Our kitchen needed a refresh after twenty-odd years with the ceramic tile we'd had installed, all those years ago. In that Matt does a variety of types of work, we also asked that he estimate the removal of the 'popcorn' or texturedness of the ceilings in three rooms, the attendant repairs, and painting. For all this work we got several estimates, and though not the lowest, Matt's was the best in that he both characterized the work in greater detail and gave us a much better feeling of confidence that the quote was what the work would cost (no dollar to time budget overruns anticipated). Above all Matt was far and away the most personable and genuine of the folks who estimated the job. We were concerned about the amount of dust the job would generate, and he put our concerns to rest, describing the pro-active dust mitigation measures he employed. Though both facets of the work involved in the tile job and the ceiling work did indeed generate considerable dust, the spread to the rest of the house was limited by these. Though we felt obliged to depart for alternative accommodation at two points (our choice, both of us having health issues that could/would have been worsened by staying), these were of only a couple of days' duration - little vacation-ettes. Matt's work throughout was impeccable. He more than met our expectations in all instances. Above and beyond the superlative quality of his work, I am compelled to make mention of two things: first, Matt is a singularly effective communicator, and kept us abreast of developments in the job very nearly in real-time. Second - though an issued developed with some cosmetic damage occurred to the Urethane finish on our hardwood floors in two rooms, Matt stepped up, made exhaustive attempts at repairing the issue, and when the work proved to be beyond his capacity, he willingly, nay eagerly, shouldered a fair share of the cost of bringing in an alternative contractor to refurbish the floors, alleviating the issue. Our first impressions of Matt were borne out in this and other incidental shows of integrity, humanity, and even-handedness. The main takeaway of our experience of having Matt Howland do work for us is that he is an extremely capable, forthright, honest, upright, reasonable and affable craftsman who takes pride in his work and that his work, as a result, shows it. We recommend Matt for any and all work he might be able to take on for any potential customer contemplating home repair/refurbishment. We will have him do other projects for us in the future, without question. read more