Disappointing experience -- detailed estimate did not match the work performed…read more
We hired Bob's company to paint much of the first floor of our home. Bob came to our home with a crew member, spent more than an hour reviewing the project, asked detailed questions, and provided a very detailed written proposal outlining preparation steps before painting. Based on that consultation, the proposal, and the references provided, we expected a well-managed, detail-oriented project.
Unfortunately, the work performed did not reflect that expectation.
Bob was not present at any point during the project and did not check in or conduct an on-site inspection. The crew worked independently, and we became responsible for identifying quality issues throughout the job. We repeatedly marked paint drips, runs, roller marks, missed coverage, incomplete second coats, and other defects with blue tape so they could be corrected the following day. We also found paint on the flooring, fixtures, and new door frames.
The preparation process did not match the written proposal. On day 1, the crew began cutting in and applying paint before nail holes and other repairs were completed. Holes were patched and sanded after the first coat had already been applied. Sanding also occurred without vacuuming or meaningful dust control, often during the same work periods as painting.
When we raised concerns about the detailed preparation steps listed in the estimate, the crew told us that Bob had used the same language in the estimate for years and that it did not necessarily reflect how the work was actually completed. We were also told there had been concerns about the difference between the quote and the crew's actual process.
The project took more than 2 weeks. The crew generally worked 3-5 hours per day, did not work on Fridays, and, on multiple occasions, left early or interrupted work to return to an unfinished job site. Staffing ranged from the full crew of 4 painters to only 2, sometimes without the foreman present.
The final day was especially disappointing. On Monday, Kevin (foreman) told us Tuesday would be the final day, so we walked the entire first floor and marked unfinished or flawed areas with blue tape. These were visible issues, including doors with only one coat, missed second-coat areas, and other coverage problems. On Tuesday, we reviewed the taped items and were told that two coats of ceiling paint were still needed in the kitchen and entryway, along with additional second coats and touch-ups elsewhere.
When the crew ran out of ceiling paint, all 4 painters left at approximately 10:30 a.m. and did not return until noon. After returning, they worked only until roughly 1:30-2:00 p.m., then began cleanup and left around 2:45 p.m. We were not asked to do a final walkthrough until they were fully cleaned up and essentially out the door.
Kevin specifically pointed out a visible paint line around our kitchen hanging lights and said it needed to be fixed. It was never corrected. During our detailed walkthrough the following day, we found that many of the blue-taped items remained untouched.
Most concerning, the paint purchased on the final day for the kitchen and entryway ceilings appears to have been a different ceiling white than the color selected for the project. The second-coat areas visibly do not match the surrounding ceiling, leaving obvious differences in color and finish. Those ceilings will now need to be repainted.
Given the repeated workmanship issues, foul language, lack of owner oversight, deviations from the written scope, incomplete punch-list items, and the additional corrective work now required, we do not intend to have this crew return.
We sent Bob a detailed email with photographs documenting these concerns and, as of this review, have not received a response or acknowledgment.
Future customers should carefully confirm who will be supervising the project, whether the written preparation process will be followed, how quality control will be handled, and whether the person providing the estimate will inspect the work in progress. The photos in this review are only a portion of the issues found.
