Hi my name is Joshua and I plan on starting my own business painting homes. My question is do I need and contractors licence or can I just use a business licence?

This depends on your local area. Licensing is generally a province of the municipality or county. Most have websites these days so you can try yours. If you can't find the answer, contact the consumer affairs office.

A lot will as mentioned depend on your area. Some of the larger cities have very strict rules and regs, others have almost none.

So your first stop to ask this question can be the local building and codes departent.

Also remember liability insurance, when your paint blows on the car next door, or your latter falls and kills their prize cat.