Question 1

Do you need a licence to be a painter in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in New South Wales any painter doing residential work valued over $5,000 must hold a Contractor Licence – Painting and Decorating issued by NSW Fair Trading under the Home Building Act 1989. Always ask for your painter's licence number before signing a contract and verify it at nsw.gov.au/fair-trading. This protects you if something goes wrong and ensures you're hiring someone legally qualified.

Question 2

What do most painters charge per day in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Painter day rates in Australia typically range from $300–$600 depending on experience and job complexity. In Lismore, you have 10 listed painters with an average 5.0-star rating, so competition is healthy. Both Rick Gilliland Painting and Completely Plastered North Coast offer free quotes, which lets you compare day rates directly. Always get at least three written quotes before committing to avoid overpaying.

Question 3

How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Exterior house painting in Australia typically costs $15,000–$45,000 depending on house size, preparation work needed, and paint quality. A standard three-bedroom weatherboard home in Lismore might sit around $18,000–$25,000. With 70% of local painters advertising exterior work and 40% offering roof painting, you've got solid options. Request itemised quotes showing prep, paint type, and number of coats to compare properly.

Question 4

How long does it take to paint a 3 bedroom house exterior?

Accepted Answer

A typical three-bedroom house exterior takes 5–10 days depending on weather, prep work required, and how many painters are on site. Lismore's subtropical climate means painters often work around afternoon storms during summer months. Preparation (pressure washing, repairs, priming) usually takes longer than the actual painting. Ask your painter for a realistic timeline including contingency days for rain delays.

Question 5

How do I tell if a painter is good?

Accepted Answer

Check their reviews first – Lismore has three standout options: Thorburn Painting (66 reviews), G Knight Painting Ballina (26 reviews), and Ace High Painting Service (25 reviews), all rated 5.0 stars. Ask to see photos of completed local jobs, verify their NSW Fair Trading licence number, and ensure they provide written quotes detailing prep work and paint specifications. A good painter explains their process clearly and never rushes you.

Painters in Lismore

G Knight Painting Ballina

Completely Plastered North Coast

Matthew Ward - Painting & Decorating

Everingham Painters and Decorators

Leonard's Painting

Grippo's Home Maintenance

Rick Gilliland Painting

Hoffmanns Rural Painting Service

Bespoke Paint & Render

Donnelly Painting

Fine Finish Painting Northern Rivers

R J Britt Painting

Chris Slade Painting

Pittore Pty Ltd

Frequently Asked Questions

Painters in Other New South Wales Cities