Finding the best painter in Unley — heritage homes, costs & tips
Unley's heritage streetscapes demand painters who know the difference between slapping on a coat and properly preparing a 100-year-old surface. Here's how to find the right one.
Why heritage painting is different
Most homes in Unley and Malvern are Victorian or Edwardian — sandstone facades, timber windows, decorative verandah posts, and ornate fretwork. Painting these requires hand preparation (scraping, sanding, filling) on every surface, appropriate primers for old timber and masonry, and often lead paint management on homes built before 1970.
A general painter who mainly works on new builds may not have the skills or patience for heritage work. Ask specifically about their experience with older Adelaide homes.
What to check before hiring
- Licence — painters need a contractor licence for work over $5,000 in SA. Check it online before you commit.
- Insurance — ask for a certificate of currency for public liability insurance. If a painter falls off a ladder and damages your verandah, you need to know they're covered.
- References — ask to see photos of completed heritage painting jobs, not just new-build work.
- Paint specification — a quality painter will specify the paint brand, product, and number of coats in their quote. Dulux Weathershield for exteriors is different from Dulux Wash & Wear for interiors.
Typical costs in Unley
Heritage homes typically cost 20-30% more than standard homes due to the additional preparation. A single-storey Unley villa exterior repaint runs $5,000–$12,000. Full interior repaints for a 3-bedroom run $4,000–$8,000. Get 3 quotes on Find A Tradie to compare.
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