What to Look For When Hiring a Painting Contractor

A good paint job can freshen a home and protect it for years. A poor one can leave you with peeling, patchy finishes and an argument about who's responsible. The difference usually comes down to the painter you choose, and a few simple checks before you sign can save a lot of trouble.

This guide sets out what to look for when hiring a painting contractor in Wagga Wagga and across NSW, the red flags to watch for, and the questions worth asking before you say yes. It's written for homeowners and for businesses organising a commercial repaint.

Step 1: Check the licence

In NSW, the Consumer Building Guide published by the NSW Government says tradespeople carrying out residential building work valued at more than $5,000 must be licensed by Building Commission NSW. That figure includes labour and materials, so a whole-house repaint will almost always be over the line.

Ask for the painter's licence number and check it yourself on the Verify NSW public register. It takes a minute and is free. Make sure the licence is current and that the name on it matches the name on the quote and contract. For jobs worth more than $5,000 the licence number must also appear on the written contract. If a painter can't or won't give you a licence number, treat that as a serious warning sign.

Step 2: Ask about insurance

The NSW Government's guide to choosing a tradesperson lists the insurance to check for. Home Building Compensation insurance is required for projects over $20,000. Public liability insurance covers damage to your property or injury to other people, and workers compensation insurance protects the people working on site.

Ask to see the certificates rather than taking someone's word for it. If you're not sure the documents meet NSW requirements, the guide suggests getting a legal professional to check them.

Step 3: Get written, itemised quotes

A vague quote is hard to compare and easy to dispute. A good one lists the rooms and surfaces being painted, the preparation, the number of coats, the paint brand and sheen, a start and finish date, the contractor's licence number, and the total price including GST. Give every painter the same scope so you're comparing like with like.

Our guide to what interior painting costs in Wagga Wagga goes through what a quote should include and how to compare them fairly. For jobs over $5,000, NSW requires a written contract, so the quote is only the first step.

Step 4: Look at reviews, references and past work

The NSW Government's guide suggests asking to see reviews or references from previous clients. Ask for examples of recent work similar to your job, and if possible look at it in person or in photos. A painter with a good track record should be happy to share both.

You can see what our clients say on our reviews page, and browse recent projects in our gallery. Whoever you choose, look for consistent feedback about preparation, tidiness and communication, not just the final look.

Step 5: Understand the process

Ask how the painter will prepare the surfaces, how many coats they'll apply, who will be on site, how they'll protect your floors and furniture, and how they'll finish the job. A clear answer is a good sign. Preparation is where much of a paint job's quality is decided, so a painter who skips over it should make you cautious.

You can see how we run a job on our painting process page: a free quote, a site visit, preparation, two-coat painting and a final walkthrough.

Step 6: Check the contract and payment terms

The NSW Government's Consumer Building Guide sets out a few rules worth knowing. Contracts must be in writing, and residential work worth less than $20,000 is done under a 'small jobs' contract that must be dated and signed by both parties. The maximum deposit you can be asked to pay before work starts is 10 per cent. Any variation to the contract must be in writing and signed by both parties, and almost all variations will change the price. Contracts over $20,000 must also include a progress payment schedule.

Read the contract before you sign it, and keep a copy. For the full detail, see the NSW Government's Consumer Building Guide.

Red flags to watch for

• A quote that's far lower than the others. The Consumer Building Guide warns this may mean quality is being compromised, or that the contractor hasn't fully understood the job
• Pressure to sign quickly to avoid a price increase
• No licence number on the quote or contract, or reluctance to give one
• A request for a large deposit, or one above the 10 per cent limit
• A vague quote that doesn't say what's included, how many coats or which paint
• No proof of insurance when you ask for it
• Unwillingness to give references or show recent work

Questions to ask before you hire

1. What's your licence number? You can check it straight away on Verify NSW.
2. What insurance do you carry? Ask to see the certificates.
3. What exactly does the quote cover? Surfaces, preparation, coats, paint and sheen.
4. How will you prepare the surfaces? Washing, patching, sanding and priming should all be on the list.
5. Who will be doing the work? Find out whether it's your painter or subcontractors.
6. When can you start, and how long will it take? Ask for dates in writing.
7. What are the payment terms? Check the deposit and any progress payments.
8. Can I see recent work or speak to a past client? A confident painter will say yes.

Is the cheapest quote ever the right one?

Sometimes, but only if it covers exactly the same work as the others. Compare what's included before you compare the price: the number of coats, the amount of preparation, the paint and the surfaces. A lower price that leaves out preparation or a coat isn't a saving, because you'll pay for it later in touch-ups or an early repaint. If one quote is far lower than the rest, ask why, and ask for the scope in writing.

Commercial and business painting

If you're hiring a painter for a shop, office or other commercial property, the same checks apply: licence, insurance, a clear scope and references. You'll also want to agree on working hours and how to keep the disruption to your business to a minimum, especially if staff or customers will be on site. Ask any painter you're considering whether they've handled similar commercial work and can show you examples.

What to expect from Bright View Painting

We're a locally owned painting company serving Wagga Wagga and the Riverina. We visit the property first, then give you a written quote with the price set out before any work begins. You can read more about our team and the painting services we offer. Whichever painter you choose, we'd encourage you to use the checklist above.

Frequently asked questions

Ready to get a written quote?

If you're planning a repaint in Wagga Wagga or the Riverina, you can request a free quote from Bright View Painting. We'll visit, talk through the job and put the price in writing.

Last updated 4 October 2026. This guide is general information based on NSW Government guidance and isn't legal advice. Check the current rules with Building Commission NSW before signing a contract.