When I first got into the painting business, I was shocked by the unprofessionalism I saw in some parts of the industry. But I’ve also had the privilege of working alongside many hardworking, reputable companies that provide top-notch service and follow the law. Companies like Absolute Painting, Mountain Painting, ESP Painting, Sundeleaf Painting, and Pearl Painters are great examples of businesses doing things the right way.
However, we’ve all heard the horror stories—contractor nightmares that make you think twice about hiring anyone. One issue really stands out to me, and I want to make sure homeowners understand it: the 1099 subcontractor problem.
The 1099 Subcontractor Issue
When you hire a painting contractor or a painting company, you expect things to be done professionally and safely. Unfortunately, some painting companies try to dodge the high costs of workers’ compensation insurance by hiring subcontractors and filing 1099 forms. Here’s what that means for you as a homeowner: subcontractors can operate as sole proprietors, meaning they don’t need workers’ comp insurance. If they get hurt on the job, they’re on the hook for their own medical costs. So far, it might seem like no big deal. But here’s the kicker—these so-called “subcontractors” often aren’t even licensed to do the work! Without a proper license, they’re not truly subcontractors—they’re just unqualified workers in disguise.
The Importance of Licensing
This is where it gets tricky. When hiring painting contractors, it’s essential that subcontractors have valid licenses and general liability insurance. This protects you as a homeowner. If something goes wrong, the responsibility should fall on the contractor, not you. But if the subcontractor isn’t licensed, that protection goes out the window. Suddenly, the responsibility for any issues could fall on your shoulders, including liability for any injuries that occur on your property.
Potential Liability
The bottom line: If an unlicensed subcontractor gets hurt while working on your property, you could be held liable for their injuries. And we’re not just talking about minor accidents—we’re talking about serious, life-threatening injuries or even fatalities. The consequences of something like that are huge, and no one wants to find themselves in that situation.
Protecting Yourself
So, how can you protect yourself when working with painting contractors? It’s simple. Make sure that all subcontractors are properly licensed to work in Oregon. You can easily verify this through the CCB License Search online. Also, ask your contractor upfront whether they use regular employees or rely on 1099 subcontractors. If they’re using a lot of 1099 workers, that should raise a red flag. A reputable company should have a full-time, legal workforce, not just subcontractors who aren’t properly licensed. If they do subcontract out work, ask to see the subcontractor’s details—make sure they’re licensed and insured. It might take a little extra effort, but it’s worth it to keep yourself safe and protected.
Our Commitment at Sisu Painting, Inc.
At Sisu Painting, we take your safety seriously. We don’t use subcontractors. Our team is made up of skilled, trained employees who are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. When you hire us, you can rest easy knowing that we’re fully licensed, insured, and committed to doing things the right way.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about hiring a painting company, make sure you do your homework. Look for a company that uses qualified, licensed employees rather than subcontractors. Protect yourself from potential liability by asking the right questions. And as always, feel free to reach out to us if you need guidance or want to discuss your next painting project. We’re here to help make your home improvement experience smooth, safe, and stress-free.
For more tips and advice, check out our blog at SisuPainting.com/blog.
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