Does anyone have advise on starting a small painting contracting business?

Question

I am employed full-time but need extra income. I have done a lot of painting on my own houses over the years and have all the equipment (sprayers, tarps, ladders, power washer, etc.). What I want to know is how to estimate pricing for jobs and what the best way is to get my name out there. Also, do you thing it would be a major problem if I could pretty much only do the painting on weekends?

Answer 1

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Paint Contractor's Manual by Dave Matis
* Painter's Handbook by William McElroy
* Smart Business for Contractors : A Guide to Money and the Law (For Pros, By Pros) by Jim Kramon

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 2

I am also a part-time "side business" owner. You absolutely can work mostly weekends and nights. Hook up with a remodler or a property investment business. They often need small contractors who are willing to do small jobs such as painting just one or two rooms to get a property ready to put on the market.
As for estimating, I have three suggestions:

Look for a professional organization for painting contractors. I am sure there is one in your area, or at least in your state. These types of organizations are there to help "newbies."
Call the Small Business Administration in your area. They can point you in the right direction, help you to file the neccessary legal paperwork to start a new business, etc.
Finally, if you have a room in your own houose that needs painting, or feel like you might volunteer to paint a friend or realative's kitchen, pay attention to each stage of the job: Loading an unloading equipment, set-up and break-down, prep, priming, etc. etc. measure the room and look for special considerations. Record everything in a work journal.

Your first few estimates may not be accurate. Be preapred to earn less than your best the first few times. It's okay--chalk it up to a learning experience.

As for advertising, target a specific market and concentrate your efforts there. For example, I am a cleaning contractor that specializes in real estate foreclosures. I have direct mailings that go to registered real estate agents in my area, as well as property invesment companies and rental referral agencies.

Hope this helped.

Colleen

Answer 3

I don't know where you live however, in my city, we get flyers on our door all the time for contract painters. I don't think it is a bad idea and I would hire them if I didn't like doing my own painting and if they could provide me with some references. Perhaps you can start by doing some jobs for family or friends so that you can build your references. I think each job would be specific to how much work is involved. I would hate for your flyer to say $500 per house and when you show up to the job, it is a mansion. I also don't think that you working this job on weekends alone is bad. But again, that would need to be discussed with the potential clients.
I work from home so I see a lot of court TV programs. Make sure that EVERYTHING (quotes, timeframe, price, specific details such as power-washing first, etc) is in your contract and that it is signed by your client BEFORE you start the work. If any modifications are needed, also get those written into the original contract and have the client resign it.

Also, we have a lot of homestyle diners in the area that allow people to leave a stack of their business cards or have bulletin boards that they allow people to post things on. You might have something similiar in your area. Library, gas stations, restaurants, etc.

Good luck to you but remember to leave time for yourself. Relaxation is important too!