Whether you’re refreshing your lounge or repainting your home’s exterior, understanding what’s included in a painting quote is essential. In Melbourne’s competitive painting market, quotes can vary widely. This guide breaks down what you should expect in a transparent, trustworthy proposal—so you avoid surprises and invest wisely, with confidence in the outcome.
Clear Contact and Legal Details
Who You’re Dealing With
A complete quote includes the painter’s full contact info—name, address, phone, email, and website. This ensures you can follow up confidently. The quote should also state legal credentials, insurance, and any relevant licences—even though Victoria doesn’t require painter licensing, business registration and public liability insurance build trust.
Detailed Scope of Work
Job Size and Areas Covered
The quote should specify exactly which rooms, surfaces, and features will be painted. For example:
- Interior: walls, ceilings, trims, doors, windows
- Exterior: weatherboards, eaves, fascias, front doors, gutters
Clear scope prevents contractors from assuming add-ons like eaves or wardrobes are automatic.
3. Surface Preparation
Foundation for Quality
Proper prep is the backbone of a good paint job. This should include:
- Washing or low-pressure cleaning
- Scraping and sanding loose paint
- Filling cracks, holes, and water damage
- Priming bare or patched areas
Skipping these steps is the quickest path to early peeling or patchiness.
4. Measurements and Quantity
Understanding Price by Size
Good quotes state measurements: square metres of walls and ceilings, linear metres of trim, number of doors or windows. This clarity lets you compare quotes accurately and see where materials and labour costs come from.
5. Materials & Paint Brands
What You’re Paying For
Quotes should list the exact products—brand, type, sheen, and number of coats. For instance:
- Dulux Weathershield exterior in 2 coats
- Dulux Whisper White eggshell interior in 2 coats
- Low-VOC primer for bare timber
High-quality paint may cost more upfront but saves money in the long run.
6. Labour and Equipment
Who’s Doing the Work
Expect to see:
- Number of painters
- Estimated hours or days of work
- Specialist equipment: ladders, scaffolding, cherry pickers
This transparency helps you understand productivity and safety planning.
7. Timeline and Scheduling
When It Will Happen
A reliable quote outlines:
- Estimated start and finish dates
- Workdays and hours
- Weather or humidity contingencies (especially for externals)
This helps you coordinate around your own schedule.
8. Cost Breakdown and Payment Terms
Transparency on Budget
A good quote itemises:
- Prep vs painting vs materials vs equipment
- Taxes
- Included and optional extras
Look for clear payment terms: deposit percentages, progress payments, and final payment on completion. Avoid quotes demanding full payment upfront.
9. Warranty and Follow-Up
Cushion for Your Investment
Professional painters usually offer at least a two-year warranty on workmanship—some even longer. The quote should specify:
- Warranty length and scope
- Process for touch-ups or repairs
- Validity date of the quote (typically 30–90 days)
10. Clean-Up and Final Walk-Through
Job Site Care
Quotes should include cleaning:
- Removing drop sheets and tape
- Vacuuming or hosing surfaces
- Addressing paint spills and protecting landscaping/furniture
A final inspection walk-through ensures all parties are happy before sign-off.
Why Each Component Matters
Avoiding Hidden Costs
Insist on itemised quotes so you’re not surprised later by charges for patching, primer, or equipment.
Quality Over Cheap Quotes
Low quotes often skip prep, use poor paint, or lack clean-up. That saves you money now but costs more later.
Building Trust
A detailed proposal signals professionalism, accountability, and confidence—critical when picking a homeowner trusted partner.
How to Compare Your Quotes
Use This Checklist
Ensure each quote has:
- Full contractor and legal details
- Defined scope and areas
- Prep procedures and materials
- Paint brands, types, and coats
- Labour, equipment, and measurements
- Timelines with contingencies
- Cost breakdown and payment terms
- Warranty details
- Clean-up and final inspection
Example Realignment
One homeowner compared three quotes for interior painting. By aligning scope and prep, they chose the mid-priced option with Dulux paint and warranty—rather than a low bid lacking primer or follow-up.
FAQ: Painting Quote Essentials
Conclusion
A thorough painting quote in Melbourne should cover contact details, scope, prep, materials, labour, timeline, cost breakdown, cleaning, and warranties. It’s more than a number—it’s your roadmap to a smooth, high-quality result.
If you’d like help reviewing quotes, understanding paint choices, or need a clear proposal for your project, Chumz Painting is here when you’re ready. Just reach out—no pressure, just clarity and care for your home’s bright future.