered in Victoria?

Not for painting on its own. Consumer Affairs Victoria explains that builders generally need to be registered for domestic building work over $10,000, but lists painting among the single-trade jobs that are exempt. Registration can come into it if the work needs a building permit or is combined with other building work under one contract.

If a contract does include other building work, you can check a builder's registration on the Building and Plumbing Commission's practitioner search. For painting-only work, ask about experience, insurance and who will actually be on your job instead. At Aussie Painting, the work is done by Daniel's team of trade-qualified painters.

What rights do I have if the job isn't done properly?

Under the Australian Consumer Law, services come with consumer guarantees. The ACCC explains that they must be provided with acceptable care and skill, be fit for any purpose you made clear, and be delivered within a reasonable time if no timeframe was agreed. If they aren't, you may be entitled to have the problem fixed, or other remedies depending on how serious it is.

A written quote makes all of that easier, because there's a clear record of what was agreed. That's one reason every Aussie Painting job starts with one, and it comes with a 7-year workmanship guarantee on top of your rights under the law.

Quick questions

Sources

What this guide relies on. Product advice changes, so check the maker's current instructions for the exact paint you're using.

1. Getting quotes for building and renovating — Consumer Affairs Victoria
2. Home improvements costing $10,000 or less: checklist — Consumer Affairs Victoria
3. About builders, tradespeople and other building practitioners — Consumer Affairs Victoria
4. ABN Lookup — Australian Business Register
5. Consumer rights and guarantees — ACCC