There’s no doubt that a lick of fresh paint can be transformative for Perth properties. It can breathe new life into tired home interiors or add instant street appeal to a dated commercial building. Painting is an investment that can provide lots of bang for your buck – but only if you get the right painters for the job.
Before you hire a painter in Perth, there are a range of factors you should consider. Doing your due diligence is critical if you want to find the right contractor to support your renovation – and avoid any nasty surprises along the way.
So where should you begin?
You asked, and we’re answering! Here’s your step-by-step guide to choosing a Perth painter who provides true quality service and great value for money, too.
What to Look for When Choosing a Painter
Experience and Qualifications
Never skimp on experience or qualifications. Before selecting a painter, look for relevant certifications and licenses that prove their expertise. In Western Australia, all professional painters must hold a valid painting contractor’s license issued by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation, and Safety (DMIRS). Check painter registrations here. If the Perth painters you’re considering don’t hold a valid license, cross them off your list.
In the painting business, experience is essential. It takes time to build trade skills and expertise. Choose a painting company with a proven track record in the industry. AJ Cochrane & Sons is proud to be Perth’s longest-running painting company, with nearly a hundred years of serving the community.
Finally, ensure you choose the right painters for your specific project. Some painting jobs require a specialised skill set. e.g. Heritage painting for a historical Peppermint Grove home. Some painters work exclusively on residential house painting projects, while others have a focus on commercial painting. It’s worth asking a prospective painter where their expertise lies when deciding which company will best suit your needs.
Insurance and Compliance
Before engaging a professional painter, ensure they have full public liability insurance coverage. This will cover the costs of any accidents or damages that might occur during the job so that you’re not out of pocket for expenses.
Additionally, have a conversation with your painter about safety and compliance. You need a professional who is aware of industry health and safety protocols and upholds the highest standards for both their clients and their staff. Ask the painter about environmental regulations, especially if they’re working with potentially harmful lead-based paints in an older property.
References and Reviews
Request references or customer testimonials from prospective painters. If they have a portfolio, take some time to look at the work they’ve done previously.
Alternatively, you can read online reviews on popular platforms like Google, Yelp, and other local directories like Hipages or Oneflare. Ask for recommendations from trusted friends, family, or neighbours – especially if you love the painting finishes in their homes.
Has the painter won industry awards or worked on any prestigious projects? AJ Cochrane & Sons is Perth’s most awarded painting company with over 80 prizes. Our team has been entrusted with the restoration of some of the state’s most culturally significant buildings.
Quotes and Pricing
Don’t be afraid to shop around for a painter – especially if you’ve never hired one before. Obtain three separate quotes from respected Perth painters – and remember, you can – and should – ask for specifics when it comes to pricing estimates. The cheapest quote does not always deliver the most value. With a detailed written quote, you can compare the costs and inclusions offered by each business.
A detailed quote will include:
- labour, material, and surface preparation costs
- any other applicable fees.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to explore budget-friendly options. Talk to your painter about their most economical package offerings, and find out if there’s anything you can do to make the process more affordable.
Warranty and After-Service
Not all painters provide a warranty or after-service care, so ask the question ahead of time to avoid any surprises. Most reputable painting companies will provide a generous warranty for workmanship and materials.
Some painters will even offer touch-up services to resolve any minor issues that pop up after the completion of the job. This varies case by case, so clear communication from the outset is critical in ensuring you know exactly what you’re signing up for.
Materials and Prepping
Materials and techniques can make a big impact on the finished look, quality and longevity of paintwork. Hire a painter who uses trusted Australian brands, like Dulux or Haymes, to ensure the highest quality finish and minimise issues like peeling, fading, and cracking over time.
Ask your painter about their preparation processes, as this can make or break the durability of the final paintwork. Do they include sanding and priming as part of their service?
Communication and Professionalism
Good communication and professionalism are key to a great painting business – and a successful and stress-free painting project – so talk to prospective painters before you sign on the dotted line. Ideally, it should be easy to chat with them. Choose a painter who takes the time to listen to your questions, is happy to explain things to you (more than once if necessary) and is friendly and professional to deal with.
A good painter should also provide a clear project timeline to help you plan all aspects of your painting journey, from start to finish.
Local Knowledge
In the Perth painting market, local knowledge is everything.
Perth painters face a range of unique challenges due to the city’s often harsh climate conditions. Experienced painters understand which paints and coatings are best to withstand hot weather, coastal winds and more.
A painter with loads of local experience can also provide invaluable insight into current trends in Perth’s property market, enabling you to paint for maximum profit. Plus, they’ll have no trouble finding you, north or south of the river!
Contracts and Payment Terms
Once you’ve chosen a painter, you should be provided with a written contract that correctly details the full scope of the work, along with the project timeline, payment schedule, and any other relevant terms.
You may be asked to provide a deposit for the job. This is normal and even expected. Deposits and staged instalment payments are generally the safer financial option rather than settling the full bill upfront.
Hire the Painters Perth has Trusted for 90+ Years!
Now that you know what to look for in a painter, it’s time to get your project underway! At AJ Cochrane & Sons, we’ve earned our reputation as the leading painters in Perth for nearly a century, and we’re proud to serve the local community.
So what are you waiting for? Contact us to discuss your next painting project.
