Big Dog Painting - Woburn Painters
Updated: 11-01-2025
About Big Dog Painting
When Ashley Sterlace needed her 1840s historic home restored, Big Dog Painting didn't just paint the exterior. They rebuilt her porch with Tim and Angel preserving every architectural detail, while Ever led a crew working through 90-degree heat to transform weathered siding into museum-quality restoration. The team left her property "spotless every day" throughout the project, respecting both the historical character and the family living inside. This level of care defines how Big Dog operates across Greater Boston, treating each home as if it belongs to their own family.
From their Woburn headquarters, owner Graeme Clohosey and his team have built over 150 five-star Google reviews through predictable excellence. Charlie Cooper manages operations with same-day responses to estimates. Project foremen like Denis check work multiple times daily. Painters like Jake and Leo turn 40-year-old kitchen cabinets into showpieces that customers mistake for brand new installations. When unexpected issues arise (water damage, discovered rot, mold behind walls) the team addresses them immediately without stopping work or demanding change orders. Reviews consistently mention this flexibility, with one homeowner noting how Big Dog discovered and resolved a leak/mold situation while they were traveling, handling everything "super quickly and seamlessly."
The company operates through word-of-mouth referrals and repeat customers who book additional projects after experiencing their first. With over 15 years in business and holding Massachusetts Home Improvement Contractor License #196727, they serve 30+ communities from Boston to the North Shore. Their EPA Lead Certification makes them particularly qualified for the region's abundant historic properties, while their cabinet refinishing expertise offers homeowners that "new kitchen look without the new kitchen cost" as their website promises.
Updated: 11-01-2025
Q&A Based On What Customers Are Saying About Big Dog Painting
Q: Why do customers specifically request crew members like Ever, Jake, and Carlos by name for Big Dog Painting projects?
These painters have earned individual reputations through exceptional work. Ever is mentioned in multiple reviews for his "incredible responsiveness" and ability to accommodate special requests. Jake's cabinet work gets particular praise, with customers saying he "knocked it out of the park." Carlos leads projects with such professionalism that homeowners trust him working alone in their homes while they vacation.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How does Big Dog Painting handle the unique challenges of painting historic New England homes?
The company specializes in properties dating back centuries, with documented projects on homes from the 1840s, 1920s, and properties over 140 years old. They understand preservation requirements, carefully maintain original architectural details, and use appropriate materials. One customer with a 140-year-old home praised how they navigated "many unexpected challenges" while keeping everything looking historically accurate.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: What happens when Big Dog Painting discovers problems like rot or water damage during a project?
Reviews consistently show they address discovered issues immediately without contract disputes. When Denis's team found water damage in a condo, they repaired it seamlessly. When hinges broke on 1988 doors, they fixed them without charge. Multiple customers mention the team's "can do attitude" when encountering unexpected problems rather than stopping work for change orders.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Does Big Dog Painting really accommodate unusual scheduling requests and customer needs?
Their flexibility stands out in reviews. They waited for one customer's blueberry bushes to finish producing before starting. They painted another client's commercial kitchen between bakery orders. They work nights and weekends for businesses, accommodate last-minute color changes, and even postponed work when a customer's dog became terminally ill.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: How does Big Dog Painting achieve the factory-finish quality on their cabinet refinishing that customers rave about?
The process combines on-site and shop work with specialists for each phase. Jake handles dismantling and shop spraying, while painters like Kali and Leo manage on-site preparation and box painting. Multiple customers report their refinished cabinets look "better than the day they were initially installed" and visitors assume they're brand new. The team even handles two-tone designs perfectly.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: What's different about Big Dog Painting's approach to project communication compared to other contractors?
They maintain multiple touchpoints throughout projects. Charlie provides regular updates, foremen like Denis check work multiple times daily, and crews send progress photos. Customers consistently mention never wondering about project status. One reviewer noted appreciation for "regular project updates from Charlie, and the on-site leadership from Derek" creating a fully informed experience.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Q: Do they handle the single negative review visible on Yelp professionally?
The one negative Yelp review from X Y. involves initial estimate delays and later withdrawal from the project. While Big Dog Painting hasn't publicly responded on Yelp, the situation appears isolated among 200+ positive reviews across platforms. The lack of similar complaints and overwhelming positive feedback about communication suggests this was an unusual circumstance.
-Review Snippet Sources: Yelp
Q: What level of trust do customers develop with their Big Dog Painting crews?
The trust level is remarkably high. Multiple customers mention leaving crews alone in their homes while at work. One couple vacationed for a week while Carlos's team painted their kitchen and main floor. Another client scheduled painting while out of town. This confidence comes from the crews being "respectful of our home" and maintaining security protocols.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews