Strata Painting Planning Checklist for Newcastle
A plain checklist for strata committees and managers planning a repaint in Newcastle.
Work through it before you ask for quotes and you will get prices you can actually compare, and fewer surprises once the job starts.
Got more than one job in mind?
Plenty of Newcastle homes need a couple of things done at once, like interior and exterior, or a roof and gutters together. We quote it as one job, so you get one clear written price from your local painter in Newcastle.
1. Decide What the Job Covers
Walk the building before anyone quotes and write down what needs doing. A list the committee agrees on is the single best way to get quotes that match.
- Which areas: external walls, common areas, stairwells, balconies, handrails, carpark, fences
- Where the paint is peeling, cracking or chalking, and which sides of the building face the weather
- Any rust on rails, balustrades or carpark steel
- Anything that is a repair rather than paint, like cracked render or rotten timber, so it can be priced separately
2. Check the Rules Before You Choose Colours
A change of colour or finish on common property can need a resolution of the owners corporation, and your by-laws may say more. NSW Fair Trading explains how strata schemes make decisions. Confirm what approval is needed early, so the job is not held up waiting for the next general meeting.
- Read the by-laws for anything about external appearance
- Find out whether a committee decision is enough or a general meeting vote is needed
- Agree who signs off on colour samples
3. Ask Every Painter the Same Questions
Give each painter the same written scope and ask the same questions, so the prices line up. Write down the answers.
- Their NSW contractor licence number, then look it up on the NSW Government licence check
- What your owners corporation and strata manager require from contractors, and whether they can meet it
- What prep is included: washing, scraping, sanding, filling, priming
- How many coats, and which products
- Who actually does the work, and who you call during the job
- What happens if they find something unexpected once the old paint is off
4. Plan for the Residents
Most complaints on a strata repaint come from residents who did not know what was happening. A little notice goes a long way.
- Which areas close and when, and for how long
- Notice to residents before work starts, with dates and a contact
- Where ladders, gear and paint are kept during the job
- Car parking and access to garages, bins and letterboxes
- Balcony access if balconies are in the scope
5. Compare Quotes Like for Like
Lay the quotes side by side against your scope. The cheapest price often leaves out prep, a second coat or part of the building. Ask each painter to confirm the price covers every item on your list.
Jye at Hughesys Painting gives a written, itemised quote after a site visit, holds NSW painter-decorator licence 476719C (you can look it up on the NSW Government licence check), and does the work himself. If you are planning a repaint, send your list through the quote form or call 0466 880 561.
Questions about strata painting in Newcastle
What should be in a strata painting quote?
Every area included, the prep, the number of coats, the products, how access and residents will be managed, and the price. If any of those are missing, ask before you compare.
Does a colour change need owners corporation approval in NSW?
It can. Changes to the appearance of common property often need a resolution, and by-laws can add rules. Check with your strata manager before choosing colours.
How do I check a painter is licensed in NSW?
Ask for their licence number and look it up on the NSW Fair Trading register. Jye's number is 476719C.
Other painting work we do in Newcastle
Where is Hughesys Painting?
We're based at 23 Nott St, Edgeworth NSW 2285, and paint across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie.
Ready for your free strata painting quote?
Tell us about the job. We visit the property, check every surface, and get a written number back to you. The quote is free, and the decision stays yours.