Trade directory · High Point metro · North Carolina

Painting contractors in
High Point, North Carolina.

A public directory of licensed painting contractors serving greater High Point. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Licensed Establishments
1,052
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
April through September, with highest demand May-July
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for initial quote response
Operator average
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

HIGH POINT-NC · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Interior room painting (12x12)
Typical range based on local interior room painting (12x12) jobs.
$400 – $800
Exterior house painting (1500 sq ft)
Typical range based on local exterior house painting (1500 sq ft) jobs.
$2,800 – $5,500
Kitchen cabinet painting
Typical range based on local kitchen cabinet painting jobs.
$1,200 – $3,000
Deck staining (300 sq ft)
Typical range based on local deck staining (300 sq ft) jobs.
$600 – $1,200
Pressure washing and prep
Typical range based on local pressure washing and prep jobs.
$200 – $600
Commercial interior painting (per sq ft)
Typical range based on local commercial interior painting (per sq ft) jobs.
$2 – $4
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

NC
§1

Licensing Requirements

North Carolina does not require a specific painting contractor license. However, painters performing work over $30,000 must obtain a General Contractor license through the NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. This requires 4 years experience, passing the PSI exam, and $15,000 surety bond. License renewal required every 3 years.

§2

Permit Requirements

High Point requires building permits for exterior painting involving structural repairs or lead paint abatement. Interior painting typically does not require permits unless part of larger renovation project. Commercial projects may require separate permits.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Inspections required only when permits are pulled, typically after prep work completion and before final coating application

§4

Insurance Minimums

General liability minimum $300,000, workers compensation required if employees present. Commercial projects often require $1 million liability coverage.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

6 STEPS
1

Determine licensing requirements

Projects under $30,000 require no license. Projects over $30,000 require General Contractor license from NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

01/06
2

Meet experience requirements

Document 4 years of construction experience through employment records, tax returns, or sworn affidavits from previous employers or clients.

02/06
3

Submit application

Complete application with NC Board of Examiners, including experience documentation, references, and $200 application fee.

03/06
4

Pass PSI examination

Schedule and pass the PSI General Contractor exam covering business law, safety, and construction practices. Exam fee approximately $75.

04/06
5

Obtain surety bond

Purchase $15,000 surety bond from licensed surety company and submit bond documentation with license application.

05/06
6

Complete licensing

Pay final licensing fees and receive license number. License renewal required every 3 years with continuing education requirements.

06/06
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

High Point's painting market runs steady year-round with residential repaints driving most work. Competition's thick with over 1052 licensed establishments statewide, but quality crews stay busy. Furniture manufacturing heritage means commercial work leans toward warehouses and showrooms. Costs run middle-of-the-road for NC, with material transport from Charlotte or Greensboro adding slight premiums. Lead paint issues common in older neighborhoods near downtown. Weather patterns allow longer outdoor seasons than northern markets, but summer humidity affects cure times and scheduling. Market favors established crews with solid referral networks over fly-by-night operators. Getting licensed as a painter in High Point means understanding NC's $30k threshold - stay under and you're exempt, go over and you need full General Contractor licensing with all the paperwork headaches. No dedicated painting license keeps barriers low but creates wild quality variations. Peak season hits hard April through September when everyone wants exterior work done. Smart contractors prep customer lists in winter, order materials early, and charge premium rates during crunch time. Insurance requirements vary by project size, but don't skimp - one lead paint lawsuit kills margins for years. Local inspectors know their stuff and don't tolerate shortcuts on prep work or safety protocols.

Data Sources
  • Licensed establishments in NC
    US Census Bureau - County Business Patterns
  • Licensing requirements
    NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors
  • Cost estimates
    Local market analysis and contractor estimates
  • Permit requirements
    High Point Building Department
  • Insurance requirements
    NC Department of Insurance
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

Do I need a license to work as a painter in High Point, NC?

North Carolina doesn't require specific painting licenses for projects under $30,000. Above that threshold, you need a General Contractor license from the NC Board of Examiners, requiring 4 years experience and passing the PSI exam.

Q/02

What does exterior house painting cost in High Point?

Exterior painting runs $2,800-$5,500 for a typical 1,500 sq ft home, based on local market estimates. Costs vary with prep work needed, paint quality, and number of stories.

Q/03

When is the best time to schedule painting work in High Point?

April through September offers optimal weather conditions, with May-July being peak season. Expect higher prices and longer wait times during peak months due to increased demand.

Q/04

Are permits required for painting projects in High Point?

Most interior and standard exterior painting doesn't require permits. High Point requires permits for exterior work involving structural repairs or lead paint abatement, according to local building department requirements.

Q/05

What insurance do painting contractors need in North Carolina?

Minimum $300,000 general liability insurance required, plus workers compensation if you have employees. Commercial projects typically demand $1 million liability coverage based on standard contract requirements.

§ F · Directory

Painting contractors in High Point

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