Avoid These 5 Red Flags When Hiring a Painter in WA
Hiring the wrong painter can turn your dream project into a costly mistake. Many Perth homeowners on Reddit warn about painters who rush jobs, inflate quotes mid-way, or leave uneven results. If a painter is vague about prep, promises one-coat coverage without assessment, or offers a rock-bottom price with no breakdown, that’s a signal to dig deeper. Professionalism shows up before the first brush stroke, and the biggest red flags usually appear in how clearly (or not) a painter explains their process. At Recommended Painters WA, we’ve seen the damage done by painters who cut corners, and we do things differently. Our in-house team offers fixed quotes, clear prep plans, and always applies two coats as standard. No guesswork, no surprises. If you’re hiring a painter in WA, know what to watch out for, and ask the questions that matter. Learn more about our professional interior painting in Perth and how we avoid these red flags from the start.
What Are the Signs of a “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Quote?
That ultra-low quote might seem tempting, but it often comes with a catch. Extremely cheap painters usually skip prep, use low-grade paint, or hire underqualified labor. On Reddit, many users warn about “quote creep,” where initial prices balloon once the job begins. Suddenly, you’re paying extra for trim, brand-name paint, or a second coat that wasn’t included. Another red flag? A vague quote with no detail on what’s included, no mention of prep, materials, or number of coats. That lack of clarity is how painters leave room to upsell later. At Recommended Painters WA, we offer fixed quotes with fully detailed scopes of work. You’ll know exactly what’s included, surface prep, two coats, paint type, cleanup, and timelines. No upsells, no shortcuts, just upfront honesty and predictable pricing. A fair quote should feel complete, not like an opening bid.
Is the Painter Being Vague About Prep or Coats?
If a painter can’t clearly explain how they prep your surfaces or how many coats they plan to apply, that’s a red flag. Surface prep is essential for lasting results, it’s not just a quick wipe-down. Pros should detail their steps: cleaning, patching, sanding, priming, and protecting your space. Likewise, vague answers like “one coat is enough” often signal a rushed job or an upsell later. Reddit threads are full of frustrated homeowners who learned the hard way that one coat rarely holds up. That’s why you should always ask upfront: “Do you always apply two coats?” and “What prep do you include?” At Recommended Painters WA, we treat prep as half the job and apply two coats by default, not as an extra. Clear answers reflect real experience, and transparency is a sign of a painter who takes your project seriously.
Are They Using Subcontractors Without Telling You?
Transparency matters, and that includes knowing who’s actually doing the work in your home. Many painting companies accept your job, then quietly send it off to a subcontracted crew you’ve never met. This often leads to inconsistent results, miscommunication, and a lack of accountability. Reddit users frequently complain about painters disappearing mid-project or blaming mistakes on a “different team.” Always ask, “Will your in-house team be doing the work, or do you subcontract?” If they dodge the question, that’s a red flag. At Recommended Painters WA, we only use trained, in-house painters who follow our proven prep and painting process. You’ll meet the same professionals from quote to clean-up, and we’re fully accountable for every detail. The team you hire is the team you get, no hidden handoffs, no strangers in your home.
Why Recommended Painters WA Is a Safer, Smarter Choice
Clear Process. In-House Team. No Red Flags.
At Recommended Painters WA, we don’t just paint, we protect your home and your trust. We’ve built our reputation by avoiding every red flag that Reddit users warn about. Our quotes are detailed and fixed, with zero surprise fees. Prep is half the job, and we proudly explain every step we take. Two coats are always included because they should be standard, not a luxury. Most importantly, we never use subcontractors. Every job is handled by our trained, in-house team who respect your time, space, and standards. From the first call to the final walkthrough, you’ll deal with real professionals who show up, communicate clearly, and deliver exactly what was promised. No cut corners, no excuses, just high-quality results that last.
Want a flawless, long-lasting finish for your home? Recommended Painters WA delivers expert craftsmanship and real results. Check our Google reviews to see why Perth homeowners trust us for every coat.