Chooz Score Insights
Crews You Can Trust
Crystal, Jessica, Tami, Michaela, and Cheryl get called out by name across dozens of independent reviews, and that kind of consistency says something. This isn't a company that sends a different crew every time. The Chooz Score's in-house crews component shows the same team members appearing in reviews spanning more than a year, confirming a stable, dedicated workforce:
- Crystal handles every consultation personally, walking homeowners through colors, process steps, and material samples before any work begins
- Jessica leads the on-site crew and is singled out repeatedly for her energy and attention to detail - Sara Castiglia notes Jessica "really loves her job and takes pride in it," while Stefania Camelo credits her for "being meticulous"
"Crystal, Jessica and Tami are the dream team. They were punctual, very professional, and delivered high quality work." - Diana-Andra B., Facebook Review
Craftsmanship You Can See
Projects consistently come back with the same reaction from customers: the cabinets look factory-new, not painted. Shabby Brown Restore uses industrial coatings sprayed in their shop to achieve a finish that surprises homeowners used to brush-applied results. David Lawrence puts it plainly, saying the finish "is better than the factory finish." Multiple reviewers report that neighbors and visitors assume the cabinets were replaced entirely:
- Doors and drawer fronts are refinished off-site in the shop using industrial-grade coatings, then arrive ready to install on the two-day on-site appointment
- Customers frequently describe the transformation as getting "brand new cabinets" at a fraction of replacement cost - Garage Floor Guys estimates the work came to roughly 25% of what new cabinets would have cost
- Over half of all reviews include customer-uploaded before-and-after photos, showing the quality speaks for itself
"The way they transformed my kitchen in a day and a half was unreal. Their attention to detail is like nothing I've ever experienced as a customer. Every person who walks through our doors has something positive to say about their work." - Brittney V., Google Review
Years of Consistent Results
The last time we conducted our Chooz Score analysis, Shabby Brown Restore had over 120 Google reviews with a perfect 5.0-star rating. That volume with a flawless rating is rare for any company in any industry. This company earned a Chooz Score of 86.7%, with reviews spanning multiple platforms including 100% recommended on Facebook:
- The Chooz Score's review authenticity indicators are strong: reviewers mention specific project details, crew members by name, and realistic timelines - with multiple verified Local Guide reviewers adding credibility
- Over 15 new reviews in the last 3 months alone, confirming this company is actively serving customers right now, not coasting on old momentum
"We just completed our THIRD project with SBR. Pricing is very reasonable, they keep to schedule, and the quality of the work is very high!" - Jeff P., Google Review
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Additional Questions Answered
What can homeowners expect from the cabinet refinishing process at Shabby Brown Restore?
Clients describe a seamless two-day on-site experience. Joanna Copp noted that Crystal helped her work through design decisions and adjusted the timeline as needed, while the team stayed clean and efficient throughout. Josephine Lanni explained that the crew seals off the kitchen completely for two days, sands and sprays on-site, and leaves the finished cabinets looking factory-new.
How does Crystal guide clients through color and design decisions before work begins?
Customers highlight Crystal's hands-on consultation approach. Francine Fredette shared that Crystal provided helpful guidance on hardware selection alongside cabinet and island color choices. Derek Wood added that Crystal brought out each client's personal taste and added to it without pushing in one direction, making the design process feel collaborative rather than prescriptive.
What do reviews say about the on-site crew's professionalism and attention to detail?
Reviewers consistently praise the all-women crew's work ethic. Caitlin Neuberger described the team as detail oriented and flexible, able to make even a difficult cabinetry project look incredible. Tom Pep called it a very tight operation, noting the crew was so punctual he could have set his watch by them. Lisa Baker added that her cabinets looked as if they came out of a showroom.
Is Shabby Brown Restore a good option for homeowners who want to avoid the cost of full cabinet replacement?
Numerous clients emphasize the cost savings. Ben Boyle explained that refinishing delivered what feels like new cabinets at a fraction of the cost of replacing them entirely. Paula Rice, a real estate professional, had a client use the service before listing a home and later hired Shabby Brown for her own kitchen, describing it as half the cost of new cabinets with an amazing transformation.
How do customers describe the communication experience with Crystal throughout a project?
Communication ranks among the most frequently praised qualities. Erasmus Schneider noted that Crystal usually answered texts or emails the same day or even within an hour. Cathy Campchero shared that she received nightly updates about each day's progress along with a preview of what the next day would bring. Bill Phelan said the team did everything when they said they would, right down to the arrival time.
Can Shabby Brown Restore handle projects beyond basic cabinet painting, such as new doors or countertops?
The company offers a range of kitchen upgrades beyond paint. Shari Wells had new quartz countertops installed alongside her cabinet refinishing, describing a seamless coordination. Tom Pep's project included countertops, a sink and faucet, undercabinet lighting, and crown molding, all managed through partner teams that Crystal coordinated. The website also lists new door profiles through a local door maker.
What do clients say about repeat or multi-room projects with Shabby Brown Restore?
Several customers return for additional work. Jeff Pitkin completed his third project with the company and noted they could have done them all at once in hindsight. Joane Mastroianni had her kitchen done first and was so pleased she brought the team back for her bathrooms. Bridget Graber has used the team for many projects, most recently a bathroom vanity that completely changed the look of the room.
Does Shabby Brown Restore hold a contractor license or business entity registration in New York?
New York State does not require a statewide painter or contractor license. Schenectady County is not among the New York municipalities that mandate a separate home improvement contractor license for painters. No registered LLC or corporation was found under the Shabby Brown Restore name on the New York Department of State Division of Corporations database. The business may operate as a sole proprietorship or DBA.
-Verification Sources: NY Dept. of State Division of Corporations, Painting Contractor License Lookup workbook
How Shabby Brown Restore Was Evaluated
Every painting company listed on Chooz Painters is evaluated using our multi-step quality framework. We combine structured data analysis with human review to understand how Shabby Brown Restore performs across the key signals that matter most to property owners.
How the Chooz Score Works
The Chooz Score is a 100-point rating based on four core pillars:
- Platform reviews & ratings from sources such as Google, Facebook, Yelp, Angi, BBB, and others
- Review quality & engagement, including depth of customer feedback, photos, and how the company responds to reviews
- Website and digital presence, which helps indicate professionalism, transparency, and communication quality
- Business authority & operations, including years in business, licensing, insurance, and other operational standards
Each contractor is evaluated using the same framework nationwide, and the score reflects Shabby Brown Restore’s performance within its local market.
A Chooz Score represents real-world performance, verified signals, and human-reviewed context.
Chooz Score Award Levels
Scores are determined through more than 40 evaluation factors across our four pillars.
If you want a deeper explanation of how our scoring system works, you can view the full breakdown on our Chooz Scoring page.