Some of “instant online calculators” and phone quotes are no more than educated guesses. Professional painters know every job is different. Rushing the quote process often leads to unwanted surprises later.

Consider this: A three-bedroom weatherboard in Bondi Beach is completely different from a high-ceiling terrace in Chatswood. Even if they’re both “three bedrooms,” the prep work, paint coverage, and time needed can vary massively.

Table of Contents

• The Smart Approach to Same-Day Quotes
• What If You Could Skip the Phone Tag?

The Smart Approach to Same-Day Quotes

Quick note: If you request a quote through SnapTradie, you can skip steps two and three. All you need to do is sign up and send in the details of your paint work.

But if you want to try doing it the oldie but goodie way, here’s how:

Step 1: Do Your Homework First

Before you pick up the phone, spend 30 minutes getting your ducks in a row:

• Measure your rooms (or at least count them accurately)
• Note your ceiling heights
• Check what condition your walls are in
• Decide on your timeline
• Figure out if you want interior, exterior, or both

Step 2: Target the Right Painters

Not all painters work the same way. Look for painters who:

• Have strong local reviews: Check Google, Yelp, and other review sites for positive ratings and client testimonials.
• Show their licence number and insurance details: Reputable painters will display their credentials prominently on their website or show it upon request.
• Offer free quotes with site visits: Professional painters are open to seeing your space to provide accurate estimates.
• Answer their phone during business hours: Good customer service starts with being accessible.
• Have relevant experience: Ask about recent residential projects similar to yours, as some painters may specialise in one property type or another.
• Provide portfolios and references: Quality painters will readily show examples of their previous work.
• Offer guarantees or warranties: This ensures you get value for money and protection after the job is done.

If you need help verifying a local painter’s license, you can contact Master Painters Australia for independently verified painters in NSW and ACT; or ask your local council for registered business listings.

Make sure to avoid anyone offering "instant quotes" without seeing your place in person or through video. That's always a warning sign.

Step 3: Make Strategic Phone Calls

Call at least three painters to discuss your needs. Usually, the best time to call is from 7am to 9am or 4pm to 6pm when painters are usually between jobs.

Be upfront. Say something like:
“I need a ballpark quote today for [specific job]. Can you give me a rough estimate over the phone, and if we’re in the right range, come out this week for a proper quote?”

Most good painters will give you a rough range based on your info, then book a proper site visit within a few days.

Pro Tips

Smart homeowners always get a written quote before any painting work starts. Make sure your painter puts everything down on paper before you shake hands on the deal.

Australia's Painter Institute recommends the following items to be included in a painting estimate:

• Paint details - brand, type, and number of coats (following AS/NZ Standards)
• Prep work breakdown - what they'll do to get your walls ready
• Which areas get painted
• Total project cost
• Any guarantees they're offering
• Deposit amount and payment schedule (check your state's deposit limits)
• Quote expiry date
• Their business details and licence number

Before Work Starts:
Both you and your painter need to sign the quote. If anything changes during the job, get those changes written down too - whether that's in an email, text, or noted on the original quote.

This simple step protects you from dodgy work and keeps everyone on the same page.

The Bottom Line:

Same-day painting quotes are totally doable – you just need to be smart about it. You can get your rough estimates today, book your site visits tomorrow and you’ll have proper written quotes by the end of the week.

A good painter who takes time to quote properly usually does better work than someone rushing through estimates. It’s worth getting it right.

What If You Could Skip the Phone Tag?

While the traditional approach works, there’s now a smarter way to get same-day quotes without all the back-and-forth.

SnapTradie uses AI-powered quoting that’s human-verified, so you get the speed you need with the accuracy you deserve. No chasing painters. No waiting for call-backs.

You get qualified painter quotes in your inbox today – all from licensed, insured tradies who’ve been properly vetted.

How it works:

• Tell us about your painting job and send in videos, photos and measurements for a more accurate estimate.
• Get same-day quotes from qualified local painters.
• Book your preferred tradie with confidence.
• Track your job with before/after photos.

Try it for yourself.

Get a Free AI-Powered Quote