Exterior Residential Painting is Profitable

I learned a long time ago that the majority of home owners really do not like to paint. This is especially true when you consider the exterior of their homes. By targeting residential exterior painting as your main business, you'll should find a steady source of work through the years.

The other positive point for doing exterior painting is most home owners aren't going to spend money on extension ladders and the type of equipment needed for painting larger homes. For many years I specialized in exterior painting and staining of wood sided homes in mountain communities. Due to the terrain, most homes were two to three stories and placed on very rocky and sloping lots. This combination prevented most homeowners from even thinking about painting their own homes.

I always worked alone which meant I took my time in painting those homes but it allowed me to be in the local neighborhoods for longer periods of time also. This contributed to me getting calls from neighbors who decided it was time to paint their homes.

If you decide to go with exterior residential painting you will need more equipment than is necessary with interior work. You should plan on having two good extension ladders at least. Be sure to get the one as long as you can handle. This is important to consider if you plan on working alone as I always did. You'll also need a couple of adjustable ladder jacks and an aluminum scaffold plank. Its also good to have a couple standard step ladders. Depending upon the type of work you do, you'll probably find a good commercial airless sprayer to be invaluable, as well as a power washer.

Personally I like exterior work because generally it goes a bit faster then interior work but it does prove to be a bit more physically challenging.  But if you are physically capable, it is a great way to get your name known in your area.  Neighbors will always notice a fresh new paint job.