Painters in Kansas do need to be licensed depending on the type of work they are engaging in.
Painters in Kansas get their licenses at the local level through county or city governments and cover them for commercial and residential painting work.
There are also state registration requirements for painters dealing with lead paint abatement.
A Kansas painter can apply for the following three types of licenses.
Class A General Contractor License
It allows you to work in the construction or remodeling of any building.
Class B Building Contractor License
It allows you to work on buildings less than three stories in height.
Class C Residential Contractor License
It allows you to work on single-family, duplexes, and accessory buildings. You can work on swimming pools, roofs, painting, and repairs.
Where To Get a Painting License in Kansas
Check with your city’s local government about the requirements to get your painting license.
Depending on your city, here are the requirements you have to meet to get your license.
- A registered business license.
- Get liability insurance and worker’s compensation.
- Proof of education. You can hire an employee or have a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture, engineering, or construction science.
- Proof of experience.
- Photo ID.
- Pay license application fees. Different license classes may have varying application fees depending on the city.
What Can Happen if You Hire an Unlicensed Painter
Hiring an unlicensed painter is detrimental.
Here are the consequences if you hire an unlicensed painter in Kansas:
- They may not deliver as agreed. Licensed contractors risk losing their license if reported for unfinished or poorly done jobs. 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 void your home insurance.
- If the contractor does not work as agreed, you cannot sue an unlicensed painter.
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.
In Kansas, some cities require you to get a permit to paint the exterior of your home.
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.
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 Kansas
A lead-based paint disclosure is a federal and Kansas 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.
