Hiring someone to paint your home isn't just about finding the lowest price. It's also about making sure the job is done properly, that there's a clear guarantee, and that if something goes wrong, you know who to turn to and how.
The truth is that many homeowners only discover problems after the paint has dried and the painter is gone. Stains that come back, premature peeling, uneven finishes, or simply a job that doesn't match what was promised. And by then, with nothing in writing, it becomes hard to complain.
Why a per-square-metre quote is always indicative
Many quotes, especially those requested by phone or message, are calculated based on area alone. It's a quick way to get a rough idea of the price, but it should never be taken as final. Two walls with the same area can require completely different work: one might be in good condition, while the other has cracks, damp, or degraded plaster that's only visible in person.
That's why a per-m² quote only works as a first estimate. The final price can only be confirmed once the actual condition of the surfaces has been assessed, and this is where photos and videos make a difference: they make it possible to spot signs of damp, old peeling, cracks, or other issues that will require more prep work (and more cost) than a simple coat of paint, even before a visit takes place.
Here, we always ask for photos and videos of the surfaces before finalising any quote, precisely to avoid surprises halfway through the job. This lets us adjust the proposal to the reality of your home, instead of assuming every wall is the same.
What should always be in the quote (and the contract)
A serious quote is not a vague estimate sent by message. It should clearly identify who will do the work, which surfaces will be painted, how many coats are included, and what type of paint will be applied.
If the quote doesn't break down surface preparation (sanding, filler, primer), be wary. Walls in poor condition need preparation, and that work costs time and money. When it isn't included, either the painter plans to skip that step, or the final price will rise partway through the job.
In Portugal, the law requires a written contract for work above 20,000 euros. But even for smaller jobs, it's highly advisable to have everything formalised. A contract protects both parties, and sets out deadlines, materials, payment terms, and responsibilities. If there are delays or problems, it's the document that backs up any complaint.
Full tax details for the company or self-employed worker should also be included. Working with someone without a tax number or without issuing an invoice isn't just illegal — it rules out any possibility of a guarantee or legal recourse if something goes wrong.
Legal guarantees: what the law already gives you (and what you can ask for on top)
Many people don't know this, but in Portugal there's a legal guarantee for painting services. Just as with products, services provided by professionals are also covered by a minimum consumer protection period.
Under the current rules, services carry a two-year guarantee. This means that if the paintwork shows defects that aren't the result of misuse or normal wear (such as early peeling, bubbling, or damp stains that weren't properly treated), you can request a repair.
Beyond the legal guarantee, many companies offer their own commercial guarantees, which can extend up to five years in some cases. But be careful: this guarantee only holds if it's in writing. A verbal promise isn't enough. It should appear in the quote, the invoice, or an official company document, specifying exactly what's covered and for how long.
If the painter uses low-quality paint, applies fewer coats than recommended, or doesn't prepare the surface properly, the guarantee may not apply. That's why it's important for the contract to describe the materials and processes to be used — that way, it's clear what was agreed and what can be enforced.
Three warning signs when choosing a painter
There are a few behaviours that should raise a red flag before you go ahead. The first is refusing to visit the site, or even to ask for photos and videos of the surfaces. A painter who quotes based on square metres alone, without wanting to understand the actual state of the walls, is guessing. Every wall is different, and every home has its own quirks. Someone serious assesses the surface — whether in person or through images and videos — before giving a well-founded figure.
Another sign: asking for a large share of the payment upfront. On our platform, the payment model works in two parts: 50% at the start, to secure the date and buy materials, and the remaining 50% at the end, once the work has been checked. Be wary of proposals that ask for most of the amount before the job has even begun.
And a third aspect that often goes unnoticed: lack of civil liability insurance. This insurance covers accidental damage caused during the job, such as breaking something, damaging floors, or causing water infiltration. It's especially important for outdoor work or work at height. Ask whether the company has active insurance and, if possible, ask for proof.
How to compare quotes without falling for the cheapest one
When you have three quotes in hand, the instinct is to go with the lowest price. But that can end up costing more in the medium term. What matters isn't just comparing the final price, but what's included in each proposal.
A complete quote states the number of coats, the type of paint (brand and reference), whether preparation is included, how many working days are planned, and whether final cleanup is included. If one quote is much cheaper than the others, it's probably leaving something out — or it was worked out based on area alone, without confirming the actual condition of the surfaces through photos, videos, or a site visit.
Always ask how many coats are planned. Two coats is the minimum acceptable in most situations. For colour changes (especially from dark to light), three may be needed. If the quote doesn't specify, it's probably only counting on one, which results in a poor finish and less durability.
Also check the paint brand being proposed. There are big differences in quality and price between brands. If one quote includes a well-known paint brand and another doesn't specify one, be wary. Often, the cheap option is made up for with low-range paint, which lasts less and covers worse.
What to do when the job doesn't turn out as expected
Even with all precautions, it can happen that the final result doesn't match what was agreed. If that happens, the first step is to report the problem in writing, preferably by email or registered letter, clearly identifying the defects and attaching photographs.
The law gives you the right to demand a free repair within the guarantee period, as long as the problem wasn't caused by you. The service provider is obliged to fix the defects within a reasonable time and at no extra cost.
If there's a refusal or the problem isn't resolved, you can turn to the Complaints Book (physical or electronic), file a complaint with a consumer association, or, as a last resort, go to arbitration or court. But for that, you need evidence: contract, invoices, photographs, emails. Without documentation, it becomes much harder to defend your rights.
Before paying the final amount, do a careful inspection. Look at the corners, the areas near the skirting boards, the finishes on doors and windows. Check for gaps, drips, poorly covered spots. It's easier to ask for corrections before closing payment than after everything has been paid and the painter has already left.
