Before handing over that final payment, it pays to take a careful look at your roof painter's invoice. A thorough check protects you legally, ensures you get what you paid for, and gives you the documentation you'll need if anything goes wrong down the track. Here's what every NZ homeowner should review.
Confirm the Tradesperson's Details Are Correct
Make sure the invoice includes the business name, physical address, GST number, and contact details of the roofing contractor. A legitimate NZ business should have a GST number if they're turning over more than $60,000 per year. If they're registered as a Licensed Building Practitioner, their LBP licence number should also appear — this is especially relevant if any restricted building work was involved alongside the painting.
Check that your own name and address are correct on the invoice too. This matters for warranty claims and any future disputes.
Check the Scope of Work Matches What Was Agreed
Compare the invoice line by line against your original quote or contract. The invoice should clearly describe:
- Surface preparation carried out (e.g. water blasting, moss and lichen treatment, rust treatment, priming)
- Number of coats applied and to which surfaces
- Areas painted (e.g. roof cladding, flashings, ridgeline, gutters if included)
- Any repairs completed as part of the job
If the scope changed during the job — say, extra prep was needed — any variations should be itemised separately and ideally match a written variation you approved beforehand.
Verify the Products Used
A professional roof painter should specify the exact paint products used, including brand, product name, and colour. In New Zealand, common roof coating brands include Resene, Dulux, and Wattyl. Each has specific roof paint systems designed for our climate — UV exposure, heavy rainfall, and coastal salt air all affect product choice.
Knowing the exact product matters because:
- Manufacturer warranties are tied to specific products and application methods
- You can check the product's expected lifespan and recoat schedule
- It confirms the painter didn't substitute a cheaper product without telling you
Ask for the paint data sheets or batch numbers if they're not already provided — a reputable tradesperson will have these on hand.
Look for Warranty Information
Your invoice or accompanying documentation should outline:
| Warranty Type | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Workmanship warranty | Duration (typically 2–5 years for roof painting) and what it covers |
| Product/manufacturer warranty | Tied to the specific paint system used; check with the manufacturer |
| Conditions | What voids the warranty (e.g. lack of maintenance, physical damage) |
Make sure you understand who to contact if a problem arises — the painter, the paint manufacturer, or both. BRANZ has useful guidance on paint performance and building envelope maintenance if you want to understand what's reasonable to expect.
Check Whether a Building Consent Was Required
Roof painting itself is generally exempt from building consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004. However, if any structural repairs, re-roofing, or alterations to flashings were done as part of the job, consent may have been required. Always confirm with your local council if you're unsure — MBIE Building Performance has clear guidance on what work requires consent.
If consent-required work was done, make sure the Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) process has been initiated before you make final payment.
Confirm Payment Terms and GST
- Check that GST is clearly shown (either included or stated as zero-rated, which is unusual for this type of work)
- Confirm the payment due date and accepted payment methods
- If a deposit was paid earlier, make sure it's deducted correctly from the final balance
- Check for any retention clauses if these were part of your contract
Do a Final Physical Inspection First
Don't sign off on the invoice until you've done a proper walkover inspection of the completed work. Look for:
- Even, consistent coverage with no missed patches or thin spots
- Clean, straight lines around flashings and edges
- No paint on gutters, fascias, or windows (unless those were included)
- Moss and lichen treatment has been applied where agreed
- All debris and equipment removed from your property
If you're not comfortable getting on the roof yourself, ask the painter to walk you through the job or provide photos taken during and after the work.
When to Call a Professional
If you have a dispute about the invoice or the quality of work, start by raising it directly with the contractor in writing. If that doesn't resolve things, Consumer NZ has guidance on your rights, and you may be able to take the matter to the Disputes Tribunal (check the current jurisdictional limit with the Ministry of Justice, as this may have changed). For larger disputes or if you suspect the work doesn't meet the NZ Building Code, seek advice from a licensed building professional.
For your next roof painting project, you can find qualified, vetted roof painters in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Master Painters NZ member
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
