In Iowa, painters do not need a state license. However, a painter needs a license at the local level.
Also, contractors working on projects worth over $2,500 have to be licensed.
Where To Get a Painting License in Iowa
Apply for your painting license in the local government office of the city you are working.
However, Iowa law requires construction contractors who earn more than $2,000 to register with the Iowa Division Of Labor.
These are the requirements for getting a contractor license in Iowa.
- Business Registration
- General business liability insurance and workers compensation if you have employees.
- Out-of-state surety bond.
- Fill out your application.
- Pay your application fees.
What Happens if You’re Caught Without a License?
In Iowa, a painter who works without a license pays a $500 fine when caught the first time. Subsequent arrests will see the unlicensed painter charged a $5,000 fine.
Consequences of Hiring an Unlicensed Painter
- They may not deliver as agreed. Unlicensed painters may not do the work as you need it done. It could be because they don’t know how or because you can not report them to a licensing authority.
- Shoddy work. Licensed contractors have passed practical and written examinations to show their experience and competence. Unlicensed painters may not have the skills to paint a home like yours.
- 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. When selling your home, you have to disclose if there are any changes to the house. Having unlicensed contractors make the changes will lower the value when selling it.
- It may void your home insurance. Your home insurer may refuse to pay for damage caused by an uninsured painter. Thus, you will have to pay for it.
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. Most people prefer to hire a painter to transform the appearance of their home.
Painting your home is an easy task. It is affordable since all you need is the paint and paintbrushes. Make sure to use high-quality paint for the best appearance.
If you choose to hire a contractor, ensure that you hire a licensed contractor. Licensed painters are competent and recognized by authorities. They also carry business insurance for when they get into or cause an accident.
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 Iowa
A lead-based paint disclosure is a federal and Iowa legal requirement when selling or renting property built before 1978.
Before selling a house, sellers must inform their prospective clients. 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.
