From planner to quotation
Use room counts and surface conditions to define the scope
A painting quotation is easier to understand when the proposed work is described before pricing begins. “Paint the house” can mean walls only, walls and ceilings, complete doors and trims, selected rooms, one façade or every exterior elevation. The planner creates a practical starting record without asking homeowners to calculate paintable square metres.
Count the areas
Record bedrooms, living areas, wet areas, hallways, garages and staircases, then count detailed elements such as doors, window frames and robes.
Name the surfaces
Separate walls, ceilings, skirting boards, doors, frames, windows, cabinetry, render, weatherboards and other exterior elements.
Note the condition
Photograph cracks, peeling paint, water stains, damaged plaster, chalky render, bare timber, rot, rust and difficult-access areas.
Interior estimate pathway
How the planner works with Colourway’s estimate tool
For eligible residential interiors, the selected room quantities, walls, ceilings, skirting boards, doors, window frames and robes can pre-fill Colourway’s 60-second estimator. You then confirm the property setup, provide contact details and verify the mobile number before the preliminary estimate is created.
Plaster and repair selections provide scope context; they are not automatically priced as identical work. Clear photographs or a review may still be needed before a fixed written quotation is finalised.
Start the interior estimator directly →Exterior and combined projects
Why render, timber, height and access need a site-specific review
Exterior projects are affected by coating failure, substrate movement, sun and weather exposure, height, landscaping and access. Hairline render cracks are different from structural movement; sound painted timber is different from rotten or bare timber. The planner helps identify what should be inspected, while the on-site assessment confirms the actual preparation and coating system.
- Record the elevations and individual exterior surfaces.
- Photograph cracks, bubbling, flaking, chalking, staining and damaged areas.
- Identify double-storey, sloping, narrow or scaffold-dependent access.
- Keep repair allowances and exclusions visible in the final quotation.
Before accepting a quotation
Compare the work, not only the total price
Two quotations can look similar while covering different rooms, preparation, products or repairs. Check the complete written scope, the coating system, protection, access, exclusions, GST, insurance, warranty and payment terms before deciding.
Use Colourway’s free Quote Analysis & Comparison tool to identify documented differences and questions to clarify.
Instantly interpret scope, preparation, products, exclusions, terms and pricing—not just the total.
Frequently asked questions
Painting checklist questions
How do I work out what should be included in a painting quote?
Start room by room. Count each area, then list the individual surfaces: walls, ceilings, doors, frames, skirting boards, windows and other painted features. Record visible damage and preparation requirements so every painter is pricing a clearly defined scope.
Does the number of doors affect a painting estimate?
Yes. Doors and frames are detailed painted elements. Their quantity, condition, existing coating and required finish can materially change preparation, labour and paint requirements.
Should plaster repairs be included when requesting a painting quote?
Identify known plaster damage before the quotation is finalised. Nail holes, fine cracks, previous patches, water damage and larger holes can require different preparation and should not be treated as the same item.
What should I check on rendered exterior walls?
Look for hairline or larger cracks, flaking or bubbling coatings, chalky surfaces, staining, mould, damaged render and old patch repairs. Access and height should also be recorded.
Can I use this checklist to get a Colourway estimate?
Yes. Interior room counts, selected surfaces, doors, windows and robes can pre-fill the Colourway estimator. Exterior and combined projects continue to the site-visit pathway with the planning summary retained.
Do I need to move all furniture before painters arrive?
Not necessarily. Remove valuables, fragile items and smaller belongings. Confirm responsibility for moving larger furniture in the written quotation before the starting day.
What should I check before final payment?
Walk through the completed work against the accepted quotation. Check every included surface, agreed repair, touch-up, clean-up item and any written variation before treating the project as complete.