Finding the right painter for your house

Renovating a home can be daunting, exhausting and time consuming, and some jobs are best left to the experts. If you feel that painting your home falls into this category, then ensure that you choose a painter wisely. Choosing someone who is reliable, easy to communicate with and professional will ensure that not only do you get the results you want, but the experience will also be a positive one.

How to find a painter

Word of mouth is an excellent way to find reliable tradespeople. When looking for a painter, ask around your friends, family and workmates; who has repainted recently and had a positive experience? Here are some tips to consider:

• Check the Master Painters Association of Australia to find an accredited painter - this should ensure a certain level of professionalism and give you recourse to complain if you are dissatisfied.
• Gain quotes from several painters, and speak to them individually, to be sure that you will be comfortable communicating and working with the one you choose.
• Ask questions - when would the painter be able to begin and complete your job by, what are their ideas on colour schemes and paint types, how would they tackle any problems such as peeling existing paint, or imperfect painting surfaces?
• Consider using an online or over the phone referral service - these services have a vested interest in linking you with the right tradesperson, and will provide you with several (usually three) quotes from house painters in your area.
• Enter into a contract that you are comfortable with once you have found your painter.

Painting your home: Other information

Painting the interior or exterior of your home can make the most profound difference to the space and impact of the building, and to how you feel about living in it, so it is well worth hiring the right professional to do the job for you. Choose someone who is accredited, reliable and easy to communicate with to ensure that you have a positive experience as well as a positive outcome.