Finding a reliable painter in Perth is harder than it should be. The industry has no shortage of operators — but the gap between a professional painting contractor who delivers a quality result and someone who takes your money and leaves you with a job that needs redoing within two years is significant. This guide covers exactly what to look for, what questions to ask and the red flags to avoid when hiring a painter in Perth.
Start With Google Reviews
Google reviews are the most reliable starting point when looking for a painter in Perth. Unlike testimonials on a painter’s own website — which can be selectively curated — Google reviews are independently submitted and verified. Look for painters with a minimum of 4.7 stars and at least 20 to 30 reviews. A painter with 4.9 stars from 100+ reviews has a consistent track record that is very hard to fake.
Read the reviews carefully — not just the star rating. Look for mentions of specific qualities: punctuality, preparation quality, communication, cleanup and whether the job came in at the quoted price. Reviews that mention the painter by name and describe the specific job in detail are more reliable than generic five-star ratings with no text.
Also check how the business responds to negative reviews. A painting contractor who responds professionally and constructively to criticism demonstrates accountability. One who argues, deflects or ignores negative reviews is a warning sign.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
In Western Australia, painting contractors are required to be registered with the Building and Energy division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. This registration confirms the contractor has met minimum competency requirements and is legally permitted to carry out painting work.
Always ask for the painter’s registration number before engaging them. You can verify a WA painting contractor’s registration at the Building and Energy website. Any painter who cannot provide a registration number or is reluctant to do so should be avoided.
Public liability insurance is also essential. If a painter damages your property, injures themselves on your site or causes damage to a neighbour’s property during the job, their public liability insurance covers the cost. Ask for a current certificate of insurance before work starts. A professional contractor will have this readily available — an uninsured painter leaves you personally exposed if something goes wrong.
Get at Least Three Quotes
Getting three quotes for any significant painting job is standard practice in Perth. It gives you a realistic sense of the market rate and helps you identify any quotes that are unusually low or unusually high.
Be cautious of the cheapest quote. A painting quote that is significantly lower than the others usually means one of three things: the painter is cutting corners on preparation, using cheaper products, or has underquoted and will try to add costs during the job. Quality preparation is the most time-consuming part of any painting job and also the part most likely to be skipped by a painter trying to undercut the competition on price.
When comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing like for like. Check that each quote specifies the number of coats, the paint products being used, what preparation is included, and whether gutters, fascias and eaves are included in an exterior quote. A quote that does not specify these details is a quote you cannot hold the painter to.
Ask for a Fixed Written Quote
A verbal quote or a rough estimate is not a quote — it is the beginning of a conversation that often ends with a bill significantly higher than you expected. Always insist on a fixed written quote before any work starts. A professional painter should be able to provide a written quote that specifies the scope of work, the products to be used, the price and the payment terms.
A fixed quote means the price does not change unless you change the scope of work. If a painter quotes verbally and then presents a higher invoice at the end, you have very little recourse. A fixed written quote protects you.
Check Their Portfolio
A professional painting contractor should be able to show you examples of their recent work. Before and after photos of completed jobs — particularly in suburbs or on home types similar to yours — give you a realistic sense of the quality and finish you can expect.
Pay attention to the quality of edges, corners and trim work in photos. Clean, sharp lines at skirtings, cornices and window frames are a reliable indicator of care and skill. Messy or uneven edges suggest rushed preparation or insufficient masking.
Red Flags to Avoid
- No registration number or reluctance to provide one — walk away
- No public liability insurance — walk away
- Cash only, no written quote — walk away
- Asks for full payment upfront — a professional painter does not need full payment before starting work
- No fixed address or business presence — difficult to contact if something goes wrong
- Very few or no Google reviews — hard to assess track record
- Quote significantly lower than all others — usually a sign something is being cut
- Unwilling to specify products or preparation in writing — means they are not committing to a standard
- High-pressure sales tactics or urgency — a busy, reputable painter does not need to pressure you into booking
What to Expect From a Professional Perth Painter
A professional painting contractor in Perth should provide a free on-site quote at a time that suits you, arrive on time and communicate clearly throughout the job, fully protect your floors, furniture and fittings before starting, carry out thorough surface preparation before applying any paint, use premium paint products suited to Perth’s climate, complete the job to the agreed scope and timeline, and leave your property clean and tidy at the end of every day.
You should also receive a fixed written quote before work starts, clear payment terms, and a workmanship warranty on the completed job.
How to Find a Good Painter in Perth
Auzz Painting Service ticks every box on this list. 4.9 stars from 140+ Google reviews, fully licensed (Reg No: 101246) and insured, fixed written quotes, premium Dulux and Solver paints, full preparation on every job and 20+ years painting Perth homes and businesses. We provide free on-site quotes across all Perth suburbs — call 0474 157 273 or fill in our contact form to book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. In Western Australia, painting contractors must be registered with Building and Energy. This registration confirms they have met minimum competency requirements and are legally permitted to carry out painting work. Always ask for a registration number and verify it at the Building and Energy website before engaging a painter.
Three quotes is the standard recommendation for any significant painting job in Perth. This gives you a realistic sense of the market rate and helps identify outliers — a quote significantly lower than the others usually means something is being cut, typically preparation quality or product quality.
No. A professional painter does not require full payment upfront. A small deposit of 10 to 20 percent to secure a booking date is reasonable, with the balance paid on completion. A painter asking for full payment before starting work is a significant red flag.
Check their Google reviews — look for 4.7 stars or higher with at least 20 to 30 reviews and detailed feedback from past customers. Ask to see before and after photos of recent jobs similar to yours. Verify their registration number with Building and Energy. Ask for a fixed written quote that specifies products and preparation. A painter who ticks all these boxes is very likely to deliver a quality result.
Yes. We provide free on-site quotes for all painting projects throughout Perth. One of our team will visit your property, assess the scope and provide a fixed written quote within 48 hours. Call 0474 157 273 or fill in our contact form to book.