Eddie Ray Tippett, Casey Harris, and Shannon Gilmore have built a business with over 80 five-star Google reviews through consistent practices and quality work. Eddie Ray staying late to perfect cabinet finishes, Casey personally responding to estimate requests and regularly checking job sites, Shannon coordinating crews and ensuring projects stay on schedule. Reviews mention painters treating homes "like their own," protecting every surface with multiple layers, and leaving spaces "cleaner than when they started." Lead painter Eddie Ray gets praised repeatedly for being "punctual and professional" with customers specifically noting his "attention to detail" and communication throughout projects.
When Sarah Wilson needed her new home renovated, Of The Essence Design+Build and Paint didn't just complete the work. The entire painting team helped with many aspects beyond the original scope, with Eddie making daily visits that the children looked forward to. Casey and Eddie "exceeded our expectations," leading Sarah to immediately schedule them for additional projects. Then, when Dr. G Rivas needed an acupuncture clinic buildout completed in eight weeks, the team finished early with no issues, allowing the business to open ahead of schedule.
Projects range from single-room office painting to complete commercial buildouts requiring permits and code compliance. Customers mention Eddie Ray's cabinet refinishing that makes kitchens look "brand new," Chris and Kayleigh's bannister work with "great attention to detail" and cleanup, and Shannon's team handling water damage repairs from toilet floods to storm intrusion. The company tackles everything from historic plaster wall repairs to 17-story building projects, Swiss-style shower installations to deck construction with pergolas. Since 1999, this licensed General Contractor operation has maintained crews described as "clean cut, reliable, and drug-free," partnering with trusted subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, and masonry work while keeping painting and carpentry in-house across Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Wrightsville Beach, and surrounding coastal communities.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Eddie Ray appears in over 15 reviews as lead painter, with customers praising his work ethic and skill. Brittany Kelly notes he "took great pride in his work" on historic plaster walls and cabinets. Brandon Perdue calls him "one of the best painters I know," while Lisa describes him as a "master painter" who is "very punctual and professional." His consistent presence and quality work create the memorable customer experiences driving repeat business.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Multiple customers confirm timeline reliability. Dr. G Rivas reports an eight-week commercial buildout that "finish early" with no issues. Amy Meadowcroft states they "started early and finished within the estimated timings." Dave Polovick notes they "did the job on time" for a commercial office repaint. RickC emphasizes the project was "finished on time and on budget to our complete satisfaction."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cabinet work stands out in customer feedback. Cathy Singletary describes repainted kitchen cabinets as "perfect" with the team going "above and beyond." Brittany Kelly mentions Eddie Ray took her outdated kitchen cabinets to looking "brand new." Natalie Ippolito states built-ins look "amazing" and were "Exactly what I had envisioned." The company's cabinet refinishing expertise comes from apprenticeship training under Tara Gilmore in faux finishing techniques.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Don Bullard's one-star review describes an eight-month bathroom project with broken pipes, communication issues, cost overruns, and quality problems including improper drainage and high shower head placement. The company provided no public response to address these concerns. This single detailed negative review among 83 five-star reviews represents the only documented major project failure, though the lack of response shows missed opportunity for accountability.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Multiple reviews confirm property protection practices. Christy Schumaker notes the team came in and left treating her home "like their own" with a "so clean" process. RickC mentions crews working through interior spaces to reach decks were "very polite and careful not to leave any marks." Barry Summers reports they "cleaned up afterwards" following bannister refinishing. The pattern shows consistent attention to workspace cleanliness and client property respect.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Casey Harris handles project management and estimates, with customers praising responsiveness. The D review calls Casey "very professional and quick to respond to all of our needs." Brandon Christian describes Casey as "very knowledgeable in all aspects of the construction industry" who "streamlined all aspects of the project." RickC notes Casey "came out and worked with me to develop a complete and fair estimate" and was "on the job regularly to be sure things were going well."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Projects span beyond standard painting. JC Richards describes a "Swiss style shower and a cold plunge tub" installation for a spa that's "beautiful and functional." Paula Futrell mentions a "beautiful deck and pergola" construction with staining. Cassandra Harris details water intrusion repair from storms, including insurance claim navigation. The company handles faux painting, epoxy floors, commercial buildouts, and historic building conservation alongside traditional painting services.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Updated: 04-07-2026