Roof painting is an essential investment in protecting your home — especially in a place like Hamilton, where roofs battle everything from scorching sun to weeks of rain. Done right, a proper repaint can add years to your roof’s life and boost your home’s value.
But here’s the problem…
In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in fly-by-night operators and quick-cash painters taking advantage of homeowners. Some offer cheap deals that sound too good to be true — and unfortunately, they often are.
If you’re thinking about getting your roof painted, there are a few critical warning signs to look out for. As professional roof painters with years of experience here in Hamilton, we’ve heard the horror stories — and we want to help you avoid becoming the next one.
Why Are Roof Painting Scams on the Rise in NZ?
There are a few reasons we’re seeing more dodgy operators pop up:
- Demand is growing: Roof maintenance and repainting are increasingly popular as homeowners look to preserve or add value to their homes before selling.
- It’s hard to verify quality from the ground: A poor paint job can look fine for a few months before bubbling, flaking, or rust shows up.
- Regulations are lax: Anyone with a ladder and a paintbrush can say they’re a roof painter. That doesn’t mean they’re trained, insured, or using the right materials.
Red Flag #1: “Too Cheap to Be True” Quotes
We get it — price matters. But beware of quotes that come in far below the market average.
Here’s what to watch for:
- A quote that’s significantly cheaper than the others (often 30–50% less)
- No breakdown of materials or labour included
- No mention of surface preparation or primer
Why this is risky:
🛑 Cheap quotes often skip key steps — like waterblasting, rust treatment, or using primer on bare metal.
🛑 Some painters dilute the paint or use interior-grade products on your roof — which fade or fail in NZ’s UV.
🛑 Others do a quick once-over and disappear — no warranty, no follow-up, no way to contact them again.
A good roof paint job takes time, preparation, and high-quality products. If someone promises a full job for $1,500 when the average sits between $4,000–$7,000 in Hamilton… something’s off.
💡 Pro tip: Always ask what brand of paint they’re using and whether it includes primer and UV protection. Trustworthy painters won’t hesitate to tell you.
Red Flag #2: No Written Quote, Warranty, or Business Info
If someone shows up at your door offering a “special deal if you pay cash today” — walk away.
You should always receive:
- A detailed written quote
- A contract outlining the scope of work, materials, and timeline
- Proof of insurance and relevant safety procedures
- Warranty terms — both workmanship and product
Why this matters:
🛑 Without written documentation, you have no legal recourse if the job goes wrong.
🛑 Many scams involve painters doing a poor job, then disappearing with no forwarding address.
🛑 In some cases, they don’t even do the work — just take the deposit and vanish.
Sadly, we’ve repainted several roofs in Hamilton that were already “done” — but the owners were left with bubbling paint and no way to reach the original painter.
💡 Pro tip: A legitimate roof painter will always offer a written quote and be registered as a business. You can look up their GST number or NZBN online.
Red Flag #3: Rushing or High-Pressure Tactics
Scammers don’t want you to take time to think. They’ll often:
- Turn up unsolicited, offering a “deal for today only”
- Claim they’re working “just down the road” and can fit you in for cheap
- Avoid giving you time to compare quotes or talk to other providers
Why this is dangerous:
🛑 These painters want you to say yes before you’ve done your homework.
🛑 The urgency is designed to cloud your judgment and prevent questions.
🛑 Once you pay a deposit, they may disappear — or do a rushed job with little prep.
We’ve had customers tell us they felt pressured into accepting work they didn’t understand — and later regretted not asking for a second opinion.
💡 Pro tip: Any professional should be happy to give you time, space, and clear answers to your questions. If they’re pushing too hard, trust your gut — and say no.
Bonus Red Flag: No Surface Prep or Roof Inspection
Before any painting begins, your roof should be:
- Fully inspected
- Soft washed or waterblasted
- Treated for moss or lichen
- Primed, especially if there’s bare metal or rust
If your painter skips these steps or tells you “it’s not necessary” — that’s a huge red flag. Paint applied over grime, rust or old flaking layers will not stick properly, and will fail within months.
A legitimate professional will explain:
- What preparation your roof needs
- How long it will take
- What products they’ll use — and why
What to Ask Before Hiring a Roof Painter in Hamilton
Here’s a quick checklist to help you choose the right professional:
✅ Are they local, with Hamilton references or recent work examples?
✅ Can they provide proof of insurance and safety procedures?
✅ What brand of paint do they use — and is it suitable for NZ conditions?
✅ Do they offer a workmanship warranty? (At least 5–10 years is standard)
✅ Will they do a full prep (wash, moss treatment, primer) before painting?
✅ Is everything outlined in a written quote?
If the answer to any of those is no — keep looking.
How We Do It at Hamilton Roof Painter
We’ve been painting roofs across Hamilton and the Waikato for years, and we believe in doing things properly. No shortcuts. No pressure. No mystery products.
When you work with us, you get:
- A free roof inspection and honest advice
- Detailed quotes with everything itemised
- Use of top brands like Resene, Dulux, and ColorCote
- Full surface preparation, rust treatment, and priming
- A 10-year workmanship guarantee
- Respectful, reliable professionals who clean up after the job’s done
Avoid the Scam — Choose a Team You Can Trust
Roof painting is too important — and too expensive — to gamble on.
If you’re not sure where to start or need a second opinion on a quote you’ve received, we’re happy to help. We’ve seen the worst-case scenarios… and we’d love to help you avoid them.
📞 Get in touch today for a free, no-pressure roof assessment.
Let’s protect your home — and your wallet — the right way.