An American business website recently recommended house painting as a business that can be started on $100.

"You can learn some helpful tips from YouTube videos on house painting, free Home Depot workshops, and some practice painting around your own home," they suggested cheerfully.

While a bloke can buy painters whites, business cards, and a paintbrush for $100, that doesn't make him a painter.

Here's what the painter who has learned from YouTube and painting around his own house doesn't have to offer:

• Certification, licensure, or any other evidence that he has actually gained the skills you want him to have when he paints your building.
• Safety equipment and insurance that will not only keep him and your property safe, but also protect you from liability if anyone is hurt or any damage is done. 
• Quality equipment needed to do a good job.
• Knowledge about safety and legal issues, including issues like lead and asbestos dangers. 
• Skills required to cope with surprises or special needs that arise during your job. 
• Experience that will ensure a good finish. 

Choosing your painting and decorating company based on price can lead you to choose someone who has started up a painting company just because they thought it would be low cost and easy to do. They're wrong. And your choice of a fly by night outfit for your job may come back to haunt you in the future.

Courtney & Wise are Master Painters who have been making buildings in Sydney and the Northern Beaches beautiful for generations. A firm like this has references, awards, and certifications that let you start the job with confidence and finish it with satisfaction.