Professional Painting Services

The experience began great and unfortunately turned into a nightmare. I called the local Sherwin Williams for a referral for a painter who could spray my kitchen cabinets instead of the typical rolling or brushing of cabinets. This provider was recommended. She came out quickly, was very friendly, and conveyed confidence that she could get it done and done well. I was excited especially that it was a woman owned business and was happy to finally utilize such a business. I told her that I was very particular and really wanted a smooth, factory-like finish. She said she understood, went so far as to say "I'm anal too so I understand - it's going to be beautiful." I laughed but felt assured. She stated that she would use her brother (or brother in law)'s auto body company and that it would cost $350 more. I was happy to pay because I knew I'd get the quality I wanted. She assured me the total job would be done in 10 days. Two and a half months later...and several excuses on why she couldn't come on several occasions--some reasons being very serious and personal. I was extremely understanding and patient, but my patience ran short after such a long time had passed and no finished kitchen. As a result, I began to push back and ask when the job would be complete. (My groceries were sitting in a spare bedroom for now over two months.) On one occassion, she told me that they would come over and finish the inside of the cabinets so I could get my "sh_t in the cabinets". On other occasions, in casual conversation, she'd mentioned how she had finished other projects large and small...as I continued (I felt) to be dragged along. Ultimately, she and her crew had gotten to the finish coat of the upper cabinets--rolling them on -- and not sprayed as promised and as paid for, and when I walked into the kitchen they looked great (granted it was expensive paint), but then on closer inspection...the distant I would be when opening and closing them, I saw spots were missed (wood still visible), dripping, etc. I mentioned these points (very calmly) and was told after a long pause, "Honey that's as good as it's going to get." I was stunned and offended but I've learned not to react emotionally. They soon left for the day and I sent her a text message (in writing) that I was not pleased and was stopping the project because I was not given what was originally promised (and based on her response from the other day that I shouldn't expect it either...after 2 1/2 months). I had given her over $1000 (at different milestones on the project--promptly and when asked). She became VERY nasty and verbally insulting. The police had to even be brought into it as she had equipment at my home and she still had a door that one of her employees broke the glass on. I wanted an even exchange and never to deal with her again. She wanted her equipment immediately without providing the door with the glass replacement. The officers did not agree and told her to return the door to receive her items. After two more months, she finally delivered my door and she received her equipment. I'm saddened and frustrated by the experience and had hoped it could have been a positive one. Positives: She has a very nice, friendly, hardworking team. The price was fair although I didn't get what I was promised. The portion I did pay was decent for what was received but still lacking hence my stopping the job and any additional payments. I wanted a smooth, clean finish what I got was a good sanding, a base coat, and a lot of work that needed to be cleaned up/fixed/finished. I'd like to believe that I would have had a better experience if I needed basic painting done and not "attention to detail" work done and was more assertive about timing and my job being a priority. I don't want to make the contractor sound like a monster. I just hope that her service begins to reflect her company's name and I wish her well.