How to Choose a Painter in Perth — 7 Things to Check Before You Book

Choosing the wrong painter in Perth is an expensive mistake. A bad paint job means peeling walls, poor coverage, messy edges — and paying someone else to fix it. Here's how to choose well the first time.

1. Check the Licence

All painters doing work over $1,000 in WA must hold a current Painting and Decorating contractor's licence issued by Building and Energy WA. You can verify any painter's licence on the Building and Energy WA public register at commerce.wa.gov.au. Don't accept an ABN as a substitute — insist on seeing a current licence number.

2. Confirm Insurance

Your painter must carry public liability insurance (minimum $5 million recommended) and, if they have employees, workers compensation insurance. Ask for a current certificate of currency before work starts.

3. Get Written Quotes — Itemised

A professional quote specifies: the areas to be painted, paint brand and product name, number of coats, surface preparation included, and timeline. Vague one-line quotes ("paint house — $4,000") are a red flag. You need to know exactly what you're getting.

4. Compare Like for Like

The cheapest quote may use one coat instead of two, skip primer, or use trade-grade paint rather than premium products. Ask each painter exactly what's included and compare apples with apples.

5. Ask for References

Any established Perth painter should be able to provide references from recent jobs in the local area. Call them. Ask about timeliness, cleanliness, and whether the finished result matched what was quoted.

6. Clarify the Payment Terms

Avoid painters who demand payment in full upfront. Standard terms: a small deposit (10–20%) to secure the booking, progress payments as work is completed, and final payment on satisfactory completion. Never pay in full before the job is finished.

7. Get a Written Contract

For any job over $7,500 in WA, a written Home Building Works contract is legally required. Even for smaller jobs, a written agreement protects both parties and reduces disputes about scope and price.