15 questions to ask a painter before hiring

When you speak to a painter — on the phone, during a site inspection, or via email quote — the questions you ask tell you almost everything about whether they're a good fit. Print this list. Ask every painter the same questions. Compare the answers side by side.

Licensing and insurance (3 questions)

1. What's your Building Work Contractor licence number?
2. Can you email me your current Certificate of Currency for public liability and workers comp?
3. Is your ABN active and GST-registered?

Experience and references (3 questions)

4. How long have you been painting full-time in Adelaide?
5. Can you give me three references from jobs in the last 12 months, preferably nearby?
6. Have you done work similar to mine — heritage, high-rise, commercial, whatever applies?

Scope and preparation (4 questions)

7. Walk me through exactly what prep work is included before any colour goes on?
8. How many coats are included — primer, undercoat, topcoats?
9. What specific paint brand and grade will you use, and why?
10. What's NOT included in the quote that I might expect to be?

Logistics and warranty (3 questions)

11. When can you start, and how long will the job take?
12. What happens if weather delays the exterior work?
13. What warranty do you offer, and what specifically does it cover?

Payment (2 questions)

14. What's your deposit amount and the progress payment schedule?
15. Will you invoice per GST requirements with an ABN on every invoice?

What "good" answers sound like

Good painters can answer all 15 questions quickly, confidently, and without defensive language. They'll offer specific brand names, specific numbers of coats, specific warranty terms. They won't dodge or deflect. If a painter bristles at these questions or gives vague answers, keep looking.