Our Chooz Score evaluates 44 factors across reviews, digital presence, and business credentials. Here's what stands out for Joseph Rivers Painting
Too many Central New York homeowners have experienced painting contractors who show up late, leave behind a mess, or disappear mid-project to juggle other jobs. Joseph Rivers founded Joseph Rivers Painting in 2013 with a different approach, building a company with dedicated crews who focus on one project at a time until completion. Based in Homer, the company now operates with five or more trained crews ready for projects of any scale.
The team handles interior and exterior residential painting, cabinet refinishing, deck staining, commercial spaces, and historic home restoration. Foreman John leads many of the larger exterior projects, while crew leads Courtney, Zack, and Matt oversee interior transformations. The company has completed everything from single-room refreshes to 1850s Victorian restorations requiring lead-safe protocols.
The fully insured team serves Cortland, Onondaga, Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Madison, Tioga, and Tompkins counties within a 40-mile radius of Homer. Joseph Rivers Painting is lead-safe certified for work on pre-1978 homes and became a BBB Accredited Business in 2023.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Multiple reviews highlight focused project completion. Jennifer Wiltse noted the crew "just focused on my job (not juggling several jobs at once like some contractors do)" and finished when promised. Terri Fox's Queen Anne Victorian exterior was completed with crews working "over the July 4th holiday" to meet deadlines. This dedicated approach appears throughout customer feedback across both small and large projects. -Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews, Yelp
Customers consistently praise thorough preparation. Dianne Higgins described her cabinet project where the crew "covered and protected everything" while refinishing 28 cabinets and 12 drawers. Mary-Carol Lindbloom noted that for her 1835 home, the team performed "careful prep to take care of original features" including proper lead-safe protocols. Multiple reviews mention furniture protection and floor covering as standard practice. -Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Detail work receives frequent praise. Susan Kauffmann called the results on her 1850 Victorian "absolutely gorgeous" with the crew being "attentive to all our concerns." Anna Chernobai on Facebook was "impressed with the most was their great attention to detail" on her exterior project. Kaye Bertholf summarized her experience noting they delivered "clean lines, quality finish, beautiful transformation." -Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Punctuality and communication appear as consistent themes. Stephanie Wilson stated the team was "always on time" and provided "constant communication throughout." Sarah Duncan praised the daily updates during her complex basement flood restoration, noting "they communicated every step." Owner Joe Rivers personally handles estimates and maintains contact throughout projects according to multiple reviewers. -Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
The company regularly takes on substantial commercial work. Sean Hamilton hired them for historical courthouse cupola restoration, calling the results "absolutely exceptional craftsmanship." Alyson Slack's retail buildout was completed while "working around a lot of other ongoing construction activities" during the space development. Joni and Al Dominy's church sanctuary project involved 25-foot windows, completed by crews who "worked through the weekend." -Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
One Google reviewer expressed dissatisfaction about pricing after receiving the final bill. Owner Joe Rivers responded professionally, inviting the customer to "reach out directly" to discuss concerns and find resolution. This response pattern demonstrates accountability and willingness to address issues directly rather than becoming defensive. The vast majority of reviews praise pricing as reasonable and transparent. -Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Cleanup receives consistent praise across reviews. Jennifer Wiltse noted her home was left "cleaner than when they started." Donna Zaidel described the crew as "extremely neat and cleaned up every day." Mary Beth Passero mentioned "meticulous cleanup" after her interior project. This attention to leaving spaces spotless appears as a company-wide standard rather than crew-dependent. -Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Historic home expertise is a clear specialty. Mary-Carol Lindbloom's combined 1835 and 1850 Homer property required "lead safe certified" crews who understood period details. Susan Kauffmann's 1850 Groton Victorian was handled by painters who were "attentive to all our concerns" about preserving original features. Terri Fox's Queen Anne Victorian exterior restoration was completed with what she called "over the top" quality and attention to architectural details. -Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
New York State does not require a state-level painting contractor license. Joseph Rivers Painting operates as Rivers Painting of CNY, Inc., a Domestic Business Corporation incorporated in Cortland County on April 7, 2022. The corporation is in active status with current filings. Joseph Rivers serves as Chief Executive Officer. The company is also a BBB Accredited Business since September 2023. -Verification Sources: NY Department of State, BBB
Updated: 04-07-2026