Painters pay a typical cost of roughly $50 per month, or $600 per year, for general liability insurance, which covers everything from sign painting to paperhanging and house painting. This coverage covers injuries to third parties, property damage to third parties, and advertising injuries.
Bundling general liability and commercial property insurance in a company owner’s policy can save painters money.
On Insureon’s general liability insurance cost analysis page, you can learn how to save money on your policy, which coverage limits to choose, and more.
Do you have proof of insurance?
Every painter should have General Liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $1 million. This insurance covers the homeowner in the event that the painter causes damage, such as spilling 5 gallons of white latex on your new roof or crashing a ladder into your convertible. Are you in need of some repairs? This is classified as carpentry and necessitates a separate rider. Insurance is a necessary part of doing business. Of course, if these mishaps did not occur, no one would need insurance.
Are your painters employees or independent contractors?
A well-run business will show up when they say they will, work for a full day, and then return every day until the project is finished.
Employees are covered by their employers’ general liability insurance, while independent contractors should be covered separately. Painting companies frequently utilize independent contractors, but it is much less common for each worker to be fully insured. Independent contractors are not covered by a company’s general liability coverage. Murphy’s Law says that the one independent contractor whose insurance you haven’t confirmed will be the one who…
May I have a copy of your insurance certificate for my files?
“Trust but verify” is a sound philosophy. You don’t want uninsured personnel peering through your windows or unplugging your workplace server from a ladder. A call to the insurance agent should clear things up if the certificate doesn’t answer the following questions.
New homes or old?
Painters who fail to provide sufficient breathing protection to their employees are failing the worker, the homeowner, and the environment. New home painters are hunting for work in older communities due to the construction slowdown.
Many layers of (lead) paint, metal storm windows to remove and replace, window putty, deeper soffits, and more architectural detail can be found in homes older than 30 years. These residences necessitate a slower, more meticulous pace as well as unique labor techniques. A paint team that is used to the “blow and go” speed of new construction will likely be unfamiliar with the attention to detail and meticulous prep work that an older property necessitates.
Which brand of paint do you recommend?
Painters develop a relationship with a specific store for a variety of reasons, including competent assistance, high-quality goods, and competitive price. It’s reasonable to inquire as to why a painter is hesitant to utilize a different product. It’s good to have a strong believe in a product based on personal experience, but when a financial incentive takes precedence over everything else, the advice you receive may not be in your best interests.
All of this implies high-quality materials; if you’re being led to a low-cost option, look for another painter. You never receive more paint than you paid for when it comes to painting. Furthermore, most professionals avoid using paint from Big Box chain stores for a variety of reasons, including product quality, limited selection, bad service, and availability.
Do you require any payment up front?
There is no right or wrong answer here; instead, there are a few factors to consider. If your painter is a bad business owner, he may utilize your down payment to cover last month’s costs, then be in a rush to finish the job so he can pay his employees. You’ve just given up a lot of power in terms of ensuring the agreed-upon quality of work. A significant upfront payment is frequently indicative of a business that is undercapitalized. Making a partial payment after a few days is a reasonable option. The painter has committed labor and equipment to the job, and the homeowner can see how it’s coming along, so both parties are invested in a successful outcome.
Will you start on time every day? Will you finish on time?
A well-organized and motivated crew of painters will show up when they say they will, work a full day, and then return each day until the task is finished. Those that don’t will take longer and cause more disruption in your life than necessary.
Some painters overwork themselves by taking on too many projects at once. As workers travel between jobs, work progress slows or becomes intermittent. This is a typical difficulty that painters who are as good at business as they are at painting avoid.
Job delays are also influenced by the weather. Work gets done quickly when the weather is nice. Due to the inclement weather, everyone must remain patient.
Will my property be protected?
A good painting firm will cover everything with tarps, relocate or stake valuable plants, and keep cars out of the way of overspray. This type of meticulous planning is sometimes disregarded because it is inconvenient it is far easier for a painter to urge his staff to “watch out for the plants” or simply hope they aren’t negligent. Paying attention to detail from the outset will save everyone time and money in the long run.
Will I hear loud music, objectionable language or find cigarette butts in my garden?
Some painters mistakenly believe that your home is their workspace. Then they behave in this manner. It’s preferable to be upfront about your expectations.
What is your source for new product information?
Every year, paint manufacturers, specialist distributors, and inventors release new products. Even from their own producers, paint outlets only stock a tiny number of new goods. Is the painter sure the primer, caulk, or equipment he’s used for 37 years are still the finest for the job? Does he read industry blogs and subscribe to trade magazines?
What about lead paint and dust?
This question will reveal whether the painter is aware of the lead problem or whether he will minimize it in order to secure the job. Lead paint is a fact that is best regarded from a knowledgeable standpoint both the painter and the homeowner should be knowledgeable. On their websites, the EPA and the City of Kansas City provide useful information on how to deal with lead paint.
Any paint put to your home prior to 1978 should be assumed to contain lead. Any sanding should be gathered in a vacuum with a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. Sanding without HEPA filtration and proper respiratory protection is against EPA and OSHA rules. Painters that do not properly equip their employees are harming the worker, the homeowner, and the environment.
A surface that is consistent in appearance, color, texture, concealment, and gloss. Foreign material, lumps, skins, runs, sags, holidays, misses, or insufficient coverage are also absent. It’s also a surface that’s devoid of drips, spatters, spills, or overspray from the Painting Contractors Association’s crew.
Is a paint business profitable?
Yes, because to minimal initial costs and strong margins, most painting enterprises are profitable.
If being successful is your first priority as a small business owner, the painting sector is a great option for you. You may rest comfortable knowing that each project you accomplish will assist cushion your company’s bottom line because most jobs have large profit margins.
Painting is a service that almost everyone will use at some point during their lives. There will always be possibilities for you to close, from new construction to home renovations. In fact, Google searches for “painter near me” about 40,000 times per month! With so much demand for painting services, the correct marketing efforts can help you build a strong pipeline of leads.
When you evaluate how many individuals look for painting services each month, you should also know what the average price for various painting services is. An inside paint job costs $1,870, while an exterior paint job costs $2,926. The more projects you can finish each month, the more money you’ll make – bear in mind that these are average pricing, and some jobs will cost more or less depending on the work or square footage.
The amount of tasks you take, the size of your team, your market, the services you offer, and how successful you are at providing high quality work will all have an impact on your annual revenue and earnings. When determining your growth objectives, you must consider all of these factors.
Why Is a Painting Company Profitable?
Before you enter into the painting business, you need have a thorough understanding of what makes it so lucrative. Here are just a few of the numerous reasons why establishing a painting business is such a good idea for business owners:
Painting has a huge market – and it’s getting bigger every day! There are a range of markets for you to handle, ranging from new residential development to repainting existing homes to commercial and industrial paint jobs. You can concentrate in one of these specialty sectors or offer both home and business painting services if you want to be a jack of all trades. While painting isn’t a service that people will require year after year, once you’ve established a relationship with a homeowner, you’ll most likely be their go-to painting company if they require painting services in the future. It’s critical that you choose and stick with your preferred target market; this will allow you to establish authority and experience, both of which will help you generate more sales.
There may appear to be a lot of painting companies near me if you Google “painting companies near me.” However, the majority of the paintings in the competition are terrible! Many mediocre painting companies exist because the painting profession is easy to break into (more on this later). Worse, many of these painting businesses lack a clear marketing strategy for generating leads. This is a win-win situation for you since, although the competition exists, it is simple for you to stand out as the clear winner among them.
When you’re just starting out, you probably don’t have a lot of money to invest. The last thing you need is to establish a business with a big initial investment. One of the most appealing aspects of beginning a painting business is that you only need yourself, your tools, and your license to get started. Early beginning, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on goods or equipment. You can easily get by on the essentials until you have a little extra cash on hand.
When it comes to launching a business, profit is crucial. You don’t have the time to put money in a company only to have to wait a year or two for a return on your investment. Most paint jobs have exceptionally high profit margins, allowing you to make enough money to assist cushion your bottom line. You may rest assured that most painting tasks are profitable, whether you choose to operate in the home or commercial market (or both!). Take the time to examine your profit margins and discover which types of paint projects have the highest profit margins; this will help you to concentrate on obtaining more of your most profitable jobs.
It’s challenging to start a new business, and it’s even more difficult when you’re entering a sector you’re unfamiliar with. One of the advantages of establishing a painting business is that you won’t have to spend hours upon hours learning how to paint, allowing you to generate leads and revenue right away. You also don’t need to spend any money on training or schooling to get started, unlike other sectors. This permits you to put your revenues to good use rather than squandering them on expensive training courses.
Do you provide a free estimate?
When you initially call the company, ask this question so you know what to expect right away. Inquire about the scope of the estimate. To guarantee that you can compare all of the bids equally, ask each company to include the following information in their estimate:
Instead of getting quotes over the phone, request in-home estimates. An in-home estimate helps the estimator to gather more information about the project and anticipate any areas where further work, and thus additional costs, may be required.
What are your credentials?
Inquire about the company’s insurance coverage. To avoid being held liable for accidents on your property, use a contractor with general liability insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance is also required in several states.
You can also request to view the company’s business license, as some jurisdictions require home improvement businesses to be licensed or registered as contractors in order to undertake work in people’s homes.
Inquire about the company’s and its personnel’ certifications and training. Many painting companies belong to the Painting and Decorating Contractors of America, which offers its members ongoing education opportunities. Look for a painting contractor who is EPA Lead-Safe Certified if you have an older home constructed before 1978.
Who will be on my crew?
Ask if you’ll have the same people in your home for the duration of the project if it’ll take more than one day. Also, find out who will be your primary point of contact for the project. Would it be a call from the office or a project supervisor on the job? Inquire about whether the company uses subcontractors and, if so, whether a company representative will be on the work with the subcontractors.
Can I see a list of references?
Request a list of homeowners you can call to inquire about their experiences with the company. If you want to see the paint job in person, don’t be scared to question the references.
Also, request a portfolio. Painters’ websites may not be updated frequently, but they are almost certain to have record of their best work that they may share with you in some manner.
What materials do you use?
You’ll want to know what brands of paint they sell. It’s critical to invest in the best paint you can afford. If you choose a high-quality brand, you won’t have to repaint in a year or two.
Also, talk to the contractor about the several types of paint finishes. Some finishes are more suited to different rooms in your home than others, and an experienced painter can advise you on which finishes work best in your kitchen vs your master bedroom, for example.
What kind of painting prep do you do?
Is painting prep, as well as the cost, inclusive of wall sanding, wood or drywall repair, and covering and relocating furniture? If furniture needs to be covered or relocated, make sure to address it and determine who is responsible for moving it.
Also, inquire about the effort that goes into the project once it is completed. Ask if they’ll re-hang gutters and downspouts if they’re painting the outside.
Do you offer a workmanship warranty?
Painting contractors with a good reputation will stand behind their work. Inquire about the warranty. Many businesses provide craftsmanship guarantees in addition to manufacturer warranties. When you’ve decided on a contractor, make sure you acquire the details of their warranty in writing.
Can you make a living as a painter?
Despite popular belief, working as an artistyes, a true hands-in-the-paint kind of artistis still a viable professional option today.
Many Americans have little choice but to divert from traditional 9-5 occupations and establish alternate professional pathways as a result of the recession and low unemployment rate.
For some, this may be a blessing in disguise, as it encourages them to consider a wider range of income-generating options.
Working as a professional artist, paying your rent on time, and sleeping with a full tummy every night is possible; all it takes is little organization and preparation.
How do I get customers for my painting business?
You’re marketing to consumers when you focus on residential clientele, which necessitates a distinct marketing strategy. The following are seven of the most common and simple ways to get started:
- Create a website for your painting company that focuses on local and service-specific keywords.
- Create social media profiles to show off your work and connect with others in your community.
Is being a painter hard work?
Painters work in a range of settings, both indoors and outdoors. Residential homes and structures are painted by certain painters, while commercial and industrial buildings are painted by others. Some painters have experience painting both residential and commercial or industrial structures. Painting is a strenuous task that demands a lot of standing, climbing, bending, kneeling, and reaching. Exposure to great heights, diverse weather conditions, and unpleasant positions may be part of a painter’s work environment.
How do I know if a painter is good?
It’s a fantastic time to paint the house now that the weather is cooler. Paint dries faster in temperatures below 100 degrees, and employees and homeowners alike welcome the break from the summer heat while the job is being done. However, before you choose a professional painter, keep in mind that not all of them are created equal. Here are five characteristics of a skilled painter. Before signing a contract, you might wish to inquire about some of these work habits.
Every painting contractor knows that the secret to a long-lasting paint job is good surface preparation. However, according to Joe Campbell, co-owner of Arizona Painting Company, one of the state’s largest painting contractors, surface preparation is an area where many painters take savings.
When working on external stucco, for example, personnel should scrape off any loose paint before power washing the surface. It’s also important to prime raw surfaces like exposed wood. When cracks are discovered, caulk is not the ideal sealer to use; instead, Campbell recommends using a cement-based stucco fix.
“These are quite regular items that crews will overlook….” All of this is done to save time, and I believe these procedures should be included in every proposal,” he added.
Campbell and his crew also like to weather-proof a home’s foundation. Members of the crew shovel rocks away from the foundation, power wash it, and then cover it with a water-proofing sealer before painting the remainder of the house.
Because good painters recognize that your home is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make, they appropriately mask and seal off doors, windows, appliances, furniture, cars, and personal belongings. They’ll also use drop cloths to gently cover the pavers and concrete.
Concrete and pavers absorb paint and overspray because they are porous. They’re quite difficult to keep clean. An expert painter will make it a top priority to cover these surfaces.
Many painters have a preference for certain brands. That’s a positive development. However, Campbell argues that the brand does not convey the whole story about the paint that is being used on your house.
If the estimate specifies a specific paint type, double-check that the coating delivered to the job site is the same as the one specified in the estimate. Even the most reputable companies offer low-cost contractor-grade lines that don’t last long.
“I constantly tell people it’s like gasoline,” says the salesperson. There are various classes and alternatives available, such as low, midrange, and premium. Paint is the same way. “However, there is a grade below standard gas grade where the client may believe he is receiving a decent paint but is actually getting a product that does not keep up,” Campbell noted.
Acrylic paints of a higher quality are also 100 percent acrylic. Inquire with the estimator to ensure you’re getting that level of service, he added.
Painting contractors who have a lot of expertise know which paints are the best on the market. They cling to a particular product line since they know what it can offer in terms of durability and general quality. They also keep the water out when it comes to applying the paint. Some contractors, for some strange reason, feel that paint requires the addition of water; it does not, according to Campbell. A good pro may use water to clean a paint spray gun, but he or she will never put water in a bucket of paint.
Before final sign-off and payment, any excellent paint specialist will gladly request a walkthrough with the customer. A better painter, on the other hand, inspects his own work thoroughly before the owner walks the job.
“At the end of the job, we ask our crews to stroll with the foreman. Each of the helpers will be carrying a different color of paint, and they will be looking for any mistakes or anything that have been ignored. Then we’ll repeat the process with the owner,” Campbell added.
Members of the USA TODAY Network’s editorial and journalistic teams were not involved in the creation of this material.
What should a painting quote include?
Quotes should contain not just the time frame in which the painters will do the task, but also how quickly they will be able to begin and finish the work for you. Terms and a guarantee should be included in quotes. You’ll want to be sure your painter is licensed, insured, and bonded.
How do you estimate a painting?
It’s not easy to estimate a painting project. You may believe that you may charge your customer based on the amount of paint you purchased and the amount of money you want to make at the end of the day, but this is not the case.
It is critical to have prior experience when it comes to job costing. If you’re new to the painting industry, consult with a few professionals before attempting your own estimations.