Paugh Handyman and Painting Emerald Isle NC
About Paugh Handyman and Painting Emerald Isle NC
Holly Paugh runs Paugh Handyman and Painting out of Swansboro, and he handles the work himself for homeowners across Emerald Isle and the nearby coastal towns. He has spent more than 30 years painting and repairing homes, and much of that work now happens in vacation rentals and beach cottages where salt air is hard on paint, doors, and window seals.
Most jobs start with a walkthrough and a free estimate, and Holly offers Online Estimates so clients can plan a project without waiting around. He takes on interior and exterior painting, cabinet and door painting, and finishes like wood staining and varnishing, and he folds wallpaper removal and trim work into the same visit when it makes sense.
When a home needs more than paint, he repairs drywall and water damage, reseals windows, mends decks and railings, and works through the odd carpentry and repair items that pile up on a to-do list. Neighbors tend to keep his number, calling him back for the next project and passing it along to friends nearby.
Updated: 08-18-2026
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Additional Questions Answered
What kinds of projects does Paugh Handyman and Painting take on?
The work spans painting and a wide run of home repairs, from carpentry and drywall to hanging fixtures and fixing stubborn doors. Julia McFadyen described jobs that ran from a stuck front door to a light fixture and called Holly the one she goes to for painting on down to "the smallest job". Small to medium projects around the house are the sweet spot.
How well does Paugh Handyman and Painting handle interior and exterior painting?
Painting is core to the business, covering single rooms, whole interiors, exteriors, cabinets, and doors. Anthony Moschetto had his "entire house interior and some exterior" painted and rated the result ten out of ten. Walker Marchal said his master bathroom "looks brand new" after a repaint, which matters for the beach cottage he rents to guests. Coastal weather makes fresh, well prepped paint worth it.
Is Paugh Handyman and Painting reliable about showing up on time?
Yes, punctuality comes up again and again across the reviews. Courtney Christopher wrote that the work is "Always on time" with impeccable quality, and JL Hargrave noted that Holly "showed up on time" to remove blinds and window treatments before a window replacement. Reviewers pair that timeliness with quick, careful work and a heads up by call or text when plans shift.
Are the prices at Paugh Handyman and Painting fair and reasonable?
Yes, reviewers consistently describe the pricing as fair and reasonable for the quality delivered. Andrew Martinez called the work "Worth every penny" and reasonably priced after a bedroom paint job and a ceiling repair. A reviewer posting as mmurphy147 summed up a visit as showing up on time and doing a good job "for a fair price". Estimates are free, and online estimates are available.
Do customers keep coming back to Paugh Handyman and Painting?
Yes, many reviewers describe a standing relationship rather than a one time job. Derek Thompson wrote that Holly has been helping them for years and is "always our first call". Lauren Solomon called him "our go-to handyman for years", and others mention referring him to friends and family nearby. Repeat work and word of mouth drive a good share of the business.
Can homeowners trust Paugh Handyman and Painting inside their homes?
Yes, reviewers repeatedly point to honesty and trustworthiness as reasons they keep hiring. Jessica Collins wrote that Holly is "very kind and trustworthy" and the best handyman she has ever used. Helen Ricklefs praised his rare level of integrity for the area. That trust matters most for the many clients who hand over keys to vacation rentals while they are away from the coast.
How responsive is Paugh Handyman and Painting when you reach out?
Very responsive, going by the accounts of people who called for help. JT Howington said Holly was "extremely responsive" on repairs at a rental property and praised the fair prices and fantastic work. Erik Dayhoff found him "easy to communicate with" and was happy with the finished paint. Several reviewers mention quick replies and a call or text when timing needs to change.