Office refresh: paint, flooring and small repairs
Update tired offices with new paint, flooring and minor repairs for small businesses and landlords, often outside work hours.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
8,076 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.5% in a year
NAICS 238390 “Other building finishing contractors”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
Cosmetic office refurbishment for small suites and tenant turnovers: painting, installing carpet tile or vinyl plank flooring, replacing ceiling tiles and base trim, and patching walls. Larger structural, electrical or plumbing work is subcontracted or left out.
Your first three steps
- Check your state's contractor licensing rules and the dollar limit for work you can do without a license
- Get general liability insurance and a basic tool and equipment kit
- Introduce yourself to local property managers and commercial real estate brokers and offer a free quote on their next vacant suite
Who pays
Small business owners, property managers, landlords and commercial real estate agents preparing suites for new tenants.
How it makes money
Fixed quote per job based on square footage and materials, plus a margin on materials. Repeat work from property managers can fill your calendar.
Skills that help
- Painting and basic finishing
- Flooring installation
- Estimating and quoting
- Working around business hours and tenants
Watch out for
- Contractor license rules vary by state and sometimes by city, so check your state licensing board before quoting
- General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
- Older buildings may contain lead paint or asbestos, so check the rules before disturbing surfaces
- Commercial landlords often ask for a certificate of insurance before you start work
- Get payment terms and a deposit in writing to avoid late payment
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: office refresh: paint, flooring and small repairs
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an office refresh business?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on tools, flooring equipment, insurance and a work vehicle. These are estimates, so price your own kit and coverage before you start quoting jobs.
How much can an office painting and flooring business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $14,000, depending on how many jobs you take, their size and whether you work solo or with a helper. Agree payment terms and a deposit in writing to avoid late payment.
What rules should I check before taking office refresh jobs?
Check your state contractor license rules before quoting, plus general liability insurance and workers' compensation if you hire. Older buildings may contain lead paint or asbestos, so check the rules before disturbing surfaces. Landlords often ask for a certificate of insurance.
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