Weekend interior painter

Homeowners, renters with landlord approval, landlords between tenants and people getting a home ready to sell.

A fixed quote per room or job, or an hourly rate, plus the cost of paint and supplies. Repeat clients and referrals fill your calendar over time.

• Careful, clean brushwork and rolling
• Surface prep such as patching and sanding
• Accurate quoting and honest timing
• Reliable communication with clients

• Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or painting license, and any dollar limit on unlicensed work
• General liability insurance for damage to client property
• Homes built before 1978 may contain lead paint; check EPA lead-safe rules (RRP) before disturbing paint, as certification may be needed
• Ladder safety and physical strain

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $2,500, depending on the brushes, rollers, drop cloths, ladders and sprayers you buy, plus insurance. These are estimates, and you may already own some of the basic tools.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,000, depending on how many jobs you take, their size and how much time you can give. Accurate quoting and honest timing help keep your pricing and schedule on track.

Check whether your state or city requires a contractor or painting license, and any dollar limit on unlicensed work. Also check general liability insurance, and EPA lead-safe (RRP) rules for homes built before 1978, as certification may be needed.