When Jay Gilbert's wife decided mid-project to change the paint color in their kitchen and family room, painters Marvin and Amy didn't miss a beat. They "were polite about the change, got new paint, brought another painter, Steven's and finished the job as originally scheduled." That kind of adaptability defines how John MacFarland runs his painting operation, where flexibility meets accountability on every project.
John MacFarland founded MacFarland Painting in 2011 from Livonia, Michigan, growing it from a solo operation into a company completing over 2,000 projects per year. The fully licensed and insured team operates with all W2 employees and no subcontractors, a structure that shows in reviews where customers name 30 or more individual crew members. The company runs a showroom and design center on Schoolcraft Road, where in-house color consultant Marcia helps customers finalize paint selections before work begins.
MacFarland Painting serves Southeast Michigan across nine counties, handling interior and exterior residential painting, cabinet refinishing, staircase remodeling, trim carpentry, epoxy floor coatings, and commercial projects. The company offers a two-year warranty on all workmanship and carries manufacturer certifications from Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Kim Kerr learned the hard way after a failed DIY attempt with big-box store cabinet paint that chipped quickly. MacFarland stripped the old paint, applied professional cabinet enamel, and even suggested adding crown molding the Kerrs hadn't considered. Kim called the result "amazing" and noted the "price was fair and work done quickly." Julie Victory added that Rob "painted the cabinets like he was painting his own" and "didn't settle for anything but perfection."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Over 60 of the 106 reviews in the past two years identify specific painters, with Justin, Spencer, Kevin, Chad, Rob, and Steve appearing most frequently. Matt Jagst praised "Patty, Jane, Rob, and Aaron" for being "consistently professional, friendly, and incredibly respectful." William Blackson named six crew members and wrote they "beat" his high expectations. This pattern reflects the stable, full-time workforce rather than rotating subcontractors.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Jay Gilbert's wife changed her mind about the kitchen paint color after the first day of work. Rather than charging extra or delaying, Marvin and Amy "were polite about the change, got new paint, brought another painter" and "finished the job as originally scheduled." Jay called them "professionals" and plans to use MacFarland again. Sandra Steele noted that Amber and Jane "had us do a complete review of the job before cleaning up, just in case they missed something."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cleanup is one of the most consistent patterns in reviews. Art Lokar described painters who "cleanup like my mother would!" Karen James Peoples on Facebook reported that over a year after their project, there were "no chips, no missed spots, just perfect paint jobs" and the crew "cleaned up thoroughly afterward." Goran Goran on Facebook noted the crew "cleaned up after everyday perfect!" confirming this as standard practice rather than the exception.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Facebook
Fifteen reviews carry Google's "Great price" or "Reasonable price" tags, and several customers specifically comment on value. R. York Moore wrote he was "blown away with the quality of work at the contracted price" after comparing other painters. Karen Mees found "pricing was extremely affordable." One contrary view from Marti Harris felt the "price seemed on the high side" for cabinet work, though she was happy with the outcome.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Marcia (also referred to as Marsha) works from the company's Livonia showroom helping customers finalize colors before painting begins. Renee Graham-Buckner said "Marcia was extremely helpful with assisting in color selection" and Kerry Rzeznik credited her as "a big help" in consulting on exterior colors. Mariah Barlow on Facebook described the design center as "so helpful" in building confidence in color choices, and Jodi Berry called Marsha "spot-on in recommending the perfect color."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Facebook
Multiple reviewers confirm repeat business. Kelly Gauthier has "used them 4 times now for outside and inside residential and commercial." Loretta DeDominicis has "used MacFarland Painting several times" for condo, bathroom, and accent wall work. JoAnn Haynes returned after exterior work to have Max handle interior painting. Don Schooley's review was his "2nd time using MacFarland Painting." Karen James Peoples on Facebook used them for siding, shutters, garage door, front door, and kitchen cupboards.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Facebook
Michigan requires a Residential Maintenance and Alteration Contractor license for painting work over $600. MacFarland Painting, Inc. is registered as a Domestic Profit Corporation with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Entity No. 800743988, with Active status and Good standing. The company was incorporated on 7/12/2011 with registered office at 30881 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, MI 48150. President and Resident Agent is John P. MacFarland. The company's website and multiple platform profiles consistently state "fully licensed and insured," and founder John MacFarland has held a Michigan builder's license since 2005. Contractor license number was not independently confirmed through the LARA licensee search tool, but business entity registration is verified.
-Verification Sources: Michigan LARA MiBusiness Registry Portal, User-provided LARA entity screenshot
Updated: 04-07-2026