It is possible to start a profitable house painting business. The entry barrier is low. Painting houses does not require a formal education and the startup costs are usually low. You already have the basics down if you’ve painted your walls at home.

Like any other business, starting your own house-painting business requires some planning. Our guide will help you get started in the commercial painting business and start your own company.

Do I require a painting license or certification?

No federal law requires house painters to hold a license. If you are painting a building that was built before 1978, the Environmental Protection Agency may require a Lead Paint Certification.

In some states, painters are required to hold a license. For larger jobs, you might need a contractor’s license.

To get a license, you must have supervised experience in the field of painting. You will also need to pass an exam and show proof that you are insured as a painter.

Getting painter work experience

You can get work experience as a painter by working under supervision. You can either become an apprentice under a licensed contractor, or you can work as “helper”. Check your local regulations for the exact requirements.

Consider getting more certifications if you are already a seasoned painter. The Master Painters Institute, and Painter USA offer training programs for painters with different levels of skill.

Business structure and tax forms

You can start your business once you have obtained your painter’s license, or other permits and certifications. When starting a painting business, you’ll need to decide what type of entity you want to use.

The structure that you choose will have a major impact on your tax situation and business.

Before making your final decision, meet with a tax expert or startup lawyer. There are three main business structures for small companies:

• Sole Proprietorship: If you are the sole owner, then you may prefer to be a sole proprietor. If you want to run your company under a different name, you can file a DBA form (doing businesses as). The IRS does not require an EIN number (employer identification number). You can also file your business tax returns as part of your individual tax return. If your company is sued you may be held personally responsible since there is no separation of your personal and business affairs.
• Limited Liability Companies LLCs: Many businesses with more than two owners are formed as LLCs. You can limit the paperwork by having your business’s profits and losses “pass-through” to you. A LLC will also protect you in case your company is sued. It is a separate legal entity.
• S Corporation: When forming an LLC, you can choose to make your business an S corporation. This is the easiest version of incorporation and offers some tax benefits over a conventional LLC.

Each business structure has specific documentation requirements. For help in filing everything correctly, you can consult a local attorney or use the IRS Guide for Starting a Business and the State’s Website.

Plan your small business

It’s not as difficult as you think to create a small-business plan. It helps business owners organize their thoughts about how to run a successful painting company.

You should include in your plan: a list with equipment and operating costs, short- and long term income goals; an evaluation of the competition, and local project opportunities. You might include:

• Background and vision of the company: You should write down your reasons for wanting to provide residential painting services, as well as any relevant experience or qualifications.
• Analysis of the market and competition: Find out who your ideal client is and whether that market is viable. List your competitors and the things that make your business unique.
• Descriptions of your equipment and services: Describe the type of service and business you will offer, and whether you have any specializations. Before you start serving customers, make a list with the painting supplies and equipment that you will need. Do not forget to include non-painting materials you will need for your business. For example, bookkeeping software and invoicing.
• Financial Analysis: Identify your projected income and costs. Calculate your profit margins, and what you will need to charge in order to remain viable. Make a budgeting plan and a cash flow management strategy.
• Marketing and sales: What is your marketing strategy to get new clients? What type of marketing or promotion will you do? Plan for your business’s long-term growth.

What equipment is needed to start my own house painting business.

Many larger painting companies have expensive equipment worth thousands of dollars, but you don’t really need much to start. Most residential house painters in Auckland begin with the basics and then add more equipment as they progress.

When you first start your painting business, here are some essential supplies:

• Brushes
• Rollers
• Extension pole
• Ladder
• Paint trays
• Drop Cloths
• Painter’s Tape
• Caulking
• Sandpaper
• Sponges
• Putty knife
• Protective gear

To transport your equipment, you’ll need a vehicle. You can initially use your own vehicle (though you will still need Commercial Auto Insurance).

You can increase efficiency by investing in new equipment as your painting business grows . You can make larger jobs easier with heavy duty tools such as pressure washers and scaffolding.

How can I attract clients to my painting business?

As you begin, the word-of-mouth will be your best source of leads for house painting. Tell your family and friends about your painting service. Ask them to pass the word on to other potential clients. Offer them discounts. Referral commissions can be given to them.

Flyers, magnets, and business cards for house painters are still an effective way to get your name in front of potential clients. You can print a few hundred business cards and flyers, and knock on doors the old-fashioned manner.

A good online presence is also essential. Before each project, ask homeowners for permission to take photos of the “before and after”. You’ll have plenty of pictures to share on social media.

Through groups such as the Painting Contractors Association, you can connect with other painters. They can also refer you to jobs.

How can I protect my painting business?

It may seem that painting houses is a simple job, but unexpected events can occur. It’s important to protect your business with Painter Insurance. Business insurance includes:

• General Liability Insurance protects your finances against a variety of accidents, such as injuries to third parties or damage to property.
• Professional Liability Insurance is also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O), can protect you if a mistake was made by a professional or a client wasn’t happy with your work.
• Workers compensation insurance may be required by most states for employers who have employees. It can cover medical costs if an employee is injured on the job.
• Commercial Auto will help you cover unexpected business expenses in the event that your or one of your employees is involved in an accident.
• Coverage for tools and equipment Help protect your equipment and supplies in the event they are lost, stolen or damaged.