How to Start a Painting Business In California
There are a number of steps to take to start a new painting business in the state of California. The following links will be helpful for starting any type of painting company, whether residential, commercial, or both.
Getting started– California’s official website about how to start a business in California is found here: California Business Portal
1. Register your painting business name.
Find out more about registering a fictitious name here: California Business Name Availability . Your fictitious name must be registered with your county clerk.
If you need help selecting a name for your painting business: Choosing a Painting Business Name
2. Select a business structure.
Sole-proprietor, LLC, Partnership, Corporation, etc. Find out more here: California Business Entities
3. Register your painting business.
You can register your painting business with the state of California here: Register Your Business Entity
4. Open a Business Checking Account.
You will need to open a separate bank account for your painting business with your new business name.
5. Register to File Taxes.
You may want to hire an accountant do the work.
More info about taxes here:
6. Get Liability Insurance.
We work with Contractors Liability because they’re the one-stop-shop for Painting Contractor Liability insurance and are able to get online quotes in all 50 states. Get a Free Quote Now >
Find out more about liability insurance here: Painting Business Liability Insurance
7. Register as a Contractor.
To become a painting contractor, you must apply for a contractor’s license in the state of California. The registration application is found here: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Forms_And_Applications.aspx .
8. Worker’s Compensation.
The insurance agency that provided your liability insurance should be able to help with this. Get a Free Quote Now >
9. Get Health Insurance.
Since you will be self-employed, you will need your own health insurance. If you have employees, you will need a plan that will include their health needs also.
10. City License.
You may be required to obtain a license to do business in a particular locale, whether you are a resident, or not.
11. Permits.
Depending on the locale, you may need to apply for permits before starting certain types of painting jobs.
12. Building Code and Inspections.
You must be aware of building codes for particular jobs, and may be subject to inspections.
13. OSHA.
Depending on how many employees you have, you may need to follow OSHA regulations. http://www.osha.gov