House painting businesses are among the cheapest and easiest to start:
you can operate from home and the initial start-up costs can be less than
$2,000. The catch is that because it's a relatively easy business to
start, you will have heavy competition. Before you start painting, it's
important to create a business plan, determine your company''s
specialization and create a company image that sets you apart from the
competition and attracts your target market."Your targets will be homeowners, apartment buildings and condominium
complexes, businesses large and small, interior designers, and real
estate agents who may need help with a vacant property," according to
Entrepreneur.com. An individual with an eye for detail and handy with
tools can start a painting business within a few weeks.
Step 1
Draw up a business plan. Create a document that describes the focus of your business. Decide whether you will do interior painting, exterior painting or a combination. Outline the services you will provide and include areas of specialization, such as color consultation, stenciling or murals. Determine the target market for your business, whether it is apartment building owners, owners of historic homes or homeowners in typical, middle-class neighborhoods. Research other local house painting companies to see how well they are meeting your target market’s needs. Make a list of ways that you can distinguish yourself from competitors through lower prices, faster or specialized services or design expertise. Include a section in your business plan that describes your marketing plans, pricing and supplies.Step 2
Name your house painting business. Brainstorm a list of names with the help of friends, family members and business partners. Choose a name that stands out and communicates your business’s unique focus and image. For example, if you specialize in painting historic homes, incorporate this idea into your business name. Apply for a license. Go to the state's licensing board to obtain a contractor's license. You will have to pay an application fee ranging from $50 to $200 and pass a background check. In some jurisdictions, you may have to seek addition licenses or permits for hazardous materials.Step 3
Register your house painting business. Visit your local city clerk or courthouse to secure the necessary paperwork. Check the zoning requirements for your area if you will run your business from home. Get insurance. Phone an insurance agency and inquire about coverage products and amounts. In general, you should take out a liability policy and have business level automobile coverage or "garage coverage" for your company vehicle.Step 4
Collect equipment and supplies. Gather ladders, paint trays, drop cloths and most importantly a variety of rollers and brushes. Purchase these items in bulk through an online wholesaler to save money. Visit your local hardware store and invest in a sprayer, face mask and scaffolding. Ask them to order these items for you if they do not have them on hand. Find a vehicle big enough to carry necessary equipment to job sites. Decide whether clients will buy their own paint or if you will buy it for them. Purchase basic paint colors that you will use frequently.
Step 5
Create and distribute marketing materials. Design marketing materials based on the image you want to communicate to your target market. List your services and focus on what sets your company apart from the competition. Hang fliers on shopping center bulletin boards, distribute door hangers, and place ads in local newspapers and websites for a basic, no-frills business. Create glossy brochures if you’re marketing toward those looking for higher-end, specialized services. Include pictures of your work that feature your expertise. Create a website that communicates your company’s uniqueness. Create yard signs with your company’s name that can be placed in clients’ yards after you’ve painted the exterior of a home. Advertise your painting business. Print fliers and brochures. Send copies of your painting business' literature to real estate management agencies, real estate brokerages, real estate investor clubs, local schools and churches, and to retail stores as well as hotels and condominium associations. Offer a discount for jobs that entail many different units or job sites.Step 6
Build a portfolio and share it with prospective clients. Take photographs of all work you do and assemble them in a binder. Take this binder with you when you visit possible customers to showcase the quality of your work. If you haven’t painted houses before, it’s worth doing a job for a friend or relative for free to have pictures of the work you’ve done.
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