How to Choose a Painter in Perth: What to Ask Before You Hire

Why Choosing the Right Painter Matters

A painting project is one of the most visible investments you can make in your home. A great paint job transforms a property’s appearance and protects it for a decade or more. A poor one peels within two years, costs you a second time to fix, and can even damage the surfaces it was supposed to protect.

Perth’s climate raises the stakes. With UV index readings regularly exceeding 12 in summer — among the highest globally — and coastal salt spray affecting homes within 1km of the shoreline, paint failures are amplified and accelerated.

The painter you choose, the products they use, and the preparation they do determine whether your investment lasts 4 years or 14 years. Asking the right questions before you hire, and understanding Perth house painting costs, separates professional operators from those who will leave you with a problem.

10 Questions to Ask Any Perth Painter

1. Are You Registered and Insured?

While WA doesn’t require a specific painter’s licence, any building work valued over $20,000 requires a registered builder under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. For smaller painting projects, the painter should carry public liability insurance (minimum $10 million is industry standard) and workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Ask for certificates — a professional operator will provide them without hesitation.

2. What Preparation Is Included in the Quote?

This is the most important question. Preparation drives 80% of a paint job’s longevity, yet it’s the area most commonly skimped on. The quote should specify how existing surfaces will be cleaned (pressure washing, sugar soap), whether loose paint will be scraped and sanded, how cracks and holes will be filled, and what primer will be used. If the quote says “prepare and paint” without detail, ask for specifics.

3. What Paint Products Will You Use?

The quote should name the specific brand, product line, and finish — not just “two coats of exterior acrylic.” There’s a significant performance difference between budget trade paint at $35 per litre and a premium product like Dulux Weathershield at $75 per litre. The premium product costs the painter more, but it lasts twice as long and delivers a better finish. Be wary of quotes that don’t specify products by name.

4. How Many Coats Are Included?

The Australian painting standard AS/NZS 2311 specifies minimum coating systems for different substrates. For most exterior repaints, that means one coat of appropriate primer on bare areas plus two full coats of topcoat. For new or bare surfaces, it’s one full primer coat plus two topcoats across the entire surface. Ask the painter what their coating system is and whether it meets AS/NZS 2311.

5. Will You Test for Lead Paint?

If your home was built before 1970, lead paint is likely present on timber and metal surfaces. Responsible painters test for lead as part of their assessment process and manage it according to AS 4361.2 if found. This adds cost but is legally required and essential for your family’s health. Character homes across Fremantle, Subiaco, Claremont, and Nedlands frequently contain lead paint. A painter who doesn’t ask about your home’s age may not be aware of lead management requirements.

Painter Selection Checklist

Getting and Comparing Quotes

Get at least three written quotes for any significant painting project. When comparing them, don’t just compare the bottom-line price — compare the scope, products, and preparation included. A quote that’s 30% cheaper but uses one coat of budget paint over minimal preparation isn’t comparable to a quote specifying premium products, full preparation, and three coats on exposed elevations.

A professional quote should include surfaces to be painted, preparation methods, primer and topcoat products by name, number of coats, exclusions, total price with GST, timeline, and payment terms. Be cautious of painters who quote without visiting — accurate pricing requires a physical inspection to assess surface condition and access requirements.

Check the painter’s track record by asking for photos of recent Perth projects and, ideally, addresses of properties painted 2 to 3 years ago so you can see how the work has held up. A paint job that still looks sharp after three Perth summers is the best endorsement of preparation quality and product selection.

Why Perth Property Improver Does Things Differently

At Perth Property Improver, James Officer personally inspects every property before quoting. The quote specifies preparation methods, primer products, topcoat products (brand and product name), number of coats, and any substrate repairs included. We provide insurance certificates on request, offer a written workmanship warranty, and our painting services cover everything from single-room interior repaints to full exterior restorations.

We’re transparent about what’s included and what isn’t, because we know that informed homeowners make better decisions — and that a properly scoped, properly executed paint job creates a customer who comes back and refers us to their neighbours.

James Officer

James Officer, has been renovating homes for more than 20 years. Over a decade ago, James founded Perth Property Improver with a clear vision — to create a reliable, professional service where homeowners could feel confident that their project was in safe hands. Over the years, he has built strong relationships with trusted local contractors, carefully weeding out the average from the excellent, so only the most skilled, dependable tradespeople work on your home.