painting and decorating business plan

Painting Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 3,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their painting businesses. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a painting business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Painting Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your painting business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Painting Business

If you’re looking to start a painting business, or grow your existing painting business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your painting business in order to improve your chances of success. Your painting business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Painting Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a painting business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

Personal savings is the other most common form of funding for a painting business. Venture capitalists will usually not fund a painting business. They might consider funding a painting business with a national presence, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an investment, and an individual location could never achieve such results.  With that said, personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for painting businesses.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

If you want to start a painting business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. Below are links to each section of your painting business plan template:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of painting business you are operating and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a painting business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of painting businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the painting industry. Discuss the type of painting business you are operating. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of painting business you are operating.

For example, you might operate one of the following types of painting businesses:

• Residential Painting : this type of painting business focuses on home painting services and offers interior and/or exterior painting at a residential property.
• Commercial Painting: this type of business focuses on a commercial properties such as an apartment complex or strip mall and offers both interior and/or exterior painting services.

In addition to explaining the type of painting business you will operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of customers served, number of positive reviews, etc.
• Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the painting industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the painting industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your painting business plan:

• How big is the painting industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your painting business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your painting business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: homeowners, homeowner associations, apartment complexes, small business owners.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of painting business you operate. Clearly, homeowners would respond to different marketing promotions than a small business, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve. Because most painting businesses primarily serve customers living in their same city or town, such demographic information is easy to find on government websites.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other painting businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t direct competitors. This includes handyman services and construction companies. You need to mention such competition as well.

With regards to direct competition, you want to describe the other painting businesses with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be painting businesses located very close to your location.

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What types of painting projects do they take on?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide quicker painting services?
• Will you provide paint colors that your competitors don’t offer?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a painting business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of painting company that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific products you will be offering. For example, in addition to painting, will you provide plastering, handyman services or sell paint products?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your painting company. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your painting business located in a busy retail district, shopping plaza, mall, etc.  Discuss how your location might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your painting marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertising in local papers and magazines
• Reaching out to local websites
• Social media marketing
• Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your painting business, including sales, customer service and painting.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to complete your 10 th apartment complex, or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your painting business to a new city.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your painting business’ ability to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing painting businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing renovations or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement : an income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you paint one home per week or three per week? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets : Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your painting business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement : Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and make sure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a painting business:

• Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
• Cost of equipment and supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Taxes and permits
• Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a floorplan of apartment complexes or commercial buildings you are working on.  

Putting together a business plan for your painting business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the painting industry, your competition, and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful painting business.

Painting Business FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my painting business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily complete your Painting Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of painting business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a painting business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of painting businesses?

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Painting Business Plan

Painting is a business that never goes off-trend. There will always be homes and offices that need renovation and some painting magic. So, it is a profitable business option for anyone ready to get into this colorful affair.

Your industry expertise and painting knowledge may help you get started with a new business, but you need a detailed business plan to succeed.

Need help writing a business plan for your painting business? You’re at the right place. Our painting business plan template will help you get started.

Free Business Plan Template

Download our free business plan template now and pave the way to success. Let’s turn your vision into an actionable strategy!

• Fill in the blanks – Outline
• Financial Tables

How to Write a Painting Business Plan?

Writing a painting business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce Your Business:

• This section may include the name of your painting business, its location, when it was founded, the type of painting business (E.g., commercial painting, residential painting, industrial painting), etc.

Market Opportunity:

Products and services:.

• For instance, interior painting, exterior painting, and maintenance & repair can be included as services, and specialty finishes and pressure washing can be some of your USPs.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business description:

• Residential painting
• Commercial painting
• Industrial painting
• Decorative or specialty painting
• Exterior painting
• Describe the legal structure of your painting company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission statement:

Business history:.

• Additionally, If you have received any awards or recognition for excellent work, describe them.

Future goals:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

• For instance, residential homeowners, commercial property owners, and real estate agents/developers can be an ideal target audience for a general painting business.

Market size and growth potential:

Competitive analysis:, market trends:.

• For instance, tech-driven solutions like virtual consultation and 3D visualization are becoming the norm, explain if you have any plans on implementing these technologies into your business.

Regulatory environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your commerical or house painting business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Painting services:

Mention the painting services your business will offer. This list may include services like,

• Interior painting
• Deck and fence painting
• Specialty coating
• Paint/coating removal, and more.

Describe each service:

• The color consultation service, for instance, provides expert advice and guidance on choosing the right colors, finishes, paints, coatings, etc.

Quality assurance:

• This may include overseeing the inspection and preparatory processes, choosing materials wisely, quality control checks, following industry standards, etc.

Additional services:

In short, this section of your painting plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique selling proposition (USP):

• For example, specialized expertise, high-quality workmanship and competitive pricing could be some of the great USPs for a general painting company.

Pricing strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your painting business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your painting business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & training:

Operational process:, equipment & machinery:.

• Explain how these pieces of equipment help you maintain quality standards and improve the efficiency of your business operations.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your painting business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founder/CEO:

Key managers:.

• It should include, key executives, senior management, and other department managers and supervisors involved in the business operations, including their education, professional background, and any relevant experience in the painting industry.

Organizational structure:

Compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

• So, if you have any advisors or consultants, include them with their names and brief information consisting of roles and years of experience.

This section should describe the key personnel for your painting services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

• This exercise will help you understand how much revenue you need to generate to sustain or be profitable.

Financing needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the painting industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your painting business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample painting business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful painting plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our painting business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a painting business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful painting business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your painting company.

How to get funding for your painting business?

There are several ways to get funding for your painting business, but self-funding is one of the most efficient and speedy funding options. Other options for funding are:

Small Business Administration (SBA) loan

Crowdfunding, angel investors.

Apart from all these options, there are small business grants available, check for the same in your location and you can apply for it.

Where to find business plan writers for your painting business?

There are many business plan writers available, but no one knows your business and ideas better than you, so we recommend you write your painting business plan and outline your vision as you have in your mind.

What is the easiest way to write your painting business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any painting business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Painting Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Painting Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Painting business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their Painting businesses.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Painting business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting is a new residential painting business located in Peoria, Illinois. We paint both interiors and exteriors of houses and apartments and offer free color and project consultations. At O’Reilly Brothers, we know that a person’s home is their place for rest and relaxation at the end of a long day. Therefore, it’s essential that we provide the best painting services possible to ensure our customers’ homes look their best. Our mission is to provide these quality services while maintaining lifelong relationships with our clients.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting is led by Luke and Samuel O’Reilly. These two brothers have worked as contractors and painters for other companies and have built up a loyal client base over the years. After having disappointing experiences with their prior employers, the two brothers decided to work together to start a painting business that is founded on affordable pricing and client-oriented service. Their experience, education, and pre-existing client base will ensure that O’Reilly Brothers House Painting is a success.

Product Offering

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting offers residential painting services to the residents of Peoria, Illinois. These services include:

• Interior painting
• Exterior painting
• Cabinetry painting
• Ceiling painting
• Door refinishing
• Free color consultations

Customer Focus

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will primarily serve homeowners and landlords in Peoria, Illinois. The Peoria area has a booming population, with thousands of people who own their own homes. Peoria also has a large population of middle and upper-class residents who have the disposable income to invest in painting services. Therefore, we have a large target demographic to work with and are sure to be successful in this industry.

Management Team

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting is led by Luke and Samuel O’Reilly. Both brothers have extensive experience as contractors and painters, having worked for local competitors for several years. Both had disappointing experiences with their prior employers, as the companies charged high fees and were not committed to providing excellent client-oriented services. These experiences led the brothers to plan their own business that would provide better quality services at a more affordable price. The experience and expertise of Luke and Samuel will be the company’s most valuable assets.

Success Factors

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• O’Reilly Brothers is led by two professional contractors who have considerable experience in the residential painting industry.
• O’Reilly Brothers will have a full staff of friendly and qualified painters who will provide the best painting services in the area.
• O’Reilly Brothers will offer all of its services for a moderate price.

Financial Highlights

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting is currently seeking $425,000 to launch. The funds will be used for funding capital expenditures, salaries, marketing expenses, and working capital. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

• Store design/build: $100,000
• Vehicle purchase and maintenance: $100,000
• Equipment and initial supplies: $100,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $75,000
• Marketing costs: $25,000
• Working capital: $25,000

The following graph below outlines the pro forma financial projections for O’Reilly Brothers House Painting.

Company Overview

Who is o’reilly brothers house painting.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting is a new residential painting business located in Peoria, Illinois. We can paint any room or part of a house or apartment, including interiors, cabinetry, and exteriors. Our company is committed to providing quality painting services for a cost that anyone can afford. O’Reilly Brothers House Painting strives to be the best painting business in the area, focusing on customer service and maintaining long-term relationships.

  At O’Reilly Brothers House Painting, we believe that every customer deserves to live in their dream home. Our expert painters will work with customers to design and create the perfect spaces that will make their current home their dream home. With years of experience, we can take on any painting project and create any space that our customers desire.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting’ History

Luke and Samuel O’Reilly recently began researching what it would take to incorporate their business and expand their client base. They have analyzed the costs, market, demographics, and local competition. They compiled enough information to develop their business plan in order to approach investors.

Once their research was complete, Luke and Samuel incorporated O’Reilly Brothers House Painting on May 1st, 2023 as an S-Corporation. The business is currently being run out of Luke’s home, but once the lease on O’Reilly Brothers House Painting’s office location is finalized, all operations will be run from there. Luke and Samuel are currently using a personal vehicle to drive to clients’ homes but will purchase a vehicle that will be used specifically for the business.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

• Found a commercial space and signed a Letter of Intent to lease it.
• Developed the company’s name, logo, and website.
• Planned the suite of services to be offered.
• Determined equipment, supplies, and materials needed.
• Begun recruiting key employees.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting’ Services

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will offer a suite of residential painting services to the residents of Peoria. Whether our customers need one room painted or their entire home, they can expect quality work and customer service every step of the way. Below is a list of our painting services:

Industry Analysis

The residential painting industry provides painting services to recolor houses and apartments. This market is typically segmented into interior house painting and exterior house painting services. The market can be further segmented into painting services for new homes vs repainting services. Painting businesses can stand out in the market by providing all of these services.

In recent years, the market has been negatively affected by COVID. Many people lost their jobs, so they did not have the extra income needed to spend on painting or other contractor work. However, the industry has been making a comeback since the pandemic ended. The unemployment rate has lowered significantly, meaning many people have disposable income for contractor services again. Furthermore, the housing boom in 2021 has led to many new homeowners needing painting and other contracting services. As such, there is a large demand for residential painting services once again.

According to OpenPR, the global home painting market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8% from now until 2030. This is solid growth that shows that the industry is bouncing back and thriving once again. Therefore, this is the perfect time to start a new painting business.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market, customer segmentation.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will primarily target the following customer profiles:

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Riverside Commercial Painting

Riverside Commercial Painting has been one of the most popular commercial painting businesses in the area since it was established in 1985. This company helps offices and other establishments update their spaces by providing repainting and other interior design services. They have many loyal clients and showcase a large gallery of previous projects on their social media. Many businesses have sworn by Riverside’s services, and the company’s reputation has skyrocketed simply through word-of-mouth marketing.

Though Riverside Commercial Painting will continue to thrive, the company only provides commercial painting services and, therefore, will be a minor competitor for O’Reilly Brothers House Painting.

River City Painting Inc.

River City Painting Inc. has been a small yet profitable residential painting business for over a decade. This small company provides a variety of residential painting services, including painting ceilings, interiors, cabinetry, and exteriors. Though they are small and have limited resources, River City Painting Inc.’s team has still managed to gain a great reputation for their friendly customer service and the professional quality of their work.

Though River City Painting Inc. has gained a positive reputation, its scope of work remains small, even after a decade. They can only help with small projects and generally don’t sign up for larger-scale services. As O’Reilly Brothers House Painting grows, we will take on larger projects and aim to be the primary painting company that the residents of Peoria can rely on.

Painting And More LLC

Established in 2001, Painting And More LLC set out to be the best residential painting business in the area. Painting And More has achieved this goal, as the company is consistently given positive reviews and is usually the first painting service residents think of when they need a painting job done. Customers working with Painting And More can expect high-quality painting work paired with excellent customer service. Their popularity and success make Painting And More our biggest competitor.

Competitive Advantage

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Customer Focus : O’Reilly Brothers House Painting’s painters will provide the highest quality customer service focused on transparency, communication, and responsiveness. Clients can expect this level of service throughout the entire process, from the initial inquiry to the follow-up once the project is completed.
• Management : Luke and Samuel O’Reilly have been extremely successful working in the painting industry and will be able to use their previous experience to help clients with whatever they need. Their unique qualifications will serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than many of their competitors.
• Relationships : Having lived and worked in the community for decades, Luke and Samuel know many of the local residents and have already established a loyal clientele from their years of working in the industry. These relationships will provide the company’s initial clientele and help our business through word-of-mouth marketing.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will offer a unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Client-focused painting services, where the company’s interests are aligned with the customer.
• Service built on long-term relationships and personal attention.
• Professional industrial experience in a small business setting.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for O’Reilly Brothers House Painting is as follows:

Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the most cost-effective and practical marketing methods for improving brand visibility. O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will use social media to develop engaging content in terms of sharing color and design ideas and posting customer reviews that will increase audience awareness and loyalty.

Word of Mouth Marketing

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will encourage word-of-mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients. The company will use recommendations and word-of-mouth marketing to grow its customer base through the network of its existing customers.

Website/SEO

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will invest in developing a professional website that displays all of the services offered by the company. It will also invest in SEO so that the company’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.

Advertisement

Advertisements in print publications like newspapers, magazines, etc., are an excellent way for businesses to connect with their audience. O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will advertise its company offerings in popular magazines and news dailies. Obtaining relevant placements in industry magazines and journals will also help in increasing brand visibility.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting’s pricing will be estimated on a project basis drawing on Luke O’Reilly’s deep expertise in painting services. The pricing will be determined by the size of the job, the amount of paint needed, and the labor required to complete the job. Pricing will be moderate and less expensive than our competitors but more expensive than lower-quality, efficiency-driven painting businesses.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for O’Reilly Brothers House Painting. Operation Functions:

• Luke and Samuel O’Reilly will be the co-owners of O’Reilly Brothers House Painting. They will oversee the general operations of the company and manage the staff. They will also conduct all work on the painting projects for their clients until they can hire several more painters to keep up with demand. Luke and Samuel will hire the following staff over the next few months:
• An Administrative Assistant who will manage all the administrative tasks.
• An Accountant who will manage all client invoicing, billing, and payables.
• A Marketing Manager to manage all of the marketing and advertising functions.
• Several painters who will provide painting services and customer service.

Milestones:

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

• 06/2023 Finalize lease agreement
• 07/2023 Design and build out O’Reilly Brothers House Painting
• 08/2023 Hire and train initial staff
• 09/2023 Kickoff of the promotional campaign
• 10/2023 Launch O’Reilly Brothers House Painting
• 11/2023 Reach break-even

Luke and Samuel have worked in the industry long enough to gain an in-depth knowledge of the business, including the operations side (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business management side (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.). They will hire several other employees to help run the parts of the business that they are unfamiliar with.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

O’Reilly Brothers House Painting’s revenue will primarily come from charging homeowners for completed painting services. Pricing will be determined by the size of the room, the amount of paint needed, and the amount of time it takes for our painters to complete the job.

The main cost drivers for O’Reilly Brothers House Painting will include labor expenses, materials and equipment, marketing, and the lease for the office space.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of clients:
• Year 4: 120
• Year 5: 150
• Annual lease: $30,000
• Annual maintenance expenses: $10,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, painting business plan faqs, what is a painting business plan.

A painting business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your painting business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Painting business plan using our Painting Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Painting Businesses? 

There are a number of different kinds of painting businesses , some examples include: Residential Painting, and Commercial Painting.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Painting Business Plan?

Painting businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Painting Business?

Starting a painting business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Painting Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed painting business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your painting business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your painting business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Painting Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your painting business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws.

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your painting business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Painting Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your painting business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation.

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your painting business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful painting business:

• How to Start a Painting Business

Painting Business Plan PDF Example

• February 28, 2024
• Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful painting business. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your painting business’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a painting business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the healthcare industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your painting business concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our painting business plan is meticulously structured to address all fundamental components crucial for a thorough strategic outline. It details our company’s operations, marketing tactics, market landscape, competitors, leadership team, and financial predictions.

• Executive Summary : Offers an overview of the Painting business’s concept, market analysis , management team, and financial strategy.
• Services & Location : Describes the range of painting services, including interior and exterior painting, surface preparation, and custom finishes, and the benefits of the chosen service area.
• Service List & Pricing : Lists the painting services provided, detailing customization options and pricing structure.
• Key Stats: Shares industry size , growth trends, and relevant statistics for the painting market.
• Key Trends: Highlights recent trends in eco-friendly paints and advanced application techniques.
• Key Competitors : Analyzes main competitors in the service area and differentiates the business from them.
• SWOT: Conducts a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis specific to painting services.
• Marketing Plan : Outlines strategies for attracting new customers and retaining existing ones, including showcasing past projects and leveraging social media.
• Timeline : Sets out key milestones and objectives from business launch through the first year of operation.
• Management: Introduces the management team, detailing their experience in painting techniques, project management, and roles within the business.
• Financial Plan: Forecasts the business’s five-year financial performance, covering revenue projections, expense breakdowns, funding requirements, and financial statements (profit and loss, cash flow, balance sheet).

Painting Business Plan

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces your painting business’s business plan, offering a concise overview of your company and its services. It should detail your market positioning, the range of painting and decorative services you offer, its location, size, and an outline of day-to-day operations.

This section should also explore how your painting business will integrate into the local market, including the number of direct competitors within the area, identifying who they are, along with your company’s unique selling points that differentiate it from these competitors.

Furthermore, you should include information about the management and co-founding team, detailing their roles and contributions to the company’s success. Additionally, a summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profits over the next five years, should be presented here to provide a clear picture of your company’s financial plan.

Make sure to cover here _ Business Overview _ Market Overview _ Management Team _ Financial Plan

Dive deeper into Executive Summary

Business Overview

Detail the range of painting services offered, from interior and exterior house painting to decorative and mural painting. Include commercial painting services if applicable.

Outline your pricing strategy , ensuring it reflects the quality of services provided and matches the market you’re targeting. Highlight any special packages, bulk deals, or loyalty programs that provide added value to your clients, encouraging repeat business and customer loyalty.

Discuss any unique techniques, eco-friendly paints, or customization options that set your painting business apart from competitors.

Market Overview

Industry size & growth.

In the Market Overview of your painting business plan, start by examining the size of the painting services industry and its growth potential. This analysis is crucial for understanding the market’s scope and identifying expansion opportunities.

Key market trends

Proceed to discuss recent market trends , such as the increasing consumer interest in eco-friendly and sustainable painting solutions, the growing demand for personalized and custom painting services, and the rise of smart technology in color selection and visualization tools.

For example, highlight the demand for services that cater to specific aesthetic preferences, environmental concerns, and innovative application techniques.

Key competitors

Then, consider the competitive landscape, which includes a range of painting businesses, from large-scale commercial contractors to local residential painters, as well as DIY painting trends.

For example, emphasize what makes your painting business distinctive, whether it’s through superior craftsmanship, a commitment to eco-friendly practices, or specialization in certain types of painting services (e.g., murals, faux finishes).

Make sure to cover here _ Industry size & growth _ Key competitors _ Key market trends

Dive deeper into Key competitors

First, conduct a SWOT analysis for the painting business, highlighting Strengths (such as high-quality materials and skilled painters), Weaknesses (including seasonal fluctuations in demand or limited market reach), Opportunities (for example, a growing interest in home renovations and custom artwork), and Threats (such as economic downturns that may decrease spending on non-essential home improvements).

Marketing Plan

Next, develop a marketing strategy that outlines how to attract and retain clients through targeted advertising in local home improvement outlets, promotional discounts for first-time customers, an engaging social media presence showcasing before-and-after projects, and community involvement through sponsoring local events or mural projects.

Finally, create a detailed timeline that outlines critical milestones for the painting business’s launch, marketing initiatives, client base growth, and expansion objectives, ensuring the business progresses with clear direction and purpose.

Make sure to cover here _ SWOT _ Marketing Plan _ Timeline

Dive deeper into SWOT

Dive deeper into Marketing Plan

The Management section focuses on the painting business’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the painting business toward its financial and operational goals.

For your painting business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

Financial Plan

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your painting business’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your painting business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

Privacy Overview

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WHY YOU NEED A BUSINESS PLAN FOR YOUR PAINTING COMPANY

Time spent thinking strategically about all aspects of your painting business will help you save time and money—and increase your chances for success.

Q: “Why Do I Need a Business Plan to Start a Painting Company?”

Business plan sections:.

• Executive Summary: This first section should describe the core of what your company is, its mission, what you’re selling, your business objectives and how you will measure success and eventually grow. You can dive deeper into this initial thinking in our guide to naming your painting business .
• Company Description: This section should provide detailed information about your company: Who owns it? Where is it located? Do you have employees? What problem will your company solve? Do you have any competitive advantages? Who will your customers be?
• Services Offered: Beyond painting interiors and exteriors, what specialty services do you offer? Is there a particular skill set or specialized focus worthy of promoting that can differentiate your business? “Consider a specialty like decorative, decks, restoration, plaster repair. There's less competition, so you can stand out more,” explains Tony Severino of Professional Painters in La Grange, Illinois. “A specialty of ours is painting kitchen cabinets, and people will pass our name around for that.
• Competitive Market Analysis: Learning about your immediate market is an ongoing endeavor. Consider these questions: Who are your main competitors, and roughly how much business do they handle? How are you different from, and hopefully better than, them? Do you see any market themes or trends? Where is there an unmet need in your market that you can fill?
• Strategy and Implementation Summary: This section explains how you will deliver the services you’ve outlined above. How will you roll out your services for launch? How will you attract business to your new company? How will you execute on that work?
• Management Summary and Staffing: In this section, don’t worry about years down the road—focus on what you need now to get off the ground. If you haven’t already, this is a good time to decide whether your business structure will be classified as an LLC, an S-corporation or a partnership. Are you doing all the work yourself for the time being? Do you have a business partner or a family member or friend who’s helping you out? Do you have subcontractors you’ll bring in and manage or part-time or full-time employees you’ll hire to help run your small business?
• Financial Plan and Growth: Being prepared is key to maximizing your success. Consider the following: What will it cost to launch your new business? What financial resources do you need, and will you need a loan from family or a bank? How do you plan to expand beyond your existing customer base, and how will you manage that additional work as well as the additional expenses involved? If you get more business than you can manage, how will you handle that? How will you weather business continuity challenges, like storms or pandemics?

Q: “What Are the Key Components of a Business Plan?”

Q: “What if I Don’t Have a Business Plan?”

- Randy Benton, Director of Intech Coating Systems

Q: “Whom Can I Ask for Help with My Business Plan?”

Set an Alert

Set a calendar reminder to revisit your business plan six months from when you create it. Make updates and check your progress at that time.

Q: “What if My Business Plan Changes Over Time?”

Q: “who is my business plan for”, remember: a business plan will help your painting business succeed.

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Painting Contractors Business Plan

Start your own painting contractors business plan

Barnum Painters

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Barnum Painters will provide top-quality interior and exterior residential and commercial painting services. The principal officers of Barnum Painters believe that most companies in this industry suffer two major problems. These are poor scheduling of job projects and poor retention of quality employees. Both lead to lower customer satisfaction, lack of repeat business and a low word-of-mouth referral rate. Barnum Painters believes that by implementing this contractor business plan, it can improve upon and exploit these weaknesses to gain local market share.

The objectives for Barnum Painters over the next three years are:

• To achieve sales revenues of approximately $620,000 by year three.
• To achieve a customer mix of 30% commercial/60% residential building contracts per year.
• To expand operations to include all the Greater Seattle area including Kirkland, Renton and the Kitsap Peninsula.

The company will seek to provide its painting services in the most timely manner and with an ongoing comprehensive quality-control program to provide 100% customer satisfaction. The company’s principal officers see each contract as an agreement not between a business and its customers, but between partners that wish to create a close and mutually-beneficial long-term relationship. This will help to provide greater long-term profits through referrals and repeat business.

Barnum Painters will institute the following key procedures to reach its goals:

• Create a position of inventory coordinator, and have at least one expediter assigned to each project.
• Have a dedicated project manager for each project who can handle quality-control issues.
• Institute a program of profit sharing among all employees.

Barnum Painters is a start-up limited liability company consisting of three principal officers with combined industry experience of 40 years. Barnum Painters will be a partnership between Mr. William Barnum, Mr. Anthony Barnum and Mr. Michael Kruger. The principals will be investing significant amounts of their own capital into the company and will also be seeking a loan of $7,000 to cover start-up costs and future growth. Finally, the company has procured a $10,000 line of credit (not shown on financial statements) that will be used if necessary to cover unforeseen expenses or opportunities.

Barnum Painters will be located in a rented suite in the Rucker Industrial Park on 710 Snoquamie Route, Suite 250 in Edmonds, WA. The facilities will include a reception area, offices for the principals, storage area for inventory, and employee lounge. Barnum Painters offers a wide variety of services primarily focused on interior and exterior residential and commercial painting. The firm also provides such services as drywall plastering, acoustical ceilings, pressure washing, and others. The idea is to provide clients with a broad range of related services that will minimize their need to employ a variety of contractors.  Barnum Painters will engage in a low-cost leadership strategy while maintaining a suitable level of quality.

Initially the company will focus on residential and commercial customers in the Everett, Washington area. However, by the end of the three-year projections, the company expects to be serving the entire Puget Sound area. The company has rigorously examined its financial projections and concluded that they are both conservative in profits and generous in expenditures. This was done deliberately to provide for unforeseeable events. The company’s principals believe that cash flow projections are realistic.

Keys to Success

The principal officers of Barnum Painters have had many years of experience in the contracting business. They believe that most companies in this industry, which includes painting contractors, suffer from two major problems that Barnum Painters can improve upon and exploit.

The first problem comes from scheduling of jobs. Many painting contractors find it difficult to maintain established schedules with their customers that lead to a decrease in customer satisfaction and retention. This is caused by poor management, less than reliable employees, and delays in inventory procurement and distribution. The second problem is in retaining reliable and motivated personnel. Many painting companies rely on temporary or transient employees that lead to high turnover rates and decreased service quality.

Barnum Painters will institute the following key procedures:

• Creation of a position of inventory coordinator and have at least one expediter assigned to each project.
• Have a dedicated project manager for each project who can handle quality control issues.

The mission of Barnum Painters is to provide top-quality interior and exterior residential and commercial painting services. The company will seek to provide these services in the most timely manner and with an ongoing comprehensive quality control program to provide 100% customer satisfaction. The company’s principal officers see each contract as an agreement not between a business and its customers, but between partners that wish to create a close and mutually beneficial long-term relationship. This will help to provide greater long-term profits through referrals and repeat business.

The objectives for Barnum Painters over the next three years is to:

• Achieve sales revenues of approximately $450,000 by year three.
• Achieve a customer mix of 30% commercial/60% residential building contracts per year.
• Expand operations to include all the Greater Seattle area including Kirkland, Renton and the Kitsap Peninsula.

Company Summary company overview ) is an overview of the most important points about your company—your history, management team, location, mission statement and legal structure.">

Barnum Painters is a start-up limited liability company consisting of three principle officers with combined industry experience of 40 years. The company was formed to take advantage of the perceived weakness and inadequacies of other regional companies in terms of quality and customer satisfaction. Barnum Painters will be a partnership between Mr. William Barnum, Mr. Anthony Barnum and Mr. Michael Kruger. The principles in the company will be investing significant amounts of their own capital into the company and will also be seeking a loan to cover start-up costs and future growth.

Barnum Painters will be located in a rented suite in the Rucker Industrial Park on 710 Snoquamie Route, Suite 250 in Edmonds, WA. The facilities will include a reception area, offices for the principals, storage area for inventory, and employee lounge.

The company plans to use its existing contacts and the combined customer base of Mr.’s Barnum and Kruger to generate short-term residential contracts. Its long-term profitability will rely on focusing on commercial contracts that will be obtained through strategic alliances and a comprehensive marketing program.

Company Ownership

Barnum Painters is a privately owned limited liability partnership with each of the principal officers holding an equal share in the company.

Start-up Summary

The following table and chart show the start-up costs for Barnum Painters.

Company Locations and Facilities

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Barnum Painters offers comprehensive interior and exterior painting services for both the residential and commercial markets.

Service Description

Barnum Painters services include:

• Full prep work.
• Dry wall contouring.
• Fine detailing.
• Small carpentry work.
• Specialty wall coatings.
• Refinishings.
• Acoustical ceilings.
• Pressure washing/roof cleaning.

Each project is customized to the wants and needs of the client. Prices are determined by the scope of the project, materials needed, wear and tear on equipment and required profit margin.

Competitive Comparison

The contracting and painting market is very competitive. The barriers to entry and exit in this market are very low making this an industry with a large number of rival firms with high turnover rates. Buyers have a significant amount of power since they have a large number of companies to choose from. Moreover, services are undifferentiated, which means that customer loyalty is usually low. Painting companies must compete on quality and timeliness of service, customer relations, and price.

Barnum Painters believes that it can improve on the quality and timeliness of services in this industry by instituting procedures that will avoid many of the mistakes that other firms make. This includes delayed schedules and high employee turnover which leads to lower service quality. The company will be equally competitive in price and will maintain close ties with its clients throughout the entire project since each project is a customized job. Through these steps, Barnum Painters will be able to build up a reputation of better quality service at competitive prices than its competitors.

Market Analysis Summary how to do a market analysis for your business plan.">

Barnum Painters will focus on two markets within the industry, the residential segment (including apartment buildings) and the commercial segment (including buildings used for professional purposes).

The commercial market requires the shortest amount of time to completion of projects and usually the least amount of customization. Since our projects impinge upon a business’ profitability, it is absolutely crucial for our project foremen to maintain schedule and keep the stakeholders apprised of the project’s progress.

Although the above is also true for the residental owner, time is not as critical, quality and meeting the needs/wants of the client come first in the residential segment. The client is often willing to wait a little longer to have the project done to his/her specifications. The project foremen must be willing to be more flexible and willing to listen to the client.

Over the past decade a number of new trends have been observed in this industry. This includes the tremendous growth of the economy, the high technology boom, and the growth of substitute services such as Home Depot.

Market Segmentation

Barnum Painters will focus on two markets within the industry, the residential segment (including apartment buildings) and the commercial segment which includes buildings used for professional purposes. The company can handle any size building that needs its services. It is the goal of the company to eventually have approximately one-third of all business coming from the commercial segment, since this generates the greatest cash flow. Furthermore, this segment has the lowest percentage of variable costs. The residential segment is considered to be the company’s cash cow. Even during the slow winter months, the company can expect to have a small number of residential contracts.

Initially the company will focus on the two segments in just the Everett, Washington area. However, by the end of the three year projections, the company expects to be serving the entire Puget Sound area.

Target Market Segment Strategy

Each of the two market segments has differing needs and trends. The following sections go into detail about how the company will fact them.

Market Trends

Over the past decade a number of new trends have been observed in this industry. The tremendous growth of the economy has fueled the painting contractors industry as well, as people have progressively spent more and saved less. The high technology boom has created great opportunities in the Pacific Northwest which the industry has also benefited from. However,  the growth of firms such as Home Depot, which encourages do-it-yourself painting and construction, has lead to a serious decline in sales for the residential segment. The growth of this trend poses a significant threat to the industry. Barnum Painters plans to increasingly focus on the commercial segment as the company grows in order to promote greater revenue and income.

Service Business Analysis

Most of the industry analysis is contained in the Competitive Comparison section to give the reader the idea of the competitive nature of the industry, its opportunities and threats, and the company’s flexibility in pricing. Barnum Painters exists in a purely competitive market that faces virtually unlimited competition and high demand. The ability of the company to differentiate its services or enter into a niche market is limited. The company will engage in a low-cost leadership strategy while maintaining a suitable level of quality.

In the painting contracting industry, there are a limited number of large firms that compete for the largest projects, and a vast number of smaller companies that fight for all the rest. Within the largest company section, market consolidation is always a threat.

Competition and Buying Patterns

This industry is highly seasonal. The busiest times are during the summer months where it is easy for a company to become so engaged that it must turn down contracts. During the winter months businesses must focus on marketing to get any contracts at all.

Main Competitors

The main competitors for Barnum Painters include Kolby and Wilson, DMB Enterprises, Sun Painting, and Milbrant Commercial Painters.

Each of these competitors is able to achieve a high degree of profitability through marketing, volume or high-end contracts. They pose a significant threat to Barnum Painters because of their deep pockets and their desire to acquire other painting competitors. Barnum Painters will compete with these rivals through the use of greater marketing and better service.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

As stated before, the company will focus on greater service through better scheduling, project management, and greater alignment of personnel by providing profit sharing. The company is seeking to use the most up-to-date communications and scheduling technology between the project manager, foreman, suppliers, and operations personnel to insure that deadlines are met. Furthermore, the company will seek to create a reliable pool of individual painters to draw upon and eventually hire all the painters full time with salary and other compensation.

The company also plans to carry out an agressive marketing plan starting in year three. This includes literature, TV, radio, billboards and strategic alliances with other large contractors that do not have their own painting services. These companies include Marble Construction, Talbot Construction and Burns & Associates.

Marketing Strategy

The following sections detail the marketing strategy for Barnum Painters.

Promotion Strategy

Pricing strategy.

The company will price each project based on time, material, and a flat 5-10% profit margin, depending on the segment. In the first year or two, depending on sales, the company will focus more on getting the contracts than on maintaining its pricing structure. Therefore, profit margin may be a little low for the first year or two.

Sales Strategy

Sales forecast is based on the existing client base of the three principal officers of the company and their ability to generate new sales based on their contacts. By bringing together Mr. Kruger’s commercial painting experience and Mr. Barnum’s residential experience, the company will be able to generate sales in both areas. Furthermore, the company’s growing marketing program will generate the growth the company needs to survive.

Sales Forecast

See Sales Strategy.

Strategic Alliances

The company is currently in negotiations to form a strategic alliance with an undisclosed large contractor company. The agreement will be that Barnum Painters will provide all the painting needs that the contractor’s clients require and vice versa. The company will seek further alliances as situations develop. The company will seek only those contractors that have high standards of customer service and retention.

Management Summary management summary will include information about who's on your team and why they're the right people for the job, as well as your future hiring plans.">

Management consists of three individuals who have extensive experience in the painting contractors industry. These are William Barnum, Anthony Barnum, and Michael Kruger. Each individual brings a unique outlook and skill set that will help drive sales and profits.

The president and head of operations of Barnum Painters will be Mr. William Barnum, the head of inventory, expediter and Q&A will be Mr. Kruger and the person in charge of sales and contracting will be Mr. Anthony Barnum.

Organizational Structure

The company will follow a hierarchical structure with Mr. William Barnum at the top as president and Mr. Anthony Barnum and Mr. Michael Kruger as department heads. The sales and contracting department along with inventory, expediters, and Q&A will consist of only those individuals until such time as growth of the company will require more people. This is anticipated to occur in year three to five.

Management Team

Mr. William Barnum has been in the painting industry working with residential owners for 15 years. He initially started off with B&B contractors as a carpenter and painter and worked with various companies for the next ten years. Desiring to own his own company, Mr. Barnum attended Puget Sound University where he got his B.S. in business. He then worked for Star Painters as a project manager and financial analyst.

Mr. Anthony Barnum started out working with painting and contracting companies while attending college. He has a B.S. in communications from Washington State University. He has eight years experience in sales.

Mr. Michael Kruger has worked in the painting industry for 20 years as a contractor, project manager and owner of Kruger Enterprises. He has extensive experience in bidding and completing commercial painting projects.

Personnel Plan

The following table is the personnel plan for Barnum Painters.

Financial Plan investor-ready personnel plan .">

The following sections will outline the Financial Plan of Barnum Painters.

Important Assumptions

The following table shows the General Assumptions for Barnum Painters.

Key Financial Indicators

The chart below shows the Benchmarks for Barnum Painters.

Break-even Analysis

The Break-even Analysis gives the reader an idea of how many projects Barnum Painters must bid for, prep, paint and complete each month to cover costs. Because Barnum Painters is providing a customized service with many projects having unique requirements, the estimates of revenue and cost are somewhat arbitrary. Furthermore, the company experiences a high degree of seasonality in its contracts which may result in a number of unprofitable months during the late fall, winter and early spring periods.

Fixed costs are based on running costs estimated by the officers of the company and  include payroll for all employees. Variable costs are based on a 26% estimate of the average sales per unit. The average revenue estimate is based on the consensus of the principal officers who have had many years of experience in the industry and on the realistic assumption of the types of contracts the company will get in the beginning and the requirements needed to complete such projects.

Projected Profit and Loss

The following table and chart shows the projected Profit and Loss for Barnum Painters.

Projected Cash Flow

The following table and chart is the Cash Flow for Barnum Painters.

Projected Balance Sheet

The following table presents the Balance Sheet for Barnum Painters.

Business Ratios

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Painting Business Plan Template & Guidebook

Are you an aspiring painter looking to get your own business off the ground? Do you need help developing a comprehensive business plan that will take your painting business from dream to reality? Look no further than the #1 Painting Business Plan Template & Guidebook. This detailed template and guidebook have everything you need to create a simple, step-by-step plan for launching and growing your painting business. With this essential tool, you can create a professional plan that will ensure your success as a successful entrepreneur.

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• How to Start a Profitable Painting Business [11 Steps]
• 10+ Best & Profitable Painting Business Ideas [2023]
• 25 Catchy Painting Business Names:
• List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Painting Service:

How to Write a Painting Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your painting business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your painting business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a painting business:

Our mission at ABC Painting is to provide high-quality painting services to our clients, creating a lasting impression and beautiful aesthetic that adds value to their homes and businesses. We also strive to be a leader in the painting industry by using innovative techniques, providing excellent customer service, and being committed to sustainability.

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Painting Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your painting business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my business?
• What are the products and/or services that I offer?
• Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
• How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
• How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your painting business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your painting business includes the following elements:

Target market

• Who is your target market?
• What do these customers have in common?
• How many of them are there?
• How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

• Who are your current customers? 
• Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
• How can their experience with your painting business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

• How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
• Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
• Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
• How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

• Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
• Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
• What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

• Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
• What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
• What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
• How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

• The equipment and facilities needed
• Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
• Financial requirements for each step
• Milestones & KPIs
• Location of your business
• Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a painting business?

• Drop cloths
• Paint trays
• Paint sprayers
• Painting Tape
• Sandpaper, sponges, and/or scrapers
• Work clothes/gloves/face masks/safety glasses
• Business license for the city, county, or state where you plan on operating your business.

5. Management & Organization of Your Painting Business.

The second part of your painting business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

• How many employees you need in order to run your painting business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
• The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
• How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Painting Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a painting business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a painting business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your painting business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your painting business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your painting business plan:

• Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
• Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
• Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
• Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
• Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
• Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a painting business.

A business plan for a painting business is important in order to make sure that the business is profitable and successful. It helps to determine the goals and objectives of the business, as well as the strategies and tactics necessary to achieve those goals. It can also help the owner assess the financials of the business, such as expenses, revenue, and profitability. Additionally, it provides a roadmap for business growth and development. Finally, it can be used to secure funding from investors or lenders.

Who should you ask for help with your painting business plan?

It is advisable to consult a professional business consultant or accountant to help you create a comprehensive business plan for your painting business. Additionally, you may find help and resources from government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other private entities that specialize in providing assistance to small businesses.

Can you write a painting business plan yourself?

Yes, you can write a painting business plan yourself. You will need to do some research on the painting industry, as well as consider your budget, target market, and goals for the business. You should also make sure to include a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis of your business and a financial plan that outlines your projected costs and revenue. Additionally, consider writing out a marketing plan that will help you reach your customers and promote your business.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

BUSINESS STRATEGIES

How to create a painting business plan

• Jeremy Greenbaum
• Sep 14, 2023

When starting a business that specializes in interior or exterior painting, a well-crafted business plan is your essential tool. It goes beyond just words on paper; it's your guiding star to thrive in the industry. More specifically, a painting business plan is a strategic document that outlines the fundamental elements of your business: your goals, target market, services offered, pricing strategies, marketing approach, financial projections and operational procedures.

Learn more about the essential component of a business plan, and how to get started crafting your own.

Ready to get your painting business off the ground? Get started making a website with Wix .

Why create a painting business plan?

When stepping into the world of painting, having a comprehensive and crystal-clear business plan can help in a variety of ways:

Gives you clear direction: By carefully defining your business's purpose, objectives and target audience, your plan can articulate where your business is headed. This clarity means you're less likely to make costly missteps that could slow down your business's growth.

Helps you raise money for your business : A well-crafted business plan is your pitch for securing funding and investments. Whether you're seeking loans or courting potential investors, a detailed plan shows that you're serious and that you understand the market inside and out. That boosts your business's credibility and makes it more attractive to potential financial supporters.

Guides your marketing and branding: Your business plan isn't just about words; it's also about actions. It's your guiding light when building assets, like your business website , that should feature consistent messaging. By defining your company vision and marketing strategy up front, you can more easily create brand guidelines that take all of your multichannel efforts into account.

Regardless of what type of business you’re starting, a strong business plan consists of the following elements:

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operations plans

Marketing and advertising plans

Financial plan

Before creating your business plan, check out how to start a service business .

01. Executive summary

The executive summary of a painting business plan is a concise overview of the entire plan. It encapsulates the business's mission, services offered, target market, competitive edge and financial projections. In essence, it provides a snapshot of the business plan's key points, serving as a preview for potential investors and stakeholders.

To craft a clear executive summary for a painting business, focus on highlighting the uniqueness of your services, your commitment to quality workmanship and the potential growth prospects.

Here's an example: “Brushstroke Pros is a dynamic painting services company dedicated to transforming spaces through exceptional craftsmanship and innovative design. With a team of skilled professionals and a passion for artistic expression, we offer a comprehensive range of residential and commercial painting services. Our commitment to delivering top-notch results and personalized service sets us apart in the industry. We project steady growth, targeting a 25% increase in revenue within the first year. By merging our expertise with client aspirations, we're poised to become a recognized leader in the painting sector.”

02. Business and domain names

Selecting an appropriate business name is vital for building brand identity and trust. A well-chosen name, like "Brushstroke Pros," emphasizes your expertise and professionalism. If you’re not sure where to start, use a business name generator to think of creative small business names.

Use: Small business name generator

When choosing a domain name , align it closely with your business name, ensuring it's easy to remember and spell. Checking domain name availability is crucial—and a .com extension is generally preferable for its familiarity and credibility.

Be inspired: Painting business name ideas

Remember to also register your business once your name and business structure is set in stone.

03. Market analysis and research

Conduct thorough market research to identify your ideal clients, whether they're homeowners seeking interior painting or businesses in need of exterior upgrades. Understanding your target audience's preferences and pain points helps tailor your services and marketing strategies.

Analyze local and regional competitors to identify gaps in the market. This analysis will guide your pricing, service differentiation and marketing approach, allowing you to position your business uniquely.

04. Operations plan

An operations plan outlines the practical aspects of running your painting business effectively. It should include things like:

Location: Determine whether your painting business will serve a specific geographical area or have a broader reach. Consider choosing a central location for easy access to clients and projects.

Premises and equipment: Outline the equipment needed for various painting projects, from brushes and rollers to power washers. Detail how you'll maintain your equipment to ensure consistent performance.

Staffing: Specify the number of skilled painters required for different project sizes and types. Define their roles and responsibilities to ensure seamless project execution and completion.

05. Marketing and advertising plan

This should include your marketing plans and strategies focusing on your:

Social media presence: Utilize platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to showcase before-and-after photos of your projects. Engage with followers by sharing painting tips and insights.

Local advertising: Utilize local newspapers, magazines and community boards to promote your services. Offer special discounts for first-time clients to attract initial business.

Networking: Attend local home improvement shows, trade fairs and networking events to connect with potential clients and collaborators in the construction and design industries.

Need help thinking of a strong logo for your business? Try Wix’s free logo maker .

06. Financial plan

Some important components to include as part of your financial plan include:

Startup costs: Estimate expenses for equipment, marketing materials, insurance, licenses and initial staff training.

Revenue projections: Project revenue based on the number of projects and average service fees. Aim for gradual growth, targeting a revenue increase of 20% annually.

Funding: Consider self-funding, small business loans or partnerships to secure the necessary funds for startup and initial operations.

Profitability timeline: With a diligent marketing and execution strategy, anticipate achieving profitability within the first 18 months of operation.

Hypothetical painting business plan example: ColorSplash Painting Services

ColorSplash Painting Services is poised to become a leading name in the painting industry, offering top-notch residential and commercial painting solutions. Our team of skilled professionals is committed to transforming spaces with vibrant colors and superior workmanship. We project a 20% increase in revenue within the first year as we establish our brand and solidify our reputation for quality and creativity.

Company and domain Names

Company name: ColorSplash Painting Services

Domain name: www.ColorSplashPainting.com

Our company name, "ColorSplash Painting Services," reflects our commitment to adding vibrancy and life to spaces. The corresponding domain name aligns with our brand identity and ensures easy online access for potential clients.

Target market: Our focus will be on homeowners seeking interior and exterior painting services, as well as local businesses looking to refresh their commercial spaces. Research shows a growing demand for personalized and creative painting solutions.

Competitor analysis: We've analyzed local painting companies and identified an opportunity to stand out through innovative design concepts and exceptional customer service. This analysis will guide our approach to service differentiation and marketing strategies.

Operations plan

Location: Our headquarters will be strategically located for easy access to residential and commercial areas within a 30-mile radius.

Premises and equipment: We'll maintain a storage facility for equipment, including brushes, rollers and paint sprayers. Regular maintenance and replacement will ensure efficient operations.

Staffing: Our team will consist of experienced painters and color consultants who are passionate about translating clients' visions into reality. We'll hire based on skill, professionalism and commitment to quality work.

Marketing and advertising plan

Social media presence: Active profiles on Instagram and Facebook will showcase our portfolio, project transformations and paint color trends. Engaging content will help us connect with potential clients.

Local advertising: We'll collaborate with local home and lifestyle magazines, offering special features and discounts for readers. This will increase brand visibility and attract local clientele.

Networking: Attending home improvement expos and joining local business associations will allow us to network with potential clients, interior designers and real estate professionals.

Startup costs: Initial investments in equipment, marketing materials, insurance and staff training are estimated at $30,000.

Revenue projections: We anticipate revenue growth from $50,000 in the first year to $100,000 in the second year, fueled by increasing clientele and positive referrals.

Funding: We plan to secure funding through a combination of personal savings, a small business loan and contributions from a silent investor.

Profitability timeline: With a strategic marketing approach and efficient operations, we anticipate reaching profitability by the end of year two.

Other business ideas you might be interested in and how to get started

Check out these additional service business ideas as well as service business examples for more inspiration.

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How to Start a Painting Business in 7 Steps

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There are few certainties in life besides death, taxes, and the inevitability of home renovations, which may be good news for you if you’re looking to start your own business. If you watch home improvement shows long enough, you’ll see that a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for a home.

Not everyone has the patience or skill with a brush to do the job on their own, however. That’s why learning how to start a painting business can be a great opportunity to be your own boss and unleash your inner designer.

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or a first timer, starting a painting business can come with plenty of questions and considerations—some of which are unique to working in the home renovation industry. Some people start a painting business with little more than brushes, ladders, and a vehicle to carry it all. That isn’t necessarily the best move, however, as there are a heap of small business finances and licenses that you might need to keep your business above board (and, most importantly, protected against accidents).

Determining how to start a painting business doesn’t need to be a challenge, but there are a few considerations that you’ll have to address before hanging your shingle, throwing on your painter’s cap, and getting down to work. We’ll help you navigate the process of registering your business, setting up a business bank account, figuring out what licenses and insurance you need, and how to secure business financing if you need it.

5 reasons to start a painting business

There are tons of reasons why you might be curious about how to start a painting business: Overhead is relatively low, particularly compared to other trades, you don’t need to have a particularly specialized knowledge to get started, and you aren’t as limited by seasonal fluctuations as other trades are.

Here are five reasons why starting a painting business might appeal to you.

1. Getting started is easy

The barrier to entry for starting a painting business is low. Painters don’t usually have to go through the same kind of rigorous education and certification processes that other tradespeople, such as metalworkers or carpenters, do. This means you’ll be able to find employees that can start quickly, learn on the job, and may not be as expensive to hire as in other parts of the industry. And, if you plan to do the work yourself, you won’t have to spend time (and money!) going through preparatory classes. It’s not a bad idea to take a continuing education class to learn the finer points of painting homes, but if you’re already well-versed, you should be fine to get started without one.

Another great reason to start a painting business is its flexibility. You can work as many or as few jobs as you want. This is particularly true if you opt to do painting work seasonally. There’s a reason for jokes about teachers being house painters in the summer—it’s a great way to put a little extra money in your pocket when your regular job (or other contract work) is slow or out-of-season. And, with most businesses, you can get started without needing a ton of paperwork to register your business. Small business insurance may be another story, though, and we’ll cover that later on.

2. Startup and overhead costs are low

Operating a painting business also requires less expensive equipment than other fields. Instead of having to stock up on power tools, welding equipment, plumbing supplies, or other overhead-heavy materials, you can get started with little more than brushes and ladders. Other equipment, such as scaffolding and paint sprayers, can come later once you’ve recouped your startup expenses. Plus, upgrading your materials over time can help pay for itself, as you’ll be able to work more efficiently and take on additional jobs.

If you end up having enough business to require an additional set of hands to get things done, you won’t likely have to spend a ton on staff, either. Unlike other trades, such as carpentry and plumbing, there is less of a learning curve involved in learning how to paint houses. This means you won’t have to necessarily spend as much on staff as you would for more skilled tradespeople. Granted, this may not be true for every market, but the national average salary for painters is almost $38,000 versus a plumber’s salary, which is just above $57,000.

3. Clients pay more for specialized painting skills

There’s a big difference between putting a new coat of paint on the side of a house and creating a German smear-style coat on a brick wall. The more specialized your painting skills get, the more you can charge for your services. These techniques may take a little longer to hone, but learning specialized painting styles and techniques could help you make major bank if you invest the time in learning them.

The proliferation of home renovation shows has made even the most DIY-averse property owners attuned to the world of unique looks and decorating styles. This trend could be a huge asset for your business and provide you with a competitive edge. Plus, some niche services, such as historically accurate painting, can mean major contracts for your business.

Most communities have strict rules about what colors (and painting methods) people can use on historical homes, and you can be one of the businesses that offer these services. You could also branch out into related tasks, such as wallpapering, which opens up avenues for growth for your business.

How much do you need?

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

4. Painting businesses are in demand

The painting industry grew 4.2% from 2014 to 2019, employing more than 500,000 people according to current figures. The industry is also worth about $43 billion as well. What does all of this mean for you if you’re looking at starting a painting business? Well, in short, it means that you’d be in pretty high demand.

If you live or work in an area where the real estate market is hot, you may also be able to get in on the action by starting a painting business that works alongside home flippers. Real estate investors need home improvement work done on short order, and are usually happy to work with a reliable partner across several projects. Find a flipper who needs painting services, and you might just have yourself your first long-term client. This can help you establish positive cash flow and get your business off the ground—particularly if you can harness the power of word-of-mouth advertising.

5. You get to be your own boss

This perk might be self-evident if you’re looking to start your own painting business, but it bears repeating. One of the biggest benefits of becoming an entrepreneur is setting your own schedule, building your business the way you want to, and setting the hours you want to keep. For many, that’s a huge benefit to consider when you want to know how to start a painting business, as well as just about any other kind of small business endeavor.

Granted, that also means getting your hands dirty with financial, legal, and regulatory issues—often without much help from other people if you’re starting off on your own. Painting businesses may be subject to fewer rules and restrictions than, say, an HVAC company, but there are still hurdles to clear for any business—particularly with regard to registering your business and getting set up with a business bank account.

How to start a painting business: The basics

You’re primed and ready to start your painting business (sorry, we couldn’t resist that one). Whether you’ve already thought about your strategy to enter the market or haven’t made it past the concept stage, there are plenty of factors and next steps that you’ll want to take on if you’re going to give your company the best chance at success that you can. Here are a few business basics to consider when starting your painting business, in order of operations.

Draft a business plan

You may not think that starting a painting business would mean drafting a business plan, but there are a ton of advantages to doing your homework in this regard. Plus, your business plan doesn't need to be overly complex or detailed—it can be a long or short as you want, so long as it covers a few basic elements. Don’t be overwhelmed by the idea of having to put pen to paper (or letters to screen, as it were): The best business plan is iterative, as it changes and grows alongside your business and its needs.

A good business plan empowers you with a roadmap for how you build your company, as well as a set of guiding principles once you're up and running. Owners of successful businesses are usually short on time, which means you might not have a ton of mental bandwidth to take on big-picture strategy development tasks when you’re in the middle of juggling jobs, balancing the books, and collecting invoices. A good business plan helps you stay on track when staying afloat becomes a full-time job.

Start Your Dream Business

Get your business registered

Got your business proposal in the bag? Great. Now the real fun begins. By fun, we mean paperwork (to each their own, right?). Running a small business that’s protected from accidents, legal trouble, or any kind of unforeseen incidents with the IRS means filing paperwork and covering your assets. Registering your painting business is perhaps the crucial events in your business’s life, too.

It’s important to register your business—and choose the right kind of business entity—because of the liability protections and tax implications that come with each of the options out there. Depending on where you live, you may be able to set up a sole proprietorship without even needing to file paperwork. Although this is the most expedient option, it also puts you at the most personal risk if something goes wrong.

Most painting businesses can get by with a limited liability corporation (LLC) or limited liability partnership (LLP). There are several varieties of both, each designed to accommodate different business structures. Some LLCs are designed as a pass-through entity for individual owners or partners. These allow you to keep your personal assets separate from those of your business, and even allow you to file your business taxes through your own personal returns.

Other corporation types, such as S-Corps and C-Corps, involve a bit more paperwork and logistics, and require you to file business taxes separately from your own return. As with all matters legal, be sure to get in touch with a lawyer before making a decision.

Purchase insurance and get licenses

Some municipalities require painting businesses to be insured and licensed, while others may not. In all states except Texas, for example, employers are required to get workers compensation insurance. Even if you’re not required to do one or both of these steps, it’s in your best interest to get both in most cases. Some types of small business insurance will help cover you and your employees in the event of an accident while on the job, as well as financial support in the event of a lawsuit or legal issue. Your coverage will depend on the kind of policy you purchase, and there are a variety of options out there from which you can choose.

Most areas will require a business license for you to do professional painting work legally. These rules are typically enacted and enforced on a state and local level. Therefore there’s no one-size-fits-all recommendation here, as your location is likely to have its own unique rules. You’ll want to make sure you’re fully licensed and on the right side of local laws before you start working. Without proper licensure, you may find yourself on the wrong side of the law and incur penalties for working without the right permits. Again, this is where a lawyer’s expert advice can come in handy.

Set up a business bank account

Once you’ve gotten your business officially on the books with the local or state governments, you’ll want to open a business checking account to keep your personal and business finances separate. This is a crucial step in the business startup process: If you don’t route your business’s money through a business bank account, you run the risk of leaving your personal assets up for grabs if your business goes under or gets sued.

The good news is that it’s easy to set up a business bank account. Most brick-and-mortar banks will let you start the process online and finish at a local branch. There are a growing number of online-only business banks that allow you to register for a business bank account online without needing to step foot in a bank. These banks won’t work for businesses that conduct most of their transactions in cash, though, since these options offer no ATMs where you can deposit greenbacks. If you anticipate doing most of your business in cash, you may want to stick with a more typical business bank account.

How to start a painting business: The financials

Even though the startup costs involved in starting a painting business are relatively low, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have the cash on hand to pay for everything you need to get started or grow your business. There are some compelling opportunities to get the cash you need, though—primarily through loans and zero-interest credit cards. Here are your options for what you can borrow in order to start your painting business.

Get an equipment financing loan

Equipment financing loans can be a great option for people who are looking to start a painting business. These loans function differently than your typical bank term loan: instead of requiring you to put up collateral in order to get the money you need, equipment financing loans allow you to borrow the amount of cash you need to make a specific purchase. Most equipment loan lenders will ask you what you’re looking to buy and a price quote from a vendor. If approved, they’ll loan you the total cost of the equipment in exchange for repayment over a certain period of time, plus interest. What you purchase serves as the loan’s collateral, meaning that the lender will sell what bought with the loan in the event that you can’t pay what you owe.

Get a small business term loan

When you think of a conventional bank loan, you’re likely envisioning a small business term loan. These loans are given out by banks to creditworthy borrowers. They require repayment on a predetermined schedule, and come with fixed or fluctuating interest rates depending on the way the loan is set up. Business term loans can be a great option for business owners that have strong personal credit, a track record of repaying business loans, and a robust business plan. Note that small business term loans are usually difficult for first-time entrepreneurs to get, so you may not be as likely to get money through these means if you haven’t already developed a track record through prior business loans.

Get a 0% intro business credit card

If banks aren’t open to lending your business money and you can’t pinpoint a specific purchase that you need the loan to complete, you aren’t completely out of options. Getting a 0% intro APR business credit card can give you access to cash with no interest payments, so long as you use your card properly. This option lets you buy what you need to get started while avoiding interest payments during the 0% APR period. This may even be better than a loan in some circumstances as a result.

Bear in mind that you have to pay your balance off in full before the introductory period expires—otherwise you’re on the hook for interest payments on top of your credit card balance.

The bottom line

Being your own boss by starting a painting business can be a rewarding experience, particularly if you’re not averse to getting your hands dirty (metaphorically and literally). With a little bit of paperwork, cash, and drive, you can get your business scaled up and ready for primetime without having to move mountains.

So long as you’ve set yourself up for success with the right business structure, licenses, insurance, and strategy, your paint rollers should be, well, ready to roll.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES SUCCEED

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What do you need to know about starting a business?

• Start up business ideas
• Set up a business
• Skills and wellbeing
• Business planning
• Financing a business
• Tax and National Insurance
• Business law
• Sales and marketing
• Business premises
• Business IT
• Grow your business
• Types of business
• Testing business ideas
• Product development
• Is running a business really for you?
• Start up stories
• Registering as a sole trader
• Setting up a limited company
• Business names
• Buy a franchise
• Buying a business
• Starting an online business
• Setting up a social enterprise
• Small business support

Protect your wellbeing from the pressures of starting and running a business and develop key business skills.

• Dealing with stress
• Manage your time
• Self-confidence
• Write a business plan
• Business strategy
• Start up costs
• Start up funding
• Setting prices
• How to work out tax and NI
• Accounting and bookkeeping
• Licences and registration
• Protecting intellectual property
• Insurance for business
• Workplace health, safety and environmental rules
• Looking after your customers
• Promote your business
• Your marketing strategy
• Sales techniques
• Research your market
• Creating and optimising a website
• Commercial premises
• Premises security
• People management
• Recruitment, contracts, discipline and grievance
• Employment rights
• Hiring employees
• Buying IT for your new business
• Basic IT security
• Preparing for business growth
• How to scale up your business
• Funding business growth
• Start exporting
• Personal development

How to start up a painter and decorating business

If you've got practical skills and are looking for a varied working pattern, setting up as a painter and decorator might be an option for you. Our guide gives you all the essentials for starting up and running your own painting and decorating business.

Research your target market

Who will use your painting and decorating business, decide what painting and decorating services to offer, consider your work rate, price your painting and decorating services, buy an existing painting and decorating business.

It's very important to research your market properly. Try to find out as much as you can about the level of demand for your services, and about how much competition there is to meet that demand.

Customers - who and how many?

Think about how many people or businesses are likely to use your services and why. Which of the following will your customers be looking for when choosing a decorator:

• the best price
• the highest quality work
• the greatest breadth of service

Pay attention to the type of housing in your area. For example, are houses large or small? Are they old or new? Do they appear well kept? Do the majority of the houses have exterior walls with a natural finish like stone, or are they painted? Are some buildings spilt into several flats? Is accommodation mainly owner-occupied or mainly rented? Is some owned by the local authority or by a housing association?

Which type of housing is likely to generate the most business for you? This will depend on the range of services that you offer.

Think about other buildings in your area. Shops, pubs, offices, factories, schools and so on will all require the services of a decorator at some point.

Once you have identified who your potential customers are, you can start to think about how you will advertise your services. Start by setting up a Google Business Profile so you appear in local searches. Make sure you include details of the services you offer (interior or exterior painting, wallpapering, basic plastering etc) and customer reviews.

Make sure you have a presence on social media. For example, sign up to Next Door . Users of this app often ask for local recommendations and you can reply by offering your services. It's also worth encouraging your customers to post recommendations on Next Door - once three people have done this, your business will start to appear in searches.

You might also build a one-page website containing photographs of previous work and customer reviews. A leaflet drop in your local area can help you reach customers who might not be 'online' such as older residents.

Compare business bank accounts and loans

Do you want to open a business bank account or switch provider? Perhaps you need a loan to start or grow your business.

• Compare UK business bank accounts
• Compare UK start up business bank accounts
• Apply for a business loan

Trade customers

Larger businesses and organisations who invite firms to tender for contract work may be reluctant to use a newly established business. Also, as a young business you might struggle to fund a large contract, as many things will have to be paid for well before any payment is received. But it may be worth finding out who is responsible for putting decorating work out to tender in large organisation such as housing associations and local authorities. Try to find out how the tender process works and what you would have to do if you wanted to tender for a contract.

Try approaching other businesses that might be expected to need a decorator's services. You could, for example, leave your details with local building contractors and interior designers. Search online to find out about these types of businesses in your area. Consider joining online directories such as Checkatrade too.

Establishing the level of competition

Once you have decided who your customers might be, you need to find out how well they are already served.

How many other painters and decorators are there in your area? A quick look online will give you an idea of how many painting and decorating businesses there are in your area. How many offer the same services that you intend to offer? These are your direct competitors. Check to see if any other types of business offer decorating services - what about interior designers and general builders?

Try to find out what your competitors are like. Check online reviews and look at their website. Look at things like:

• do they seem to be large, medium-sized or small firms
• what services do they offer
• do they specialise at all
• what sort of impression does their Google Business profile give you (for example, does the firm come across as small and friendly, large and efficient, good value, upmarket)

Health and safety for painters and decorators

If you are working on a sole trader or self employed basis, you cannot afford to be off work as a result of an accident or injury caused by your work. You need to minimise risks and keep yourself safe by complying with workplace health and safety and fire safety legislation.

Some key areas where health and safety regulations affect your business, particularly if you employ staff, include:

• use of equipment such as high pressure sprayers
• access to first aid equipment
• adequate provision and use of protective clothing and equipment
• reporting of any accidents at work
• working at height

Note that the Work at Height Regulations cover all work done at height where there is a risk of falling that could cause personal injury. The Regulations place very specific duties on both employers and self-employed workers to make sure that all necessary safety precautions are taken when people are working at or above a certain height.

You must comply with workplace health and safety and fire safety legislation.

Insurance for painters and decorators

You will need insurance cover as a painter and decorator . Contact an insurer and explain how your business will operate including whether you will be working at height. An insurer can explain what cover you should have, which might include:

• employer's liability (if you employ staff)
• public liability (this is particularly important when working in other people's homes and premises)
• contractor's liability /contractor's all risks
• unfixed materials, plant and equipment on site
• combined property
• business interruption
• legal expenses
• premises , premises contents and stock
• motor insurance (for business vehicles)

Business insurance policies can vary in price. The Painting and Decorating Association provides members with free legal insurance.

Research current trends, plus legal and tax issues

• Sector trends for painters
• Legal issues for painters
• VAT rules for painters

Depending on the range of services that you offer, you may have several different types of customer, for example:

• home owners and landlords
• other businesses (for example shops, pubs, offices and so on)
• building contractors and property developers
• housing associations
• local authorities
• other organisations (for example schools, colleges, the National Trust and so on)

You might also do some sub-contract work for other larger painting and decorating firms.

Some painters and decorators market their services by keeping an eye on local planning applications and sending a flyer to any applicants who they think might want to engage them.

How will your customers pay you

Clients such as housing associations and local authorities will almost always pay you by direct payment to your bank account. You might also decide to accept payment by credit and debit card.

You will probably ask your private customers to pay you when a job is completed, although you might sometimes ask for a deposit or interim payment on a large job.

Interim payments are a common feature of public sector and contract work, particularly when the contract is a long one. Final payment is usually received some time after the job is completed, depending on the terms agreed.

Some contracts may specify that a certain amount (often known as 'retention money') is held back for a given length of time, after which it is only paid if all the work is found to be complete and satisfactory.

Like many painters and decorators, you may well find that you spend a large amount of your time decorating the inside and outside of private houses. Some of the decorating services that you might offer to home owners include:

• basic painting - including brushing and rollering emulsion, glossing and spray-painting a range of different paint finishes
• special paint effects (like rag rolling, marbling and so on)
• traditional and heritage painting and decorating finishes
• wall lining and wallpapering - and other wall coverings such as vinyl and fabric
• minor repair work (for example plaster patching)
• artexing and coving
• floor coatings
• decorative carpentry

You might also undertake these types of jobs on trade contracts at premises like offices, shops, schools, factories and public buildings. You might decide to undertake specialist industrial jobs such as spray painting large areas like industrial units. Perhaps you intend to offer specialist services such as flood and fire reinstatement.

The range of services that you offer your clients will depend on your own skills and training - and on the equipment you have available. Some well-qualified decorators advertise that they can undertake 'all aspects of decorating'.

You may decide to offer a range of other services if you find that there is demand for them. Some examples might include:

• interior design service
• site clearance (for example after building work has been completed)
• waterproofing, mould treatment and de-humidifying
• general building maintenance work

Some of these you may undertake yourself, others will require specialist input from an employee or sub-contractor.

Assuming that you get a steady stream of work, the amount that you can earn depends partly on the number of days you work and the length of your working day.

You may decide to stick to normal business hours, for example 8.30 am until 5.30 pm Monday to Friday and, possibly, 8.30 am until 1.30 pm on Saturdays. Or you may decide to work longer hours. Perhaps you are prepared to work very long hours when your services are in demand, taking some time off during quieter periods. There may be times when a customer wants you to work different hours - perhaps even overnight while a shop, office or industrial unit is closed or unoccupied.

If you have some experience as a painter and decorator, you should have an idea how long certain types of jobs will take you. It is very important when quoting for a job that you can make an accurate estimate of how long it will take. It's no good quoting for three days work if it ends up taking you five!

The speed at which you work depends on your own skills and experience, the type of work that you do and the quality of finish that you achieve. Your charges should reflect all of these things too.

Non-productive time

Unfortunately, some of your time will be spent working but not earning money. For example, when you are:

• visiting sites to price up new work
• finishing off jobs that take longer than anticipated (possibly due to unforeseen problems)
• re-doing faulty work
• travelling to and from jobs, or to get tools or materials from a supplier
• repairing tools or vehicles

Sometimes you will find that you are unable to work, because:

• the weather is too bad to work outside and you have no inside jobs that you can complete instead
• you are waiting for materials to be delivered
• you are waiting for paint or plaster to dry or for another tradesperson to finish their work first
• a vital tool or piece of equipment is broken, or your van is out of action
• unforeseen problems crop up on a job - for example a building turns out to have serious damp problems
• you are ill

Take all of these factors into account when you are estimating the maximum number of productive hours that you can work each month.

You'll need to decide how you will charge for work done. For example, you might:

• charge for your services on an hourly or daily basis, adding to this the cost of any materials that you supply
• base your charges for certain types of jobs on the size of the area to be decorated
• quote on a 'fixed price per job' basis; you might, for example, have a standard charge for painting, say, the outside of a three-bedroom semi

You may decide to use different methods of costing for different jobs, depending on who the customer is and what the job is like.

It is very important that you set your charges carefully. You must make sure when deciding on what to charge that, assuming you get enough work, you will earn enough to cover all of your operating costs, including your drawings. Decorating is time-consuming and labour-intensive work, so make sure your prices mean that you will be working for a reasonable hourly rate. The same goes for any staff you employ - be sure that you will earn a reasonable margin for the business on top of the wages you pay them.

Also consider the following points when setting your prices:

• what do your competitors charge for similar work
• do you aim to take business from your competitors with competitive pricing (this may be particularly important if you want to tender for contract work, for example)
• will you vary your rate depending on the type and complexity of the work involved
• will you offer special trade rates to clients such as local authorities and building contractors
• will you build in wet weather contingency when pricing for outdoor work

Quote or estimate

If you give a quote for a job, that is a fixed price. Once it has been accepted by the customer the price can't be changed, even if you end up having to do a lot more work than anticipated when you prepared the quote. Make sure your quotes give precise details of what is included and make it quite clear that any variations or extras not covered by the quote will be charged separately.

An estimate is not a fixed price, it is just your best guess of what the job is likely to cost. You are not bound by it. It is perfectly acceptable to provide several estimates, each taking into account different scenarios.

Where necessary explain to customers situations that could affect the price - for example the discovery of crumbling plaster behind old wallpaper or previously undetected asbestos. And if the customer asks for extra work to be done during the course of a job, be clear about how this will affect the overall cost.

It is usual to provide estimates and quotes free of charge on a no-obligation basis. You might, though, decide to make a charge for more complex and time-consuming consultancy work - perhaps you will refund this charge if it leads on to a substantial contract.

Special trade rates

Trade customers might expect you to offer them a special trade rate. Large organisations that invite firms such as yours to tender for contract work will also expect your rates to be very competitive. So you may decide to price work for trade clients in a different way to domestic work.

Think carefully about whether or not scaffolding will be needed for a job, and be clear about whether your quote includes this cost. Health and safety legislation means that there are strict limits on the types of work at height that can be done off a ladder.

Be aware that many of your clients will get quotes from several decorating firms, so you need to be able to quote accurately and competitively. However, don't cut your own throat. Many clients value good, efficient service and are prepared to pay a realistic price for it. Above all, make sure that you don't end up working at a loss because your quote was too low!

Special guides are available to help you when pricing painting and decorating work. They include details of paint coverage and give up to date advice on what rates to charge for particular types of jobs.

You might decide to buy an existing decorating business rather than start your own venture from scratch. Buying a going concern can mean that the products, customers, regular sales, staff, premises and equipment are already in place.

If the business you're thinking of buying is a small one, look carefully at what you're getting for your money. Small decorating businesses may not have much in the way of assets, so you'll need to make sure you're getting good value if you're paying for things like goodwill, contacts lists and perhaps some ongoing long-term contracts.

Buying a business  can be a hazardous, expensive process unless you have the right skills and experience on your team, including legal and financial know-how. Establish the genuine trading and financial position, so that the price you pay for the business is not too high.

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How to start up a painting and decorating business

Table of Contents

How to start a painting and decorating business

Training and skills, business focus, rules and regulations, the legal stuff, how to find clients for your painting and decorating business, website , social media, other marketing, how to manage your finance as self-employed, business current account, invoice clients effectively, focus on doing what you love.

If you like working with your hands, are comfortable with heights, enjoy transforming spaces, and like calling the shots, then a painting and decorating business could be for you.

This guide will help you get your new painting and decorating business up and running by looking at the following steps:

• How Countingup helps you run your painting and decorating business

When figuring out how to start up a painting and decorating business, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure success. We’ve listed them below.

You don’t need a specific qualification to run a painting and decorating business. Many professionals in the field start out as an apprentice and learn the skills on the job. That said, if you work on construction sites, you’ll need a Construction Skills Certificate Scheme card . This card proves that you’re capable of carrying out the work on site. 

While you don’t need specific qualifications, it’s crucial to have the practical skills and keen eye for detail to paint a straight line and select the right colours in different spaces. These days, you can use apps to find the right shade, so you’ll also benefit from knowing how to use those. 

In addition, good customer service is crucial to creating a successful business, so solid people skills are a plus since they’ll allow you to attract and retain clients. Read more about why customer service is important .  

Before you launch your new painting and decorating business, choose what services you will offer. The best way to determine your focus is by researching the current market. Look into industry trends and investigate what other painters and decorators offer. Market analysis and competitor research will allow you to uncover service gaps that your business can fill. 

When starting a new business, it can be useful to have a range of skills so you can take on a variety of jobs and not have to turn down work. That said, having an area that you specialise in can contribute to your unique selling point (USP) , meaning the thing that differentiates you from the competition.

Also, consider if you want to work in commercial or residential painting and decorating. Residential jobs might be easier to get, but they often pay less than commercial jobs. That said, commercial clients might pay more, but the work tends to be more complicated. Consider the benefits and drawbacks of different fields to help you decide the best path for your business. 

There are a number of painting and decorating standards that every person in the trade needs to follow. To ensure you comply with these standards (and look more professional), there are trade bodies you can join. Here are a few examples of trade bodies you can join:

• Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) – this is the UK’s largest trade body for painters and decorators. To become a member, you must adhere to a range of criteria to prove you’re serious and qualified. 
• Scottish Decorators’ Federation (SDA) – this association represents approximately 75% of decorators in Scotland and acts as a lobby and training body.
• London Association of Master Decorators (LAMD) is an extension of the PDA for those operating in London. This organisation is over 100 years old and allows members to use its prestigious logo.

While it’s not a requirement to join these associations, there are lots of advantages to doing so. Being a member of trade associations proves your credibility to clients, helps you find better insurance rates, discounted tool and equipment hire, and support from experienced professionals. 

When considering how to start up a painting and decorating business, there are some legal tasks you need to get sorted from the beginning. Starting out, you might choose to work as a sole trader or run your business as a single-person limited company . Both legal structures have their own advantages and disadvantages, which you can learn about here .

Once you’ve chosen your business structure, you need to register as self-employed with HMRC . Being self-employed means you’re responsible for paying your own taxes, and you’ll have to complete an annual Self Assessment tax return by the relevant deadlines. 

Next, you need to choose your business name. Limited companies need to register it with Companies House right away, but sole traders can register their names when completing their tax returns. 

Business insurance is a must for self-employed painters and decorators. Since you’re your own boss, you’re also liable for any mistakes or accidents that happen when you trade. 

Your core insurance will likely be public liability insurance , which protects you in case anyone makes a claim against your business for an injury or property damage. In addition, you might want to take out business equipment insurance to protect the items you need to do your job. 

If you eventually employ anyone, you legally have to take out employers’ liability insurance.

It’s worth noting that even a small mistake can be financially devastating, so ensure you’re properly protected.

After taking these steps, it’s time to start finding clients so you can begin trading. 

It’s vital that potential clients have somewhere they can find out more information about your painting and decorating business. That’s why every business should have a professional website that potential clients can visit to learn about the brand, services and fees. You can use template-based website builders like WordPress or Wix to create your site.

It’s good practice to include some images of your previous work to show visitors what you can do. In addition, you also want to write an About Us page where visitors can read about your journey, special skills, qualifications, trade association memberships, and so on. Finally, make it easy to contact you by displaying your contact information where people can see them.

When hunting clients for your new painting and decorating business, an excellent place to begin is reaching out to friends, family and former colleagues. These people might either need your services themselves or know of someone who does.

If someone you know recommends your services to someone they know, it increases your chances of getting hired by them. That’s because 92% of customers trust a referral from someone they know. 

You can also try approaching leads directly by reaching out to companies in your area to see if they need a painter and decorator. This approach can be quite time-consuming, but it’s more personal and might demonstrate your eagerness to work.  

In the early stages of your business, networking is another effective method for finding your first clients. Utilise LinkedIn to make connections with people you would like to work with to try and get a foot in the door of companies that need painting and decorating services. 

Another form of networking is to attend events and online discussions that relate to painting and decorating. These events present opportunities to connect with more people in the industry. Networking could be an excellent source of business if you attend events that provide value to potential clients.

As a new business, social media is a great way to spread the word about your new painting and decorating business and find clients. You can use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to connect with other companies, potential clients and other painters to build your credibility .

The best way to leverage your social media presence is to:

• Create and publish valuable content that demonstrates your expertise to your followers.
• Engage with businesses and individuals by liking and commenting on their posts.
• Share content that’s relevant to your business on your own channel. 

Social media is one of the best marketing methods you can use for your business, but it’s more effective when combined with other marketing methods. 

Painting and decorating can often be about who you know, but by combining different marketing methods wisely, you’ll be able to spread the word about your business further. Here are some examples of other marketing techniques you can use:

• Offer free initial consultations and a discount if they hire you within the next month. 
• Use digital marketing techniques like local SEO to find clientele in your area.
• Use content marketing to showcase your expertise. Create blog posts and videos containing useful tips to help people with their painting and decorating issues.
• Use offline marketing such as flyers, business cards or newspaper ads to attract clients that aren’t very active online.

Once you get your first job, you need to implement a system that allows you to manage your invoices, payments, and other financial activities efficiently. 

Here are a few ways you can get your financial management off to the best start.

Limited companies are legally required to have a separate company account, but sole traders will also benefit from a business current account. That’s because separating your personal and business transactions helps you keep your records organised. Organised records give you more visibility over your business’ financial health to know if you need to make adjustments. 

In addition, having a business current account makes it easier to file your Self Assessment tax return since you won’t need to spend hours digging out your business-related transactions. A business account also helps you keep track of your expenses to ensure you make the most out of your allowable expenses. 

Finally, using an account with built-in accounting software, such as Countingup , makes it easier to manage your invoicing and tax estimates. This way, you’ll save yourself hours of financial admin.

As a painter and decorator, invoicing is part of your daily activities. Here’s a list of items you need to include in a professional invoice:

• Unique invoice numbers that are different for each client. For example, John Smith’s invoices could be numbered JS1, JS2, JS3 etc.
• Invoice Date.
• Your business name
• Limited Company Registration Number
• VAT Registration Number
• Limited Company Address
• Contact details, such as email, address, and phone number
• Client name and address
• Description and date of services provided
• A breakdown of hours and rates. For example, 20h hours at £45 per hour.
• VAT charged (if applicable)
• The total amount charged (including VAT)
• Your business account details (sort code and account number)
• A client reference number or Purchase Order (PO) number

To ensure you get paid on time, it’s wise to include payment terms and late payment information. For example, small businesses often provide a 30-day payment window, but you can set other terms if you want to. Also, remember to send the invoice as quickly as possible to hopefully get paid sooner.

It’s important to remember that invoicing your clients can be a tedious and time-consuming process without the right system. To increase invoicing efficiency, consider implementing accounting software . An app like Countingup allows you to send invoices on the go and automatically records all your transactions once you get paid. 

When starting a painting and decorating business, your to-do list will be long enough without the added tasks of financial management. Luckily, a resource like the Countingup app presents a fantastic way to make accounting quick and easy. 

Countingup is the business current account with built-in accounting software that allows you to manage all your financial data in one place. With features like automatic expense categorisation, invoicing on the go, receipt capture tools, tax estimates, and cash flow insights, you can confidently keep on top of your business finances wherever you are. 

You can also share your bookkeeping with your accountant instantly without worrying about duplication errors, data lags or inaccuracies. Seamless, simple, and straightforward! 

Find out more here .

• Counting Up on Facebook
• Counting Up on Twitter
• Counting Up on LinkedIn

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Painting Business Plan Template PDF

A successful painting business is based on a solid business plan. To help you out, we've designed a business plan template PDF specifically for your painting business.

Get your copy today!

Download The Template  

For help completing your painting business plan, read our guide .

How can a painting business plan template help you?

• A solid painting business plan acts as your strategy guide for building a successful painting business.
• Whether you're an existing painting business or just starting out, a business plan helps you get organised.
• Use a painting business plan to help secure funding for your business.

Get your free painting business plan PDF!

Created by tradify - the easiest way to manage your painting business..

• How to Start a Painting and Decorating Business

Updated May 9, 2024 | Posted Apr 27, 2021 | Professional insight , Business | 6 comments

Training to Become a Decorator

Quoting for painting and decorating jobs, trade paint accounts, other important things to remember when running a decorating business, being a specialist decorator, how i got into professional decorating.

I’ve been a Professional Decorator for the best part of 21 years, 12 of which were spent as a sole trader. So, I know how to start a painting and decorating business and what it takes to really get going.

I thought I’d put pen to paper and write a simple guide, as well as highlighting some of the resources that are available to help. I hope you find it useful.

The first thing you should consider is whether you’re capable of carrying out decorating work to a professional standard. Funnily enough, this doesn’t necessarily mean you are qualified . A lot of great Decorators never went to college, but they have worked with other Decorators and received proper training.

Too many people out there assume decorating is easy, and think they can just buy a set of cheap tools and throw a few leaflets out. Well, they’re wrong. If you want to be capable of carrying out a proper standard of work, then you must first go through the years of training required.

This is something you will need to focus on to begin with. Then moving forward, there are two different types of small decorating business owner. There are the ones who live off recommendations and repeat clients and as a rule, need to win most jobs they go to see.

Then there are those who put time and budget into marketing and raise their prices to a point where they’re winning maybe 1 in 3 jobs they go to look at. I’m speaking in general terms, but doing the latter will earn you a better income as a Painter and Decorator. After all it is a business, and running it as a business will generate a lot more profit. I’ll take you through some of the ways I bring in painting and decorating work. The main thing is to talk to as many people as you can!!

Have a walk around local estate agents, introduce yourself, then leave them a card.

Call in at a house renovation and have a chat to the owner or contractor, or even spend a day phoning round designers and builders (although working for builders can be a pain). Just have as many conversations as you possibly can!!

You will need a good quality website when you get up and running properly, but you set up a decorating business without one. A website acts as a reference point for everything you do. You can add it to free directories, share the URL on social media and even print it on your business cards. As you develop, you may want to go down the SEO route to generate leads from Google and other search engines.

Facebook is pound for pound the most cost-effective method when paying for advertising. You can create a Facebook page and just use it as a blog. Show your audience what you can do and try and make yourself familiar with them. I find boosting posts are a great way of bringing in enquiries, however you do seem to get a lot of timewasters through Facebook. Running social media competitions are a great way to really get things moving.

Instagram becomes a gallery to showcase your painting and decorating work. It may not bring in many leads, but you can direct potential clients to an Instagram page so they can see your projects. There are simple ways you can grow your Instagram following which are worth looking at.

I could go on and on about marketing!! I’ve given you the very basics, but as you go on with your business, you’ll find yourself targeting specific types of jobs or clients, which becomes a bit more complicated.  One of the best books out there is Marketing for Decorators by Jon Mears which is available online. If you’re starting a decorating business, then I would highly recommend it. Click here to see current prices.

Quoting is so important to get right if you’re looking to run a successful decorating business. You’re not just turning up to offer a price, it’s your opportunity to sell yourself. Book a time, turn up when you’re supposed to, wear clean whites and take your shoes off at the front door. This will go a long way.

As the client is talking to you about the decorating they’re thinking of having done, talk them through the process and materials you’d use to do the job. Highlight specific primers and their qualities or suggest specialist ceiling paints and talk them through the benefits of water-based trim paints. You need to take the lead when quoting. Your client will feel a lot more comfortable if they see you as the expert.

One very important thing to remember; if you get a bad feeling about someone, do not do any decorating work for them!! Trust your gut. You’ll learn to spot the telltale signs of a nightmare customer.

We have a separate blog on how to price a decorating job which you’ll find useful when working out the quote. There’s also a book by Pete Wilkinson called Fast and Flawless Pricing and Business for Decorators, which is available online , and well worth checking out. This book will help put you in the correct mindset to make profit from each job. Click here to see prices.

Quotes should be detailed and name products as you go. Try to get them back to your client as soon as you can. Oh, and attach some terms and conditions too!! These not only make you look professional, but also cover you.

The other thing you could do is sign up to AppyQuote. This is an app for Decorators to create professional-looking quotes for jobs in minutes. You can use it on your phone, which makes things even easier.

It comes with a 30-day free trial, and then if you use code AQDFUK when you sign up, you also get 3 months half price, which is another bonus. Click here for more info.

I thought I’d mention this quickly. As a Professional Painter and Decorator you will want to stick to trade quality materials and you’ll be entitled to a trade discount at many decorating centres. The big three are Johnstone’s, Dulux and Crown , however there are loads of independent merchants too. You should set up a trade account with more than one store, this way the paint suppliers will need to be competitive with their pricing structure in order to win your business. Paint is getting so expensive nowadays with price increases every few months, so it’s important to negotiate the best rates you can.

You may also want to check out Tikkurila , who are the new player in town. I find their products can be a real talking point. If you need a trade paint website, then The Decorating Centre Online are well worth a look. If you want high end, then Benjamin Moore is perfect for you.

There are a few other important things to remember. Liability insurance is crucial!! We do have a discount with a company called Coversure Poole who are very good. You can find them on our Approved Suppliers page.  Or call them on 01202 801782 and quote “DFUK” to qualify for insurance discount.

Do not under-sell yourself. As a painting and decorating business, you will have running costs which you must cover before you can take an income. If your rates are low, you will rush your work and as a result you’ll experience more issues. Plus, your cashflow will be a nightmare to manage!!

Stay organised and on top of everything. Maintain communication with all your clients, particularly the awkward customers , as they can be more difficult to manage. Push a job back when something else is running over, make time for quoting, marketing and the maintenance of tools. If you’re organised, running your decorating business will be a lot easier.

Oh, and choose your time wisely. Decorators are a lot busier during the spring and summer, so starting a painting and decorating business in the warmer months is a lot easier than during the colder ones.

OK, I’ve explained how to start a painting and decorating business, but there is a way earn more money than other decorators. I know loads of self-employed decorators in the industry who specialise in specific aspects of the trade. Kitchen spraying, uPVC spraying, Silk Plaster, Digital Wall Murals, there is plenty of things you can look at. Try browsing the Dulux Academy website for ideas. They also run course in marketing and business.

Going down this rout will generate a lot more income, but you need to go about it in a different way. “Word of mouth” won’t cut it as a marketing strategy, and you’ll need to work hard to generate your customer base.

You WILL need a website and spend a bit of time boosting social media posts. Maybe even pay for Google Ad Words. You may end up spending £300 every month on marketing, but if you do it correctly, you will live a comfortable lifestyle.

There is another book I’d recommend if you fancy having a go at this. It’s called The Specialist Decorator . Well worth a read.

I hope you found this blog useful.

I was ‘wannabe’ Graphic Designer who went to university and failed due to a mixture of circumstances and lack of dedication. It was too competitive in that field and still is .

Out of boredom I decorated my own house where I lived in with my family. Off the back of decorating my own house, I got asked to decorate my then landlord’s other property for £40 a day. I accepted with no hesitation as I had a daughter at a very young age and any money at that time was a blessing.

After realising I may have a natural fair and a passion for painting, I decided to go to college and get my qualifications at the age of 26. I found it very difficult as I had to sit amongst people who treated the course as a way to avoid visiting the dole office on a regular basis. I can’t thank my tutors enough. They saw how dedicated I was and made the extra effort with me. Any question I had got answered, proper old school decorators. (Steve & Paul, Vauxhall Rd, Liverpool). They showed me how to “sling” properly, paint a door, mouldings, panels, rails, styles. Everything I’d need to know to get into professional decorating.

I got used and abused from fully fledge companies, as I’d take the minimum amount offered, yet work like a dog to the point where I’d neglect my family.

I finally got the confidence to start on my own and even though its stressful, I’ve never been happier …

I’m undercutting, overpricing, over estimating, and still learning. Being a self-employed decorator is the best job in the world when things are going well. I’m my own boss, I get job satisfaction and the amount I earn is in my own hands. I can only get better, but I’m already proud of what I can do now. This is the best feeling in the world!!

Have faith in yourself, strangers don’t say nice things for no reason

This forum has been a big help

by Steven Grace – please visit; www.gracefuldecor.co.uk/

Professional Painter and Decorator

A good understanding of things beside painting, such as accounting, promotion and be prepared to invest in yourself and the business for the long run.

Having been a sole trader in UK for 16 years and now recently starting a painting and decorating business again here in Australia, the three things that I believe are most important to make sure I was able to make a decent living and acquire a good reputation are :

When looking at jobs or answering enquires, actually think about what the client is asking for and how you can help them. I’ve won jobs by simply giving them a few colour charts from my van and showing them similar colours, explaining that any colour can be made in any brand so they could have an expensive brands colour mixed to a more affordable brand. Little 5 minute acts can win the job.

Don’t be too proud of the things you don’t know or are not very good at and always be willing to ask fellow decorators or go on courses. If the need is there for a skill you’re not very good at (Mine was always installing coving) then learn to do it.

The final one and hardest is pricing! Work out what you are and aren’t willing to work for in a day- have constant ears to the ground of what clients have previously paid for decorating. Or, what other trades in your area charge, what fellow decorators are charging (hard one) and gauge the amount of quotes your winning. If you’re polite and friendly and offer good advice and you have ten quotes out and haven’t won one, you’re probably too expensive compared to your competitors. If you’re instantly winning all of them, you’re probably the cheapest which may mean your selling yourself and your skills short.

Start small. Own and learn from your mistakes. Most people are great, some are just out to do you down, but they are few and far between. Don’t be afraid to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

Prep is everything in decorating. Get insurance. Ask friends and family if they need anything done to help build a portfolio.

Wear a mask when not using dustless sanding systems and when spraying. Never be afraid to come on here and ask for help if you are unsure. You will have to sift through a barrage of posts about gardening, “things weren’t like this when I was an apprentice painter on HMS victory” etc but there are some of us who are helpful.

Updated May 9, 2024 | Posted Apr 27, 2021 | 6 comments

About the Author

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Some good advice Mike ,plenty of self motivation and discipline helps push your business also .

Great advice Mike, Dont feel you need to work 7 days a week is my advice, a plasterer told me if you need to work weekends to make money then you are too cheap.

Body needs a rest time over 35 /40 weekends, Sat am at a push occasionally.

Your customers couldn’t care less about YOUR family time. Often think if wifes get P off by us working 7 days and never seeing kids doing anything together etc then a divorce caused by that will be a LOT more expensive than losing your weekend work.

Imagine starting again buying or renting house with half the income you had.. A new relationship etc in middle age just because you got unfairly pressured into working YOUR weekends… Say NO and think of the Far bigger picture..

Thanks Mike great advice, Onwards and upwards

Great Blog, extremely informative and helpful. Keep up the good work.

im just about to finish college p&d level 2 and I’m 39.Im worried about putting myself out there as painter.

Could you work for somone else for a few months to get your confidence up?

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Painting / Decorator Business Plan Template

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As a painting decorator, if you want to offer an outstanding service to your customers, your smart first step is creating the right business plan. Your business plan should contain all the essential elements such as marketing strategies, potential earnings, costs, and a lot more. With our template, you will be able to have a comprehensive plan for your startup business. Edit, customize, replace, remove, or resize any of its content to fit your specifics. Use any device to edit and download it in any file formats presented. Be a successful painting decorator when you download our effective and efficient Painting Decorator Business Plan Template now!

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Home Decoration Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » B2C Sector

Are you about starting a home decoration business? If YES, here is a complete sample home decoration business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Okay, so we have considered all the requirements for starting a home decoration business. We also took it further by analyzing and drafting a sample home decoration marketing plan template backed up by actionable guerrilla marketing ideas for home decoration businesses. So let’s proceed to the business planning section.

If you are interested in starting a home decoration business, you can be rest assured that there is no limit to the fortune you can make from the industry as long as you are creative and have good networking skills. If you are looking for a business to start as an entrepreneur with a design and creativity background, then you can consider starting your own home decoration company.

Although a home decoration company can be operated from home, especially if it is being managed by an individual, but it pays to operate from an office facility. The truth is that you would need an office space to be able to run this type of business if indeed you want to work for corporate organizations and even government agencies.

Just ensure that you secure an office decent enough to host the caliber of clients you will be dealing with. An office in the business district of your city might just be ideal for you – but all the same, you don’t need to go beyond your means to get a very expensive office space. It is advisable to start your business small and then grow it big.

If indeed you are interested in starting a home decoration company, then you will surely find this comprehensive business plan very helpful.

A Sample Home Decoration Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Interior decorators, also known as home decorators, work with homeowners or business owners to furnish and adorn an interior space according to their preferences. The decorator must usually work within a budget and order the necessary design elements for their clients.

The truth is that interior design is a multidimensional vocation that covers activities such as conceptual development, communicating with the stakeholders of a project, management and of course the execution of the design (project).

Home decoration companies are responsible for planning the design of both living and commercial facilities such as hotel, motels and lodges; they have mastered the art of turning their ideas or concept into reality. The projects that home decorators handle can be broad in scope.

It could range from structural modifications to the selection of matching furniture, curtains or blind, wallpaper and lighting et al.

The Interior Designers industry is indeed a big industry that has experienced consistent growth and innovations over the last five years. However, the industry is projected to experience marginally better conditions over the next five years.

As long as the housing market is expected to improve strongly, there will also be corresponding growth for residential interior designers as existing home sales and housing stats make up ground over the five-year period.

So also, increase in corporate profit, growth and expansion of corporate organization will open up business opportunities of interior design companies because there will be need for organizations to remodel their facilities to meet up with changing trends.

Statistics has it that the Interior Designers industry has a low level of market share concentration. For instance, in 2016, the top four leading interior decoration companies accounted for less than 10.0 percent of the industry’s total revenue. It is fact that market share concentration has not changed significantly in the last five years.

It is important to clearly state that the Interior Designers industry is a highly fragmented industry with thousands of players, of which only a small percentage of the players generated an annual revenue exceeding $1.0 million. A large number of players in interior designer industry are self-employed because of the nature of the job they do and of course the low startup capital required to start the business.

The interior design industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much active in all the parts of the world. Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 102,848 registered home decoration cum interior design companies responsible for employing about 127,467 and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $13bn annually.

In 2014 alone, the federal government of the United States of America spent a total sum of $11,270,048 on Interior Designers. During the period in review, they awarded 437 interior design contracts to 77 interior design companies, averaging a value of $146,364 per company.

The industry is indeed highly competitive and of course a growing industry with steady growth rate of 3.0 percent annually. The interior design industry is very open to any aspiring entrepreneur who has the required skills to start his or her own home decoration business.

As a matter of fact, it was projected that over the next five years, new technology will continue to emerge that will make it easier for more players to come into the industry hence increasing the competition.

The interior design industry will continue to blossom because more and more households and corporate organizations are beginning to realize that somehow, they would need the services of home decorators to help give their facility the needed look befitting of their organization or personalities.

From all available statistics, it is safer to say that the industry is growing steadily despite the competitive nature of the industry.

Lastly, some of the factors that encourage entrepreneurs to start their own home decoration company could be that the business is easy to set up and the startup capital is indeed affordable; you can actually start your own home decoration business from the comfort of your house.

All you need to do is to create an office somewhere in your house. People usually pay you for the result you can deliver as it relates to helping them design their facility to their expectation.

2. Executive Summary

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. is a U.S based home decoration (interior design) company. We have been able to secure a standard office facility in a busy business district in Las Vegas – Nevada. We are a world class home decoration company that is set to compete in the highly competitive interior design industry not only in the United States market, but also in the global market.

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. will be involved in the all aspects of home decoration cum interior design services such as Residential interior design, Commercial (Hotels and Lodges) interior design, Merchandise sales, home decorating consulting services and other related services.

Our business goal is to become one of the leading home decoration companies in the United States and we will make sure that every home decoration job that we do can favorably compete with the best in the industry. Our workers are going to be selected from a pool of talented and highly creative home designers in and around Las Vegas – Nevada and also from any part of the world especially from Milan and Paris as the business grows.

We will make sure that we take all the members of our workforce through the required trainings that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with leading home decorators in the United States and throughout the globe.

At James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. our client’s best interest come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. is founded by two siblings James Creflo and his twin sister Janell Creflo. They both graduated from The Interior Design School of London and they have over the years garnered the required experience that will position them to become a major force to reckon with in the industry in the United States of America and across the globe.

3. Our Products and Services

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. was established with the aim of maximizing profits in the interior design industry. We want to compete favorably with leading home decoration and interior design companies in the United States which is why we have put in place a competent quality assurance team that will ensure that all our designs and related services rendered meet and even surpass our customers’ expectations.

Our products and services are listed below;

• Residential home decoration cum interior design services
• Commercial (hotels, motels, and lodges) interior design services
• Merchandise sales
• Home decorating consulting services
• Other related services like giving interior makeover to historic buildings, vehicles, such as ships and aircraft et al.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish a standard home decoration company whose services and brand will not only be accepted in Las Vegas – Nevada but also throughout the United States of America and other parts of the world.
• Our mission is to build a home decoration company that will be known to execute top notch projects and to become the number one choice of real estate agencies and other stake holder in the industry. We want to build a home decoration company that can favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry.

Our Business Structure

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. is a home decoration company that intends starting small in Las Vegas, but hopes to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading companies in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

At James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc., we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer
• Creative Director

Human Resources and Admin Manager

• Sales and Marketing Executive
• Home Decorators / Interior Designer

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job result
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization

Creative Director:

• Serves as project manager for the organization; works directly with employees
• Responsible for designing concepts for home makeover and facility uplifts
• Accomplishes subsidiary objectives by establishing plans, budgets, and results measurements; allocating resources; reviewing progress; making mid-course corrections.
• Builds company image by collaborating with customers, government, community organizations, and employees; enforcing ethical business practices.
• Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications / journals; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.
• Ensures that the organization works in line with international best practices.
• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carrying out induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily office and factory activities.

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Manage external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Model demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
• Writing winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Create new markets cum businesses for the organization
• Empower and motivates the sales team to meet and surpass agreed targets

Accountant/Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc.
• Serves as internal auditor for James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc.

Home Decorators/Interior Designers (4)

• Liaising with clients to determine their requirement and budget
• Responsible for inspecting and surveying buildings
• Responsible for negotiating fees and setting schedules for the project
• Responsible for researching and drawing up rough plans
• Responsible for developing detailed designs and choosing materials
• Responsible for supervising the work as it is carried out.
• Responsible for preparing drafts or material based on an agreement brief.
• Research and advice the organization on style, genre and other trendy info as it relates to home decoration/interior design.
• Welcomes clients and visitors by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, SMS or phone) provides the client with personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to potential clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. hired the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured home decoration business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive interior design industry in the United States and the world at large.

Here is a summary of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc.;

Our central strength is no doubt the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient home decorators cum interior designers, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the interior design industry.

Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected home decorators, we have a robust relationship with key stake holders in the real estate industry and of course our designs and services will be guided by international best practices.

As a new home decoration company in Las Vegas – Nevada, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from the government and other top profile clients in the already saturated and highly competitive interior design industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to promote our business the way we would want to.

• Opportunities:

The opportunities in the interior design industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations acquiring new properties and would need the services of home decorators to give the facilities facelift. As a world class home decoration company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that is available in the industry.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing/spending power hence lesser houses would be purchased. Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new home decoration company in same location where our target market exists and who may want to adopt same Business model like us.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

Although there are top flight institutions where people go to study interior designing, but it common to find people who don’t have formal training running their own home decoration business. This is what accounts for the high number of sole proprietorship in the interior design industry.

Aside from on-the-job training, most home decoration cum interior design companies usually offer short training (could be in – house) in specific areas such as presentation skills and IT packages.

As a home decorator, you are expected to keep tabs with new trends that are always coming up in the industry. Most interior designers ensure that they follow the traditions or patterns that are synonymous to a region. For instance, as a home decorator in the Arab world, your designs are expected to follow the traditions and pattern in the region.

8. Our Target Market

There is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who cannot successfully move into their new homes/facilities without hiring the services of home decorators. As a matter of fact, without the services of home decorators or interior designers, the interiors of facilities won’t be as beautiful and welcoming as we can see these days.

We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with property developers, property management companies, local builders, realtors and home improvement firms. This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company.

In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations and individuals who we know can’t do without our services. We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that all our home decoration services is well accepted in the marketplace. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we will market our services to;

• Construction Companies
• Property Development Companies
• Home Owners
• Corporate Organizations
• Realtors —for their clients’ homes
• Home Improvement Companies
• Commercial builders of office and home complexes
• Home builders’ associations
• Furniture stores
• Paint and wall paper stores
• Flower shops
• Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
• The Government (Public Sector)
• Religious Organizations (Church hall and other places of worship)

Our competitive advantage

The competition in the interior design industry is getting stiffer by the day, you have to be highly creative and come up with appealing designs and concepts in order to survive in the industry. The industry is indeed profitable and at the same time a highly competitive industry; it enjoys strong demand as people continue to purchase or move into new apartments and remodel old ones.

Clients will only hire your services if they know that they can get nothing but the best from you. We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the interior design industry means that you are not only expected to deliver consistent and highly creative designs, but you must be able to meet set targets.

Our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient interior designers, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the interior design industry.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

We are not ignorant of the fact that there are stiff competitions in the interior design industry; there are loads of home decorators and interior designers jostling for contracts which is why we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the real estate market and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their targets and the overall business goal of James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc.

Our goal is to grow James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. to become one of the leading home decoration companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Las Vegas – Nevada but also in other cities in the United States of America.

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients and win home decoration and interior decoration contracts;

• Introduce our home decoration company by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, realtors, religious organizations and key stake holders in the real estate industry.
• Promptness in bidding for home decoration or interior design contracts from the government and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations
• List our business on yellow page ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver excellent design and services
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

Sources of Income

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the interior design cum real estate industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to meet and surpass the expectations of our clients.

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. will generate income by offering the following home decoration services and other related services;

• Home decorating services consulting services

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be households and corporate organization who would need the services of home decorators or interior designers whenever they purchase new home, office facilities or are moving into a new facility .

We are well positioned to take on the available market in interior design/real estate industry and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income/profits from our first six months of operation and grow our home decoration company to enviable heights.

We have been able to examine the home decoration market, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. Below is the sales projection for James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc., it is based on the location of our business and of course the wide range of our services and target market;

• First Fiscal Year (FY1):  $150,000
• Second Fiscal Year (FY2):  $400,000
• Third Fiscal Year (FY3):  $750,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same home decoration services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the hearts of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate and individual clients in the whole of the Las Vegas and beyond which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our Home decoration company. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc.;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community-based events/programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google + et al to promote our services
• Install our billboards in strategic locations all around Las Vegas – Nevada
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations and residents in our target areas by calling them up and informing them of James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. and the services we offer
• List our home decoration company in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our home decoration company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are branded with our company logo.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

If you are conversant with the interior design industry, you will realize that the pricing structure ranges from per hour billings to fixed fee to even per square foot billing. Most interior decoration companies adopt all the available pricing systems as it applies to the nature of the job or project they are expected to execute.

At James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. we will adopt all the pricing systems as is obtainable in the industry but we will ensure that we keep the prices of our services a little below the average market rate by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance from corporate organizations who would hire our services.

In addition, we will offer special discounted rates to all our customers at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some one-off jobs or government contracts which are always lucrative, we will ensure that we abide by the pricing model that is expected from contractors or organizations that bid for such contracts.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America. Here are the payment options that James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via credit cards
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via check
• Payment via mobile money transfer
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for our services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

Starting a home decoration company is cost effective because on the average, you are not expected to acquire expensive machines and equipment.

What you should be concerned about is the amount needed to secure a standard office facility in a good and busy business district, the amount needed to furnish and equip the office, the amount needed to pay bills, purchase relevant software apps, promote the business and obtain the appropriate business license and certifications. Basically, these are the areas we are looking towards spending our startup capital on;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space that will accommodate our employees for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $150,000.
• Equipping the office (computers, printers, projectors, markers, servers / internet facility, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
• The amount required to purchase the needed software applications – $ 3,500
• The amount of required for launching an official website will cost – $500
• The amount needed to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about two hundred thousand (200,000) U.S. dollars to successfully setup a medium scale but standard home decoration company in the United States of America.

Generating Startup Capital for James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc.

James & Janell® Home Deco, Inc. will be owned by two siblings James Creflo and his twin sister Janell Creflo. They decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $85,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $100,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

It is easier for businesses to survive when they have steady flow of business deals/customers patronizing their products and services.

We know that if we continue to come up with highly creative and unique home decoration cum interior design concept and excellent job delivery for both corporate organizations, government agencies and households, there will be a steady flow of income for the organization.

Our key sustainability and expansion strategy are to ensure that we only hire creative, competent and selfless interior designers, create a conducive working environment and employee benefits for our staff members. In the nearest future, we will give our most dedicated and prolific employees the opportunity to be part owners of the business via owing shares in the company.

We know that if we implement our business strategies, we will achieve our business goals and objectives in record time.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Securing a standard office facility plus renovation of the facility: Competed
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the startup capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the business: Completed
• Secure trademark for our products: In Progress
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, software applications, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the real estate industry: In Progress

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A Checklist For Starting Your Own Decorating Business

It’s a brand new year, so what better time than now to start a new venture. Going out on your own can be a daunting task, but with our checklist and winning tips to prepare you, you will feel ready for anything. Read on for the questions you should ask yourself before setting up shop.

Firstly, start by asking yourself these key questions.

Have you got the necessary funds? 

Start ups costs for the painting/decorating industry can be significant. To work as a professional painter, you will need the essential tools and equipment, along with a van and a dedicated space to store your paint. All of this isn’t cheap if you are just starting out, so it is important to calculate whether you can handle the initial financial hit. 

The equipment you need will vary from job to job, but below is a shopping list for what you might need starting out. 

• Paintbrushes in a variety of sizes
• Paint rollers and trays
• Materials for cleaning brushes and rollers
• Spirit levels
• Stanley knives
• Stepladders

Do you have the necessary training?

If you are considering starting your own decorating business, in all likelihood you are already adequately trained. But that doesn’t mean to say there isn't room for improvement. There is always demand for painters and decorators in the UK, but with that said the market can be fairly competitive. So it is good to decide on what services you will offer and what you can provide that will help you stand out from rival businesses. Taking a course or reading into business management could also very beneficial. 

Once you’ve answered these questions. You now have some decisions to make. 

Do you want to be a jack of all trades or an expert at one?

You will already have your own unique skill set, but it could be good to get an idea as to where the markets at. Find out what is popular in the industry, or what trends are emerging, this will help you refine your skills to what’s in demand. It will also put your business in a good place to gather potential leads.

Residential or Commercial?

Both have their pros and cons, deciding on which route is for you comes down to how you prefer to work. If you prefer to provide a more personal service, residential will be more suited to your interests, it may pay less but you’re more likely to have consistent work. Commercial work requires a different skill set as well as specialised equipment , it’s an investment but one that is worthwhile if you prefer working as part of a bigger operation. 

Who do you know?

Do you have any contacts in the industry? If so, now is the time to call on them for advice, for mentorship or even just to bounce ideas off. This isn’t an absolute requirement, but it can be useful to know someone who can help you source clients. If not, there are still lots of other ways you can attract interested leads. Start local; advertising in local newspapers or painting decorating groups on social media is a great way to get your name out there. Make sure to showcase your previous work, and soon you will begin to build up a solid group of contacts.

If you are satisfied with your answers to the above questions, and you feel confident in your abilities, then you may be ready to make the leap. Starting your own business takes considerable time and energy, but with the right prep, attitude and workmanship you should find yourself in steady employment. Brush up on gaps in your knowledge with our expert tips and advice. Good luck in your new venture!

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Setting up a painting and decorating business

So you want to make the transition from amateur DIY to becoming a professional painter or decorator. Well if you are good with your hands and can provide a reliable and consistent service then setting up your own business could be the way forward. In this article we will take you through the ins and outs of setting up a painting and decorating business.

The first step is to make sure that you have the skills and experience to be able to undertake either residential or commercial work. This is where experience really plays a key part and we would strongly advise that before setting up on your own you try and get experience working for an established company. Not only will you be able to learn the skills needed for the trade but you will also gain valuable on-site experience.

Once you have the experience you can now start to think about setting up on your own and becoming a self-employed painter or decorator. While commercial jobs offer more money they also require a bigger team, more advanced equipment and insurance for the higher risk. Residential jobs tend to be a lot smaller, can be completed quicker and can be completed by as little as one person. Residential painting and decorating has a lower barrier to entry and is often where most new start-ups will begin.

Make sure you have the right tools for the job. Having the right equipment will not only make your job much easier but will also give your customers confidence. Luckily for you Trade 1 st has all of the equipment you will ever need. From decorators workwear  and professional paint brushes to a full range of decorating tools and of course paint rollers and poles at Trade 1 st we can help with all your needs. As well as the right painting and decorating supplies you will also need your own van for transporting your equipment around.

Now that you have all of the equipment you can start to promote your business. There are many ways to promote your business from traditional advertising in the paper through to flyering and leafleting in your local area. Don’t forget social media and online channels as well which are becoming increasingly popular. Promoting your business is the key to success so make sure potential customers know about you and the services you can offer. Don’t forget to approach estate agents and landlords as they may require someone to redecorate properties on a regular basis.

Join a trade association. The main trade association is the Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) and to qualify you will need to adhere to a range of criteria that focuses on your capability and experience. Another association is the Guild of Master Craftsmen again which assesses and supports quality workmanship. Becoming a member of a trade association will help to show customers that you can be trusted and are skilled in your profession.

Insure your business. This is a must for any painting and decorating business as it protects your business against customers claiming in the unfortunate event of injury or damage. Don’t forget to add employer’s liability insurance in you have employees or subcontractors working on behalf of your business.

These steps give you a brief overview of what is needed to setup a painting and decorating business. Of course there is a lot more to consider from business plans and financing to accounting and pricing but this guide aims to give you an idea of how to start your own business. At Trade 1 st we can help you get the right decorating tools for the job to help make your business a success.

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