What is a Painter?

A Painter is a licensed trade professional who applies paint, protective coatings, and finishes to internal and external surfaces of your home. They work to enhance the home’s appearance while also protecting surfaces from weather, moisture, and wear.



Painters are usually engaged at the final stage of the build and complete their work in multiple stages, including external painting, internal spray-out (first coat), and the second/final coat.

What does a Painter do?

Your Painter will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, a Painter will:

  • Prepare surfaces by sanding, patching, and applying sealers or primers
  • Apply paint using brushes, rollers, or spray equipment
  • Execute multiple coats, allowing for drying and curing between stages
  • Use specialty products on surfaces such as timber, fibre cement, or rendered walls
  • Ensure clean lines and consistent finish throughout


Painting is often divided into stages:

  • External First Floor
  • Paint fibre cement cladding, weatherboards, eaves, or render
  • Apply protective coatings to fascia, trims, and exposed structures
  • First Coat (Internal Spray Out)
  • Spray or roll on undercoat and first colour layer on walls and ceilings
  • Paint skirting, architraves, and internal doors with base coat
  • Second / Final Coat
  • Apply final topcoat to internal walls, ceilings, trims, and doors
  • Conduct touch-ups and defect corrections


Tip: Schedule Internal Painting After All Major Trades Are Finished

Painting should only begin once all dusty or high-impact trades (like carpentry or tiling) are done. This protects your finish and avoids costly rework. Ask your painter to return for a final touch-up after all fittings are installed.

What Makes a Good Painter?

A good Painter will have:

  • Experience with both interior and exterior residential painting
  • Meticulous surface preparation and attention to detail
  • Knowledge of product types and compatibility (especially on different substrates like timber vs fibre cement)
  • Capability to sequence the work across multiple stages
  • A clean and efficient work ethic, especially in furnished or nearly complete homes


In QLD, painters must hold a QBCC licence for domestic painting works exceeding $3,300.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Painters for your external and internal stages, you’ll need:

  • Finalised construction drawings and internal layout
  • Product selections (colours, paint types, finish levels, brand preferences)
  • List of surfaces to be painted (walls, ceilings, trims, cladding, etc.)
  • Site condition notes (e.g. access, scaffolding needs, construction debris)
  • Desired start date for each stage

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can the same painter do both inside and outside?

    Yes — most residential painters handle both, but confirm their availability and scope for all three stages.

  • Do I need scaffolding for external painting?

    Yes, if your external walls are double-storey. This may be quoted separately or included.

  • Can I paint anything myself?

    Yes — as an owner builder, you can DIY. But a licensed painter is recommended for consistent finish and compliance, especially if your works exceed $3,300 in QLD.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.