Painting and wallpapering is becoming a lucrative home-based business as people want to remodel or redecorate their homes.

Start-Up Costs

About $8,000 for basic supplies and office equipment.

Pricing Guidelines

Wallpaper hangars and painters charge by the roll, by the hour, and according to the difficulty of the job. Find out what other paperhangars in your area are charging. Painting is priced according to the square foot and the kind of paint used. Stenciling is priced from per linear foot with extra charges for multicolor stenciling. Never give an estimate over the phone. Your pricing will be determined by the size of the job; the type of wallpaper to be used; your estimated time to complete the job; and any supplies needed other than the paper or paint, which will be charged to your customer.

Search for paper and painting stores that give discounts to regular contractors.

Marketing & Advertising Methods & Tips

Encourage word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers. Hand out flyers and business cards. Place classified ads in local newspapers. Buy ad time on local cable television channels.

Offer a wallpapering workshoop at a local decorator's shop. Send out direct mailings to retirement homes, schools, businesses, and interior decorators.

Essential Eauipment

Ladders, assorted paint brushes and rollers, papering brushes and rollers, knives, razor blades for cutting paper, drop cloths, vehicle for carrying your supplies. You will also need an answering machine and filing system.

Recommended Training, Experience, or Needed Skills

Work with a professional paperhangar. Volunteer with friends and family to help them wallpaper or paint, or try it in your own home.

Take a course at a school or local decorating, hardware, or paint center.

Need physical dexterity, a working knowledge of math, familiarity with color, and an ability to communicate well with your customers.

Income Potential

$18,000 to $50,000 + average annual earnings; $300 to $800 per week. If you hire assistants you have a potential to earn more.

Success Tips

Always get a signed contract to ensure payment.

Pay attention to detail, protect the furniture and belongings of your customers, and do quality work.