Painters in Illinois are registered by municipalities within the state. There are no state licensing or registration requirements.
Therefore, painters in Illinois should make sure that they register in the municipalities they work in.
There are three contractor licenses in Illinois.
- Specialty Contractor License – Painters and other home improvement contractors, landscapers, and electricians apply for the specialty contractor license. Municipalities have different requirements for the specialty contractor license.
- Roofing Contractor License – Contractors who install or repair roofs on residential and commercial buildings must have a roofing contractor license.
- Plumbing Contractor License – Plumbers in Illinois must have a plumbing contractor license to work on any projects.
What can happen if you hire an unlicensed painter
In Illinois, painters are registered by your municipality offices. Painters do not require licenses to work in Illinois.
However, when you need home improvement, you need to be sure that you hire the best contractor for the job.
Here are the consequences of hiring an unlicensed painter.
- They may not deliver as agreed. Licensed contractors risk losing their license if reported to the Registrar of Contractors for wrongdoing. Always hire only licensed contractors for your painting jobs.
- Shoddy work. Licensed contractors have passed practical and written examinations to show their experience and competence.
- You will have to pay for any damage or accident during the job since unlicensed contractors do not have insurance. It will cost you more if an unlicensed contractor causes damage to your property.
- If you have a dispute with an unlicensed contractor, you cannot report them to the Registrar of Contractors.
- It will affect the value of your property. It may also void your home insurance.
How to get a licensed painter
Here is what you need to do to get a qualified painting contractor.
- Check the Better Business Bureau and the Illinois Attorney General’s office that your contractor is compliant.
- Hire contractors recommended by trusted friends, family, and neighbors.
- Get estimates from several contractors before you hire.
- Insist on a contract between you and the contractor you hire.
Can I paint my own house without a license?
In many states, homeowners can paint both the exterior and interior of their homes without a license or permit.
However, if you do not have the time or skills to paint, you can hire a contractor.
Painting your home is an easy task. It is affordable since all you need is the paint and paintbrushes. Make sure to purchase high-quality paint.
If you choose to hire a contractor, ensure that you hire a licensed contractor.
When you hire a contractor, the cost of painting your home is likely to exceed $1,000.
When you hire a licensed contractor, you can expect the paint job to last at least ten years before you need to repaint your home.
Lead paint disclosure illinois
A lead-based paint disclosure is a federal and Illinois legal requirement when selling or renting property built before 1978.
Before selling a house, sellers must inform their prospective clients’ presence of lead-based paint in the. Additionally, sales contracts must include the lead paint disclosure.
Landlords must also include the disclosure in the rent leases.
Lead is harmful to human beings. It gets into the body through breathing in or swallowing lead dust from chipped paint. It causes brain damage and nervous disorders in children under six years.
Pregnant women and unborn children are at high risk of infections caused by exposure to lead.
Where To Get a Painting License in Illinois
The Illinois Business Department issues licenses to painters.
Here are the requirements to apply for a painter’s license in Illinois.
Determine the type of contractor license you need. As a painter, you will apply for the specialty contractor license. Other contractors will choose the contractor licenses applicable to their trade.
Get the application form. Get your license application form from the municipality offices where your projects are. Each municipality will have its requirements to meet before you get your license. Check municipality offices for the region you work in.
Sit and pass the exam. Same as the license requirements, each municipality has its exams for specialty contractors such as painters.
Get your contractor’s surety bond. Check the surety bond requirements from the municipality office in the location of your projects.
Depending on the municipality you are working in, you may be required to submit the following documents:
- Police report
- Proof of insurance, worker’s compensation, and general liability business insurance.
- Financial report prepared by a CPA
- Business license
- Appropriate education certificates.
Pay your license application fee depending on the municipality.
Submit your application documents.
