USCA Painting was referred to me by Thumbtack. This is a website much like Angie's List and Home Advisor. USCA Painting had all 5 star reviews so I figured I'd give them a shot. I contacted them and spoke with Ben who stated that he was the owner. He came out and gave me an on the spot quote, complete with a print-out. I was impressed by his thoroughness and demeanor and after getting another quote, decided to hire Ben. I didn't realize Ben was the contractor, not the painter, until the day the painting began. The job was to be completed in 5 days as I had other contractors coming in to do flooring, vents, etc.. I had problems from the get go. Upon arriving the morning the painting was to begin, there was only 1 guy (Jose') that came to my house, (I was promised 4 as this is a 4000 sq ft home). Jose' stated that it was his fault the other painters weren't there as there was a misunderstanding with Ben and that he would make sure the other painters were there the following day (he begged me not to call Ben). The next day, 1 more painter arrived. Again, I asked Jose' where the rest of the crew was and he said that he doesn't make as much money if he brings in other painters and that too many painters would cause problems. I was dumbfounded at his answer as I contracted for 4 painters and whether he made more money or not wasn't my problem. I wasn't currently living in the home, so keeping an eye on the situation was somewhat difficult. I contacted Ben and he met me at the house the next day. I made him aware of several concerns I had regarding the paint job and lack of painters. There was paint on my floors, bathtubs, shower tiles, woodwork and overspray everywhere. There was also what's called "picture framing" which is when the trim is painted first and allowed to dry before the painting begins. My entire home looked like it had been outlined in every room. This is a 6 yr old former model home that was in pristine condition other than needing a fresh coat of paint and a cleaning. The walls were not primed (going from a dark color to a white color) and after 4 coats of Dunn Edwards paint, the prior paint was still bleeding through and peeling in some areas. Jose' just kept putting more and more paint on the walls until it looked caked on and yellow. To say I was devastated is an understatement. Ben came out twice after I complained and kept telling me that they weren't finished and everything would look great. I knew better and after 5 1/2 days I fired them. I had paint peeling in the corners, bleeding through the walls, picture framing in every room, paint on the woodwork, overspray on the railing and stairway, light switches and a broken spindle on my staircase, etc.....They didn't remove all of the hardware, towel racks, toilet paper holder, light fixtures, drapery, etc... and therefore they too had paint on them. I had already paid Ben for half of the painting prior to this and now had to pay another painter more money to come in and fix the mess that USCA Painting had created and repaint my entire house inside. To this day, there has been no restitution to me. I had to move in to my house with only the upstairs repainted as the new contractor was booked and couldn't fit me in to do the whole house. Stay far, far, far, away from USCA Painting. They will cause damage to your home and cost you way more money in the long run. read more
