Our Chooz Score evaluates 44 factors across reviews, digital presence, and business credentials. Here's what stands out for Elite Painting Services Plus
When Jodie Cohen's kitchen needed rescuing from an outdated drop ceiling and years of deferred maintenance, Elite Painting Services Plus delivered a transformation she called "nothing short of remarkable." This level of whole-home revival defines how owner Benny Montalbano has built his Nassau County painting business since founding Elite in 2011.
Benny brings over two decades of maintenance expertise to every estimate, visiting homes to assess scope and guide color selection. Office manager Kelly coordinates scheduling and walks customers through options, while crew leaders Tony and Dave oversee daily operations on-site. The team handles everything from interior repaints and cabinet refinishing to exterior work, commercial projects, and specialty services including wallpaper installation, popcorn ceiling removal, and water damage repair.
The fully licensed and insured team is EPA RRP lead-safe certified for work on homes built before 1978. Elite serves Malverne, Garden City, Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, and communities throughout Nassau County. The family-owned company partners with Benjamin Moore paints.
Updated: 04-06-2026
Repeat business appears frequently in reviews. Frank Lorello hired Elite for his fourth project, Gina Capone returned for a second time noting they "exceeded my expectations" again, and Patrick Goodwin states his family has "used Elite multiple times and will be back for all painting needs." This pattern of customers scheduling future work before current projects finish suggests strong satisfaction with results.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
The single critical review came from Mike Donovan regarding pre-service communication about scheduling and a permit issue. Owner Benny responded professionally, acknowledging the frustration and offering direct contact to resolve concerns. The complaint addressed events before any painting work began rather than workmanship quality. The measured response demonstrates accountability without defensiveness, with Benny stating he wanted to "make this right."
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Customers with intricate architectural details consistently praise Elite's precision. Lori Abramowitz, whose renovated home featured extensive "moldings, stairs, banister" work, called the painting "one of the most important details" in her renovation. The crew's approach of carefully prepping, sanding, leveling, and fixing every surface before painting creates what customers describe as flawless finishes on challenging trim work.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Punctuality ranks among the most praised aspects. Alyssa Orgera emphasizes the crew was "professional and they arrive on time as scheduled" with the "job completed as scheduled." Julie Levin notes Tony and his crew were "clean, precise and efficient." Reviews mention crews arriving when promised and working continuously until project completion rather than disappearing for other jobs.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Benny and Kelly both assist with color consultation, though their approaches differ. Gina Capone describes Benny's "keen eye for color selection" that made choosing bathroom and basement colors "effortless." Kelly guided her through accent wall options and secondary colors. Customers mention receiving help narrowing down choices rather than being left to decide alone.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Daily cleanup emerges as one of the most consistent themes across customer feedback. Nancy Fitzsimmons noted Elite left her house "cleaner than the way they found it," while multiple customers describe crews covering furniture in plastic, papering floors, and vacuuming before leaving each evening. The attention to protecting homes during messy projects like skim coating and ceiling work stands out repeatedly.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Reviews reveal Elite tackles projects other contractors might avoid. Jodie Cohen's crew "removed our outdated drop ceiling and replaced it with a sleek, modern one" while also handling extensive prep work. Other customers mention high ceilings with skylights untouched for over a decade, water damage ceiling repairs, smoker remediation requiring sealing and multiple coats, and basement transformations.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
Communication happens at multiple levels. Lori Abramowitz describes her initial meeting with Benny as "so personal" that she immediately knew she wanted to work with him. During projects, crew leaders Dave and Tony provide daily updates on progress, next-day plans, and color recommendations. Several reviews mention crews triple-checking paint colors and asking customers to identify any touch-ups needed before considering work complete.
-Review Snippet Sources: Google Reviews
New York does not require a state-level painting contractor license. However, Nassau County requires a Home Improvement Contractor License for all residential painting work over $200. Elite Painting Services Plus Inc holds Nassau County Home Improvement License No. H3807110000, verified as Licensed through the Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs with an expiration date of 10/31/2027. The company has zero complaints and zero violations on file for 2026. Elite Painting Services Plus Inc is also registered as a Domestic Business Corporation with the New York Department of State (DOS ID 4125014), incorporated on 08/01/2011, with Entity Status Active.
-Verification Sources: Nassau County Consumer Affairs, NY Department of State Division of Corporations
Updated: 04-07-2026