How to Be a Residential Painting Contractor

Figure preparation work into your painting bids.

Painting contractors receive much of their work through word of mouth and general advertising. Sole proprietorships are one of the most popular business structures for residential painting contractors. This business form is also one of the easiest to set up and maintain. Ensure your business meets local, state and federal tax requirements and that you obtain any necessary permits to conduct your business. Some states, for example, require painters to have certification to paint older homes with lead paint.

Instructions

1. Gain experience as a painter. Work for another painter as a painter's helper for a while to learn the ropes. Move up to being a painter after you get a few years of experience. If you live in a state that has union painters, see if the union offers an apprenticeship program.

2. Market your services. Print up professional-looking business cards. Visit local paint stores, residential painting contractors, architects and interior designers to tell them you have started a residential painting business. Hand out your business card to those you meet.

3. Contact your local and state tax and code authorities to ensure your business is operating legally in your area. If you plan to structure your business other than as a sole proprietorship, you may need to file a trade name and other paperwork with your state's business registration office. This is also true if you plan to hire independent contractors or employees.

4. Get business insurance to help cover accidents such as dropping a hammer from a ladder that scratches a customer's wood floor. Bonding is helpful to have if you have employees. This will cover your business in case an employee steals from a customer.

References

• Business: Sole Proprietorship