Always Painting By Tommy

Tom did an excellent job.  I saw his work at a neighbors home and was impressed.  Tom took the time to work with me.  He reviewed quality of paints, price options, and schedule for work. The prep work on the walls (sanding, repairing dings, etc.) was excellent.  It was nice to have the estimate for work prepared, presented and performed by the owner of the business instead of a sales/marketing rep.  I would recommend Tom to anyone needing quality interior painting.

unknown

I initially contacted Tommy through the Angie's List website, and he called me promptly to set up an appointment to visit my home and review the work I wanted done. He then followed up with an email giving me a quote for the work. Since I felt the quoted price was reasonable and he had such good reviews, we scheduled the work for the next week. I became ill later that week, and Tommy worked with me to reschedule. On the first work day, Tommy and his assistant, Lou, arrived as scheduled at 9:00 a.m. and immediately began covering furniture with clean plastic, tenting kitchen cabinets, covering floors with drop cloths, and taping woodwork. Smaller items, such as dining room chairs, were even moved into the garage. Although I offered them lunch, both said that they preferred to work straight through the day. Since I still was not feeling well, I ended up going into a bedroom to lie down and ended up falling asleep. When I awoke at 5:30, they had left, but not before removing all plastic and drop cloths, replacing the furniture, and sweeping the floor. The second day went much as the first, except that I changed my mind about the color for one of the rooms, and Tommy made a special trip to the paint store to get the new paint. The bedroom, bathroom, and den were completed that day, the plaster in the garage was repaired, and Tommy installed the under-cabinet lighting (not normally one of their services but done as a special favor since I had no one else to do it). My house was left in perfect order when they finished, and they even borrowed my vacuum to make sure that the floors were left clean. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience with Always Painting by Tommy. Not only is the quality of their work outstanding, but I felt that their prices were fair. They were prompt and reliable and provided good follow through when minor issues arose. Both Tommy and Lou are gentlemen who conduct themselves professionally, take obvious pride in their work, and go out of their way to try to please the customer. I have already had them back for another smaller painting job and would not hesitate to recommend them to others who might need their services. In fact, a family member who is renovating a house will be calling them for a quotation when they are ready to paint this spring.

Tommy was quick to call back and we scheduled an appointment for an estimate. Received estimate within a few days and based on estimate and Angie's list reviews we decided to go with Always Painting.
Tommy provided us with a start date and he and Lou showed up at 9 Am ready to work. They stayed at it all day and when they left everything was put away and they even set me up a spot in the middle of all the chaos so I could watch tv!  The next day Lou was there and worked another full day. He did an excellent job prepping the walls and was really conscientious about having a perfect surface (we had several spots with cracks and previous poorly repaired spots). The job took about 3 days for the inside which was exactly what Tommy had said. The exterior work took another day. 
These guys took so much care to clean everything up. Lou got on his hands and knees to make sure my would floors were spotless. When they left I was so pleased with how everything looked. Absolutely perfect!
I agree with the other reviewers. Always painting by Tommy is the team you want painting your house.

Tommy and his assistant, Louie, completely repainted our newly purchased condo. Everything was painted, top to bottom. HE IS FANTASTIC IN EVERY WAY - AAAA++++

My experience in evaluating contractors: My experience in remodels working with painters is very extensive: I?ve completely remodeled and had painted six major homes over the years. Thus, I have dealt with numerous paint contractors. Tommy is one of the best I?ve ever worked with.

Scope of Project: Notably, I hired every contractor remotely from San Francisco prior to moving out to Norfolk. Using Angie?s List and Better Business Bureau, I searched and evaluated numerous painters. I initially thought (from long distance) that only the walls needed re-painting. Upon inspection, Tommy noted everything needed to be repainted, to insure a consistent look and classy look. He emailed pictures evidencing the work that needed to be done. I agreed completely (other paint contractors suggested much of the same but no pictures sent). So, ceilings, all walls, closets, doors, windows, trim, top to bottom. Am I glad I followed his advice.

Bid Preparation: Getting estimates from afar, I had prepared an extremely detailed, line by line item list of every step that needed to be done. My real estate agent had keys to our condo and coordinated pick-up and return for inspection and estimates by contractors. All significant paint selections (quality) had been specified in the proposal at Virginia Paint (Benjamin Moore) I sent out. Each paint contractor got an identical email from me with no changes, thus ensuring comparability. I was searching for the best workers, at reasonable costs, and a good personality fit - most important. Numerous emails and phone call exchanges with these folks over two weeks it took to find the right painter. I chose Tommy as we determined approximate time frame he and his crew could begin. I had contract sent / signed, and initial deposits made for the work.

Professionalism: From long distance emails and over the phone, Tommy and I hit it off right off the bat. He is very, very professional, super experienced in all facets of painting, especially on color selection and co-ordination, helpful with suggestions and ideas. He is very reasonably priced (on the lower end but important, not the low end - you get what you pay for). Most important, he is a gentleman, courteous, very likeable, cheerful, extremely honest, a family man, very responsive(always a phone call response back to me generally within an hour and always within the day). I knew within the first day or two I had the right man for the job and needn?t worry about a thing. Not only was he an expert, he has an excellent way of dealing with other sub-contractors working their jobs (during the time frame he was there), who genuinely liked working with him, coordinating with them, their schedules, to keep things flowing smoothly.

Color Expert: Tommy is an expert.  Once getting to Ghent, meeting him in person for the first time at the condo, we hit it off immediately as we traveled together to the paint store. I had ideas about color, but it took me over a week to make my selections. There are literally thousands of colors, with options for various rooms, ceilings, trim, high lights, accent walls etc. He has a real eye for color selection and co-ordination, and was extremely helpful to me in the process. An expert like him for advice and direction was critical to success.

Work ethic. He is extremely detail conscious, everything needed to be perfect by him, always opted for the best look, never cut corners, even if cut into his profits - he is a perfectionist. Always cleaning up everything at the end of the day, removing tools. Remodels, especially old homes, always run into problems not anticipated and not part of the original contract. Important: home owners always come up with new ideas, the job expands, change orders, etc. Therefore, I knew from my extensive remodeling experience I could run over budget. I can assure you that Tommy was always more than fair with me, not a bean counter, he included gratuitously many little things we would try out not in the budget or he did so at minor cost addition. It became a bit of a partnership.

Job Done: The condo is absolutely beautiful, on time done to perfection at a reasonable cost, with a wonderful working relationship, hassle free co-operative manner thanks to Tommy and his assistant Lewis.

Summary: Having done five extensive home re-models, working with all the trades and at least 100 contractors, I CAN TRUTHFULLY SAY HE IS THE BEST. His work is top notch. HIS PRICES ARE VERY REASONABLE. His work ethic superb and honesty is impeccable. Most important, he loves his work.

Scott and Nancy
 

Tom and Lou did a great job.  Starting at 9 AM every day and working until 4 or 5 PM.  Everything had to be just perfect.  Anything I could not do for myself, they did for me such as moving kitchen table and heavy appliances into a different room and many little things.  Every night they made sure all was cleared up and ready for the next day.  Once the cabinets had completely dried, Tom came back and installed all the knobs.  I definitely will hire Always Painting by Tommy to do more painting in my home at a later date.

I'm absolutely thrilled with the work Tommy, Brian and Lou did in my 1962 era kitchen and den. They transformed a two dark and dated rooms into bright and beautiful living spaces. I could tell from the first time I met them that they love what they do and it shows in their work. They communicated with me every step of the way and they went above and beyond expectations. I plan to use Tommy's company again to complete the other projects on my list.

Tommy worked with me on price for the job and went out of his way to fit me in his schedule. Everyone who has come in my house raved about how it looked. I will definitely use him again and have recommended him to neighbors.

Great! They are awesome. They are very friendly. They’re on time. I thought it was great price and good work for the price.

Tommy Papineau the owner of Always Painting by Tommy is a consummate professional.  He was the third quote (from Angie's List) we got for painters and I can say with all certainty:   "we saved the best for last."  Tommy and Brian arrived on time for the estimate and thoroughly managed our expectations on cost, what was required to get the job done perfectly and the length of time it would take.  They promised a written quote and it was delivered ina timely fashion.
   We chose Always Painting by Tommy and could not be happier that we did.  Tommy, Louis and Brian arrived on time every day, some times early.  They cleaned up after themselves even going as far as getting down on their hands and knees to hand wash the drywall dust off our hardwood floors.  Brian spent a good three hours cleaning our bathroom after they were finished and it was definitely cleaner than some of the house keeping companies I've hired to come in. 
    The work was carefully executed, with no surprises. The Always Painting by Tommy Team had laser-like focus on the task at hand with communication flowing between themselves and with us, the homeowners. Quality was everything. Tommy was meticulous in the delivery of his product. Nothing was rushed.  Nothing was dragged out. Quality was consistent in every phase of the project.  Their experience and vast knowledge of their craft  made everything flow so very smoothly.  It also distinguished them in my mind from all the rest because of the pride they take in their work.  They are true artists.  
     The walls in our master bathroom were a disaster and a huge source of stress and tears for me. Tommy and his team took it all in stride and transformed it with precision.  I smile now when I look at the walls and that is purely due to Tommy, Brian and Louis.
    Additionally, they were very accommodating with the time constraints we imposed. The breaks they took were minimal and they did NOT take any lunch breaks.  The focus was solely on doing the job and doing it to perfection. At the end of each day, everything was cleaned up, made ready for the next day's work and stored. What could have been a very anxiety filled experience proved to be a very relaxing one. Bottom line, because of their professionalism, craftsmanship and expertise, "Always Painting By Tommy" is the only company we will allow to touch our home! We were WOW-ed by the end result.  It was a joy to write them a check for their work.  I would not hesitate to recommend them and look forward to the opportunity to hire them again.  Truly the BEST painters in Hampton Roads.

    After receiving several quotes, two from Angies list and two not, I decided to go with Always Painting  and I am more than happy with that decision and very pleased with the end result.
    I wanted to go with an owner/operator and Tommy fit that requirement.  He was also the only person I felt 100% good about the sevices recommended and the thouroghness of what he included in his estimate.  I was actually about to go with another company because I was getting tired of hassling with getting estimates but Tommy was persistent in returning my calls and in hindsight I am happy he was.
    I received an email estimate from his wife Kelly and appreciated her professionalism.  All arrangements were done via email and they were willing to be flexible with our shedule and start and finish on the days I requested.
    Tommy and his associate Brian were extrmeley polite and professional.  The job went exacttly as was described to me and completed in the alloted time. 
    
    I have no hesitation in recommending this company and will use this company in the future when needed.

The job went very well and quickly.

I am familar with Tommy's work and he is ever the perfectionist.  He is actually a handyman as well as a supurb painter so that he is able to offer great advice in doing an update such as this one.  He met me at the property, listened carefully to what I wanted, made some great suggestions, gave me a very fair estimate and was able to start within the week.  He helped me pick out the exact colors of paint to be used and the paint finish needed on each type of surface. 
He and he assistant Brian went right to work and the place was entirely transformed.  I was amazed at the difference it made to have all that old stained wood, especially the old cedar wall painted over.   One of the special requests I had was to keep a fancy lettered wall slogan that had been painted at the top of the foyer wall just inside the front door.  This was near a necessary foyer ceiling repair, but he was able to not only maintain the fancy lettering, but to paint a frame type border around it.  It made a beautiful focal point as you entered the townhouse. The dark kitchen cabinets looked like new with their coat of white paint and new brushed nickle hardware. If Tommy found that a piece of trim need to be added or rearranged, he never hesitated to do so and the results were always an improvement.  I did not specifically ask him to repaint the small built-in cabinet in the power room, but he did so and it was a wonderful change.
All of the work was done with great professionalism and efficiency.  Both painters were delightful to work with and I would certainly  hire Always Painting by Tommy any time in the future.

They are good.  They did a phenomenal job.  They were in and out in a day.  It was extremely fast.  It actually took two days because they also did some dry wall repair.  They are fairly priced and do a great job.

Once he started pulling off the wallpaper, he discovered that the walls had not been properly prepped all those years ago, so the drywall was consequently torn up badly.  Therefore, it is even more impressive that Tommy finished this job on time because it took him longer than anticipated to have to extensively skim coat the walls, often with more than one coat.  There was an additional complication in one bathroom - taking off the wallpaper revealed rot in the wall behind the tub.  Tommy found someone to do the work on that wall in one day. 

We definitely recommend Tommy to anyone who needs interior painting and wallpaper removal.  His price was very reasonable and included materials, and the work was done well and on time.  We had added stress for most of the time because we live in RIchmond and the work was done in Virginia Beach - but Tommy kept in touch with us and answered all our questions.  We met with him for the walk through when he was done.  We found him pleasant and easy to work with.  We plan to use him in the future whenever we need painting done.

Excellant.  They did a great job, on-time and very professional.  Cleaned up after themselves and left the place in great condition.

Don't wait around for him to show up.

Tommy was very professional. He picked up the paint I had chosen, which was a big help to me. He did a really nice job painting the walls in my kitchen. Cleaned up as he went along and finished when he said he would. Will definitely use his services again.

They did an excellent job.  They were very professional.  Their price is very good.  They cleaned up after they were done.  I will use them again.

.We were totally satisfied with all aspects of our experience from initial estimate through the completion of all work in our home. Tommy and his associate did an exceptionally professional painting job, exhibiting great care in every aspect of the task from prepping the walls to final coat. The work went smoothly and everything that Tommy promised would be done was done in a timely and hassle free manner.  We would use this company again without hesitation and recommend Tommy for all painting needs

Tommy Papineau and Brian (his associate) were very professional in all aspects of the job. Tommy provided a detailed estimate of all work to b performed in a timely manner. He a Brian were on schedule in performing all work and ensured that every detailed was covered. Their final product was nothing less that outstanding. The job that Tommy did in refinishing the cabinets was nothing short of perfection.

We were very impressed with this company's work. He very carefully noted everything we wanted done in each room and was able to perfectly match the paint colors which we had already selected. The estimate was very thorough, very quick and priced right. They were able to start right away. Great attention was paid to the prep work such as drywall repair and caulking which is so important in painting. Several of the walls had been painted in very dark colors, and required three coats to cover them in a lighter color. The newly painted bathroom cabinets looked absolutely fresh and new and transformed the bathrooms. They finished in less than three days with everything completely cleaned up and everything put back in place. We were very pleased with all of the work and will certainly hire them again.

He came over on a Tuesday night, 02/16/2010, handed me the quote, we accepted and texted him the ?OK? and we scheduled for him to arrive at 8:00 a.m. on Friday. He and his assistant had the old wallpaper completely stripped out in an hour and the dents and holes spackled and dried an hour later. When I walked in the door about noon, he and his partner were on their hands and knees on the floor meticulously cleaning up the wallpaper scrapings, moisture, and trash, and wiping up any residue left by the patching. They spent the next few hours carefully painting the ceilings, walls, and the windowsill trim, including moving the stove and refrigerator to paint behind those appliances. When they left about 4:00, there was not one drop, one spill, or improperly painted surface. The color was rich, they left behind the remaining paint for future touch-ups, and they caulked the kitchen counter and windowsill to make a perfect finish for the job. They did a marvelous job ? including a wall patch in another room (just because!). I absolutely loved the color on my kitchen walls! I will have ?Always Painting by Tommy? back ? and hopefully soon ? to complete a paint job in another room!

Wonderful

I plan on calling Tommy to come back to paint my house's outside balcony and possibly the front door.