Hiring a painter in Perth
The checklist: what to look for
Registration
In WA, painting is a registered trade. Ask for the contractor’s registration number (ours is Licence 7956) and check it.
Insurance
Confirm current public liability insurance, so you’re covered for any accidental damage during the job.
Itemised written quote
A real quote lists surfaces, preparation, products, number of coats and a fixed total, GST included – not a one-line number.
Prep & products specified
The quote should name the system and coats, not just say “prep as needed.” Prep is where quality is won or lost.
References & recent work
Ask to see recent local jobs or a portfolio, and read independent reviews. Established painters are happy to show their work.
Clear communication
Prompt replies, a written scope and a realistic timeline are signs of a professional who will turn up and finish.
Questions worth asking
- Are you a registered WA painting contractor? What’s your number?
- Are you insured for public liability?
- What preparation is included, and how many coats?
- Which paint brand and range will you use, and why?
- Is the quoted price fixed, and does it include GST?
- What are the payment terms, and what deposit (if any)?
- Can I see a recent job like mine?
Red flags to avoid
In Perth’s climate, a cheap job that skips preparation often fails within a few years – so the lowest quote is rarely the cheapest once you repaint early. See how pricing really works in our house painting cost guide.
Why it matters in Perth
The WA sun is unforgiving, and so is the cost of getting it wrong. A registered, insured painter who specifies the right UV-stable system and prepares surfaces properly gives you a finish that lasts the full repaint cycle. Shiraz Painters is a registered WA contractor (Licence 7956); we inspect, document the scope and products, and give one fixed written price – you can read more about us or request a quote.
How to choose a painter in Perth: FAQs
Do painters need a licence in WA?
Painting is a registered trade area in Western Australia. Always check your painter is a registered contractor and ask for the number.
Should a painter be insured?
Yes. Ask for current public liability insurance so you are covered for any accidental damage during the job.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three itemised written quotes let you compare scope, preparation and products on equal terms.
What is a red flag when choosing a painter?
Prices given sight-unseen, no licence or insurance, vague prep scopes, cash-only with no invoice, or large upfront deposits.
WA painter registration, explained
In Western Australia, painting is a registered trade. Painters carrying out work above a set value must be registered with the Painters Registration Board of WA, and that registration is separate from a general building licence. It means the painter has met the state’s competency and conduct requirements – which is exactly why asking for a registration number is the simplest way to screen out the cowboys.
Ask for the number, check it, and confirm current public liability insurance on top. Shiraz Painters is a registered WA contractor (Licence 7956). Being registered and insured is the baseline – the rest of the checklist above is what separates a genuinely good painter from a merely registered one.
Get a quote you can actually compare
We inspect your home and send a free, fixed, written quote that spells out the prep, products and coats – usually within 48 hours. Registered, insured, and local.
Get a fixed written quote Call 0402 214 353