How to choose a house painter: checklist
A good paint job lasts 8 to 12 years outside. Most of that comes from the preparation, not the top coat. This checklist helps you compare painters and their quotes.
Before you ask for quotes
- Decide what you want painted: walls, ceilings, trims, doors, the roof or the fence.
- Look for flaking paint, rot in the weatherboards and rust on the roof. Point these out to every painter.
- Find out roughly when your house was built. Houses from before the 1980s may have lead paint.
- Pick your colours, or ask the painter for help with a colour plan.
What a good quote includes
Ask for a written quote. It should say:
- What preparation is done: washing, scraping, sanding, filling and priming.
- The paint brand and product, and how many coats.
- Who pays for scaffolding and any repairs.
- When the job starts and how long it takes.
- Whether the price includes GST.
- What happens if bad weather stops the work.
Questions to ask the painter
- Can I see photos of recent jobs, or talk to a past client?
- Do you have public liability insurance?
- Are you a member of a trade association, such as Master Painters New Zealand?
- Is there a guarantee on the work, and for how long?
- Who does the work: you, your own team or subcontractors?
The best time to paint
Outside painting needs dry weather and mild temperatures. Most painters plan exterior work from late spring to early autumn, so book early for summer. Inside painting can be done all year. Check the paint label: many paints should not go on when it is too cold or wet.
How long does exterior paint last?
Exterior paint lasts about 8 to 12 years. On the coast, or on walls that get strong sun, it can be 7 years or less. A wash every year helps the paint last longer.
Questions about choosing a painter
How many quotes should I get for painting my house?
Get at least three written quotes. Compare the preparation, the paint and the number of coats, not only the price.
When is the best time to paint a house exterior in NZ?
From late spring to early autumn, when it is dry and mild. Painters get busy in summer, so book a few weeks ahead.
How often should you paint a house in NZ?
About every 8 to 12 years for the outside. In coastal or harsh weather it can be every 7 years or less.
Should a painter give a guarantee?
Ask for one. Members of a trade association such as Master Painters New Zealand can offer a guarantee on their work.
Checked in October 2026.
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