You hand over a $3,000 deposit. The painter shows up for two days, does half the prep work, then stops answering calls. Or worse: they finish the job, the paint starts peeling within weeks, and when you try to contact them, the number’s disconnected.
This happens more often than you’d think in Sydney. The problem isn’t that homeowners don’t ask questions. It’s that they ask the wrong ones.
Generic questions like “how long have you been painting?” or “can you do it cheaper?” won’t expose dodgy operators. They’ve heard these a hundred times and have rehearsed answers ready. What you need are specific, documentation-based questions that force them to either prove they’re legitimate or reveal themselves immediately.
These seven questions do exactly that. Ask them before you sign anything or hand over money.
Why Most Homeowners Ask the Wrong Questions (And Pay for It Later)
Most people ask about experience, pricing, or availability. All reasonable questions. None of them catch dodgy painters.
A dodgy painter will tell you they’ve been in business for ten years. They’ll show you photos of work that might not even be theirs. They’ll quote lower than everyone else and promise to start next week. Everything sounds good until it isn’t.
The difference between a legitimate painter and a dodgy one isn’t what they say. It’s what they can prove on the spot. Legitimate painters expect tough questions. They have documentation ready. They don’t get defensive when you ask to see certificates or verify details.
Dodgy painters, on the other hand, stall. They make excuses. They promise to send things later. They change the subject.
You’re not being difficult by asking these questions. You’re protecting yourself from operators who disappear with deposits, cut corners on prep work, or leave you legally exposed when something goes wrong.
Question 1: ‘Can I See Your Public Liability Insurance Certificate Right Now?’
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Public liability insurance covers damage to your property and injuries that happen on site. If a painter drops a ladder through your window or someone gets hurt on your property, this insurance pays for it. Without it, you’re liable.
Legitimate painters carry at least $10-20 million in coverage. They can show you the certificate immediately, either on their phone or in a folder they keep in their vehicle. The certificate shows the policy number, coverage amount, and current dates.
If you hear “I’ll email it later” or “it’s being renewed right now,” walk away. These are stalling tactics. Insurance doesn’t lapse for legitimate businesses because they can’t work without it. If they’re actively quoting jobs, they have current coverage.
The financial risk here isn’t theoretical. If an uninsured painter causes $15,000 in damage to your home, you’re paying for it. If someone falls off a ladder and breaks their leg, you could be facing medical bills and compensation claims.
What legitimate painters do versus what dodgy ones say
A legitimate painter pulls out their phone or opens a folder and shows you the certificate. Right there. No delay.
Dodgy painters say things like “my partner has it,” “it’s at the office,” or “I’m covered under someone else’s policy.” These are red flags. If they can’t produce proof immediately, they either don’t have insurance or they’re not the legitimate business they claim to be.
When you see the certificate, check three things: the policy is current (not expired), the coverage amount is adequate (at least $10 million), and the business name matches the name on their quote. If any of these don’t line up, don’t proceed.
Question 2: ‘What Prep Work Is Included in Your Quote, and How Long Will It Take?’
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Prep work takes 40-60% of the total time on most painting projects. Washing, sanding, filling cracks, priming. This is where the quality of the finish is determined, not in the actual painting.
Dodgy painters lowball quotes by skipping or rushing prep. They’ll quote you $8,000 when everyone else quotes $12,000, and the difference is in the prep time. When the paint starts peeling six months later, they’ll blame “existing surface issues” and disappear.
A legitimate painter will list specific prep steps in their quote and allocate realistic time. For a standard house exterior, that’s usually 2-3 days of prep before any paint goes on. They’ll explain what they’re doing and why it matters.
The time allocation is the key indicator here. If the numbers don’t add up, the job won’t either.
The prep timeline red flag that reveals rushed jobs
Here’s a specific example: if a painter quotes five days total for a full exterior repaint but only allocates one day for prep, that’s a red flag. The math doesn’t work.
Proper prep on an exterior takes time. Washing down surfaces, scraping loose paint, sanding, filling cracks, priming bare timber. One day isn’t enough unless they’re cutting corners.
Rushed prep means the paint will peel, crack, or look uneven within months. You’ll have paid for a paint job that doesn’t last. If the prep timeline seems too short, ask for a day-by-day breakdown. If they can’t provide one or get defensive, move on.
Question 3: ‘Which Specific Paint Brand and Product Line Are You Using?’
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Dodgy painters quote using premium brand names like Dulux, Taubmans, or Haymes, then substitute cheap alternatives once you’ve paid the deposit. You won’t know until the job’s done and it’s too late.
Legitimate painters specify exact product names. Not “Dulux exterior paint” but “Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen.” The difference matters because paint quality varies hugely even within one brand’s range.
If you hear vague answers like “premium quality paint” or “professional grade,” they’re keeping their options open to use cheap products. They haven’t committed to anything specific because they’re planning to switch.
Ask for product names to be written into the quote. If they won’t do it, they’re not planning to use what they’re claiming.
Why vague answers like ‘premium paint’ should worry you
Paint quality within a single brand can range from budget lines at $60 per 10 litres to premium lines at $150 per 10 litres. The difference in durability and finish is significant.
Without specific product names, you can’t verify quality or price-match the quote. You have no way of knowing if you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Legitimate painters are proud to specify exactly what they’re using. They’re not planning to switch products, so they have no reason to be vague. If they won’t name the specific product line, they’re hiding something. For more guidance on choosing quality paints, see our The Ultimate Guide To Eco Friendly House Paints What You Need To Know.
Question 4: ‘Can You Provide Three References from Jobs You Completed in the Last Six Months?’
The six-month timeframe matters. It proves current work quality and that they’re actively trading. References from two years ago could mean they haven’t worked recently or have recent unhappy customers they’re hiding.
Dodgy painters will offer old references, friends or family members, or make excuses about “privacy concerns.” Legitimate painters have multiple recent jobs and are happy to provide current references.
Don’t just collect the references. Actually call them. Ask specific questions: Did they finish on time? Did they clean up properly? If there were issues, did they fix them? Would you hire them again?
The recent timeframe is the key filter here. Anyone can dig up a happy customer from years ago. Current references prove they’re still delivering quality work.
The timeframe detail that dodgy painters always get wrong
When you call references, ask when the job was completed. If they say “about two years ago” or can’t remember exactly, that reference doesn’t count.
Legitimate painters have multiple recent jobs. They’re not scrambling to find someone who’ll say something nice about them. They can provide three references from the last six months without hesitation.
If a painter can’t provide recent references, there’s a reason. Either they haven’t been working, or their recent customers aren’t happy. Either way, it’s a problem.
Question 5: ‘What Happens If I’m Not Happy with the Finish Before Final Payment?’
This question reveals whether the painter has a proper rectification process or just wants money upfront and plans to disappear.
Dodgy painters get defensive. They say “that won’t happen” or “we’ve never had complaints.” They avoid giving you a clear answer because they don’t have a process. They’re hoping to collect final payment and move on before you notice problems.
Legitimate painters have clear policies. They’ll explain their inspection process: you walk through the job together before final payment, create a written list of any touch-ups needed, and they give you a timeframe for completing those fixes. Usually 1-2 days.
Their verbal response tells you everything. If they’re confident and specific, they’ve done this before and they stand behind their work. If they’re vague or defensive, they’re planning to take your money and run.
How legitimate painters structure payment to protect both parties
Typical payment structure: small deposit (10-20%), progress payment midway through the job, final payment only after inspection and approval.
Requests for 50% or more upfront are major red flags. So is asking for full payment before completion. Legitimate painters don’t need large upfront payments because they have cash flow and supplier accounts. They’re not funding your job with your deposit.
The payment structure protects both parties. The painter gets enough to cover initial materials. You keep leverage until the job’s done properly. If someone’s pushing for more money upfront, they’re either desperate for cash or planning to disappear.
Question 6: ‘Do You Have a Fixed Business Address I Can Visit?’
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Fly-by-night operators work from mobile phones only. When problems arise, they disappear. No address, no way to find them, no recourse.
A legitimate business has a physical address. Even if it’s a home office, they’ll provide it. You can verify it on Google Maps and check it matches their ABN registration.
If you hear “we’re mobile” or “we’ll come to you” without them providing an address, that’s a red flag. Being mobile is fine. Refusing to provide a business address isn’t.
Check the address they give you. Look it up. Make sure it’s real. Legitimate painters have nothing to hide and will provide their business address immediately.
Why a PO box or ‘we’ll come to you’ is a warning sign
PO boxes can’t be used for ABN registration as a business address. They’re only for mail. If someone gives you a PO box as their business address, they’re either not properly registered or they’re hiding their real location.
Refusing to provide a physical address means they’re planning to disappear when problems arise. You’ll have no way to find them, no way to take legal action, no way to get your money back.
Legitimate painters operate from real addresses. They’re not hiding. They’re running actual businesses with proper registrations and they’re not going anywhere.
Question 7: ‘What’s Your ABN, and Can I See Your Workers Comp Policy?’
An ABN proves they’re a registered business. You can verify it instantly on ABN Lookup. It takes thirty seconds.
Workers compensation is legally required in NSW if they have employees. If they don’t have it and someone gets injured on your property, you’re liable. Not them. You.
Dodgy painters either don’t have an ABN, provide a fake one, or claim they “work alone” to avoid workers comp requirements. Then they show up with two helpers who aren’t covered by anything.
Verify the ABN online before handing over any money. Check it’s current and matches the business name on their quote. If they won’t provide it or it doesn’t check out, walk away.
The legal risk Sydney homeowners face when painters aren’t properly covered
If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could be liable for medical costs and compensation. This applies even if you didn’t know they weren’t covered.
A broken leg from a fall could cost you $50,000 or more in medical bills and compensation claims. A serious injury could be hundreds of thousands.
“Cash jobs” with unregistered painters might save you $2,000 upfront. They could also expose you to massive financial risk. The savings aren’t worth it. When considering whether to hire professionals, our guide on Diy Vs Professional House Painting When To Call In The Experts can help you understand the full scope of what’s at stake.
What to Do When a Painter Fails Even One of These Questions
If they can’t answer even one question properly, walk away immediately. Don’t make excuses for them. Don’t give them a chance to “fix it later.” Move to the next quote.
Legitimate painters expect these questions. They answer them confidently because they have nothing to hide. They’re running proper businesses with proper documentation.
Thank them for their time. Don’t explain why you’re not proceeding. Just move on. You don’t owe them an explanation, and arguing won’t change anything.
Asking these questions upfront saves you thousands in problems later. A dodgy paint job doesn’t just look bad. It costs you money to fix, damages your property, and creates legal exposure you didn’t know you had. Once you’ve found the right painter and they’ve completed the work, you might want to explore 5 Unexpected Colors That Can Boost Your Homes Curb Appeal for your next project.
The right painter will answer every question without hesitation. That’s who you hire.