What is the typical deposit and payment schedule when hiring a painter in NB?

A reasonable deposit for a painting project in New Brunswick is 10-30% of the total quoted price upfront, with the balance paid upon satisfactory completion -- be cautious of any painter asking for more than 50% before work begins.

Payment practices in the NB painting industry are not regulated the same way as some other trades, so expectations vary. That said, there is a general norm that has developed in the market, and understanding it helps homeowners protect themselves.

For smaller residential jobs (single rooms, a front door, deck staining) in the $300-$1,500 range, many NB painters simply invoice at the end of the job and collect on completion. No upfront deposit is common and perfectly reasonable for small-scale work with a painter you are hiring for the first time. For returning customers or long-standing relationships, some painters do the work entirely on invoice.

For mid-size projects ($1,500-$8,000 -- a full interior repaint, an exterior bungalow) a deposit of 20-30% is standard practice. This covers the painter's material costs upfront (paint, primer, tape, drop cloths) without requiring them to fully finance your job. A mid-project progress payment (often 40-50% when the job is approximately half-complete or materials are fully on-site) followed by the balance on completion is a clean structure that protects both parties.

For large projects ($8,000+) -- whole-house exterior, multi-unit residential, commercial projects -- a phased payment schedule tied to milestones is appropriate. Something like: 25% deposit, 25% on project start, 25% at midpoint, 25% on completion. For very large commercial projects, a 10-15% holdback for 30 days after completion is reasonable to ensure any touch-ups are completed before final payment.

Red flags to watch for in NB: Any painter who asks for 50% or more upfront before setting foot on your property is outside the norm -- this does not mean they are dishonest, but it warrants a conversation about why. On the other hand, a very low or zero deposit is fine for small jobs but unusual for larger projects where material costs are significant. Avoid paying cash in full before the job is completed. A written quote that specifies scope, timeline, and payment schedule is your best protection.

Methods of payment: Most NB painters accept e-transfer (Interac), cheque, and cash. Fewer accept credit card, and those who do may pass on the 2-3% processing fee. Ask upfront if you prefer a specific payment method.

Always get a written agreement -- even a simple email confirmation of scope, price, and payment terms counts. It protects both you and the painter if there is a dispute about what was agreed.

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