Maine does not require painters to have a license. However, painters may need to be licensed at the local level. Check with your city to see if a license is required.
Where to get a painting license
Painters in Maine only need a business license.
You must meet these requirements to start a painting business in Maine.
- Register the business
- Get a business license from your town office or municipal website.
- Get business liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance if you have employees.
- Get health insurance
What can happen if you hire an unlicensed painter
Consequences of hiring an unlicensed contractor are:
- 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 void your home insurance.
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.
Painting your home is an easy task. It is affordable since all you need is the paint and paintbrushes.
However, if you do not have the time or skills to paint, you can hire a skilled Maine painter.
If you choose to hire, ensure that you hire a skilled painter. You can seek referrals from friends and neighbors for good painters.
When you hire a contractor, the cost of painting your home is likely to exceed $1,000. It is best to get quotes from at least three painters before you hire one. You can compare the cost and their quality of work. Then, you will make the best hiring decision
When you hire a skilled painter, you can expect the paint job to last at least ten years before you need to repaint your home.
Lead paint disclosure Maine
A lead-based paint disclosure is a federal and Maine 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.
