Find top-rated Pros in your area
Enter a zip code and get matched to businesses near you.
Geo Icon
Reliable Pro Builders and Painting logo

Reliable Pro Builders and Painting

Handyman for Multiple Small Projects, Acoustic Ceiling Tiles - Install, Cabinets Installation,

About us

Reliable Pro Builders and Painting is a dependable, professional painting firm that specializes in residential or commercial, interior and exterior painting. Reliable Pro also known as Home remodeling, provides full scale carpentry work, ranging from minor repairs to complete remodels. Reliable Pro Painting, was started in 1980 with just a two person crew in the southern Maine area. Based in Scarborough, Reliable Pro, now operates with twelve long time employees specializing in a wide variety of home repairs. Give us a call today for your painting and remodeling /additions and garages.

Business highlights

29 years of experience

Services we offer

Exterior Painting or Staining, Full Scale Remodeling Services , Interior Painting or Staining, house builders

Amenities

Free Estimates

Yes

Reviews
2.943 Reviews
Number of StarsImage of DistributionNumber of Ratings
5
35%
4
5%
3
2%
2
7%
1
28%

Filter reviews by service

Showing 1-25 of 43 reviews
Jon L.
Mar 2017
0.5
$12,000
We hired John Richards to do multiple projects around the home, extensive remodeling inside and outside. Per contract, he did not meet expectations or even meet any aspect of the proper building codes. The project needed building permits that were not pulled ( which was detailed in contract) . City inspector came to inspect jobsite and pulled contractor from the property. All work that was was partially completed, had to be completely torn down and rebuilt by a reputable contractor because the original work was not up to code. STEER CLEAR of these people and this company! Lots of large scale promises and work that does not meet those expectations, financial promises or building code. As many reviews below, we had to hire an attorney.

Sam Y.
Mar 2017
1.0
Asphalt Shingle Roofing - Install or Replace
$7,000
Workers including John Richards would not show up on time or at all or with inexperienced crew members. Never offered an excuse or apology. Project was started very late and went way over budgeted time. After job was finished, on the first substantial rainfall, I found a leak around the chimney which was the one area I specifically told John I wanted fixed. Hasn't happened. After countless phone calls and emails, I finally filed a BBB complaint and state filing. From his crew I found out that he was shifting his crews around to satisfy sufficiently to get on-going payments. He also has a similar business in Forida where he would just disappear for 6-8 months. I will say that his crew was always courteous, pleasant - but tight-lipped

Stephen H.
Mar 2017
5.0
Garage Building Service
Yes, I recommend this pro
Project was completed on time and on budget. All involved including contractors and workers were courteous and professional. Changes to original plans were easily incorporated with full transparency with respect to costs. Extremely happy with the final results.

Denise L.
Feb 2017
0.5
Concrete Floor Coating-Apply
Never showed up on time, did not properly clean the floor, so dirt was sealed under the epoxy. This was to have been a 3 day job, it took 3 weeks and delayed my other workmen..

Liz R.
Feb 2017
0.5
Wood or Fiber-Cement Siding - Install or Completely Replace
Nice guy- poor quality work. Very bad experience.

Jerry K.
Feb 2017
0.5
Garage Building Service
The following represents a factual account of our relationship with John Richards, owner of Reliable Pro Builders in Limington, ME. We have text messages, phone logs, emails, and other supporting documents to support each point listed below. As of August 2016, John Richards businesses were rated "A" on the Better Business Bureaus web site (www.bbb.org). As of this writing on February 2, 2017, John Richards businesses are rated as an "F" on the Better Business Bureaus site. On the Better Business Bureau's web site, John Richards is associated with three businesses ” Home Developers, Inc., Reliable Pro Builders and Home Developers and Reliable Pro Painting. On the HomeAdvisor web site (www.homeadvisor.com) John Richards is associated with four businesses:”Landmark Builders, Reliable Pro Builders and Painting, Home Developers, and Reliable Pro Painting. While my agreements with John Richards were under the business name of Reliable Pro Builders, (NOTE: a business name not mentioned above) he used three business names at different points during our relationship. In mid-August of 2016, we contracted with John Richards to build a detached Garage. We gave John Richards a check for $10,000 as the deposit to begin site work with his excavation contractor, and that check was promptly deposited. After more than three weeks of delays by John Richards, no work had started. We contacted John Richards who agreed to re-open and review our existing agreements and to find an alternative excavator to begin work. With little notice, and while contract negotiations were still in progress, and other open items were unresolved, John Richards sent an excavator to begin work at our job site. John Richards did not meet the excavator at the job site to begin work. We attempted to contact John Richards via phone and text while the excavator was waiting, but were not successful. We explained the situation to the excavator who agreed to return to the job site once we had resolved open items with John Richards. We texted John Richards immediately after the excavator left the job site, and John Richards immediately threatened legal action without ever attempting to resolve any open items with us. Over the next two weeks, we communicated with John Richards to restart the project. John Richards agreed to restart the project, but again employed multiple delay techniques and never committed to a new commencement date and new completion date. As a result of John Richards continued delays, in late September 2016, we terminated our contract with John Richards based on cause and convenience, and we requested our $10,000 deposit to be returned immediately. Not only did we have to scramble to find another Builder/Contractor available to undertake a late fall outdoor project, we had to bear additional expense to ensure the project was completed before the winter season. At the end of October 2016, we mutually agreed with John Richards to return

Jamie B.
Jan 2017
0.5
Garage Building Service
HORRIBLE! The other reviews have to be be BOGUS! Honestly, the owner,did not tell us the truth about anything! He never showed up for any set times, unless it was to get a check. He took way too long to complete work, and the work was bad! We had to finally fire him and hire someone to finish the project. which Be careful because they have other business names, Home Developers INC. is one. Please STAY AWAY for your own good, if you hire him you WILL regret it!

Pamela C.
Jan 2017
0.5
Addition to Existing Structure Building Service
$50,000
John Richards' company name, "Reliable Home Builders" is either a misnomer or highly ironic. Throughout his "work" on my project he: - I felt that he repeatedly lied to me -rarely showed up when he said he would - showed up only to ask for money and barely finished 1/10th of the work of the contracted project. I felt that John's incompetence led to a water pipe bursting in my home with damages of ~$15,000. He said he'd pay for that damage, but then refused to give his insurance information. I paid John 95% of the contract, but he never finished the work. Project deadline was December 15, 2016, but he cashed my checks and never fini€shed the work. Contract: signed Oct. 15, 2016 for completion on Dec. 15, 2016. Work: new addition, refinish floors and upgrade kitchen. Only communicated when wanted money and then stopped answering calls, texts and emails. Missed deadline and then promised mid-January completion (nope). Signed amendment for March 10th completion, but barely did any work and then caused all of that damage. He then bailed and never finished. Left a pipe exposed during the Maine winter, with no insulation, drywall or heat. He let mold grow as water filled up the new space. John never even came to see the damage he caused. He provided 4 different quotes for the work and entered into a contract for $50,000. He told me he had been doing this for 20 years, which his subs said is not true. John totally mismanaged my project, never finished it, took my money and bailed. I felt that he lied repeatedly and then sent me the following when I posted a negative review: "I clearly cannot control my subcontractors you do what you need to do I put a lien on the property until we go to mediation and get this solved I've been doing the job we've been on the job the job is getting done We have Documentation of all times and money being spent on job". (sic) I told him he would not be successful in putting a lien on my house, so he tried a different tactic (being very nice). He did no work and wanted ME to do HIS job to coordinate subs and inspections. The subs and his remaining crew are great. John either doesn't know what he is doing and misquoted my project (4 times) and has no idea how to actually general contract a project OR something worse. I filed with the BBB, who John ignored. They now rate him as F. I will be filing on all social media and referral sites, too. He also sent the following texts to me after I filed accurate, negative reviews: 1) "I am withdrawing from the job due to non-payment and slander defamation on the internet about my company I do plan on putting a lien on your house until further notice. Your way over budget I've been trying to tell you this from the beginning your budget will not work for the project you are doing. I am contacting my lawyer this morning immediately to set up time for mediation." (sic) All completely inaccurate and I have all documents to p

Edward P.
Dec 2016
2.5
Vinyl Siding - Install or Completely Replace
They have not finished yet but have started so it is too early to evaluate their work

Anthony A.
Nov 2016
0.5
Addition to Existing Structure Building Service
$30,000
Worst experience ever had. I hired this company and I have the Contract to prove it.

Terri M.
Oct 2016
5.0
Interior Painting or Staining: 5 + Rooms
Yes, I recommend this pro
They did a great job. I would use this company again.

Gary B.
Sep 2016
0.5
Garage Building Service
$28,000
Do not hire him, does not finish the job. Takes half your money up front for material, and doesn't order at that time. I have been waiting over 7 weeks to finish my new unattached garage. He's not qualified to do the job. Never shows up on the job, and doesn't get things done. He refused to finish it. ****UPDATE 1/11/17 - We have not been contacted by an attorney nor has anything been settled. We paid the agreed amount at beginning of project, per contract and that was 1/2 up front & 1/2 at completion. We also gave an additional $5k in between and that is when the project stopped.
Response from Reliable Pro Builders and Painting
"Sometimes Homeowners have a hard time to understand clearly how the construction procedure works.Unfortunately Gary refused to pay a payment toward the job which has now gone on for several weeks.our company had no choice outher than to take him to court.Our attorney has worked everything out with the owner.Unfortunately it had to come to this."

Susan M.
Sep 2016
5.0
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)
Yes, I recommend this pro
$3,200
When I would call he wouldn't call back most of the time, that was not perfesnal

Robert A.
Aug 2016
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Very reliable person. I will not hesitate to hire him again and again if needed.

Kathleen E.
Jun 2016
4.5
Garage Building Service
Yes, I recommend this pro
Great experience

Joan C.
May 2016
2.0
Interior Painting or Staining: 1 - 2 Rooms
I hired John to paint my living room (13 x 17), the stairway to 2nd floor and small hallway (4 x 11) at the top of the stairs including ceilings. The price John gave me was a bit high but I was needing to get the job done quickly so I hired him. I was told the job would take 3 days to do. The first day John was late arriving after 9am and spent the his time mudding the walls from where he fixed nail heads that popped up on the drywall. He was gone after only a few hours.. Much of his time that day was spend on his phone.On the 2nd day John texts to say he will be late and will be there by a specific time, didn't make it when he said he would. That day he painted the ceilings and mudded a couple spots a second time. He stated to me that he would probably work very late that day and would I mind. I said no it was ok to work late. After ceiling was done he left to let it dry before a second coat was put on. When he came back he put a quick 2nd coat on the ceiling and the cut around the woodwork with the wall paint and left mid afternoon. I called him later that afternoon when he did not return and explained that I was not happy with the job he was doing and that again for the 2nd day had been late and again had spent more time on the phone than working . John stated he would be there early the next day with help and that he would adjust the cost of the job.The 3rd day he called and stated he would be late but his worker would be there shortly. The first worker showed up and I explained to him what had been done and what need to be completed. When John showed up I explained to him my frustration and that I felt he could do better in the customer service area by not being on the phone non stop and to do the work he stated he would do each day and now it felt like he was doing things poorly and quickly just to get the job done. I will give John credit he listened to my concerns and adjusted the price of the job. He and the 2 workers went off to paint the walls. They started in the living room then went to the stairs and then the hallway. By the time the first coat of paint was finished in the hall the second coat was being put on the living room.. I was concerned that they had not left enough time for the 1st coat to dry and commented to John and his workers that there were many areas that didn't look good that the paint was rippled,raised and rough looking. I was told the paint would lie flat once dried. I stated I was concerned that you could see outline of were John had cut the paint around the woodwork/ceilings the day before and would it blend in when the wall paint was dry. I was told yes. I felt they were just trying to get done out of my house. I am no expert at paint but have had my homes painted before and I knew not letting enough time pass before applying the 2nd coat of paint was going to be a problem. When they were finishing up I walked around the room,stairs and hallway and pointed out areas that needed touch up. There was wall pa

Paul E.
Sep 2015
2.0
nothing
Response from Reliable Pro Builders and Painting
"You have us mixed up with differen company we never did work for you.our company doesn't Do any work in Yarmouth"

Christine K.
Jun 2015
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
Wonderful guy to work with John and his crew were very, very diligent in their professionalism and promptness my house is an older home and now we feel like we have a brand new home here in Wells. We had so much rain prior to his being able to begin the work but once the sun finally came out John was down here first to power wash the house and then to begin the staining process on my shingles and my trim. We are more than happy with John and his crew and would highly recommend them to anyone:)

Richard S.
Jun 2015
3.5
Yes, I recommend this pro
$7,800
I met with John shortly after I made initial contact and within days he had an estimate for me. The price was quite fair and contracted with him for the job. HIs crew showed up and did the job quickly, efficiently and were courteous and sensitive to their surroundings. My house looks great! And as a result two neighbors have hired him to work on their homes. I'd hire him again.

Jon S.
May 2015
2.0
$10,000
My experience with John and his company started out positive but I made the fatal mistake of paying him in full before all the items were completed, trusting that he would live up to his word. After emails and phone calls he ignored me and I ended up having to hire someone to finish the work he was paid to do. In addition, there are several areas of the house where the paint is falling off the house. Again, he has ignored me. I relied on the generally favorable reviews of this site and I feel I was misled. John did not live up to the standards I expected either in workmanship or integrity.

Harry K.
Jan 2015
3.5
Interior Painting or Staining: 5 + Rooms
Yes, I recommend this pro
Very good but not perfect.

Mary M.
Nov 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
I was extremely pleased with my experience with John and his team. We had extensive rot repaired, doors replaced and 2 coats of paint applied. John was great at staying on top of the project and overseeing the quality of the work. If I had a concern, it was addressed immediately. They guarantee their work for the next few years which is a bonus! It was really nice to be able to call one company that could do the repair and the paint and know someone was overseeing the work and responding to my questions. I would highly recommend reli pro for all your home projects.

Susan S.
Sep 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
John and his crew were professional and courteous. They found a few other carpentry and repair work that also needed to be done. This work was completed well, too.

M W.
Sep 2014
5.0
Yes, I recommend this pro
they originally wanted to pressure was the house then double coat it, But after evaluating it, they recommended scraping and re-painting. I've never seen a more capable group of Painters. my house was scraped and painted as well as having board they felt was rotted re-built before painting. my wife and I are extremely satisfied. I will be looking to the to re-due my Roof next.

ROBIN M.
Jul 2014
0.5
$7,000
I had a contract for power washing, caulking, priming of bare wood replacement of rotten trim, 2 coats of stain and pInt on house, garage, doors, shutters, windows deck and she&apos;d. He never did any repair or prep work painted over mold mildew, painted dirt and pine needles into my home, gobs of dried paint on my siding performed several days of work in < 9 hrs he has ruined my home. Be ware I have a written signed contract he is accredited with the BBB . He painted over a birds nest admits to not doing any power washing or repair work but feels he deserves full payment beware
Showing 1-25 of 43

Licensing

State Contractor License Requirements

All statements concerning insurance, licenses, and bonds are informational only, and are self-reported. Since insurance, licenses and bonds can expire and can be cancelled, homeowners should always check such information for themselves. To find more licensing information for your state, visit our Find Licensing Requirements page.

*Contact business to see additional licenses.

FAQ

Reliable Pro Builders and Painting is currently rated 2.9 overall out of 5.

Yes, Reliable Pro Builders and Painting offers free project estimates.

No, Reliable Pro Builders and Painting does not offer eco-friendly accreditations.

No, Reliable Pro Builders and Painting does not offer emergency services.

No, Reliable Pro Builders and Painting does not offer warranties.