DRJ Painters and Decorators Sydney

Trusted Residential & Commercial Painting Services Since 2003

10 Questions to Ask a Painter

Essential Checks Before You Hire a Painting Contractor

Hiring a painting contractor is a significant investment in your home. The quality of their work will be on display for years to come, so it’s crucial to choose a reputable, professional, and trustworthy business. A detailed quote is a great start, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Asking the right questions before you commit will give you a much clearer picture of their professionalism, processes, and what you can expect from the job. Don't be afraid to interview your potential painter – a true professional will be happy to answer all these questions.

The Essential Pre-Hire Checklist

Work through these ten questions with any contractor you are seriously considering for your project.

A professional painter discussing a project with a homeowner, holding a clipboard.
  1. Are you licensed and insured?
    This is the most important question. In NSW, a painting contractor must hold a valid licence for any work valued over $5,000. Ask for their licence number – you can check it online with Fair Trading NSW. Crucially, ask for a copy of their Public Liability Insurance certificate. This protects you and your property in case of an accident.
  2. Do you have a registered ABN?
    A legitimate business in Australia will have an Australian Business Number (ABN). This is a basic sign of a professional operation versus a "cash-in-hand" operator.
  3. Who will be doing the work – you, your employees, or subcontractors?
    It’s important to know who will be on your property. A reputable business will have a consistent team of qualified employees. If they use subcontractors, ask how they vet them for quality and reliability.
  4. What brand and type of paint do you use?
    A professional painter will never skimp on the quality of their materials. They should state clearly that they use premium, trade-quality paints from reputable brands like Dulux, Taubmans, or Haymes. Be wary of a quote that just says "paint included" without specifying the brand and product line.
  5. Can you provide references or show me examples of your recent work?
    Any proud and professional painter will be delighted to show you their portfolio or provide contact details for recent clients. Checking online reviews on Google is also an excellent way to gauge their reputation.
  6. What is your preparation process?
    This question separates the pros from the amateurs. A detailed answer should include protecting floors and furniture, washing walls, filling cracks and holes, sanding, and priming where necessary. A vague answer is a major red flag.
  7. How will my property be protected during the job?
    They should confirm that all floors, furniture, and fixtures will be properly covered with clean drop sheets and plastic, and that the site will be left clean and tidy at the end of each day.
  8. How many coats of paint are included in the quote?
    The professional standard for a colour change is one coat of primer/undercoat (if needed) and two full topcoats. This should be clearly specified in your written quote.
  9. What is the estimated timeline for the project?
    A professional should be able to give you a clear start date and a realistic estimate of how long the project will take, weather permitting for exterior jobs.
  10. Do you offer a warranty on your workmanship?
    A reputable contractor will stand behind their work. Ask if they offer a warranty against workmanship defects like peeling or blistering (this won't cover normal wear and tear). A warranty shows they are confident in the quality of their preparation and application.

Pro Tip from a Sydney Painter

A detailed, written quote is not just a price; it's a statement of professionalism. It should clearly answer most of the questions above without you even having to ask. At DRJ Painting, our quotes are fully itemised, specifying the exact preparation process, the premium Dulux products we will use, and the number of coats to be applied. We are fully licensed and insured, and we provide a written warranty on our workmanship because we are proud of the quality we deliver.

What Our Customers Say

"Highly recommend David for your painting needs. He is skilled, professional, on time and a gentleman through and through. His key point of difference with other tradies is his wonderful communication skills. Would definitely use his services again."

"Highly recommend DJ, flawless work, punctual and reasonably priced. Been using these guys for years and they have never let me down."

"David and his team were fantastic, they were accommodating to our timing needs, and we are very happy with the finished product. Highly recommend."

Get Free Quote