How to become a painter contractor

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Content

Steps
What do you need

Painting buildings can be a lucrative and enjoyable business; however, successful contractors must be experienced, practical and business people. Painters contractors must be able to make estimates, bid, hire workers and run a business, and be able to paint. In most countries, anyone hired to do construction, renovation or restoration work is required to have a license and liability insurance. Contact the licensing authority, then apply for a certificate and start filling out business papers. Learn how to become a painter contractor.

Steps

1 Get your high school diploma. While not strictly necessary everywhere, it can be useful if you choose to undergo further training. Successful paint contractors need skills in math, business management, and customer service, so in high school you can choose to attend additional courses in math, finance, and English.
- If you plan to work in an area where a proportion of the population is not native speakers of your native language, you may find it helpful to become bilingual. Take foreign language lessons that will later give you an edge in your business.
2 Gain work experience. Become an apprentice to a painter, or just work a year or two as a contractor painter. In many countries, in order to obtain a license, you must have some work experience, but functional knowledge in business management will be useful everywhere.
3 Check your region's requirements for a painter's licensing terms. They differ from region to region, so once you have decided on your career path, you should inquire with your local contractors department for the licensing terms for a painter.
4 Sign up for a building code course. Refer to the contractor licensing information to see what you need. You can read and study the manual yourself to learn the information required for the licensing exam.
5 Sign up for the EPA's Lead Coating Renovation, Repair and Painting Program as from 2010 all painters contractors must be certified to work with lead based paints.
6 Take lessons in business and administration. If you do not have experience in running a personal business or budgeting projects, then it is a good idea to enroll in a local college to prepare for these tasks. Your region may offer a paint contractor certification program that includes industrial administration training.
- Many regions require a contractor to complete a minimum of 16 hours of business and law classes before taking the contractor exam. After completing the courses, request a transcript to prove that you have met the prerequisites.
7 Take the exam to obtain a contractor license. This exam can include both written and practice sections. Within 1 to 4 years after passing the exam, you will need to complete the remaining steps required for licensing.
8 Register your business papers with the government agencies of your region, county and city. You will need to submit documents specifying the form of organization of your business, such as a partnership, joint stock company, limited liability company, or sole proprietorship. You will also be required to register a business name, apply for a worker identification number and local licenses.
- A person with a contractor's license is often referred to as a Responsible Leader (ORL). In the application documentation, you will need to be named ORL. Any contracting business is required to have an ORL.
9 Get a sponsored guarantee for your paint company. The required settings must be in the application of the contractor in your region.
10 Get liability insurance. The list of items for which you must be insured will also be in your application.
11 Complete an application for a contractor license in your region. You may be required to make inquiries and have you fingerprinted. Submit proof of your work experience, training, test scores, surety, liability insurance, and business forms in your area.
- In most regions, you will need a trial and registration fee. You will need to continually renew your contractor license to remain a licensed paint contractor.