Chooz Score Insights
The Same Crew Every Time
Crews like Paul, Karen, Tommy, Eric, and James get called out by name across dozens of reviews, and that's not a coincidence. Whelehan Painting operates with 16 in-house employees who work as established teams on every project. The Chooz Score's in-house crews component shows consistency: the same crew names appear across multiple reviews spanning years of work:
- Catherine M Moyer praises "Paul, Rich, Gary and Tommy," Dan Lash thanks "Paul, Tommy, and Karen," and Bonnie Nizamis highlights the same trio by name - all on separate projects
- Nick Pagano specifically notes he's had "the same crews in and out of my house" across cabinets, exterior, and interior projects, adding that unlike other businesses, "the employees are never the same" elsewhere
"I have had the same crews in and out of my house. They operate in the most respectful and professional manor. Their work is very detail oriented and they go the extra mile." - Nick P., Google Review
Years of Consistent Results
The last time we conducted our Chooz Score analysis, Whelehan Painting had over 175 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating. This company earned a Chooz Score of 85.0%. Founded in 1977 by Pat's father Chuck Whelehan, this family business has been serving the Greater Rochester area for nearly five decades:
- The last time we conducted our Chooz Score analysis, reviews spanned multiple platforms including 98% recommended on Facebook and 5.0 stars on Yelp
- Over 10 new reviews in the last 3 months alone, confirming this company is actively taking on projects right now
"Whelehan painting came in as the low ball amongst the companies I took bids from; the product is so not that. Fantastic, phenomenal, honks and thumbs up from the neighbors." - Brad T., Google Review
Once You Use Them, You Don't Switch
If you're looking for a painting contractor you can call for years to come, this company has built serious loyalty. High marks on the Chooz Score's customer retention indicators: multiple reviewers mention returning for 2nd, 3rd, or even 10th projects over years and even decades:
- Greg Rowe has hired them 3 times over 6 years for both interior and exterior work, while Maureen DeVos has been a customer for over 17 years
- Customers like Nick Pagano declare Whelehan "the only place I will patronize" after using them for cabinets, exterior, and full interior projects
"I've hired Whelehan 3 times over the last 6 years. I keep coming back for many reasons: high quality results, very reasonable pricing, excellent communications, timely performance. Pat and his team are extremely reasonable and an absolute pleasure to work with." - Greg R., Google Review
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Additional Questions Answered
What makes Whelehan Painting's communication stand out compared to other Rochester painting contractors?
Over 30 reviews specifically praise owner Pat Whelehan's communication. Bill Michael described reaching out to the top-5 companies and Pat was the only one who called back "within 4 hours" and stopped by the next day — a Saturday — with a quote in hand. David S noted that "a great company is measured by two things: the quality of their work and the quality of their customer service" and awarded a second five-star review after Pat handled a touch-up request years later. Pat personally responds to every inquiry and follows up throughout each project.
How does Whelehan Painting handle large exterior projects with their crew?
Customers consistently describe a large, efficient crew that completes exterior projects in remarkably short timeframes. Jim Zingaro reported his "vinyl sided 2 story house and 250ft of six foot high fence" was painted in a single day. Stephen H noted "at least 5-6 people here every day" on a complicated house with many windows and elevation challenges. The crew includes named foremen like Eric, painters like Karen, Paul, and Tommy, and Pat is frequently on-site alongside his team.
How does Whelehan Painting protect the home during interior projects?
Reviews describe careful furniture moving, floor covering, and daily cleanup. Bonnie Pedano noted the crew "moved our heavier furniture" and "all the hardware and blinds" before painting an entire floor in one day. Kathie Ryan wrote that "all of the furniture was moved and covered, and it was all put back when they finished" and that they "cleaned up and put away all of their materials each night." Brad Schreiber praised the crew for being "very careful to cover carpets and furniture."
What is the family story behind Whelehan Painting?
Chuck Whelehan started the business in 1977. His son Pat began working with him at age 14 during summer vacations, went full-time after high school, and eventually became partners. After Chuck was diagnosed with "Parkinson's disease acquired from the agent orange in Vietnam," Pat took over the business. Chuck passed away in 2019. Pat has grown the company into one of Rochester's largest painting operations and is now teaching his own 17-year-old son the trade. Partner Jeff helps manage the expanded crew of 16 employees.
What is Whelehan Painting's pricing approach and deposit policy?
Multiple reviewers highlight competitive pricing with no deposit required. The About page states Whelehan Painting "never asks for a deposit" and settles up "when our work is done AND the customer is satisfied." Colleen Kohlmeier noted they "beat out 4 other local quotes." David Peishel called pricing "very competitive and reasonable." Mark DeWaters praised "reasonable/accurate estimates." The company accepts credit cards and offers free estimates on all projects.
What services beyond painting does Whelehan Painting offer?
Beyond interior and exterior painting, the company offers wood staining for decks, fences, doors, and trim; power washing for homes and commercial properties; wallpaper removal; drywall repair; kitchen cabinet refinishing; and commercial painting for businesses of all sizes. Bill Michael's review describes the crew handling "large drywall repairs" alongside painting. Kathy describes combined "power washing and staining" services on a single project.
What business registration does Whelehan Painting operate under in New York?
Whelehan Painting operates under the registered business entity Whelehan & Ferro Inc. with the New York Department of State, DOS ID 4980142, filed 07/20/2016 as a Domestic Business Corporation under BCL-402 in Monroe County. Entity status is Active. New York does not require a state-level painting contractor license, and Rochester/Monroe County has no municipal painting license requirement.
-Verification Sources: NY Dept of State Division of Corporations; State License Lookup Spreadsheet