Choosing a painter is one of the higher-stakes home service decisions you will make — a good painter protects your home for 10 years, a bad one costs you the whole job over again in 18 months. Here is the checklist we recommend every Brisbane homeowner runs before signing a contract in 2026.
1. Confirm the QBCC Licence
In Queensland any painting work over **$3,300** must be performed by a QBCC licensed contractor. Ask for the licence number and verify it on the QBCC website. An unlicensed painter cannot legally offer statutory warranty and you have no consumer protection if the job fails.
2. Check Insurance
A professional Brisbane painter carries:
- **Public liability insurance** ($10-20 million cover is standard)
- **Workers' compensation** for every worker on your site
Ask for current certificates of currency. Without workers' comp, any injury on your property can become your legal problem.
3. Look for Master Painters Membership
Membership of Master Painters QLD indicates the business has agreed to a code of conduct and dispute resolution service. It is not compulsory but it is a positive signal.
4. Get an Itemised Written Quote
A proper quote should list:
- Rooms or elevations included
- Preparation scope
- Paint brand, product and colour
- Number of coats
- Access equipment
- Exclusions
- Total price and payment schedule
- Warranty terms
If you receive a one-line total price with no breakdown, walk away.
5. Read Reviews Carefully
Google reviews are the most reliable source. Look for:
- **Volume** — 50+ reviews suggests a real operating business
- **Recency** — most within the last 12 months
- **Detail** — reviews that mention suburbs, project scope and paint brands are harder to fake
- **Owner responses** — a business that engages with reviews cares about its reputation
Tier 1 Painting proudly displays 67 unfiltered 5-star Google reviews across Brisbane.
6. Ask About the Paint System
Cheap trade paints save the painter money and cost you years off the job. Ask specifically:
- What brand and product?
- What is the warranty on that product in Queensland?
- How many coats?
- What primer will you use on bare surfaces?
A painter who cannot answer these confidently is a red flag.
7. Get a Site Inspection
Phone or email quotes are usually inaccurate. A proper Brisbane painter will inspect the property in person, measure surfaces, and note condition issues. This protects both parties from mid-project variations.
8. Confirm the Warranty in Writing
Reputable Brisbane painters offer **5 to 7 years workmanship warranty** on top of manufacturer product warranties. Get it in writing on the quote or contract, not just verbally.
Red Flags to Walk Away From
- Cash-only pricing with no ABN
- Full payment upfront
- No physical business address
- Vague quotes with no product names
- Refusal to provide QBCC or insurance details
- Pressure to sign on the spot
Questions to Ask on Site
- How many crew will be on my job, and are they employees or subcontractors?
- Who is the project manager for the job?
- What is your process if we spot a defect after handover?
- What is your policy on adding scope mid-project?
Ready to Compare Us
We invite comparison. Tier 1 Painting is QBCC licensed, fully insured, a Master Painters QLD member, and every quote is itemised on site. Book a free inspection, or read our Brisbane cost guide to see fair 2026 pricing before you compare quotes. If your home is a Queenslander, our heritage painting service is highly relevant.
