09 February 2011

Window Shopping: Built-in Cabinets 2

 
                        Linen Closet                                     Bedroom Closet

Since the first experiment did not pan out (supplier ratings will be out soon), the search for someone who can do the built-in closets continues. Though we are having a rather difficult time finding a supplier who can really do "built-in." Everyone we've talked to only do modular - meaning, they'll bring the cabinets already finished and just plunk them into place. One concern regarding this method is that the stairway is rather narrow so it will not be easy to bring the furniture upstairs. But we are not experts so we will leave it to the supplier to decide what's best.

One of the things I mentioned in a previous post is that we are allergic to medium-density fibreboards (MDFs). But the cost of solid wood is rather steep so we have had to rethink things - at least for the cabinets. We may still have hope for the solid wood dream with the other furniture items.

We also mentioned that if RMV Hardwoods & Antiques Shop does not work out, we will try Juro Furniture. We're thinking now though that might be a bit risky since they are not based in Manila and cannot come to the house to measure the space. Considering our erstwhile supplier did actual site measurements and the end product was a flop, I don't think we can afford to put our faith completely in a company we cannot vouch for.

So without further ado, here are the new batch of quotations for the closets:

- 1903 Furniture

Showroom: 3rd Floor, Market! Market, Taguig City
Factory: A. Rivera St., Santol Rd., Tabun, Angeles City
Telephone Numbers: 409 6698, 0908 771 7831
Email: joan_idanan@yahoo.com

Price for Linen Closet: Php 21,000
Price for Bedroom Closet: None given.

Specifications: Made of solid mahogany and mahogany plywood in duco finish.

Note: They were recommended by a local website called My Design Folder whose authors are interior designers. They posted pictures of the furniture ordered from 1903 and I really liked what I saw. And as their rates were reasonable, we went over to Market! Market! to inspect their display at the said mall. We also brought the down payment for the linen closet as I was feeling pretty confident about them.

True enough, their display was nice and talking to Joan was pleasant - at first. Things went downhill when I mentioned that there may be a slight problem with the raised door frame as the closet might not fit into the opening. She refused to even consider checking with their carpenters if there was a workable solution. Basically, she had what I would call a "take it or leave it" attitude (and tone).

I didn't feel good about how the conversation ended and was quite disappointed by the turn of events as I was really thinking they were "it." I called her 30 minutes later to tell her to send the quote for bedroom closets and though Joan said that she'll send it the next day, we have yet to hear from her.

When we came home, I checked the floor plan and discovered that the door frame would not be a problem at all. Oh, well. I was thinking of giving them a second chance, but my Mom told me to stay far away and Earl said that there are others out there just as good.

- AGP Furniture & Interiors

Office: Unit 306, 3rd Floor Townes Bldg., 916 A. Arnaiz Ave., Makati City
Factory: 4 Commercial Complex Parkhomes, Tunsan, Muntinlupa City
Telephone Numbers: 843 4161
Email: agpfurniture@yahoo.com

Price for Linen Closet: Php 62,500
Price for Bedroom Closet: Php 107,000

Specifications: Solid mahogany for framing, exposed panels in plywood, and body in duco finish.

Note: They were also recommended by My Design Folder. While they are not currently in our budget range, we'll ask them again for a quote once we start searching for a sofa supplier.

- Cusm Furniture Shop

Office & Factory: Blk.15, Lot 2, Real St., Villa Eusebia Subdivision, Pulang Lupa, Las Pinas City
Telephone Numbers: 828 5156, 828 5153, 0922 815 6206
Email: cusmfurniture@yahoo.com.ph

Price for Linen Closet: Php 8,400
Price for Bedroom Closet: Php 19,800

Specifications: Carcass - 3/4" thick plywood (for linen closet) and tanguile plywood (for bedroom closet) both with white laminate & PVC edgebond. Doors will be made of ribbon grain tanguile plywood w/ solid wood edging in wenge varnish finish for the bedroom closet while the linen closet will be made of plywood in duco white finish.

Note: They are also our kitchen cabinet supplier, and while we like the work they've done so far (the kitchen is not yet finished), we are on waitlist.

Cabinet search weary, I sent an email to Ardel Claveria of My Design Folder to ask if she knew anyone who can do real built-in cabinets and here's her reply:

Hi Nicole,

Typical finishing contractors can help you out with your built-in requirements.

I can refer you to Arch. Robert Santos who does interior fit-outs. Here are his contact details:
mobile - 0905 590 0165 or 0921 431 9218
email - geminix.c.x@gmail.com

Hope this helps. :)

Ardel


This then gave me an idea - what about Rabacon? I've decided to ask both Maricel and Arch. Robert for a quote just in case it will take Cusm Furniture longer than expected to get back to us.

By the way, if anyone has tried the suppliers mentioned in this post, please feel free to share your feedback.

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