Quick answer: a reliable painter gives you a written quote that names the paint brand and product, the number of coats, the preparation and protection included, and every extra charge. They can show recent reviews and photos of similar homes, agree the dates and payment terms in writing, and tell you what happens if something goes wrong after the job. Use the 10-point checklist below to compare quotes before you book anyone, including us.
The 10-point checklist
1. A written, itemised quote
The quote should list which rooms, walls and ceilings are included, and whether doors, door frames and pipes are. “Paint whole house: $X” leaves too much room for arguments later.
2. The paint brand, product and number of coats
Look for a named product, such as “Nippon Vinilex 5000, two coats”, not “premium paint”. The product name tells you the finish, how washable it is and roughly what the paint costs, so you can compare quotes fairly. Our guides to Nippon Matex and the best paint in Singapore explain the differences.
3. Brand-new, sealed paint
Ask whether the paint arrives in new, sealed tins. Leftover or diluted paint is one of the easiest ways to cut costs, and it shows as patchy colour and poor coverage.
4. Wall preparation spelled out
Preparation decides how long the paint lasts. The quote should say whether it includes filling cracks and holes, sanding, sealer on new or patched walls, and treating mould before painting. If it says nothing, assume it is not included.
5. Protection, furniture moving and cleanup
Check that floors and furniture will be covered, whether the painters will move furniture away from the walls and back, and who removes the rubbish and empty tins.
6. Every extra charge listed upfront
High ceilings, extra colours, wallpaper removal, sealer and major repairs are often charged separately. A reliable painter tells you these before you book. Ours are published on our painting price list, for example $40 for an extra colour on one wall and +$40 per room for sealer.
7. Recent reviews and photos of similar jobs
Read Google reviews and look at the dates: several recent reviews say more than many old ones. Ask for photos of recent jobs in homes like yours, such as a 4-room HDB or a condo unit.
8. A registered business
Ask for the company’s registered name or UEN and check it on ACRA’s BizFile, which lets you look up any registered business in Singapore. A real business address and a working phone number also make it easier to get things fixed later.
9. Dates, working hours and payment terms in writing
Agree the start date, how many days the job should take and the working hours. In HDB flats, general renovation work is allowed from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm (HDB renovation guide). Be careful with anyone who wants full payment before starting. Agree in writing how much is due before the job and how much after.
10. What happens after the job
Ask what the painter will do if paint peels, bubbles or shows stains in the weeks after the job, and how long that cover lasts. Get the answer in writing rather than relying on a verbal promise.
Red flags
- A price far below everyone else’s, with no paint product named.
- Only one coat of paint, or no mention of coats at all.
- No preparation, no sealer and no mould treatment mentioned on walls that clearly need it.
- Pressure to decide today, or a “special price” that expires within hours.
- Full payment upfront.
- No reviews, no photos of past work, and no business details.
Very cheap quotes often grow once the job starts, when extras appear or walls need a second visit. We explain how that happens in why very cheap painting quotes often cost more, and what our fixed-price packages include.
Questions to ask every painter
- Which paint product will you use, and how many coats?
- Is the paint brand-new and sealed?
- What preparation is included: filling, sanding, sealer, mould treatment?
- Do you cover floors and furniture, and move furniture back?
- Which extras could be added to this price?
- How many days will the job take, and what hours will you work?
- How much do I pay before the job, and how much after?
- What will you do if paint peels or stains appear afterwards?
- Can I see recent reviews and photos of a home like mine?
- What is your registered business name or UEN?
Comparing two quotes
| Check | Quote A | Quote B |
|---|---|---|
| Paint product and coats | ||
| Rooms, ceilings, doors, pipes included | ||
| Filling, sanding, sealer, mould treatment | ||
| Protection, furniture moving, cleanup | ||
| Extra charges listed | ||
| Dates and payment terms | ||
| After-job cover | ||
| Total price |
Fill in both columns. The cheaper quote is only cheaper if every row matches.
Frequently asked questions
How much should painting a 4-room HDB cost?
Our packages for a 4-room HDB flat run from $689 (Nippon Matex White) to $1,340 (Nippon Odourless EasyWash), including paint, labour, protection and cleanup. See the 4-room HDB painting price guide for what changes the price.
Should I always choose the cheapest painter?
Only if their quote includes the same paint, coats, preparation and cleanup as the others. Compare quotes row by row using the table above.
Is it better to hire a painter directly or through a renovation contractor?
If painting is the only work, hiring a painter directly is usually simpler, because you deal with the people doing the work. If painting is part of a bigger renovation, your contractor may want to coordinate it with the other trades.
Want a quote you can compare?
WhatsApp us your flat type and photos. Our quote names the paint, the coats and every extra.