9 September 2026 · 3 min read · Heathurst Coatings
To compare painting quotes fairly, make sure each one covers the same scope, the same preparation, the same paint range and the same number of coats. The cheapest quote often leaves something out. A written, itemised quote from a painter who has inspected the job in person is the only reliable way to compare.
Why do painting quotes vary so much?
Quotes differ because painters price different jobs, even when they are looking at the same house. The usual gaps are:
- Preparation. Filling, sanding, priming and repairs take time. Some quotes include very little.
- Paint. A trade or budget range costs less than a premium range and usually doesn't last as long.
- Coats. One coat over a colour change is cheaper, and it shows.
- Scope. Ceilings, doors, frames, skirting, eaves and gutters may or may not be included.
- Access. Scaffolding, boom lifts and height safety cost money, and they are required by law on many exterior jobs.
What should a painting quote include?
A good quote is written and specific. Check that it lists:
- Each room or area and every surface in it (walls, ceilings, trims, doors, windows, eaves, fascias).
- The preparation for each surface, including repairs.
- The paint brand, range and sheen for each surface.
- The number of coats, including primer or sealer.
- Access equipment, if needed.
- Who moves furniture and who covers floors and gardens.
- Start date, expected duration and working hours.
- Payment terms, and whether the price is fixed.
- What happens at the end: clean-up and a final walk-through.
If two quotes don't list the same things, ask each painter to fill in the gaps before you compare prices.
Which questions should you ask a painter?
- Will you inspect the job before quoting?
- Is the price fixed, or could it change once you start?
- Who will be on site each day, and who is in charge?
- What paint will you use on each surface, and why?
- Do you hold insurance for this kind of work?
- Can I see photos of similar jobs, or speak to past clients?
- What happens if I'm not happy with part of the finish?
What are the red flags?
- A price given over the phone without anyone seeing the job.
- No mention of preparation, or "prep as required" with no detail.
- A large cash deposit before any work starts.
- Pressure to decide on the spot.
- No written quote, or a one-line quote with a single total.
- Vague answers about which paint will be used.
Is the cheapest painting quote ever the best choice?
Sometimes, if it covers exactly the same work. More often, a low price means less preparation, fewer coats or a cheaper paint, and the job needs redoing sooner. One of our clients put it simply: don't choose the cheapest quote, you get what you pay for. Compare what each quote includes, not only the total.
How Heathurst quotes
Steve visits the property, looks at every surface and talks through what you want. You then get a fixed written quote listing the preparation, the Dulux products and the coats for each area. The price we agree on is the price you pay. At the end, we walk through the job with you and fix anything that isn't right before we leave. You can see past work in our gallery, and read what's included in a quality paint job.
Get a quote
We work across all of greater Melbourne, and clients choose us for the quality of the finish, not the postcode. Request a free on-site quote through our contact page, or call 0418 351 120.
