I would have written a shorter review but I didn't have time…read more
From the minute the salesman arrived (John G.), I knew there was a difference from the three other estimates I got. Although the other people would actually paint the house---which can be a benefit--having a separate person of a larger company fill just that role and NOT painting has more benefits: Because he would not be juggling painting jobs, John took more time to answer my questions, show samples, or talk through concerns; he provided so much more additional parts of the 'sales call' such has :Technology, (laptop with a specific company software for showing options) and when I chose a few options for colors, John sent an AI created picture of my house fully painted with each color; he had a catalogue of colors in a folder that also included all the company information/disclosures, and he was more trained in customer service and presentations, so he explained the process more clearly, walked me through options I didn't even know were available, and made the estimate easy to understand. The estimate was specific-- included about 50 photos of my home that signified in the description exactly what part of the house would be painted what color, and all other details. All other estimates lacked all these qualities. No hands on/tangible presentation material, colors etc.; very few if any options or bringing anything of concern to some details that John provided, and finally the other estimates could have been written on a cocktail napkin there was so little information.
On top of these things, CraftWorks sent a Color Consultant, Lloyd E., who visited for an hour, collaborated well but not without some suggestions, which turned out to be worth the lesson because he really knows his stuff; 35 years as a color consultant was evident as he even provided the history of a color and what makes two seemingly identical colors different...which helped in my decision.
The prices of the four estimates were within a few hundred dollars, one being higher and two lower, and one of them listing the labor cost only. More on that issue later. Because of some other benefits, CRaftWorks was the glaringly obvious--and only--choice.
I had direct contact with a separate finance manager, the foreman of the job, and throughout the entire process, I had a hotline to John, the original point of contact. Most of the time, once the contract is signed and the salesman scores another CLOSE, he disappears. Not John. I must have called a dozen times with questions, comments, and feedback. He answered each time (yes, there are still some people who use a phone for its namesake) or texted he'd call right back to me, which he always did.
Once the job started Roman the Foreman (nice ring to that) confirmed again everything before he began, like a surgeon double-checking it's the right that gets amputated. He also reported any concerns that he had along the way for us the address, and announced when he would arrive and when he was leaving each day. Service Service Service.
THEN, there was an issue. I had painted an area of stucco with four different free samples I got from Dunn Edwards (another perk not offered by anyone else. In fact, the guy who priced out only the labor wanted me to go pick up all the paint since I was paying for it directly and not included in the cost).
The problem with my painting on the samples was that I put on a frosting-thick layer of paint, essentially covering and sealing the spray-on texture. It seemed irreparable and, of course, I painted in the front of house, viewed by everyone. Not to worry, Roman the Foreman used his magic and blended in the fade so well that you would have to be told to look for it. Miracle. I could not believe I did not totally Eff-up my house. He is an artist.
I got a final walk through and everything was perfect!
They finished the exact hour they said they would at the very beginning. When it comes time for the interior, I have 'my paint guys'.
