How to Start a Decorating and Painting Business in the UK

Painting and decorating is one of the most in-demand trades in the UK, with steady work from both residential homeowners and commercial clients. The startup costs are relatively low, and you can build a strong client base through word-of-mouth referrals.

This guide covers everything you need to get your decorating business started properly.

Qualifications

There is no legal requirement to hold qualifications to work as a painter and decorator. However, having recognised qualifications improves your credibility and may be required for certain contracts:

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Painting and Decorating
• City & Guilds qualifications in painting and decorating
• CSCS card — required if you work on construction sites

If you plan to work as a subcontractor on larger building projects, a CSCS card is effectively essential.

Sole Trader or Limited Company?

Most painters and decorators start as sole traders. It is the simplest option with the least paperwork. Register with HMRC, track your income and expenses, and file one tax return per year.

If you work as a subcontractor for construction companies, you will be part of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) — see below. A limited company may become beneficial once your profits exceed £40,000–£50,000 consistently.

Registering with HMRC

Register for Self Assessment within three months of starting your business. You will receive a UTR by post.

CIS Registration

If you work as a subcontractor for contractors in the construction industry, register with CIS. Without registration, 30% is deducted from your payments. With registration, this drops to 20%. These deductions count towards your tax bill.

Note: if you work directly for homeowners, CIS does not apply. It only applies when you work for businesses that are contractors under the scheme.

VAT

VAT registration is required when turnover exceeds £90,000. The domestic reverse charge applies if you supply construction services to VAT-registered, CIS-registered businesses.

Insurance

• Public liability insurance — essential. Covers damage to client property and third-party injury. Most clients expect a minimum of £1 million cover.
• Employers' liability — legally required if you employ anyone
• Tools and equipment insurance — covers your ladders, spray equipment, and tools
• Personal accident insurance — covers loss of income if you are injured and cannot work
• Vehicle insurance — commercial cover for your van

A comprehensive policy typically costs £200–£600 per year.

Claimable Expenses

• Paint, wallpaper, and materials — for jobs where you supply materials
• Tools and equipment — brushes, rollers, scrapers, spray equipment, ladders, dust sheets
• Vehicle costs — fuel, insurance, maintenance, or mileage at 45p per mile
• Protective clothing — overalls, masks, gloves
• Insurance premiums
• Phone and communications
• Marketing — van livery, business cards, website, local advertising
• Training costs — specialist techniques, health and safety courses
• CSCS card fees
• Waste disposal — paint tins, packaging, dust sheets
• Home office costs — for admin and quoting
• Accountancy fees
• Subcontractor payments

Keep all receipts. Accounted lets you photograph receipts on site and matches them to your bank transactions automatically.

Industry-Specific Tax Considerations

CIS Deductions

CIS deductions are advance payments of your tax. When you file your Self Assessment, they are offset against your tax bill. Keep every CIS statement — you will need them.

Always separate labour and materials on invoices. CIS deductions only apply to the labour portion.

VAT on Domestic Work

If you are VAT-registered and work for homeowners (non-VAT-registered customers), you must charge them VAT at 20%. This makes your prices higher than non-VAT-registered competitors. Consider whether the benefits of VAT registration outweigh this disadvantage — it depends on how much VAT you reclaim on expenses.

Reduced Rate VAT

Some residential work qualifies for a reduced VAT rate of 5%, including:

• Renovation of properties empty for two or more years
• Conversion of properties (e.g., commercial to residential)
• Installation of energy-saving materials

If your work falls within these categories, ensure you apply the correct rate.

Building Your Client Base

• Word of mouth — the most powerful marketing tool for decorators. Do excellent work and the referrals will follow.
• Local directories — Checkatrade, MyBuilder, Rated People
• Social media — before-and-after photos on Instagram and Facebook are very effective
• Local advertising — leaflets, community noticeboards, local newspapers
• Partnerships — build relationships with estate agents, property managers, and other trades
• Repeat clients — commercial and landlord clients can provide regular, predictable work

Bookkeeping Tips

• Separate business and personal bank accounts
• Record all income — including cash payments
• Keep every CIS statement
• Photograph receipts immediately — paint-splattered receipts are hard to read later
• Track materials by job — helpful for quoting future work accurately
• Reconcile your bank account weekly
• Set aside 25–30% of profits for tax

Accounted is built for UK tradespeople. It understands CIS, categorises expenses automatically, and keeps your records ready for tax time.

Key Deadlines

• 19th of each month — CIS return deadline (if you engage subcontractors)
• 31 January — Self Assessment tax return and payment
• 31 July — second payment on account
• Quarterly — VAT returns if registered

Getting Started

Painting and decorating offers a straightforward path to self-employment with low startup costs and strong demand. Get registered, get insured, and keep your records tidy from day one.

Ready to take the hassle out of your decorating business finances? Sign up for Accounted and let Penny handle your books while you focus on the job.