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Fitted wardrobes - does this sound right?

16 replies

wardrobeconundrum · 02/04/2022 10:54

We really need fitted wardrobes in our bedroom - there is no proper storage, and the space is too awkward for a freestanding one to be of much use.

Initially, we went to an upscale boutique place down the road. We expected it to be on the expensive side, but the quote they gave us was absolutely astronomical. Fantastic reviews, but it's just too much.

Next, we contacted Sharps and a direct competitor of theirs - both of them quoted us less than half of the price the boutique place had given us, so we were delighted. However, I then started reading the reviews, many of which are appalling. I should've done this before getting the quotes, but had assumed they were big household names that did things to a certain standard.

Finally, we got in touch with a local carpenter, who quoted us less than half of the Sharps price, never mind the boutique one! His reviews on checkatrade are stellar, his portfolio looks great, and he's been easy to communicate with. Even at a higher price, I'd be keen to work with him. I know costs can run up with these things, but surely they can't run up THAT much?

My question is - does this sound right, or too good to be true? I'm not from the UK, so I don't yet have a good feel for how these things work here. Back home, hiring a carpenter for a bespoke project would be way more expensive than using someone like Sharps, so I'm not sure what to think... thank you in advance!

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Mananna · 02/04/2022 14:20

I would go with a local carpenter every time. Sharps are definitely to be avoided.

I would prefer to see reviews of the local carpenter on places other than checkatrade/mybuilder though. Does he have a Facebook page? Google reviews? You could also ask on local Facebook groups for recommendations from people who have had work done.

WorriedMutha · 02/04/2022 15:31

We found that most local carpenters with a good reputation where booked up and we were quoted waiting times of up to 8 months. We used Sharps and we were done within 3 months. Their service was excellent and though not cheap, the final product is gorgeous. We just didn't want to risk getting messed around by small craftsmen who were over booked and over busy. We would have preferred to go local really but in the market prevailing at the time, we couldn't risk it.

Melsibells · 03/04/2022 09:45

I had a quote from sharps and then reached out to a local carpenter that was recommended to us. He quoted half the price and did a great job. Weve just contacted him for more work
Sharps provably add on so much as they have more overheads so you are also paying for their marketing, sales people etc, and not just for someone to do the job

Geneticsbunny · 03/04/2022 15:59

Checkatrade reviews aren't worth taking into consideration as they don't allow bad reviews to be posted and the good ones are not checked to make sure they are real customers.

wardrobeconundrum · 04/04/2022 14:54

Thank you everyone and sorry for not replying for so long.

@Mananna and @Geneticsbunny - I didn't know that about checkatrade, thank you. Do you know if MyBuilder is any better in this respect? Lots of good reviews there too, but none on fb/Google although he does have a page for both.

From what I could find online, it looks like carpenter I've been in touch with only recently started his own operation (I can see he previously worked for someone else and companies house says his company has only been around for

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wardrobeconundrum · 04/04/2022 14:58

Unfortunately the only word of mouth recommendation I've had so far wasn't keen on doing the project - my friend who recommended him is a professional property developer though, so I guess that guy was after a different type of client. I'll keep asking around...

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roses2 · 04/04/2022 15:02

I've always had good experience with Checkatrade traders. How many reviews does he have and what are his payment terms? Can you pay in arrears based on stages? Ie he doesn't want money upfront?

OurspoonscamefromWoolworths · 04/04/2022 15:07

Sharps are awful. Worst customer service I have ever dealt with and way over priced. It took months to sort the mess they made of my job. I would take my chances with the carpenter.

Geneticsbunny · 05/04/2022 07:59

I would guess that my builder is similar in terms of reviews. I would always go on word of mouth. It is a good sign if someone can't do the work for at least a few months as it shows that they are sought after. You should look for a kitchen fitter or carpenter rather than a builder as you will get a better finish.

Clementine8 · 05/04/2022 08:09

What area are you in? Maybe you could ask for recommendations on here?
Mine was recommended on a local facebook page.

cooldarkroom · 05/04/2022 09:06

Could you ask this carpenter to see a job he has done in the flesh

I wanted a long low buffet type piece of furniture, with drawers & it had to be a certain max height.
I spent days on line & finally found something that would do, but only half as long as my space required, when it arrived it was already matchwood, It was scandalously badly made, & made with staples & glue, with drawer sliders made out of compressed cardboard.
It was already broken when I opened the box.
Fortunately I got my £700 refunded.
My H then went to a local cabinet maker, they made a custom dimension solid douglas pine (twice as long as the junk I had returned) piece of furniture, it is all properly jointed & has slow return drawer mechanisms (x12) it is si heavy I havent yet moved it to hoover !! It cost £1000 & was ready in a week .

AnOldCynic · 05/04/2022 10:21

I've had some good tradesmen from recommendations on NextDoor. I usually search through previous posts rather than requesting recommendations.

Sunnyme93 · 05/04/2022 11:21

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wardrobeconundrum · 05/04/2022 15:38

Thank you so much everyone, I'm learning a lot from you! I am not going to tag each and every one of you but I do really appreciate your input.

I am in SW London (zone 2) so there are lots of options, it's more a question of narrowing it down and finding the right person... if anyone has a carpenter they'd recommend around here, I'm all ears!

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lowsugarchilli · 05/07/2024 18:28

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wardrobeconundrum · 07/07/2024 13:48

@lowsugarchilli - unbelievably, we still haven’t put them in and are using clothes rails more than two years later… basically realised we’d need to change the orientation of a door to put in the wardrobes, and to change the door, needed to move a radiator, etc. etc. Plus we had some unexpected but pretty significant expenses related to other building work, and a stressful two years with life in general, so simply haven’t gotten round to it… hopefully you’ll be more successful, sorry i can’t help :(

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