It is difficult for me to write this review as my experience with Donna Carter turned sour after some months. Here is why the 1 star review is being submitted.
After searching on Yelp for quality painters I sent a quote request to Mike Carter Painting and Donna responded quickly to set up a time to chat. We did and it was wonderful. She seemed very nice and customer focused and assured me that they were professionals, and all would be great. Based on the reviews I was inclined to believe that this would be a good experience. For the most part it was, there were some issues with getting details about what we had to do prior to their arrival as we were replacing some siding, facia, soffit and windows. She got defensive when my family called as she didn't know who they were even though I texted her that my local family would be in contact to set up a time to meet and discuss the project. After that was worked out with my family and Donna, we continued to set up paint samples etc as requested by Donna, who was very generous in giving us discounts and her paint supplier so we could get the color pattern correct. LOVELY!! Really feeling good about this project at this point. She even gave us an extra color at no charge!! Awesome!! We finally get to signing the contract and I submit my color choices and which area of the house would be which color. She replied with "everything looks good, we can schedule you for December." We set a date. She calls a couple weeks later and states she had a reschedule for another account and she could start our project earlier. GREAT!! We set a date. This is where the problem fell apart quickly. She texts me AFTER they power wash and states that the facia and soffit must be the same color or they will have to charge me more than what is contracted. The details of the areas and colors are on the signed contract. I told her that this was what I was worried about with all of our previous conversations about "we are professionals, you don't need to worry about anything. It will be beautiful." Etc. Furthermore, I told her that this was not acceptable, and she cannot change the price after they have started the prep work. She stated that they would not do the job and they left the property. Then she was trying to charge me for the power washing, and I disputed the charges for the deposit I placed with them and won that case, obviously they didn't do the contracted job. After she is notified that my account will be credited, she texts me that "I will be placing a lien on your house for the full amount." What?!! Needless to say, I did not respond.
This final experience was severely unprofessional, and her comments were unprofessional as well. This is no way to do business and I am not sure why she tried to change the price after months of planning. Obviously, this put our project further behind as we have to search for another painter, and it will take time. I would use extreme caution when dealing with Donna and she can turn on a dime if something doesn't go her way. She does not put the customer's interests or concerns at the front of her mind when responding or answering common questions about painting and the process from nonprofessional painters, like her customers are. If any potential customers need further clarification, I would be happy to elaborate.
After I proved my case with the bank and she had to give me my refund she threatened to have a lien put on my home. I guess we will see what happens, another example of unprofessional conduct unfortunately. Maybe the project was too much for them? I wish them luck in the future and they have had some good reviews.
Sincerely,
Mark read more