June 25, 2025
Painting projects often run late due to hidden damage, weather, or mid-project changes. This guide reveals why and how homeowners get their project back on track.
Painting projects have a sneaky way of stretching out longer than expected, and it's not always because your painter is having a go at you. There are genuine reasons why these jobs take longer than planned. More importantly, there are smart ways to get things back on track.
Exterior painting is always at the whims of the weather. Even a light drizzle can put everything on hold because paint simply won't stick properly to damp surfaces. Savvy painters know that patience pays off. If you rush, you’ll end up with patchy, peeling paint that looks worse than what you started with.
Changing your mind mid-project often means extra coats, different materials, and more time; especially if you're going from dark to light or vice versa. It's your home and your choice, but just know it'll add time to the job.
Sometimes you don't know what you're dealing with until you start stripping back old layers. Rotten timber, cracks, water damage or mould need to be sorted before any painting can happen. Tradies know better than to paint over mould.
These repairs can add days or even weeks to your project, even if everything looked fine during the initial inspection.
An inexperienced or disorganised painting crew can turn a straightforward job into a marathon. Missed deadlines, poor workmanship and dodgy communication will stretch your project out. Good painters understand how to manage a project and will keep you updated on your project’s progress.
If you're the homeowner, stay in regular contact with your painting team. If you're the painter, keep your clients updated even when things are going smoothly.
Good communication can actually make clients happier with the final result, even if there are delays. If you're a contractor, be upfront about how far out your bookings are. Explain factors like labor shortages or the need to order extra material. Regular check-ins with everyone involved help catch problems early when they're easier to fix.
If you're up against a hard deadline, it might be time to prioritise. What absolutely must be done, and what could wait for later? Sometimes it's better to get the essential areas finished properly than to rush through everything and compromise on quality. If delays happen, adjust your priorities to keep momentum going.
For bigger jobs, you might consider bringing in extra hands or extending working hours. It will cost more, but it can work well when tasks can be split up; like having different teams tackle different rooms or areas.
Make sure you've got efficient workflows to minimise downtime, and address any ongoing issues that are causing delays:
More hands and longer hours do not automatically speed up the process. The key is coordination: everyone has clear tasks and stays out of each other's way.
Order supplies well ahead of time so you don't run out of paint halfway through. Schedule your crew efficiently to make sure you've got enough hands when you need them. Regular site inspections help catch mistakes early.
Delays happen when projects are well on their way. NSW Fair Trading offers these tips on how to handle projects that are running late:
If your tradie needs more time, they should explain exactly why. Before you say yes, have a quick look at your contract. There might be specific clauses about time delays that are worth knowing about. Extensions can sometimes mean extra costs for materials and labour. Make sure you understand what your contract says about these situations so there are no surprises.
If your builder can't meet the agreed deadline and you haven't agreed to an extension, you might be entitled to compensation for delays or breach of contract. It's worth knowing where you stand.
Planning ahead saves headaches later. If you're building a new home and delays hit, think about your backup plan now. Do you need to sort out temporary accommodation or extend your current lease? It's much easier to have these conversations early rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Sometimes delays go beyond reasonable, and you might need to take action. In NSW, builders and tradies are required to deliver work in a reasonable timeframe according to your contract.
As soon as you spot a problem, talk to your painter or builder directly. Many issues are just misunderstandings that can be sorted quickly. After your chat, put what was agreed in writing and keep a copy. You can use emails or registered posts as proof if you need to escalate a dispute.
If direct communication doesn't work, these are your options as a consumer:
Here's something worth knowing upfront: you typically won't get financial compensation specifically for painting project delays. The dispute resolution system focuses on fixing defective or incomplete work and ensuring jobs are delivered within reasonable timeframes. The goal is getting the work done properly, not necessarily getting money back for the inconvenience.
How long should I expect my painting job to take?
It depends on the size and complexity, but most interior jobs take 3-5 days while exterior work can stretch 1-2 weeks. Weather, prep work, and any hidden repairs will add time, so always build in a buffer.
What happens if my painter finds damage under the old paint?
Any water damage, rotten timber, or mould needs fixing before painting can continue. There's no way around it. These repairs can add days or weeks to your job, but it's better to sort them now than have bigger problems later.
Can I change my mind about colours once work has started?
You can, but it'll cost you time and money. Going from dark to light colours (or vice versa) often means extra coats and different materials. It's much cheaper to be sure about your colours before the painter starts.
What can I do if my painting job is seriously delayed?
Start with a conversation – most issues are just misunderstandings. If that doesn't work, NSW Fair Trading can help resolve disputes. Just remember, you typically won't get compensation for delays, but you can ensure the work gets done properly.
Most painting delays happen because nobody asks the right questions upfront. SnapTradie collects all the important details when you request a quote such as:
This means no surprises halfway through. Our vetter painters show up knowing exactly what they're dealing with. On top of that, we use AI tools to give you reliable quotes fast.
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