English decorator relocating to Naples FL - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

lee100 · 11-07-2007, 06:40 PM

Hi Guys,

I have been a decorator in the North East of England for 35 years and have run my own business since 1989.

We will be emigrating to Naples in around 18 months once our green cards are processed and I have a few questions that I hope you may be able to help me with.

As you can see I have a lot of experience within the trade and I was wondering what employment prospects there would be in the Naples area, or would I be better off getting my license and starting my own business?

Does anyone have any idea what the wage rates are in Florida and what benefits you could expect from an employer?

Also would anyone have any idea what kind of income I could make if I started my own business, I dont want to start employing staff so I will be working alone, and finally (for now) how difficult is it to get licensed and where do you go to start the process.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Lee

Flikka · 11-08-2007, 07:38 AM

Hi Lee,

I'm in Canada and a member of CDECA so really not much help but a quick google search came up with the link below. You may be able to find what you're looking for here.

http://www.cidinternational.org/

I don't know what your job prospects in Naples will be but I'm a sucker for an English accent and I can't be the only one.

I'm sure if your talented and professional you will find something.

I think I may have a web site saved on my other computer of a decorator in Florida if you want it just ask and I'll see if I can dig it out. She may be ablet answer some of your questions.

Cheers
Mary

George Z · 11-08-2007, 08:20 AM

Quote:

and a member of CDECA

Maybe I am wrong, but in England a decorator is a Painter
not as we know here an Interior Decorator, I think.

neolitic · 11-08-2007, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by George Z

Maybe I am wrong, but in England a decorator is a Painter
not as we know here an Interior Decorator, I think.

I think you're correct sir.

lee100 · 11-08-2007, 11:19 AM

Thanks for the info and the ego boost regarding the accent Mary.

In reply to the destinction regarding being a Decorator in England, that is of someone who covers all the basic aspects of the trade ie. painting, staining,
varnishing, wallpapering etc.

Over here a interior decorator is someone you pay to come into your home who tells you what you should like (even if you dont like it), they never get their hands dirty and expect us to make their ideas a reality, and if the customer doesnt like it its always our fault!

Hope that has helped (without being to cynical!).

I'll check out the web site you recommended Mary and if you stumble across you friends site just let me know.

Many thanks

Lee

Flikka · 11-08-2007, 06:18 PM

So you have Decorators, which is what you are, and Interior Decorators which you are not. Hmmmm I guess that would make me a Decorating Interior Decorator....cool. Well the accent will still help but the site won't.

Cheers
Mary

mickeyco · 11-08-2007, 06:33 PM

You'll like it there, it rains a lot and you can't get a good meal, just kidding, welcome. Naples is a beutiful area, just watch out for the panthers, not kidding.

daArch · 11-08-2007, 07:14 PM

Lee,

In the States, we have a organization for wallcovering installers, the National Guild of Professional Paperhangers. www.ngpp.org

It's a great organization for learning, networking, and keeping up with the industry ...... not to mention the camaraderie.

-Bill
NGPP, Boston Chapter

THINKPAINTING · 11-08-2007, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lee100

Hi Guys,

I have been a decorator in the North East of England for 35 years and have run my own business since 1989.

We will be emigrating to Naples in around 18 months once our green cards are processed and I have a few questions that I hope you may be able to help me with.

As you can see I have a lot of experience within the trade and I was wondering what employment prospects there would be in the Naples area, or would I be better off getting my license and starting my own business?

Does anyone have any idea what the wage rates are in Florida and what benefits you could expect from an employer?

Also would anyone have any idea what kind of income I could make if I started my own business, I dont want to start employing staff so I will be working alone, and finally (for now) how difficult is it to get licensed and where do you go to start the process.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Lee

You are what we used to call a journeyman painter decorator in nthe union.

There are not many left in the USA as everyone is more or less self taught and after working in the feild with a masking machine and some tape tey call themselves a painter.

Try finding a historical restoration company or mayde a faux finshing co.

One of my painters worked in Naples for 5 yrs as a foreman / painter his pay was $14 dollars an hr with no bennys....he worked for a very large painting company that does over 2 mil a yr.

Most of the help was illegals.

Here are 2 links for two companys in Naples , good luck.

http://www.vicspainting.com/

http://www.rembrandtpaintinginc.com/

**slickshift** · 11-08-2007, 09:27 PM

There's no place to get a good pizza in Naples
...or most of Southern Florida for that matter

mjay · 11-09-2007, 05:47 PM

Hey up,
I'm a Yorkshire man, been here 15 years. More familiar with the New York market, but I did live in Orlando for 2 years. My experience with Florida is that there is lots of work painting exteriors and apartments, but not much high end work. Paperhangers are a breed unto themselves here, and if you are good I would concentrate on finding either employment with a hotel chain or a large high end builder. As always no one but yourself will pay what you are truly worth. Materials and practices are different here and there will be a learning curve regards products.
Use the power of the internet to research licences and insurance for working in the Florida State and local Counties. Insurance is a must if your working for yourself or if you sub-contract.
Good luck mate!

lee100 · 01-10-2008, 02:16 PM

Thanks for all the info guy's you're all great.

Lee

**Teetorbilt** · 01-10-2008, 06:17 PM

mjay, obviously you have not been to Naples. It's a high-end town, lots of waterfront. I have a great-uncle (who brought you cruise control) that retired there.

JCpresto · 01-10-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

As you can see I have a lot of experience within the trade and I was wondering what employment prospects there would be in the Naples area, or would I be better off getting my license and starting my own business?

Does anyone have any idea what the wage rates are in Florida and what benefits you could expect from an employer?

Im on the east coast of Florida directly across from you in Miami. I can tell you right now your best bet will be starting your own business. Wages in this state are very low comparable to most of the country for a few obvious reasons. If you can network well, and get your name out there you can find a good niche and make a good living. There is big money and lots of older folks in Naples. So you know there is a demand for good work, not just blow and go.

Quote:

My experience with Florida is that there is lots of work painting exteriors and apartments, but not much high end work.

You shouldve driven a little south to the west palm area. Beleive me there is alot of money to go around down here. Just gotta find it and know the right people.