Tradies.  Hiring them, co-ordinating with them, working with them.  It’s so hard to know if the massive investment you’re about to make is going to be a dream or a nightmare. A great tradie isn’t just good at the job, they’re experienced enough to see problems before they arise, organised enough to have the right tools on hand, at the right time and honest enough to do a good job at a fair price.  While your average sparky has a thousand and one reviews in local Facebook groups, and everyone you know can recommend a great local plumber, nobody knows a painter (or a tiler, where do all the tilers hide?).  So, when you’re hiring a house painter, without friend recommendations, here’s the list of due diligence you should do, to ensure smooth sailing…and wall finishes.

1. Ensure they are registered

The first thing you need to do is ensure you engage a registered painter. Currently all painters and decorators in Australia are required to be licensed by the Building Commission if they intend to carry out painting works valued at over $1,000. How do you know if a painter is registered? Simple. Ask them to show you proof of their registration (you will need to check the date on it to ensure that it is current) or check their registration online.

2. Know what you want done

Be specific about the work that you want carried out and detail the exact areas that need painting. If you know the colours you would like, include those in your ‘brief’. You also need to specify when the work must be done by.

In order for you to accurately compare prices, each contractor must quote for exactly the same work. We always recommend getting at least three written quotes.

3. Check references

Ask each contractor for the names of previous customers as a reference and contact those people to get their reference. Another alternative would be to ring the Master Painters Association and ask them for a reference on one or all three of your prospective contractors

4. Preparation

In your job brief to the contractor ask what they do to prepare each surface for painting. The things they should indicate include:

• Surface preparation
• Undercoats (include type and brand)
• Finish coats (type of paint, brand, colours and number of coats.)
• Asset protection 
  
  
• How will the contractor protect nearby plants when the exterior is being painted
• How will the contractor protect furniture, fixtures and fittings when the interior is being painted
  
  

5. Confirm start and finish dates
   

   Ask when the work will be started and finished. They should also be able to tell you how many painters will be working on the job and what the remedy/penalty is if the job is not finished on time
   

6. Warranty

Ask the contractor if they will be providing a warranty. If a warranty is offered establish if it covers labour and materials and ensure that you receive a written copy by the conclusion of the job.

7. Quality Control

It’s worth engaging a quality control specialist if you feel a little anxious about the process and quality of work that may be provided. Any Master Painter can provide this service – a service fee would likely apply.