What to Do BEFORE You Hire a Perth Painter – 8 Steps to Doing Your Due Diligence

Updated by Stephen Cochrane May 2025

Planning a painting renovation on your Perth home? A word of advice – choosing the right painting contractor is really important, so don’t rush your decision. The best investment you can make is hiring the qualified painters Perth residents can trust to honour workmanship guarantees after the job is done.

It can be tempting to lock in the Perth painter with the lowest quote and the ability to start tomorrow. However, the unfortunate reality is that more and more unqualified painters are carrying out sub-standard work. This leaves customers in the unenviable position of either living with the dodgy paintwork or paying a qualified painter to do the job again properly.

As Perth’s longest serving painters, we’ve done a lot of repaints and fixups, so we know a thing or two about what can go wrong with an unqualified painter. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to doing your due diligence before hiring a painting contractor in WA.

1. What To Consider Before Looking for a Painter

Define the scope of the job

Before you even ask local Perth painters if they can do the job, you need to know what the job is. Fully outline what is going to be required, such as:

• Number of rooms
• Ceilings and ceiling types
• Number and shape of walls
• Wall trims and cornices
• Door and window frames
• Skirting boards
• Other features like cabinets

You should also note if any of your walls have dark or bright colours, as they will take extra coats of paint to cover up – especially if you are repainting with the trendier neutrals.

If you have a post-war home, you will also need to note alternative wall materials as they may need to be restored or re-plastered. These homes were built when there were lots of construction supply issues, meaning more brick, timber or fibro were used (as opposed to modern plasterboard). Asbestos may be present in walls and ceilings and paint may contain lead, so get those checked and removed by professionals before doing any renovations.

If your Perth property is heritage-listed, you’ll want to choose qualified painters with the necessary experience and skill for restoring historical buildings.

Know the prep work needed

Painting your home isn’t just about the painting itself. You will need to set aside time for preparation. Depending on the state of your home, especially if you have flaking or chipped paint, your painter may need to do repairs, sanding and priming.

Before the painters come in, you can make the process quicker by removing, moving or covering items, furniture and fittings, and dusting and vacuuming.

This prep work will ensure that your paint sticks, covering every inch evenly and cleanly without compromising your belongings. Learn more about prepping for interior house painting here.

Think about paint type, sheen and colour

Getting ready for a renovation takes a little research. Think about what kind of paint you want, as different types have different benefits. For example, low odour and low VOC paints are great for children and those with breathing difficulties. If you can’t decide between acrylic, latex, enamel, oil-based or anti-stain paint, learn more in our guide to paint types.

Also consider paint sheen. Your options include:

• Matte
• Low sheen
• Low gloss
• Semigloss
• Gloss

Paint sheen is extremely important to the final finish of a room. The right sheen choice will depend on the space and surface to be painted. Learn more about sheen level here.

Choosing paint colours is fun – but also stressful! You’ll potentially be living with whatever colour you choose for the next decade at least so you’ll want to be certain. If you’re unsure, the best painters in Perth offer expert advice and colour consultancy services to help you make the right choice for your property.

Decide on a budget

The best way to determine how much it will cost to have your home professionally painted is to request quotes from at least three Perth painters. This will give you a rough guide and you can plan your budget accordingly.

Consider the best time to schedule the project

Residential painting projects vary in duration depending on the size of the property and the scope of the work. But whether it takes 5 days or two weeks, some disruption to your regular home life is unavoidable, so it’s important to think about when to schedule the works and what your household will do during this period.

• What will you do with kids and pets during painting?
• Is it practical to move out while your house is being painted? Don’t forget to budget for it.
• If you decide against moving out, you’ll want to know whether sleeping in a freshly painted room is okay.

2. Make a Short List of Residential Painters

Now that you’ve established a scope for your house painting project, it’s time to make a list of reliable residential painters in Perth. It should be straightforward – but unfortunately, not all painters are created equal – and too many of them lack the proper qualifications. Here’s what to look for before adding house painters to your list.

Ask for recommendations

Sometimes word of mouth from friends and family is the best way to go, because they’ve already been through it. You can also ask for recommendations in Facebook Groups, Google reviews of the best Perth painters, and check trade websites for insights into working with certain contractors.

Check painter credentials

To avoid choosing an unqualified or unprofessional painting business, engage your internet sleuthing skills!

Look at the business website. Does it have:

• a gallery or showcase of their previous work?
• a physical address, phone number and email?
• proper licences and registration listed?

If you got a contractor’s name from an advertisement, check to see if it includes their registration number – this is required by law.

All these things ensure that you’re finding reliable Perth painters. Trustworthiness and compliance are paramount!

Check for licences and registration

Being a registered painter is very important. Registered painters in WA are highly experienced and skilled, and known for professionalism and high standards when compared to other states in Australia.

To be registered as a painter and decorator in Perth, a minimum of four years of full-time experience is required before any other study or qualifications are even considered.

Check the Building Services Board Western Australia for qualified Perth painters’ registration here.

Make a preliminary phone call

Communication is the key to a smooth residential painting project so put this to the test by giving prospective painters a call. This is a good opportunity to test their customer service skills and response time.

During your call, you can ask some preliminary questions to better understand their business and process.

• Are you licenced and insured?
• Do you have experience painting my kind of home? (E.g. coastal, two storey, four bedroom etc.)
• How long have you been in the painting industry?
• Can you provide references from previous Perth clients? (minimum of two)
• What is included in the quote?
• What are your payment terms?

3. Questions To Ask Painters On Your Short List

Choosing a painter is a lot like interviewing a potential employee for a job, so don’t be afraid to ask questions – all of them! This is all about making an informed decision. Take some notes and check if they tick all your boxes.

Do you have insurance and what does it cover?

Not all jobs are hassle-free and accidents do happen. Without the right insurance cover, you could be personally liable for damage to your home caused by the contractor, and even injuries sustained by the contractor while working on your property.

Unlicensed contractors often don’t have insurance. Licensed WA painters on the other hand, MUST have Public Liability and Workers Compensation insurance cover for a reason. This is to protect you, the homeowner, as much as the painting contractor.

How will you project manage this job?

Having a bunch of painters in your home will affect your family, time and space. So, you need to know how you will be affected and when. On the other hand, you also need to ensure you aren’t causing any delays or added costs yourself.

If your Perth interior painter has a detailed plan and timeline, you can have some confidence that they know what they’re doing. A great painter will tell you what is happening in which room day-by-day and when you can gain access again.

• What is your communication procedure? How will you keep me informed throughout the job?
• Who will be on the team? Are the painters on my job experienced?
• What hours will you be onsite?
• How do you minimise disruption of privacy and quiet?
• What are your methods for reducing problems along the way?
• What do you expect me to do during preparation? What shouldn’t I do?
• How will you handle clean-up? Do you vacuum the area and put furniture back in place once you’re finished?
• Where does the rubbish go? Do you follow the regulations for paint disposal?

How do you manage safety?

Painting can have more safety risks than you think.

Sometimes past homeowners have covered up problems with layers and layers of paint, only for your contractors to run into lead or other toxic materials in the older coats. Dust from sanding can get into ventilation systems causing problems for those with respiratory issues like asthma. Ask your painter about their system for protecting your family and themselves.

Your painter should employ safety procedures including:

• A safety management plan
• A risk assessment
• Protective equipment such as masks and glasses
• Ventilation systems and dust extractions

Do you offer warranties and guarantees?

Ask about warranties and guarantees on the workmanship and materials. When you’re buying a fridge or car, you’re always given a guarantee against a faulty product. It follows that you should receive the same from a painting contractor.

A guarantee from an unlicensed painter is pretty much worthless. The Building Commission of WA is in place to protect you but they cannot do that if you employ someone that is not registered with them.

What brand of paint do you use?

Finally, we’re talking about paint! As it is the heart of the job, paint choice absolutely matters so ask your painter what brands they use. If it’s a brand you’ve never heard of, do a little more digging and ask for more info. Paint is such a chemical-heavy substance so it needs to meet Australian regulations to ensure its safety.

Sticking to bigger brands with a solid reputation like Dulux is recommended, bonus points if your Perth painter has Dulux Accreditation. After all, cheap paint can mean toxic ingredients and disappointing finishes that need to be repainted after a short period of time.

You also want a contractor that understands paint choices specific to Perth weather. Especially during the hotter months, they will have to think about heat resistance, insulation, UV protection for exteriors, considerations for coastal homes, and ventilation.

4. Choose a Perth painter

It’s finally time to choose your painter. If you are going to take any of our advice, don’t just choose the cheapest option. Usually, cheap prices are too good to be true – corners will be cut and your property value can plummet.

We also understand that you don’t want to be overcharged. So, while keeping your budget in mind, conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the following things:

• A tight schedule and a prompt return home
• Protection from dangerous chemicals in kids bedrooms
• Less dust and mess, meaning less clean-up for you
• That feeling of “wow!” every time you enter a room

5. Read and Understand Your Contract

Contracts are incredibly important. Both you and your painter are bound to it.

A professional residential painting contract should include:

• Scope
• Cost
• Payment schedule
• Start and completion dates
• Paint brands and colours
• Insurance and licencing details
• Dispute resolution procedure
• Clean up

Yes, this already seems like a lot, but a good contractor will make sure everything is covered and accounted for.

Read through your contract very carefully. Ask yourself whether the contract complies with what you expect and reflects the conversations you’ve had with the painters. Here are some things to check for to ensure that you are covered.

1. All terms should be complete and clear, especially payment terms.
2. Steps for remedying issues should be detailed.
3. Procedure for changes should be included.
4. A specific timeline should be outlined.
5. Procedure for issues along the way, like emergencies, accidents or delays should be clearly identified.

When there is no contract

If you have managed some home renovation projects, you would know how difficult it can get if you don’t have a detailed schedule outlining every part of the job being undertaken. A written quote or document outlining all aspects of the job on the contractor’s letterhead is essential, otherwise it can be open to interpretation. The Building Commission can and will intervene if there is an issue between a licensed contractor and their client. Unlicensed contractors, however, can’t be held accountable.

6. Monitor the Painting Process

Once the job has started, keep an eye on everything, from prep work to clean up. Unfortunately, it’s not a holiday. Hold your painters to the contract. That means ensuring everything is meeting your timeline – with no cut corners.

When your painters know that you are expecting high standards and communication, it will positively impact your final result.

Quick Checklist for Choosing Qualified Perth Painters

1. Make a list of everything you want painted and any challenges painters may run into.
2. Create a timeline and account for prep time.
3. Get recommendations for painters.
4. Check for painter licences, registration and insurance.
5. Ask short-listed painters all the questions you have.
6. Clearly discuss procedures, especially for hazards.
7. Ensure warranties and guarantees are in place.
8. Confirm your paint contractor uses quality brand paint products that are suited to purpose.
9. Choose a painter that can deliver on the quality and durability you want and offers competitive pricing (not lowball offers).
10. Read your contract carefully!

Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the project and once it’s completed. The best painters in Perth will ensure you’re happy every step of the way.

We’re the Qualified Painters Perth Trusts

With more than 90 years of experience, AJ Cochrane & Sons is proud to be part of WA’s painting industry. When it comes to qualified painters, Perth consumers can rely on our experienced team to offer the highest level of workmanship, stringent safe work practices, and exceptional customer service.

To discuss your next residential painting project, get in touch with us today.