Choose a painter with a plan for your property
In short
Look for a painter who services your Gold Coast suburb and has examples of the work you need, such as an occupied apartment, rendered exterior or timber repaint. Ask for an inspection where surface condition or access is uncertain. Check the contracting business's Queensland licence where required, resolve any suspected lead paint before preparation, and compare quotes for the same surfaces, products and repairs. Confirm access arrangements and dates directly before accepting a quote.
Step 1
Describe each surface and how the painter will reach it
Include your suburb, property type and photos showing both the whole area and damaged sections. Separate walls, ceilings, doors, trims and exterior surfaces in your brief. Say whether the property will be occupied, who can authorise the work and which areas must remain usable.
Details that help a painter assess the job
| Property or surface | What to show or confirm |
|---|---|
| Apartment interior or balcony | The areas included, furniture to protect, lift or stair access, parking and any building rules or approvals to confirm with management. |
| Rendered walls or painted masonry | Wide photos, close-ups of cracks or peeling, previous repairs and which surfaces are included in the repaint. |
| Timber or metal exterior details | Show the existing finish, damaged areas, height and side access so the painter can assess preparation and equipment. |
Step 2
Check the business, licence and relevant experience
Queensland generally requires a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) contractor licence for building work valued over $3,300. Check the business named on the quote in the QBCC licensee register and confirm its licence class and status cover your painting scope. Ask QBCC for advice if the painter claims an exemption or the work includes other trades.
Request evidence of relevant insurance and recent examples with similar surfaces and access. Ask who will carry out and supervise the work, who will handle questions and whether the painter can service your suburb on the proposed dates.
Step 3
Assess older paint before anyone sands or strips it
WorkSafe Queensland says lead paint is most likely on structures built before 1970 and can be hidden beneath newer layers. It cannot be identified by appearance. If your property's age or paint history raises concern, ask how the surfaces and layers to be disturbed will be tested before preparation starts.
A negative swab can give false reassurance. WorkSafe advises assuming lead is present or arranging laboratory testing when the building's age suggests it could have been used. Have the painter explain how suspected or confirmed lead changes the work method, protection of occupants, clean-up and waste handling. Avoid starting your own sanding while this is unresolved.
Step 4
Compare preparation and access costs alongside the finish
QBCC recommends obtaining more than one quote and asking contractors to price the same tasks, materials and timelines. For painting, request a written description of cleaning, loose-paint removal, filling, repairs and primer, plus the named finish products, colours, sheen and number of coats. Ask which damaged areas need separate repairs and who will arrange them.
Check whether the total includes furniture moving, masking and protection, access equipment, parking arrangements, clean-up and waste removal. Agree on payment terms and how additional work will be priced and approved. For an exterior repaint, ask the painter to explain the chosen products' application conditions and how interruptions will affect the schedule.
Step 5
Confirm samples, room access and the final inspection
Ask for a colour and sheen sample before the full application, and agree how rooms or exterior areas will be made available. For an apartment, settle building access and any required permission before the start date. Have the painter explain when painted areas can be used again under the selected product's instructions.
At handover, inspect the surfaces listed in the agreement together and record anything needing attention. Keep the invoice, product names and colour codes. Ask for care instructions for the actual coating, including cleaning, touch-ups and when to have deterioration assessed, rather than relying on a generic repaint interval.
Sources and useful links
Sources checked 7 October 2026
- QBCC: when you need a licence
General contractor licence threshold, relevant licence class and type, and exemptions requiring individual assessment.
- WorkSafe Queensland: working with lead-based paint
Pre-1970 paint risks, hidden coatings, testing all disturbed layers and limitations of negative swab tests.
- QBCC: seeking and comparing quotes
Site inspections, multiple quotes, equivalent scope and materials, exclusions, payment terms and availability discussions.
