How to Compare Painting Quotes (and What a Fixed-Price Quote Should Include)

When you get a few painting quotes, they can look very different — even for the same job. The cheapest number isn’t always the best value, and a vague quote can grow once the work starts. Here’s what to look for so you can compare quotes fairly.

1. Is the price fixed and in writing?

A rough verbal estimate is hard to hold anyone to. Ask for a written quote with a fixed price for the agreed scope, and check how variations are handled if you add extra work later.

2. Is the scope itemised?

A good quote spells out exactly what’s included — which rooms or walls, ceilings, doors, trims, eaves, fascias and so on. If one quote includes ceilings and trims and another doesn’t, they’re not really comparable.

3. How will surfaces be prepared?

Preparation is where quality — and often the price difference — comes from. Look for details like washing down, filling cracks, sanding, treating mould and priming repairs. Skipping prep is the fastest way to a paint job that peels early.

4. What paint will be used, and how many coats?

The quote should name the paint brand and the number of coats. Two quotes using different products or coat counts will naturally be priced differently.

5. How will your home be protected and cleaned up?

Ask how floors, furniture and gardens will be protected, and whether the site is cleaned up at the end of each day. It makes a big difference to living with the job while it’s underway.

6. Timing and communication

Check the expected start date and how long the job should take, how weather delays are handled, and who your point of contact is. Knowing who’s coming and when takes a lot of stress out of the process.

7. Who are you dealing with?

Make sure the business is registered — an ABN should be listed on the quote — and that you know exactly who will be doing the work.

A quick comparison checklist

• Written, fixed price
• Itemised scope (rooms, surfaces, trims)
• Preparation steps described
• Paint brand and number of coats
• Protection and daily clean-up
• Start date, duration and contact person
• Business name and ABN

At Austa Painting & Decorating, every job gets a written, itemised fixed-price quote within 48 hours of us seeing it. You can read more about how we work on our services page.