When it comes to maintaining your school’s facilities, a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference—but the people behind that paint matter even more. Hiring unlicensed or uninsured painters might seem like a quick or cost-saving decision, but it can expose your school to financial, legal, and safety risks that far outweigh any short-term benefits.

At Atlanta’s Paint Doctor, we’ve seen how schools can protect their investments—and their reputation—by working only with qualified, licensed, and fully insured professionals. 

 

  1. Liability and Legal Exposure

Schools are responsible for the safety of every student, staff member, and visitor on campus. When a contractor is unlicensed or uninsured, that responsibility shifts entirely to the school if something goes wrong. 

If a painter is injured on school property or damages equipment or facilities, the school could face significant financial liability—including medical costs, property repairs, or even lawsuits.

Licensed contractors, on the other hand, carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, protecting both parties and ensuring claims are handled properly.

 

  1. Non-Compliance with State and Local Regulations

Educational facilities are subject to strict maintenance and safety standards, especially in Georgia. Working with unlicensed painters means the project may not meet code requirements or EPA standards such as the Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule, which regulates work on surfaces with potential lead-based paint hazards in buildings constructed before 1978. 

Violating these regulations can result in costly fines and can even put your school’s reputation at risk. A licensed, certified contractor ensures full compliance and proper documentation—something every school administrator should expect. 

👉 Reference: EPA Renovation, Repair and Painting Program 

 

  1. Compromised Health and Safety Standards

Unlicensed contractors often cut corners to reduce costs—using low-quality or high-VOC paints, skipping safety protocols, or neglecting proper ventilation. These shortcuts directly impact indoor air quality, which plays a crucial role in student concentration, comfort, and health. 

In our previous post, Why Low-VOC Paints Matter for Healthy Learning Environments, we explained how the right materials support cleaner, safer classrooms. Choosing a licensed painting contractor ensures these materials are used responsibly and safely. 

 

  1. Poor Quality and Shorter Lifespan of Work

A professional paint job isn’t just about color—it’s about surface preparation, coating selection, and long-term durability. Unlicensed painters typically lack access to commercial-grade coatings and don’t follow manufacturer specifications for application. 

The result? Premature fading, peeling, and the need for more frequent repainting—costing your school more time and money in the long run. Licensed and insured contractors, like Atlanta’s Paint Doctor, use proven systems and products designed to last in high-traffic educational environments.

 

  1. No Accountability or Warranty

When something goes wrong after an unlicensed crew finishes a project, you’re often left with no recourse. There’s no warranty, no oversight, and no guarantee that the work meets standards. 

Licensed contractors, however, are bound by state accountability laws and professional ethics. They offer warranties and stand behind their workmanship—an essential layer of protection for schools responsible for managing taxpayer or donor funds. 

 

Protecting Your School’s Investment 

As members of the Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA) and corporate sponsors of the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA), we understand the high standards Georgia’s schools must meet. Every project—whether a single classroom refresh or a full campus repaint—should enhance learning conditions while maintaining full compliance and safety. 

When evaluating painting bids, always verify: 

  • The contractor’s Georgia license and insurance certificates. 
  • Their EPA RRP certification (for older buildings). 
  • Their experience working in K-12 educational settings. 
  • References or partnerships with organizations like GCSA and GISA. 

 

Final Thoughts 

Your school’s facilities reflect its values—and so does the team you trust to maintain them. Hiring licensed, insured painters ensures not just a beautiful result but also peace of mind, compliance, and long-term value. 

At Atlanta’s Paint Doctor, we combine craftsmanship with accountability to help Georgia’s charter and independent schools maintain healthy, inspiring spaces year after year. Ready to start your project? Get your estimate here!