Consumers who are looking to have painting work done are reminded that protections are in place through building laws that set out registration requirements and deposit limits.
Consumers who are looking to have painting work done are reminded that protections are in place through building laws that set out registration requirements and deposit limits.
The message from the Building Commissioner follows a $4,500 fine at Mandurah Magistrate Court against tradesman Emmanuel Lee Hutton, trading as Hutton's Coatings, who was convicted of three building service offences.
On 26 June 2026, the court was told Mr Hutton did not hold registration as a painting contractor in March 2025 when he provided a quote for exterior painting works valued at around $16,000 at a Singleton home. Mr Hutton also advertised painting services on social media.
Under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011 painter registration is required to contract for, advertise or carry out, paid painting work valued at more than $1,000.
The court heard the homeowner accepted the invoice and paid a deposit of 50 per cent of the contract price in advance, far exceeding the maximum deposit of 6.5 per cent allowed under the Home Building Contracts Act 1991 for residential building work, including painting, valued between $7,500 and $500,000.
Mr Hutton never carried out the agreed painting work.
Building Commissioner Phil Payne encouraged consumers to check the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety's Online Licence Search before entering into a contract for painting services with a value exceeding $1,000.
"Registration provides protections to consumers by ensuring painters have the appropriate qualifications and experience to take on the project, as well as being assessed as a fit and proper person," Mr Payne said.
"The 6.5 per cent deposit limit also protects consumers by minimising their potential financial losses if a painter fails to start or adequately finish the job, as occurred in this case."
