In North Carolina, painters must hold a license to bid on projects worth more than $30,000.
Additionally, contractors must hold a license for them to hire employees.
North Carolina has five categories of contractor licenses.
- Building contractor license. Holders can contract public, private and commercial properties of all types.
- Residential contractor license. Holders can work on residential properties.
- Highway contractor license
- Public utilities license. Holders can work on water and sewer lines, waste treatment facilities, electrical transmission facilities and natural gas distribution facilities.
- Specialty contractor license. A painter can apply for the specialty contractor license.
- There are three limitations of licenses a painter can apply for in North Carolina.
- Limited that allows the holder to work on projects worth up to $500,000.
- Intermediate allows the holder to work on projects worth $1,000,000.
- Unlimited which allows the holder to work on projects worth over $1,000,000.
Where to get a painting license in North Carolina
Apply for a painting license in North Carolina from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.
Here are the requirements to apply for a North Carolina contractor license:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Possess good moral character.
- Provide evidence of financial responsibility as determined by the board.
- Pay the application fee.
- Sit and pass a trade exam as determined by the board.
What can happen if you work without a license in North Carolina?
The contractor licensing board penalizes those who work without a license. It can impose penalties such as:
- License revocation
- Fines.
- Civil fines
- Criminal charges
What are the negative consequences of hiring an unlicensed contractor?
- They may not deliver as agreed. Licensed contractors risk losing their license if reported for unfinished jobs or overcharging. 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.
- It may be hard to get your money back from an unlicensed out-of-state painter.
- It will affect the value of your property.
- It may void your home insurance.
Can I paint my own house without a license?
Yes. You do not need a license to paint your own home in North Carolina.
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.
Why hiring a professional painter is recommended
If you do not have the time or skills to paint, you can hire a contractor.
One of the greatest benefits of hiring a professional painter is that you can expect the paint job to last at least ten years before you need to repaint your home. Make sure to use high-quality paint for the best results.
If you choose to hire a contractor, ensure that you hire a painter licensed to work in North Carolina. Seek referrals to hire a good painter.
Also, get at least three quotes before you hire. It helps you to find a painter who will work with your budget.
When you hire a contractor, the cost of painting your home is higher than if you DIY. Different painters charge different prices, hence the need to have three quotes to compare.
Lead paint disclosure in North Carolina
A lead-based paint disclosure is a federal and North Carolina legal requirement when selling or renting property built before 1978.
Before selling a house, sellers must inform their prospective clients of lead-based paint. 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.
