Check that the painter holds the right licence for your state, get at least three written quotes that itemise preparation, paint system and number of coats, and compare what each quote actually covers rather than just the bottom line. For homes built before 1970, ask a licensed painter to assess for lead paint before any sanding or scraping begins.
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Painters need a licence in Australia, but the threshold varies by state
Yes, painters need a licence, but what triggers that requirement depends on where you live, and the thresholds are set by each state. In Queensland, the QBCC requires a contractor licence for painting work valued over $3,300. QBCCView source Other states set their own rules. Check your state's building or fair trading authority for the current figure.
A licensed painter carries public liability cover and, in most states, home warranty cover for work above the licence threshold. That backing matters because, under Australian Consumer Law, services must be carried out with due care and skill and be fit for purpose. If they are not, you are entitled to a remedy. ACCCView source With a licensed, insured contractor you have a clear path to use that protection; no licence makes it much harder, and that applies even to jobs that look simple.
Before calling anyone, look up your state regulator and confirm the contractor is on the public register. In Queensland that is the QBCC licence search; in New South Wales, NSW Fair Trading; in Victoria, the VBA. A reputable painter gives you their licence number without being asked.
Three written quotes is the minimum, and what you compare matters as much as the price
One or two quotes give you no reference point. Three let you see where the scope descriptions differ, and that difference tells you much more than the price gap alone.
A written quote should itemise surface preparation (sanding, filling, priming), the paint system with brand, product line, and number of coats, whether scaffolding or elevated platforms are included or priced separately, who removes paint tins and plastic sheeting, and a written warranty on the finish of at least two years. If any of those items is missing, ask why.
A big spread in price almost always reflects a gap in prep scope. Ask each painter what preparation is included before you decide.
What a good painting quote covers and what to watch for
Use this checklist when comparing three written quotes.
| Item | Good quote | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Surface preparation | Itemised: fills, sanding, prime coats listed | Lump sum or not mentioned (prep is where corners get cut) |
| Paint system | Brand, product name and number of coats specified | "Two coats" with no product named |
| Access and scaffold | Included or quoted as a separate line item | Not mentioned; could be an unexpected add-on |
| Waste disposal | Included | Not mentioned |
| Warranty | Written, at least two years on the finish | Verbal only, or absent |
| Licence number | Provided on the quote document | Refused or not offered |
Four questions to ask every painter before you sign
Can you provide your licence number so I can verify it with the regulator? A professional will not hesitate. If they do, that is a signal.
What public liability and home warranty insurance do you carry? Public liability covers accidental damage during the job. Home warranty covers incomplete or defective work after the painter has left.
Walk me through your surface prep for this job. The answer tells you how closely they have looked at your surfaces. A thorough painter mentions specific issues (flaking, moisture damage, chalking), not just fill and sand.
What happens if the colour or finish is not right? A confident tradesperson describes their process for fixing problems. Vague or dismissive answers are a warning sign.
Older homes need a lead paint check before anyone sands or scrapes
Homes built before 1970 may have high-lead paint. DCCEEWView source Before limits were set, paint could have up to 50% lead. That limit fell to 1% in 1965, 0.25% in 1992, and 0.1% in 1997. Even a home last painted before the mid-1990s may still have lead in old coats under the surface.
Sanding or scraping lead paint releases fine dust, and inhaling that dust can cause serious health harm. SafeWork NSWView source The risk is greatest for children and pregnant women. Removing lead-based paint and abrasive or power-tool work on it is regulated hazardous work, so do not attempt to test or remove lead paint yourself.
A licensed painter should carry out a lead assessment before any prep work starts on an older home. If you are not sure how old your paint is, mention it when each painter visits to quote and ask whether an assessment is included in their scope.
What drives the cost of a painting job
Painting costs vary widely. Knowing what drives the price helps you read a quote and spot where one may fall short.
Surfaces and rooms: more surfaces means more time and more paint. Prep: a wall that is flaking, cracked, stained, or affected by mould takes far more work than a clean one, and a bare or previously unpainted surface needs an undercoat or primer before the topcoats. Prep is where the big cost gaps between quotes show up. DuluxView source Paint system: product grade, coverage rate, and number of coats affect both the material cost and how long the job holds. Access: high walls, two-storey homes, or tight spots need scaffolding or platforms, which adds to the price. Location: labour rates and travel costs vary by area.
Use the tool below for a quick estimate in your area. The painting cost guide covers the main scenarios in more detail.
Quick cost estimate for painting in your area
Enter your job details to see a typical cost range from SureQuote data.
Common questions about hiring a painter
Yes, but the threshold varies by state. In Queensland, the QBCC requires a contractor licence for work valued over $3,300. Other states, including New South Wales and Victoria, have their own licensing bodies and thresholds. Check with your state's building or fair trading authority and verify the painter's licence number on the public register before you sign.
At least three written quotes. With fewer you have no reference point for the price or the scope. A written quote should list surface preparation, paint system, access requirements, and warranty. Compare the scope, not just the total. A large price spread usually means one painter has included less preparation than the others.
Ask for their licence number so you can verify it with the regulator. Find out what insurance they carry: public liability and home warranty. Ask them to walk you through their surface preparation for your job. Ask what happens if the finish is not right. A confident professional answers all four without hesitation.
Search the public register run by your state's building authority. In Queensland: the QBCC licence search. In New South Wales: NSW Fair Trading. In Victoria: the VBA register. Ask the painter for their licence number before the quote. A reputable tradesperson provides it without prompting.
Related guides
For a full overview of what a painting project involves (interior, exterior and roof work, what drives the cost, and how to choose paint and a painter), see our complete guide to house painting in Australia. It sets out the decisions you will need to make before a painter can quote accurately.
When you are ready, you can browse licensed painters in your area or check typical pricing in the painting cost guide.
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Sources
SureQuote editorial content is grounded in government, manufacturer, and internal data sources. Internal pricing data reflects live pricing profiles and is not stated as prose.
- QBCCView source
- DCCEEWView source
- ACCCView source
- SafeWork NSWView source
- DuluxView source