A written contract is one of the most important steps you can take before any painting project gets underway in New Zealand. Whether you're repainting the interior of your home or tackling a full exterior repaint, a clear, detailed agreement protects both you as the homeowner and the painter — and helps avoid costly misunderstandings down the track.
Why a Written Contract Matters
Verbal agreements can quickly become he-said-she-said disputes when something goes wrong. A written contract sets out exactly what's been agreed, giving both parties a clear reference point. Under the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act, you have rights as a consumer, but those rights are much easier to enforce when the terms of the job are documented in writing.
Key Elements Every Painting Contract Should Include
1. Full Details of Both Parties
The contract should clearly state the full legal name and contact details of both the homeowner and the painting contractor — including their business name, physical address, phone number, and email. If the painter operates as a company or trades under a business name, that should be included too.
2. Detailed Scope of Work
This is the heart of the contract. A vague scope is the most common source of disputes. The scope should specify:
- Which areas or surfaces are to be painted (e.g., all exterior weatherboards, interior ceilings, trims)
- The number of coats to be applied
- Surface preparation work included (sanding, filling, priming, washing)
- Any areas or items specifically excluded from the job
- Whether scaffolding, masking, or furniture moving is included
3. Products and Specifications
The contract should name the paint brand, product line, and colour to be used. For example, specifying Resene Lumbersider in a particular colour code, or Dulux Weathershield for exterior work, removes any ambiguity. It should also note the sheen level (flat, low-sheen, semi-gloss, gloss) for each area.
4. Price and Payment Terms
The contract must clearly state:
- The total price (or how it will be calculated if it's a time-and-materials job)
- The payment schedule — for example, a deposit upfront, a progress payment midway, and the balance on completion
- Accepted payment methods
- What happens if additional work is identified (a variation clause)
As a guide, deposits of around 10–20% are common for residential painting jobs, though this varies. Be cautious of any painter asking for a very large upfront payment before work begins.
5. Start Date and Estimated Completion
The contract should include the expected start date and a realistic timeframe for completion. Weather can affect exterior painting in particular, so it's reasonable for the contract to note that timelines may shift due to conditions outside the painter's control.
6. Preparation and Site Responsibilities
Be clear about who is responsible for what before work starts — for instance, whether you need to move furniture, clear the deck, or arrange access. The contract should also note how the site will be protected (drop sheets, masking) and how it will be left at the end of each day.
7. Warranty and Defects
A reputable painter should offer a workmanship warranty — typically one to five years depending on the job and products used. The contract should state:
- The length of the warranty
- What it covers (e.g., peeling, flaking, poor adhesion due to application)
- What it doesn't cover (e.g., damage caused by moisture ingress or structural movement)
Note that paint manufacturers like Wattyl and Resene also offer product warranties, which are separate from the painter's workmanship guarantee.
8. Health, Safety, and Lead Paint
If your home was built before 1980, there's a chance it contains lead-based paint. The contract should address how this will be managed safely, in line with WorkSafe NZ guidelines. The painter should confirm their approach to containment, disposal, and personal protective equipment.
9. Insurance
The contract should confirm that the painter holds public liability insurance and, if they have employees, appropriate employer's liability cover. Ask to see a current certificate of insurance before signing.
10. Dispute Resolution
A good contract includes a simple process for resolving disagreements — for example, raising concerns in writing first, then attempting mediation before escalating. This saves both parties time and stress if something doesn't go to plan.
Variations and Change Orders
If extra work is identified once the job is underway — say, rotted timber found under weatherboards — the painter should provide a written variation before proceeding. This variation should describe the additional work, the extra cost, and require your sign-off. Never agree to significant extra work verbally.
A Useful Comparison: What's Often Missing vs. What Should Be There
| Often Missing | Should Be Included |
|---|---|
| Number of coats | Specified per surface |
| Paint brand/product | Named with colour code |
| Variation process | Written sign-off required |
| Warranty length | Stated clearly in writing |
| Insurance confirmation | Certificate provided |
| Exclusions | Listed explicitly |
When to Call a Professional
For any painting work, it's worth hiring a qualified, experienced painter — especially for exterior repaints, heritage homes, or properties with potential lead paint. A professional painter will be familiar with BRANZ best-practice guidelines and will use appropriate products and preparation methods. You can find reputable local painters on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Note that painting itself is not licensed or restricted work under NZ law, but associated tasks like working near electrical fittings or on scaffolding over 3 metres may involve other regulations. Always check with your painter that they're working safely and compliantly.
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