To hire a painter and decorator in Ireland, write down exactly what you want painted, get two or three quotes for that same description, and compare what each includes, especially preparation, number of coats and who supplies the paint. Before work starts, agree the scope, timing, price and payment in writing. Most disagreements about painting jobs come from things that were never agreed.
Step 1: Decide exactly what needs painting
List the rooms or areas, and for each one the surfaces: walls, ceilings, skirting boards, doors, window frames. Say whether it is interior or exterior work and whether you are changing colour. A colour change, a dark-to-light change or bare plaster usually means more work than repainting in the same colour. Common mistake: asking for “the living room” and receiving quotes that each assume something different.
Step 2: Ask for quotes based on the same description
Send every painter the same written description and a few photos, and ask whether they need to see the job in person. Comparable quotes are the only way to compare prices fairly. Common mistake: comparing a quote that includes preparation with one that does not.
Step 3: Check what each quote includes
A useful quote names the preparation, the number of coats, the products and finishes, protection of floors and furniture, and clean-up. Ask what would count as an extra, for example repairing damaged plaster discovered during the job.
| Point | What to agree | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Rooms, surfaces (walls, ceilings, woodwork) and interior or exterior | It is the basis every quote is priced on |
| Preparation | Filling, sanding, priming and any repairs | Preparation is where quotes differ most |
| Coats and products | How many coats, which product and finish, who supplies it | Avoids a cheaper product or a missed coat |
| Protection and clean-up | Covering floors and furniture; removing waste | Protects your home and avoids extra work after |
| Timing | Start date, how long, drying times, weather for exterior work | Lets you plan around rooms being out of use |
| Price and payment | Total, what is extra, when and how you pay | Prevents disputes when the job ends |
Step 4: Ask about experience and insurance
Ask the painter about similar jobs they have done, and whether they can show photos or put you in touch with a past customer. For exterior work or work at height, ask how they will access high areas safely and whether they hold their own insurance. Ask to see it rather than assuming it.
Step 5: Agree timing and access
Agree the start date, how many days the job will take and which rooms will be out of use. Exterior painting depends on dry weather, so agree what happens if rain delays the work. Arrange keys and access, parking for the painter, and where materials can be stored.
Step 6: Put the price and payment in writing
Agree the total price, what is extra, and how and when you will pay. If a deposit or a payment before the end is requested, agree exactly what it covers. A short written message confirming the agreement is enough and protects both sides.
Step 7: Walk through the work before the final payment
When the painter says the job is finished, look at each room in good daylight with them. Point out any missed areas, drips or marks so they can be touched up while the painter and the materials are still there.
Checklist before the painter starts
- Written description of rooms and surfaces sent to every painter.
- Two or three comparable quotes received.
- Preparation, coats, products and clean-up confirmed.
- Start date, duration and access agreed.
- Price, extras and payment terms confirmed in writing.
- Small items and breakables removed; furniture plan agreed.
Frequently asked questions
Should I buy the paint myself?
Either works, but agree it in the quote. If the painter supplies it, ask which product and finish is included. If you buy it, ask the painter how much you need and which finish suits each surface, so the job is not held up.
Do I need to empty the room before the painter arrives?
Ask the painter. Many prefer small items, pictures and breakables removed and large furniture moved to the centre of the room. Agree who moves it and who covers it.
Can exterior painting be done at any time of year?
Exterior work depends on dry weather and on surfaces being dry, so dates are often provisional. Agree in advance what happens if rain delays the job.
How many quotes should I get?
Two or three quotes for the same written description are usually enough to compare scope and price. A quote that seems much cheaper often leaves out preparation work, so compare what is included, not only the total.