For nearly three decades, Forbes & Sons Painting & Staining has served Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut with a commitment to quality that has earned them a 4.7-star Google rating with over 30 reviews and an A+ BBB rating. Owner Brad Forbes personally oversees every project, working closely with clients from initial estimate through final walkthrough.
The licensed and bonded team specializes in both residential and commercial painting, with particular expertise in historic home restoration. Customers with older properties praise the crew's ability to handle challenging plaster walls and unique architectural details. One homeowner with a 140-year-old home noted the team did "extensive prep work to protect our floors, repair cracks and smooth down rough areas" in the old plaster walls. Reviews consistently highlight thorough surface preparation, with Brad described as someone who does "more prep work than most other painters would do to ensure quality results."
From exterior staining and deck painting to wallpaper removal and drywall repair, Forbes & Sons handles projects ranging from single bedrooms to multi-floor commercial spaces. Crew members like David, Luis, and Carlos earn individual recognition for their professionalism, with customers noting they left work areas "in immaculate condition." Based in South Hadley, the company serves communities throughout Hampshire and Hampden counties in Massachusetts, plus Enfield and Suffield in Connecticut.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Surface preparation stands out as a defining strength in customer reviews. Abby G. described how the team did "extensive prep work to protect our floors, repair cracks and smooth down rough areas" on her plaster walls. JM noted that Brad "definitely did more prep work than most other painters would do to ensure quality results." William Nurse observed the crew "really went the extra mile taping up to make sure that the finished product was excellent."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Customers with historic properties consistently recommend Forbes & Sons for their specialized knowledge. Abby G. trusted them with her "140 year old home" and praised the stunning results on the old plaster walls. Miranda Piris specifically noted she "would absolutely recommend him, especially if you have an old house that needs some extra love and care." Brad is described as "very knowledgeable and detail-oriented" when working with challenging older surfaces.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Multiple reviews mention projects finishing ahead of schedule. Abby G. reported that "they told us the job would be done in 10 days and they finished in 6!" JM experienced similar results, noting the team "finished a day or two earlier than expected" on a six-room project with five different colors. William Nurse confirmed the crew is "always on time" for scheduled work.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Customers consistently describe pricing as fair and transparent. Steve Levine simply stated "reasonable price" after his exterior and deck painting project. Abby G. appreciated that "they didn't invent things to upcharge us on from the original estimate." David Boudreau found the quote "very fair" for his interior painting project, and Scott Stevenson confirmed "his attention to detail, communication, and price were all great."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cleanliness and respect for customer property appears frequently in reviews. Steve and Joan L. noted that Luis and Carlos "left their work area in immaculate condition" after completing their project. Abby G. praised the crew for "keeping everything tidy and clean" throughout the work. Scott Stevenson described the crew as "very respectful and very neat," while Robot E7 mentioned the new paint job made their "whole house sparkle."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, BBB Reviews
Commercial clients report positive experiences with Forbes & Sons. John Davis from Yankee Printing in South Hadley had "5 commercial offices, main office area, and entry ways painted as well as all ceilings" and was "very pleased with the completed work." He noted that Brad "was accommodating to our schedules" for the commercial space. William Nurse also confirmed excellent results for his business, stating "they did a wonderful job."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Individual crew members receive personal recognition in reviews. David Boudreau praised interior painter David as "very meticulous, clean, caring, quick, and professional in his approach." Steve and Joan L. highlighted Luis and Carlos, noting "Luis needed no repetition of any requests" and "both he and Carlos were most congenial." The crew overall is described as "hard working, careful and just very pleasant folks" by Robot E7.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, BBB Reviews
Two negative reviews cite communication issues before work began rather than quality problems with completed projects. One potential customer reported a frustrating phone interaction, while another mentioned a missed appointment. No negative reviews exist about the quality of actual painting work. Customers who have worked with Forbes & Sons consistently describe Brad as a "clear, responsive, and transparent communicator" once projects are underway, though initial scheduling communication could be improved.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Updated: 04-07-2026