Getting a painting quote should be straightforward, but most Melbourne homeowners find the process confusing. Quotes arrive with different formats, different inclusions, and wildly different prices for what appears to be the same job. The problem is almost never the painters — it is that homeowners do not know what to look for, what to ask, or how to compare quotes on equal terms. This guide gives you a clear framework for getting accurate, comparable painting quotes so you can make a confident decision.
What a Professional Painting Quote Should Include
A painting quote is a contract. If it does not clearly state what is included, you have no basis for holding the painter accountable if the result falls short. Every professional painting quote should contain these elements.
Scope of work
The quote must specify exactly which surfaces are being painted. “Paint the house” is not a scope. A proper scope reads more like: “Sand, prime, and apply two topcoats of Dulux Weathershield to all external weatherboards, fascias, window frames, and bargeboards. Spot-prime any bare timber. Mask and protect all windows, paths, and garden beds.”
The level of detail matters. If the scope does not mention preparation, it probably is not included — and preparation is where 80% of a quality paint job happens.
Number of coats
Two coats is the minimum standard for any professional repaint. A single coat will not provide adequate coverage, durability, or UV protection. If the quote specifies only one coat, that is a red flag — unless it is a touch-up or maintenance job on surfaces in excellent condition.
Paint brand and product
A professional painter should specify the exact paint product, not just “premium paint” or “quality paint.” There is a significant difference between a $40/litre trade product and a $90/litre premium product like Dulux Weathershield for exteriors or Dulux Wash&Wear for interiors. The product choice directly affects how long the finish lasts.
Surface preparation details
Preparation should be itemised separately or described clearly within the scope. Look for specific language: “scrape and sand all loose paint,” “fill cracks and nail holes,” “wash all surfaces,” “spot-prime bare timber.” Vague terms like “surface prep included” tell you nothing about what will actually be done.
Labour vs materials
The quote should clearly state whether paint materials are included in the price or listed as an additional cost. Both approaches are common in Melbourne — what matters is transparency. If materials are separate, the quote should estimate the material cost so you can budget accurately.
Total fixed price
Residential painting should always be quoted as a fixed price, not an hourly rate. Hourly rates create uncertainty — you have no control over how long the painter takes, and no way to predict your final cost. A fixed price means the painter has assessed the job, estimated the time and materials, and committed to a total that will not change unless the scope changes.
Timeline
The quote should include a start date (or estimated start window) and expected completion date. For a standard 3-bedroom home, interior repaints typically take 3–5 days and exterior repaints 1–2 weeks depending on the preparation required.
Credentials
Every quote should include the painter’s ABN and confirmation of public liability insurance. You can verify any ABN instantly on the ABN Lookup website. A painter who uses premium brand-name paints and specifies exact products on the quote demonstrates professionalism and accountability.
How to Prepare Before Requesting Quotes
The quality of the quotes you receive depends on the quality of the information you provide. Painters cannot give accurate pricing without understanding the full scope. Spend 20 minutes preparing before you contact anyone.
Walk the property
Go room by room (interior) or wall by wall (exterior) and note:
- Which surfaces need painting (walls, ceilings, trim, doors, window frames)
- The current condition — any cracks, peeling paint, water stains, or bare patches
- Ceiling height — standard 2.4m or higher
- Any colour changes planned (dark to light or vice versa requires additional coats)
- Access issues — scaffolding needed, furniture that cannot be moved, narrow access
Decide your scope
Be specific about what you want painted. “The whole interior” is a starting point, but the painter needs to know: walls only or walls and ceilings? Are doors, skirting boards, and architraves included? What about built-in wardrobes or window frames? The more precise you are, the more accurate and comparable your quotes will be.
Take photos
Photograph any problem areas — peeling paint, cracks, water damage, mould. Send these with your quote request. This helps the painter assess preparation requirements before visiting, and results in a more accurate first quote.
Quality trim work is one of the clearest indicators of a professional paint job — ask to see examples of a painter's finished detail work.
How Many Quotes Should You Get?
Two to three written quotes is the right number for most residential painting jobs.
One quote gives you nothing to compare against. Four or more quotes rarely adds useful information — by the third quote you will have a clear picture of the market rate and scope standards. Getting too many quotes also wastes painters’ time, and experienced painters can tell when a homeowner is collecting six quotes to drive the price down rather than genuinely evaluating quality.
The goal is not to find the cheapest painter. It is to find the painter whose scope, product quality, preparation standards, and communication give you confidence that the job will be done properly.
How to Compare Painting Quotes: Line by Line
This is where most homeowners make mistakes. They compare the bottom-line price without checking whether the quotes include the same things. A $6,000 quote and an $8,000 quote might include completely different scopes.
Create a comparison checklist
For each quote, check:
| Item | Quote A | Quote B | Quote C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfaces included | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Number of coats | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Paint brand & product | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Preparation described | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Materials included? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Fixed price? | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Timeline stated | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| ABN & insurance confirmed | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Common reasons quotes differ
- Fewer coats — A cheaper quote may include one coat instead of two
- No preparation — Skipping prep saves hours but the paint will fail within 2–3 years
- Cheaper paint — Builder-grade paint costs half as much as premium products but lasts half as long
- Narrower scope — One quote might exclude ceilings, trim, or doors that another includes
- No insurance — Uninsured painters can quote lower because they carry no overhead for public liability cover
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value
A $5,000 quote with one coat of cheap paint and no preparation will need repainting in 3 years. A $7,500 quote with two coats of Dulux Weathershield and thorough preparation will last 10–15 years. Over a decade, the “expensive” quote costs half as much.
Red Flags in Painting Quotes
Watch for these warning signs when reviewing quotes:
- Phone-only pricing — Any painter who gives you a price without seeing the property is guessing. Conditions, access, and preparation requirements vary dramatically between homes.
- No written scope — If it is not in writing, it is not part of the agreement.
- “Premium paint” with no product specified — This usually means the cheapest paint available at the trade store.
- No ABN or insurance — You can check any ABN at abr.business.gov.au. If the painter will not provide insurance details, walk away.
- Very large deposit required — A 10–20% deposit on signing is standard. Anything over 30% upfront on a residential job is unusual.
- Cash only, no invoice — This typically means no GST registration, no insurance, and no accountability.
- Pressure to accept immediately — Professional painters are confident in their pricing and do not need to pressure you into a same-day decision.
Questions to Ask Every Painter
Before accepting any quote, ask these questions directly:
- How many coats are included? — The answer should be two minimum.
- What paint brand and product will you use? — You should hear a specific product name.
- What preparation is included? — Look for specifics: scraping, sanding, filling, washing, priming.
- Is this a fixed price or can it change? — It should be fixed unless you change the scope.
- Do you carry public liability insurance? — Ask for the certificate of currency.
- Who will be on site doing the work? — Will it be the person quoting, their own employees, or subcontractors?
- What is your expected timeline? — A professional can estimate start and completion dates.
- Can I see photos of recent similar work? — Any experienced painter will have examples.
- What happens if I’m not happy with the finish? — The answer should involve an inspection walk-through and touch-ups at no extra cost.
How Modernize Solutions Quotes Painting Jobs
At Modernize Solutions, every quote starts with an on-site assessment — not a phone estimate. We walk the property with you, assess every surface, discuss your colour preferences, and identify any preparation or access requirements before putting a number on paper.
Every quote is a written, itemised, fixed-price document. It specifies exactly which surfaces are included, how many coats, what Dulux product we will use, what preparation is required, and the total price including all labour. Paint materials are listed transparently — either included in the total or itemised separately with exact costs.
With 35+ years in Melbourne, $20M public liability insurance, and rated 4.8 stars on Google (154 reviews), we use premium Dulux products on every project and stake our reputation on every quote we issue. The owner is on site for every job — the person who quotes the work is the person who does the work.
Call 0451 040 396 for a free, no-obligation quote — or request a quote online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a house painting quote in Melbourne?
A professional quote should include a detailed scope of work listing every surface being painted, the number of coats, the specific paint brand and product, surface preparation details, whether materials are included or additional, the total fixed price, estimated timeline, and the painter’s ABN and insurance details.
How many quotes should I get before hiring a house painter in Melbourne?
Two to three written quotes from different painters. This gives you enough to compare scope, pricing, and product quality without wasting time. The goal is to evaluate quality and value, not simply find the lowest price.
Should I pay my house painter a fixed price or hourly rate?
Always request a fixed price for residential painting. Hourly rates leave the final cost uncertain and remove any incentive for the painter to work efficiently. A fixed price means you know exactly what you will pay before work starts.
Why is one painting quote so much cheaper than the others I received?
Cheaper quotes typically mean fewer coats, minimal preparation, lower-quality paint, no insurance, or a narrower scope that excludes surfaces other painters include. Always compare the written scope line by line — not just the total price.
Does a painting quote include the cost of paint or do I buy it myself?
It depends on the painter. Some quote labour only with materials separate, others bundle everything into one price. Neither is inherently better — what matters is that the quote clearly states which approach is being used so you can compare quotes on equal terms.
Related Service: Interior Painting
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Modernize Solutions
Melbourne's most experienced residential painters since 1987.
