In most cases, neither the City of Atascadero nor San Luis Obispo County requires a permit to paint your house. If you are doing the painting yourself, you don’t need to be a licensed painting contractor, but if you are hiring someone, there are very good reasons for working with a licensed contractor. The Borlodan Painting Company has some tips about permits and considerations about working with a licensed contractor.
When you might need a permit to paint
Painting is considered a cosmetic, or minor maintenance project. As long as painting is not part of structural repairs, remodeling, or major siding replacement, you won’t need a permit. You may need a permit or permission to paint under the following conditions:
- If your home is located in a designated historic district, there may be guidelines for exterior colors.
- The Homeowners Association (HOA) has specific requirements for painting, requiring approval.
- Homes built before 1978 most likely used lead paint, and you will need to follow lead-safe practices for removing old paint. This includes scraping, sanding, and power washing.
Before setting up the ladders and drop cloths, a quick phone call to your local permitting agency gives you the information you need.
Safe practices for removing lead paint
Lead-based paint breaks down into toxic dust and chips that can cause severe neurological damage, organ damage, developmental delays, and behavioral issues, especially in young children. The Atascadero painting team advises that safety is always a priority and safe practices must be followed. The recommended safety practices for removing lead paint include:
- Sealing off the work area, including vents and doorways using 6-mil plastic sheeting and tape.
- Wear properly fitted N100 or HEPA respirator, disposable coveralls, goggles, and gloves.
- Don’t use a standard household vacuum. Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to clean dust and debris.
- Use the “wet method” to keep dust down before sanding or scraping. A spray bottle is effective for working in small areas. Wetting the surface helps control lead-bearing dust and avoid the associated health problems.
- Dispose of paint chips and debris in heavy plastic bags. Seal the bags and follow local hazardous waste regulations for disposal. Tossing the plastic bags in the trash bins for regular pick up is illegal.
- Before applying new paint, thoroughly wipe surfaces with wet rags and vacuum multiple times to remove all dust.
- Shower immediately after work and wash your work clothes separately.
Sealing lead-based paint with a special encapsulating coating is also a possibility. Along with severe health threats, failing to follow the recommended procedures can result in legal action, fines, and costly mandatory abatement. It is highly recommended to hire a painting contractor certified in lead-safe work practices.
For more information about lead-safe work practices, visit the National Lead Information Center.
The advantages of a licensed painting contractor
Not using a licensed painting contractor is a risk exposure that can include financial liability, potential legal issues, and, in extreme cases, loss of homeowners’ insurance. Weighing a lower cost against potential risk helps make informed decisions. The major risks that come with unlicensed contractors include:
- No legal recourse or warranties because unlicensed contractors are not bound by any regulatory boards. If the work is of poor quality, your property is damaged, or they break something, you have very little, if any, recourse to recover damages.
- If an unlicensed contractor or someone on the crew is injured on your property, you may be personally financially responsible. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover injury to unlicensed contractors. You also risk having your insurance cancelled.
- In some states, it’s illegal to hire an unlicensed contractor, and both you and the contractor can be subject to fines. Even though an unlicensed contractor cannot legally enforce a contract in California, that doesn’t stop them from suing you, and creating a legal headache.
Local, licensed, and serving the community since 2011
The Atascadero painters with Borlodan Painting Company have been serving the Central Coast since 2011. “The Borlodan Touch” that has made the company painter of choice is based on:
- Refusing to cut corners—every job, from proper surface preparation to choosing the best paint for local weather and lifestyles, is approached with care and professionalism.
- Negotiating a fair price and delivering quality work. The job isn’t done until you are satisfied.
- No job is too small or too big.
- Respectful and leave a clean worksite when the job is done.
Borlodan Painting Company considers every job its most important job. Call today for an estimate!
