Originally published on March 18, 2022. Last updated on December 3rd, 2024.
When you’ve just started a painting business, it can be hard to pay your staff competitively and keep your business profitable at the same time. Learning how to subcontract painting jobs can help you take on more painting jobs while keeping your overhead costs under control.
In this post, we’ll explain the differences between subcontractors and employees, the benefits of subcontracting, and how to find quality painting subcontractors to hire.
Everything you need to know about subcontracting paint jobs:
What is a painting subcontractor?
A painting subcontractor is a person or company that you hire to complete specific painting jobs. You can either pay a subcontractor a fixed rate for a particular job, or they might charge an hourly rate that you’ll pay once their work time is complete.
Many painting subcontractors work for multiple clients or companies at the same time. They set their own schedules, decide what work to accept or refuse, and often pay for their own painting supplies.
Painting subcontractors vs. company employees
A painting employee is a member of your team that works with you for the long haul. You pay them a painter’s salary or wage that reflects their hours, regardless of the amount of work they do—plus health benefits, paid vacation, and sick time.
On the other hand, you only pay subcontractors for specific jobs they’ve done on a per job basis. They aren’t entitled to receive a regular bi-weekly paycheck, health benefits, or PTO from you.
While it can be great to have employees you can rely on indefinitely, subcontractors are great for one-off jobs and when you need to keep labor costs lower. They can often get to work quickly and support short-term projects during busy seasons.
Still comparing your options? Here are the pros and cons of each setup:
Pros of painting subcontractors
- Flexibility: Contractors are hired as needed, making it easier to scale up or down for projects.
- Expertise: Many contractors specialize in painting, ensuring professional-quality work.
- Lower overhead: No need to pay for benefits, insurance, or long-term commitments.
Cons of hiring contractors
- Less control: Contractors set their schedules and may not always align with your preferred timeline.
- Inconsistent availability: A contractor might not be available for future projects.
- Higher cost per project: Contractors typically charge more than employees on a per-job basis.
Pros of painting employees
- Consistency: Employees are always available for work when you need them.
- Training opportunities: You can train employees to meet your specific standards and methods.
- Team building: Long-term employees contribute to a stable and reliable workforce.
Cons of hiring employees
- Higher overhead: You’re responsible for salaries, benefits, and taxes.
- Limited flexibility: Employees must be paid regardless of the workload.
- Training investment: It takes time and resources to train employees effectively.
Choosing the right option depends on your business needs, project scope, and budget.
In order to make a painting business work, you need to understand the transition from ‘I love my trade’ to knowing that you’re creating a business not just for yourself, but for all of the people that work for you.
5 steps for hiring painting subcontractors
Hiring painting subcontractors can help you scale your business and tackle more projects. Once you’ve made the decision to start working with contractors, follow these five steps to ensure you find skilled and reliable professionals.
1. Create a job posting
Start by writing a job posting calling for individual subcontractors. List the qualifications and experience you’re looking for, and describe the work you need your subcontractor to do.
Keep in mind that good painting subcontractors are entrepreneurial, flexible, and able to balance quality work with quick turnaround times. On top of those qualities, look for subcontractors who can:
- Accept jobs of all sizes (not just big-ticket projects)
- Provide their own supplies, like paint brushes, paint, ladders, and other tools
- Do the job expertly without extra hands-on training
- Work well with your clients and share your customer service values
Once you make a painter job description, share it everywhere you can, including:
- Indeed, Monster, and other job board websites
- Online marketplaces like Kijiji, Craigslist, and Oodle
- Your Facebook business page
- Facebook groups
- Your website
- Community bulletin boards
- Job fairs and trade shows
Example job posting for painting subcontractors
Need a quick description for a last-minute job? Use this example of how to write a job posting when you’re ready to subcontract:
Commercial painting subcontractor
We are currently looking for a self-motivated painter to join our team as a subcontractor. The ideal candidate has 3 or more years of experience in commercial re-paints and new paints. You must be organized and detail-oriented and have exceptional customer service skills.
Responsibilities:
• Determine and identify the right materials and quantities for new and existing projects
• Prepare various surfaces for painting by washing, scraping, sanding, and sandblasting
• Mix, match, and blend various paints, enamels, varnishes, stains, and special protective coatings to achieve the client’s desired color and consistency
• Apply paint using a roller, brush, sprayer, or another applicator
• Respond to service requests and emergencies
• Follow all company health and safety procedures and policies
• Maintain the vehicle and all tools and equipment
Requirements:
• Experience with work in construction environments with ladders, scaffolding, and large industrial equipment
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
• Diploma or certification in a recognized construction or carpentry course preferred
• Liability insurance is required— worker’s compensation is strongly preferred
• Must be willing to undergo and pass a criminal background check
• References from previous painting, drywall, or carpentry jobs
2. Network with professional painters
Finding reliable subcontractors might seem like finding a needle in a haystack.
To overcome the problem of where to look, talk to other contractors you know, industry contacts, previous colleagues, and any business owners who use professional painters. The more people you know in the industry, the more likely you’ll get good references.
You can also join Facebook groups where painters in your area network and share job opportunities. To increase your odds, join other groups for trades and home service professionals—you might find painters looking for work there, too.
Pro Tip: Connect with painters and other home service pros in the Jobber Entrepreneurship Group on Facebook.
3. Get your subcontracting agreement signed
A subcontracting agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines how you and your subcontractor will work together. It clarifies who is responsible for what and defines key deadlines.
This agreement protects your company if the subcontractor doesn’t meet your obligations, and vice versa. Which is why it’s important to get your subcontracting agreement signed before the work begins.
Your state might have specific requirements for painting subcontractor agreements, but you should always include:
- Contact details for you and the subcontractor
- Scope of work and duration (including deadline or final deliverable)
- Payment terms
- Any applicable insurance and license details
- What to do in the event of a legal dispute
Pro Tip: Avoid writing a subcontracting agreement on your own or using templates you find online. Ask your lawyer to help you write a contract that protects everyone involved.
4. Be ready to pay your subcontractors
Most painting business owners pay their subcontractors anywhere from $200-500 per day of a job. Depending on your agreement, it’s also possible to pay them a percentage of the total cost of the job. Your subcontractor will use this to cover the cost of their paint, brushes, and other supplies for the job. It’s also their take-home pay for the time they spent on your project.
Remember that paying a subcontractor will still cost you less than the wages, benefits, and other overhead costs associated with hiring a full-time employee. It’s important to pay subcontractors competitively since they often look for the most profitable work available.
Tax Tip: If you pay a subcontractor more than $600 in a year, you need to provide a 1099 form for the tax year. A good payroll service can help with this. Subcontractors pay their own taxes for employment, social security, and Medicare.
5. Manage and lead your subcontractor team
If hiring subcontractors sounds like a good setup, you’ll want to create a working environment that keeps them coming back.
Effectively managing painting subcontractors requires clear communication, detailed planning, and regular oversight. Start by creating a comprehensive contract that outlines the scope of work, deadlines, payment terms, and any specific quality standards.
Here are some practical tips for getting everyone on the same page:
- Establish a communication process: Set up weekly check-ins or daily updates to stay informed about job progress, address any issues, or answer important questions.
- Use project management tools: Track tasks, timelines, and materials in real time to ensure the project stays organized and on schedule.
- Inspect work regularly: Conduct routine inspections to confirm the quality of work and that everything will be completed by the designated deadline.
- Provide constructive feedback: Offer guidance to your contractors, and resolve concerns promptly. A personal approach ensures that you can build a productive working relationship.
How small business software improves team management
Jobber helps small business owners manage team communications and facilitate contractor management more easily. When managing your team with Jobber, you can:
- View team and subcontractor availability to assign and schedule jobs quickly
- Communicate easily and share specific details about jobs and customer requirements
- Use push notifications to send faster updates to your crew
- Complete job forms and checklists to ensure consistency when using subcontractors
Managing a team of painting subcontractors successfully is all about balancing oversight with mutual respect and collaboration. Treat them as part of your crew, and be available as a source of guidance and support.
Jobber helped differentiate my business. It made me look professional, allowed me to be way more organized and was a huge time saver.
Why should you hire subcontractors for your painting company?
Subcontracting painters can ease some of the challenges of running a small business, especially if you’re a one-person operation. Plus, there are a few more reasons that you should consider hiring subcontractors:
- Balance seasonal workloads. Hiring more full-time employees when your business gets busy means you might be overstaffed during months when there’s less work. When you hire subcontractors for specific jobs, you only pay for the staff you need. (In other words, the arrangement is flexible, not binding).
- Cut business expenses. Since most subcontractors supply their own equipment, you’ll spend less on materials for new jobs. This gives you more flexibility to invest in your business growth with things like marketing or administration.
- Win more painting contracts. Subcontractors tend to work faster. Getting your projects done quickly will help you take on more painting contracts and improve your business’s cash flow on a monthly basis.
READ MORE: How to get painting contracts
Grow your business with painting subcontractors
Hiring painting subcontractors is a great way to make your business more efficient and profitable.
Knowing how to subcontract painting jobs will open up your schedule to take on more contracts, help you deal with seasonal changes, and give you more financial freedom than you’d find with a large team of employees.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Look for companies with strong reviews, verified licenses, and a solid reputation in the painting industry. Ask for references from other subcontractors to ensure the business has a good track record and treats their team well.
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Consider the scope of work, budget, and timelines to ensure the job aligns with your expertise. Clear communication and a detailed contract are also essential.
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Always use a detailed contract that outlines expectations, payment terms, and deadlines. Regularly communicate with the contractor to avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, business owners should make sure that subcontractors have the right licenses, insurance, and experience to meet specific project standards.
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Requirements vary by location but typically include having proper licenses, insurance, and a written contract. Check local and state regulations to ensure compliance with local labor laws. Reach out to your tax professional or CPA for any questions related to payments.