A fresh coat of paint can make an old house look new, but a bad paint job can cost you twice: once to pay the painter, and again to fix the peeling, patchy walls a few months later. Most problems come from the same few mistakes, and almost all of them can be avoided with a few questions before any money changes hands. Here's what to check before you hire a painter in Accra.
1. Look at their past work, not just their price
Ask every painter for photos of jobs they've finished, ideally recent ones and in homes like yours. Look closely at the edges where walls meet ceilings, around switches and window frames, and at corners. Clean, straight lines are the clearest sign of a careful painter. If they can, ask whether you can speak to one or two past customers.
On Wujibaba, many painters upload photos of finished jobs to their listing, so you can compare their work before you message anyone. Browse painters near you.
2. Get the quote in writing
A verbal "I'll do it for this much" is where most disputes start. Ask for a simple written quote, even just a WhatsApp message, that says which rooms or walls are included, how many coats, whether paint is included or you're buying it, and how long the job will take. If the price changes later, you'll both have something to refer back to.
It also helps to get two or three quotes for the same job. If one is far cheaper than the others, ask what's different. Usually it's fewer coats, cheaper paint or skipped preparation, and it's better to find that out before the work starts than after.
3. Ask who buys the paint
Some painters include materials in their price; others expect you to buy them. Neither is wrong, but you should know which before you agree. If the painter is buying, ask which brand and type they'll use and ask to see the tins before they open them. Cheap or watered-down paint is one of the most common ways a low quote ends up costing more.
If you're buying the paint yourself, ask the painter to give you a list of exactly what they need: the type of paint for each surface, the quantity, primer or sealer, filler and any brushes or rollers. Buying the wrong type, for example interior paint for an outside wall, is a common and expensive mistake.
4. Check that they'll prepare the walls properly
Good painting is mostly preparation. Ask how they'll deal with cracks, damp patches and old flaking paint. A careful painter will scrape, fill and sand before painting, and use a primer or sealer where it's needed, especially on new plaster or walls that have had damp. If a painter plans to paint straight over damage, the problem will come back through the new paint.
5. Agree how many coats you're paying for
Two coats is usually the minimum for an even finish, especially when changing colour. Write the number of coats into the quote. If you're going from a dark colour to a light one, ask whether they expect to need a third.
6. Don't pay everything upfront
It's normal for a painter to ask for part-payment to buy materials, but paying the full amount before work starts leaves you with no protection. A fair arrangement is a deposit for materials, a second payment when the job is halfway done, and the balance once you've inspected the finished work and you're happy.
7. Ask about cleaning up and protecting your things
Paint on floors, furniture and windows is a common complaint. Ask whether they'll cover floors and furniture, tape off edges and clean up at the end. Professional painters expect this question and will have a clear answer.
8. Agree the timeline, and the rainy-season plan
For outside walls, weather matters. Paint that's rained on before it dries can streak or fail. Agree a start date and how long the job should take, and what happens if rain delays outdoor work. For indoor jobs, ask which rooms will be out of use and for how long.
9. Do a final walk-through before the last payment
When the painter says they're done, walk through every room in good daylight. Look for patches, drips, missed spots and paint on surfaces that should be clean. Point out anything that needs fixing and agree when it will be done before you pay the balance.
Red flags to watch for
No photos of past work
A painter with years of experience should be able to show you something they've done.
Full payment before starting
A deposit for materials is fair. Everything upfront is a risk you don't need to take.
Vague answers about preparation
If they can't explain how they'll handle cracks or damp, expect the problem to come back.
A price that keeps changing
Small changes happen when the job grows, but a quote that rises every day is a warning sign.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to paint a house? It depends on the size of the house, how much preparation the walls need and how many painters are working. Ask each painter for their own estimate in days, and make sure it's written into the quote.
Is it cheaper to buy the paint myself? Sometimes, because you control the brand and quantity. But you take on the risk of buying the wrong type or too little, so get an exact list from your painter first.
Do I need to move out while the painting is done? Usually not for indoor work, but you'll lose the use of each room while it's being painted and while it dries. Ask the painter to plan the order of rooms with you, and keep windows open for ventilation.
Should I paint inside or outside first? Many painters prefer to do outside walls in the drier months and inside work at any time of year. If you're doing both, ask your painter which order makes sense for the season.
Quick checklist before you hire
Photos of past work
Clean edges and corners in recent jobs.
Written quote
Rooms, coats, materials and timeline all included.
Payment terms
Deposit for materials, balance only after you inspect.
Preparation
Cracks filled, damp treated, old paint scraped.
Find a painter near you
You can compare painters on Wujibaba, see photos of their work and message them directly on WhatsApp. Start with painters in Dansoman, or browse all home services. Before you pay anyone, read our guide on avoiding online scams in Ghana. If you're a painter yourself, list your service. It's free and takes about a minute.