Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Interior & Exterior Painting Services in Chicago Since 1960
Founded in 1960 by O.T. Nelson, College Craft has evolved from a student-led venture into a year-round professional painting company under the leadership of Scott Mennie and Terry Anderson since 1975. We specialize in interior and exterior painting for residential and commercial properties across Chicagoland, combining over 60 years of experience with meticulous preparation, premium materials from Sherwin Williams, and a commitment to unmatched customer service. Our locally owned operation serves thousands of customers annually, offering detailed written proposals, industry-leading warranties, and a proven track record of 96% customer satisfaction.Our teams prioritize thorough preparation, precise application, and comprehensive cleanup to ensure lasting results that protect property value. With EPA certification for lead paint restoration and a focus on transparency, we maintain a reputation built on trust, expertise, and consistent delivery of high-quality workmanship.
Services
Interior Painting
Exterior Painting
Commercial Painting
Home Maintenance
Carpentry Repairs
Power Washing
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We offer over 60 years of specialized painting experience in Chicagoland.
- Our crews provide detailed written proposals with no hidden fees.
- We maintain industry-leading warranties for residential and commercial projects.
- Our teams use premium products from Sherwin Williams and other trusted brands.
- We guarantee 96% customer satisfaction based on 80,000+ completed projects.
Associations and certifications
- EPA Lead Paint Restoration certified
What people say
Exceeded our expectations
Professional and courteous crews
Detailed written proposals
Completed quickly and thoroughly
Highly recommend to others
Services
Interior Painting
College Craft provides comprehensive interior painting services for walls, ceilings, trim, and specialty areas like cathedral ceilings. Our process includes surface preparation, drywall repairs, and application of premium Sherwin Williams paints. Each project begins with a detailed written proposal outlining specifications and pricing, ensuring no hidden fees. Our experienced crews complete most interior jobs within 1-2 days while maintaining strict attention to detail.
Exterior Painting
Our exterior painting services cover all home types including cedar, aluminum, and vinyl siding. The process involves pressure washing, scraping loose paint, priming bare areas, and caulking joints for lasting protection. We specialize in high-preparation projects and offer deck staining, gutter cleaning, and carpentry repairs. With EPA certification for lead paint restoration, we ensure safety compliance while delivering durable finishes that enhance property value.
Commercial Painting
We serve diverse commercial clients including office buildings, churches, and multi-family housing complexes. Our teams accommodate business needs with flexible scheduling options, including nights and weekends. Services include interior office painting, exterior masonry work, and maintenance for multi-family properties. We use industrial-grade materials and maintain minimal disruption to business operations during projects.
Home Maintenance
Beyond painting, we offer carpentry repairs, water damage restoration, and wallpaper removal services. Our maintenance solutions address both functional and aesthetic needs, including trim repairs, siding replacement, and deck refinishing. These services complement our painting work to ensure comprehensive property enhancement while maintaining structural integrity.
Carpentry Repairs
We provide carpentry services to address damaged siding, soffits, windows, and decks before painting. Our crews perform precise repairs that blend seamlessly with original structures, using matching materials and finishes. This includes replacing rotted wood, repairing window putty failures, and restoring damaged trim to ensure optimal paint adhesion and long-lasting results.
People
Scott Mennie
Co-Owner
Co-owner of College Craft since 1975, Scott Mennie has transformed the company into a professional year-round painting service while maintaining its founding commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Terry Anderson
Co-Owner
As co-owner since 1975, Terry Anderson has helped develop College Craft's reputation for exceptional service through leadership in operational standards and customer relations practices.
Questions
What areas do you service?
We serve all Chicagoland areas including Wheaton, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, and surrounding suburbs for residential and commercial painting projects.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes, we provide thorough written estimates at no cost, detailing all project specifications and pricing with no hidden fees.
Are you EPA certified?
Yes, we hold EPA certification for Lead Paint Restoration, ensuring safe and compliant practices for older properties.
What warranties do you offer?
We provide industry-leading warranties covering both labor and materials for residential and commercial painting projects.
How long does a typical project take?
Most interior jobs complete in 1-2 days, while exterior projects vary by scope but typically finish within scheduled timelines.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit cards and business checks for completed painting services.
