A successful relationship with a painting subcontractor begins with an enforceable contract and appropriate insurance coverage. But some small operations, or one-man shops, may mistakenly believe it’s okay to hire a sub with just a handshake. Not so fast, some legal Pros say. To minimize risk, it’s important that a binding contract…

Steven Oransky knows what a simple paint chip can reveal about a wood siding surface. The Five Star Painting franchise owner in North Shore Boston says the back of a chip is a great indicator for how to proceed with prep. “If the wood is on the back of the chip, then…

Launched in 2009, Houzz has become a go-to space in the online world for customers to find ideas, inspiration, and even a contractor. There are about 400,000 contractors angling for the 20 million unique monthly visitors at the site, and only capturing a few jobs from the site can set off a…

Diversification. It’s so big and corporate-sounding. But every business owner—even the smallest of pro painters—thinks about adding lines of service at some point. It’s easier said than done, and there are plenty of pitfalls for those who look before they leap. Here are some questions to consider when the diversification conversation heats…

It’s a sign of the times. More and more companies are choosing to stay in their current locations, upgrading fixtures and finishes rather than moving, says Richard V. Colucci, president of Distinctive Offices, a New York City-based firm specializing in office space renovations. “The ideal time for business owners to consider a…

With apologies to fans of The Exorcist, we’re about to cite some numbers that will make your head spin. Approximately 73% of online adults now use a social networking site of some kind, according to Social Media Report 2013 of Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project. Social networking giant Facebook…