Spotting painting defects early: What to do when they appear?
The QBCC Industry Snapshot shows that internal paint application are the number one type of defective building work reported in Queensland, with 1,875 defects across 315 cases.
For home owners, that means understanding what paint defects are, how to identify them early, and how to address them.
At the QBCC, we want you, as home owners, to feel informed, prepared and protected. When you know what to look for, you’ll be better equipped to engage with contractors to address issues before they escalate, and feel confident about the quality of work being performed in your home.
When paint isn’t just paint: Spotting early warning signs
A good paint job protects surfaces from moisture, wear and environmental exposure. When painting work is substandard, it can deteriorate quickly and sometimes reveal deeper issues with the work. Under Queensland’s building laws, defective work includes anything faulty or unsatisfactory, such as work that doesn’t comply with the Building Act, National Construction Code of Australia, or relevant Australian Standards.
Most painting defects fall under non‑structural defects, meaning they relate to the standard of finish expected from a competent, licensed contractor. Even though they may seem minor at first, small paint defects often hint at poor preparation or moisture problems that can worsen over time.
Although painting work valued at less than $3,300 does not require a licensee to perform the work, we urge you to only use a licensed painter because of the frequency and type of defects reported for this type of work. Licensed painters are qualified, experienced and know about their responsibilities in relation to the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme, which provides protection to you, the owner.
Spotting paint defects before they become bigger problems
Many issues can be identified during walkthrough spot checks or prior to handover.
Poor surface preparation is one of the most common causes of paint defects. Patchy textures, rough or shiny areas, and poor adhesion often point to inadequate cleaning, sanding or priming.
Uneven coverage, visible roller or brush marks and mismatched sheen can signal rushed work, while cracking, flaking, peeling, bubbling or blistering can indicate moisture problems or poor preparation beneath the paint.
Overspray and untidy cutting‑in, such as paint on trims or flooring, are preventable mistakes that usually reflect inadequate preparation.
What to do when you spot a painting defect
The QBCC encourages home owners to raise concerns early and take steps toward resolution.
1. Check the contractor’s licence
Home owners can use the QBCC licensee register to confirm a painter’s qualifications, history and licence class. The painting and decorating licence covers essential skills such as surface preparation, application and decorative finishes. A licence is mandatory for all works valued more than $3,300.
Knowing a contractor is properly licensed helps build trust and accountability.
2. Start with a conversation
Often, issues can be resolved quickly and amicably. The Home Owner Hub emphasises the importance of open communication to address concerns early.
3. Lodge a complaint if needed
If discussions don’t lead to a resolution, we can help. We can assess defective work complaints against the relevant standards and may issue a Direction to Rectify to a contractor or subbie when work doesn’t meet requirements.
4. Know the timeframes
Most painting defects fall under the non‑structural category, meaning home owners generally have 12 months from completion to lodge a complaint.
Reporting early helps ensure issues are addressed promptly.
Preventing future problems
Choose licensed professionals with the correct licence qualifications
QBCC-licensed painters meet strict technical and financial requirements that support quality workmanship and consumer protection.
Carry out walkthroughs
The Home Owner Hub provides guidance to help home owners confidently finalise their project. Also ensure walkthroughs are included in your contract.
Keep clear records
Photos and emails about agreements to fix issues (including what the issue is and agreed time to fix it) support fair, evidence‑based discussions if a defect arises.
A more confident building experience
Painting defects might be common, but they’re also highly preventable. With clear guidance, accessible tools, we aim to help Queenslanders feel informed, supported and confident; whether they’re planning a build, navigating a renovation, or addressing an issue as it arises.
