I needed almost a full house paint update. I needed the ceilings, woodwork and walls done in the living room, hallway, family room, kitchen and full bath (last minute add.) There were areas that needed to be repaired and spackled before they could be painted. I had a border in my kitchen that need to be removed prior to painting as well.
I contacted Nick on January 30th via email around 9pm. He called me by Noon the next day, which was a Sunday. I explained everything I was looking to have done and asked him to come and give me an estimate. We made plans for 6pm on Tuesday, 2/2/16. He called before the appointment to confirm my address and to ensure I was still expecting him. He arrived on time. First thing he did was hand me his card, so that was sure I was letting the right person in my home. I showed him around, introduced him to my brother, who lives with me, and to all my various pets - 3 dogs and 2 cats. He was friendly to all the animals even though they were a bit of a bother as we walked the house. As we walked room to room, I explained all I would like to have done and Nick took notes. I explained imperfections and how I knew that if I had enough money walls should be replaced, but at this time I could only afford to have painting done. I showed him rooms that the previous owners painted over wallpaper - again should be removed and walls redone from scratch, but I did not have money for that. Nick did not press me about getting it done. He understood, that I was looking for a cosmetic update and that I just wanted the place repainted as it was last done in 2007. Nick asked the right questions about woodwork and finishes. He explained the difference a finish could have on a color. He advised me on which finish to use in which room, which would be best with the pets, etc. He shared paint color boards for Benjamin Moore. He told me which store he uses to supply his work. He did a final walk thru. I asked him questions like who does the work - him or does he hire teams; I asked about how to handle the animals when he was here; I asked him what I needed to do to prepare. He had answers for everything. He understood my concerns about the pets. He left telling me he'd be in touch with an estimate. I did not give Nick any idea of what I was willing to pay before he left. The following day, 2/3, Nick called me and gave me an estimate. He went over everything we discussed the day before in full detail. His price came in under what I had in mind. I was extremely pleased. I even considered adding on the bathroom, since I was under budget. He said he'd look when he came and we could talk more then. He instructed me to go find my colors, he suggested getting test quarts so I was sure I liked the colors. I went to the Ben Moore store he suggested on 2/6. They were awesome. They totally matched the colors I wanted. They took their time with me as I picked for each room. One match is 100% spot on to the throw pillow I brought in for comparison. Once the colors were tested and picked, I called Nick and gave him the numbers on 2/8. He said he'd be in touch the following week to tell me exactly what day he could start. On 2/15, Nick called and said he'd be at my house at 7am on Wednesday morning. He would pick up all the paint before hand. We discussed how he expected payment - half up front; half upon completion. He asked that I take pictures from the walls. And that he'd move any heavy stuff. Wednesday morning 2/17 came. Nick and his associates were out front at 6:50am, but did not come in until 7am, which I really appreciated as I needed to round up and lock up the pets. He came in, introduced his team- Nick and two others. They went about putting down drop clothes and removing switch plates. Nick reviewed the colors with me and where each was going. At that time, since the estimate was below budget, I asked Nick if he'd look at the bathroom. I showed him how the ceiling needed to be scraped and painted and that parts of the walls needed some TLC. He asked if I wanted him to add it on to the job. I was so excited that he could immediately do this. I said yes and picked the color from his chart. He said he'd get it that afternoon and bring it with him the next day. My brother stayed at the house with the pets while I went to work and Nick painted. When I came home that day, the entire house had a first coat. The living room and hallway was done. The ceilings were done. The border in the kitchen removed, the spackling done, the house was left in good shape. Nick said he'd be back the next morning at 7am to finish up. And same as before, he waited until 7am exactly to come in. On day 2, there was only Nick and one other person. Nick said they'd finish that day. I worked from home, tucked away in my bedroom with the cats. My brother in his room with the dogs. At 11am, Nick asked me to take a look as see if there was anything I was not happy with. I asked that the kitchen get one more coat. They were covering a dark wall with a light paint and I swore I still saw the old green. He did that without hesitation. Everything else looked great. They went about folding up the drop clothes, cleaning any specks they found, sweeping up, etc. Just afternoon, I gave Nick the second half due and he was off! Easiest service transaction ever! The house looks great! So bright and so fresh. It all feels new again. I'd recommend Nick to anyone who needs a painter. If I had more rooms, I'd surely bring him back!
