Full-Time wallpaper installation business

Homeowners, interior designers, painting and remodeling contractors, property managers and local businesses.

Labor charged per roll, per square foot or per job, with extra for removal, wall prep and specialty materials. Repeat work from designers and contractors keeps the calendar full.

• Advanced hanging for tricky papers and large patterns
• Estimating time and materials accurately
• Building relationships with designers and contractors
• Scheduling and running jobs

• Check your state's contractor licensing rules, as some require a license for work over a set dollar amount
• General liability insurance, and workers' compensation once you hire help
• Lead paint rules for older homes (EPA renovation rules may apply), so check before removal or sanding
• Income can be uneven, with busy and quiet periods, so plan cash flow and keep a pipeline of quotes
• A reliable vehicle or van for tools, ladders and scaffolding boards

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on your tools, ladders, scaffolding boards and vehicle needs. You will also want to budget for insurance, and a reliable van or vehicle to carry your equipment.

Check your state's contractor licensing rules, as some require a license for work over a set dollar amount. Look into general liability insurance, workers' compensation once you hire help, and EPA lead paint renovation rules for older homes before removal or sanding.

Monthly revenue is typically around $2,500 to $8,000 as an estimate, depending on job size, specialty work and how steadily you book. Income can be uneven with busy and quiet periods, so plan cash flow and keep a pipeline of quotes.