How to Start a Painting Business
If you are looking for a service business that will keep you busy for many years to come, give painting some thought. A commercial and residential painting business will be in demand as long as there are walls that need color.
What is a Painting Business?
As a painter, you will be called upon by clients to perform painting jobs for them. Residential clients may want you to paint the inside of their home or the outside or both. With the use of vinyl siding these days, more than likely you will be painting the inside of a home.
Commercial painting clients, such as apartment building owners, will want you to do touch ups on apartments when tenants move out. Since they will want to find a new occupant as quickly as possible, your painting business will need to be available at a moment’s notice if you choose the commercial route. Office buildings may hire you to do some inside work for them.
The basic equipment needed for a painting service includes ladders, brushes, rollers, drop cloth, and of course, paint. A truck or a van to haul all of the equipment is necessary to keep from ruining the upholstery in your personal vehicle. See about purchasing a used truck or van at a good price. If you keep your equipment clean and in good shape it should last quite a while before replacing is needed.
Home-Based or Brick and Mortar?
A painting business can be started out of your home or in an office where you meet clients. The majority of your time will be spent going from job to job. If you're starting as a team of one, you won’t be in the office a lot so start off with one that is in your home. As the business expands and you pick up more clients, a physical building may be needed, but not likely necessary at the beginning.
What Next?
- Start Your Business Plan: Here is a sample plan, but you can use the handy software to customize it for you business.
- Set up Your Website: To attract more clients, a website is a must. To quickly and easily put your professional website together, click here.
