Universal Painting Contractors Inc
About Universal Painting Contractors, Inc.
Steve Fitzpatrick founded Universal Painting Contractors, Inc. in 1994 with a single employee and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Now a family operation with son Ryan handling estimates alongside Steve, the Fairfield-based company has grown into one of the San Francisco Bay Area's most recognized painting contractors. The team specializes in residential and commercial painting, cabinet refinishing, deck staining, and elastomeric coatings.
What distinguishes Universal Painting is their crew-based approach. Rather than stretching small teams across multiple jobs, they deploy crews of 10 to 16 painters to complete most exterior projects in one to two days. Office manager Katherine coordinates scheduling while crew leaders Roman, Edwin, and Oscar oversee job sites. The fully licensed and insured team holds California Contractor's License No. 942573 with both C-33 Painting and B General Building classifications.
The company offers a two-year workmanship warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee on all projects. They serve Solano, Napa, Yolo, and Contra Costa Counties.
Updated: 01-21-2026
Q&A Based On What Customers Are Saying About Universal Painting Contractors, Inc.
Q: How large are Universal Painting Contractors' crews and does crew size affect project timelines?
Customers consistently mention the impressive crew sizes. One homeowner noted "a crew of 16 showed up" while another described "10-12 painters" arriving for their exterior project. This approach allows most homes to be completed in one to two days rather than stretching over weeks. Multiple reviews highlight that the large crew deployment minimizes disruption to daily routines.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Q: Does Universal Painting Contractors include prep work in their estimates or charge extra?
Preparation is repeatedly praised as a company strength. Customers describe crews performing pressure washing, caulking, dry rot repair, and stucco patching before any paint is applied. One reviewer noted the team "fixed all the dry rot, caulked everything, patched some stucco" as part of the project. The thorough prep work appears included in standard estimates rather than added as surprise charges.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Q: Who provides estimates at Universal Painting Contractors, and how involved is ownership?
Owner Steve Fitzpatrick and his son Ryan personally handle consultations and estimates. Multiple customers mention Steve or Ryan visiting their homes, with one noting "Ryan came out and gave us a quote" and another appreciating that "Steve came out, inspected my garage and sent me a quote within one week." This direct owner involvement continues through project completion with regular site visits.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Q: What do customers say about Universal Painting Contractors' color consultation services?
The company provides complimentary color consultations with large paint samples applied directly to homes. One customer described how Steve "painted large color samples on the house" to help visualize options before committing. Reviews frequently mention the team's guidance on color selection, with customers praising the patience shown during the decision-making process.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How does Universal Painting Contractors handle cleanup and job site conditions?
Cleanup receives consistent praise across reviews. Customers report crews protecting landscaping, covering surfaces thoroughly, and leaving properties spotless. One homeowner stated the team was "very clean and organized" while another noted they "cleaned up everything nicely." The attention to protecting furniture, floors, and outdoor areas during work appears standard practice.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Q: Does Universal Painting Contractors return for touch-ups if needed after project completion?
Touch-up responsiveness is a recurring theme in customer feedback. When minor issues are identified after completion, the company returns promptly. One reviewer mentioned that when they noticed a few spots, "Steve and his team came back" to address them without hesitation. The willingness to return and ensure complete satisfaction aligns with their stated guarantee.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How did Universal Painting Contractors respond to the negative review about paint chipping?
The single negative review mentioning paint chipping received a same-day response from ownership. The owner replied professionally, expressing concern and requesting direct contact since "we do not have any record of your information in our files." The response offered to investigate and resolve the issue, demonstrating accountability rather than defensiveness when complaints arise.
-Review Snippet Sources: Yelp
Q: Are there repeat customers who have used Universal Painting Contractors multiple times?
Several reviewers mention returning to Universal Painting for additional projects. One customer noted this was their "second time using them" and they would "definitely hire again." Another long-term customer described using the company for multiple properties over the years. The repeat business pattern suggests customers remain satisfied with results long after projects are completed.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Updated: 01-21-2026