Painting
Make your painting enquiry easier to assess
Tell us which surfaces need painting, show their condition and explain how the property is used. Those details make the estimate easier to assess.
What to have ready
- Interior, exterior or both, with the surfaces listed
- Wide photographs and close views of peeling or damage
- Living area, storeys and year built, if known
- Access needs, finish preferences and existing specifications
Choose the surfaces
A useful painting enquiry describes the surfaces as well as the size of the home. Start with interior, exterior or both. For interior work, list the rooms and whether you want walls, ceilings, trim or doors included. For exterior work, show the building from several sides and identify siding, trim, porches and other elements you want considered.
Show the preparation needed
Take one wider photograph for context and a closer photograph of each problem. Show peeling finishes, damaged woodwork and staining rather than describing everything as needing a fresh coat. Tell us whether the issue has returned after a previous repair or follows wet weather. That information helps separate a finish change from a problem that needs investigation first.
Consider older coatings
Older painted surfaces need particular care. EPA explains that renovation, repair or painting in a pre-1978 home containing lead-based paint can create hazardous dust, and recommends hiring a contractor with the relevant lead-safe certification. Do not disturb a suspect coating to prepare photographs. Discuss assessment and the qualifications required for the work before it proceeds. EPA guidance for renovation in older homes.
Confirm the property facts
Include approximate floor area, number of storeys and the year built when you know them. Living area is not the same as the area of walls to be painted. The residential calculator uses confirmed property details to produce a preliminary planning range, with assumptions and exclusions shown alongside it. Missing records can be replaced with your approximate information; unusual conditions receive a personal review.
Explain access and occupancy
Explain how the property is used. Mention occupied rooms, tenants, pets, working hours, access restrictions and furniture that may need to be moved. These details belong in the scope discussion. They do not establish that occupants can remain in every work area or that work can meet a particular date.
Define the finish
A final proposal needs a defined scope: the surfaces, their condition, preparation, repairs, finish choices and access. A preliminary calculator result is not that proposal. If you have colour references, photographs or an existing specification, include them with your enquiry and explain which decisions have already been made and which you would like to discuss.
Official sources checked 1 October 2026. Property requirements should be confirmed with the relevant authority.