Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Inspect all external timber to assess condition, rot and previous coatings

• Remove loose paint, clean and sand surfaces ready for priming

• Fill minor gaps and defects and advise on any sections that require replacement

• Apply appropriate primer and exterior-grade undercoat and topcoat to prepared timber

• Mask adjacent surfaces and glass, protect plants and patios and clear up daily

• Use ladders or tower scaffold for higher areas and report if full scaffold or timber replacement is needed

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small jobs (a single door or a couple of frames) typically take 2–4 hours on site; a full-house external woodwork repaint commonly takes 2–3 days. Factors that extend time include poor weather, necessary timber replacement, scaffold hire, and multiple coats with drying time

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• do you have experience with exterior joinery such as fascias, soffits and sills

• what paint brand and system will you use and why is it suitable for my location

• will you replace rotten timber or only make repairs and how will that be charged

• how many coats are included and what drying time do you allow between coats

• will you provide a written quote listing paint specification, repairs and any provisional sums

• what guarantee do you offer and are you insured for accidental damage to glass, gutters or plants

How to Avoid Surprises

• ensure clear access to elevations and move garden furniture and fragile pots before work starts

• check parking or loading space for the tradesperson and any scaffold delivery

• confirm any conservation area or listed building constraints before booking

• agree where paint and equipment can be stored and whether electricity or water access is available

• expect work to be weather dependent and allow a few contingency days for drying and recoat

• let the tradesperson know about pets, delicate plants or access restrictions that affect ladders or scaffold