Contractor Threatens Libel

Remember the roof the flew off? In that post, I mentioned that I was waiting for Reach Out and Build (ROaB) to get back to me. It turns out, they did reply through email. Here's what they had to say:

Note how they omitted the most important part in defining the word libel: that the statements must be FALSE. They already know everything in the blog posts as I sent them numerous text and emails complete with pictures. I based my posts on my correspondence with them, so there's actually more information in my emails to them than there are in the blog posts.

Here's my response:

Yes, folks - this is the kind of people you'll be dealing with if you hire them. Most companies when faced with complaints will attempt to rectify the situation and try to make amends. ROaB will cry libel if they don't like what you have to say.

The thing is, if they had done a good job to begin with, they would have gotten a different review. I was talking to another contractor who inspected the carport yesterday, and she told me that had ROaB used flat bars, the roof would have lasted at least two years. But only two since the polycarbonate they used is the really thin and cheap type which gets brittle easily.

They have since taken off the option to write a review on their Facebook page, but this incident has since made me wonder. All those who post reviews about restaurants, wedding coordinators, etc., where they had a terrible experience and they name the person who made them miserable, did the ones they complain about file a libel case against them? Earl and I think though, that is the contractor's way of getting out of their responsibility.

Can you imagine if the wind had blown the roof in another direction and hit a house, a passing car, or worse - a person out on the street?

The Roof Flew Off

Literally.

So, it's just typhoon signal number one in our area and at around 6 AM, this happened:

Good thing the portion that came off landed in our garden and not the neighbor's lot. I called the village manager, Engr. Rommel, and they picked it up right away before someone got hurt or another house got damaged.

Engr. Rommel came over with a few other people who checked the roof. The contractor (Reach Out and Build Inc.) didn't place flat bars when they installed the polycarbonate, thus it flew off easily.

I've already texted said contractor and sent photos, but they have yet to reply.

Warning: Do NOT Buy an Electrolux Washing Machine!!!

We bought their 10kg inverter model (EWF 14023) end of August 2017 and started using it mid September 2017.  Less than seven months later, it started leaking oil and ruined some of our clothes (we could not get rid of the black oil stains).  They fixed it and provided a replacement machine (but only after I got mad and demanded one).

Now, three months after they repaired it, the drum has stopped moving.

Their service guy came to the house over a week ago (August 29) and informed me that the inverter board needs to be replaced.  He said someone will call the next day to give an update.   No one called.  I’ve been calling them for the past week, and they’re always promising that someone will call to give an update and no one ever does (they’ve promised to call four times now).

There are no available parts for a supposedly new model.  We have to wait a month. ONE MONTH. And they’re just guessing at this point as to when the part will be available. In the meantime, we’re left hanging as they have yet to get approval to lend us another service unit.

Years ago, we had a Whirlpool washing machine that also had an electronic board, but it took two or three years before it went kaput.  On the other hand, my mother’s Whirlpool with manual dials is still working to this day and it’s more than 25 years old.

The lesson I’ve learned from this, is that the next time we’re buying a washing machine, we’ll stick to Whirlpool with manual dials.  Though the Electrolux repair guy said to buy either Speed Queen or Maytag.

Lastly, a few people have told me that their Electrolux washing machine only lasted 4-6 years.  For one of them, the third time it needed to be repaired, it cost so much money that they ended up buying a new washing machine instead.

Electrolux, moving forward, just stick to vacuum cleaners please.

On Indefinite Leave

I've decided to take a break from actively decorating, mostly because I can't find anything I like or fits the budget at the moment. The side table, for example, needs a lamp, but I will wait and buy only if I happen to find something interesting.

This also means that new posts on this blog will be very few and far between.

Missing IKEA

The great thing about IKEA is that you can buy nice looking stuff without breaking the bank. Unfortunately, they don't have a branch in Manila.

See the picture on the left? It's the Tank Table Lamp from Keystone Lamps, and it would have been perfect for the accent table we bought last year. The problem is that it's rather short at 11.5 inches (height), and I prefer the shade be changed to something black instead.

To change the shade will cost us Php 6,800. To increase the height by around six inches will be an additional Php 11,700:

Time to start looking elsewhere.

Supplier Ratings: Reach Out & Build, Inc.

Supplier: Reach Out and Build Inc.
Price Tag: Php 458,093
Rating: Php 0/10 (10 being the highest)

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2018 Update: The roof they installed last year came off and they've threatened me with libel, so I've changed their rating to 0. Details can be found here and here.
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Pros:
Well, they were reasonable when it came to fees and the cement hollow block fence is still standing. And at least they kept coming back to repair the carport roof whenever it leaked. Though that was before I paid them in full. Hmmm, I wonder - will they return if ever the roof leaks again (the probability of which is rather great)?

Cons:

Where do I begin? The list of our complaints is rather long, but here are a few that I've posted about before:

https://twostoreys.blogspot.com/2017/06/renovation-update-18.html

https://twostoreys.blogspot.com/2017/07/renovation-update-19.html

https://twostoreys.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-tale-of-temporary-cement-floor.html

https://twostoreys.blogspot.com/2017/08/finished.html

https://twostoreys.blogspot.com/2017/08/renovation-update-20.html

Notice the rotten paint job outside in the picture on the left? It's also inside the house, like the shelves we can't really store books on as the paint they used sticks to just about everything:

The bottom shelf cracked after we placed a few children's books:

On the left is the door I ordered (but painted white), and on the right is the door they delivered.

I kid you not - the extremely hideous door is brown and white with a metal pattern I NEVER asked for. Oh, how about that frosted plastic thing in the middle? Apparently, they do want they want without consulting the one who paid for it. I thought about returning it, but I would need to look for another supplier and I was just too tired (wanted to get things over and done with). They got rid of the white paint and made the whole thing brown.

It's been five months from the time they left, and the doors and garage floor already need repair:

I asked them if the red paint on the door will crack or fade and they assured me it wouldn't happen. They also said that once the paint dries on the other areas they've painted over, it will blend with the existing color. They also said the garage floor will not be the color blue once it dries up... This just proves that you cannot believe a word they say.

I really regret hiring Reach Out and Build and wish I had gone with AQM Interior Services instead which a friend of mine had already tried out and spoke highly of. I had talked to AQM, and they admitted that they've done mostly interiors, so I wasn't sure how they'd fare with exteriors.

Well, the next time we need a contractor, I definitely know who NOT to call.

Before & After: Hallway and Staircase

Before

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After

In fixing up this house, I've noticed that we've been trying to recreate parts of our apartment in Singapore. For example, the picture frames in the hallway - they're positioned the same way as when they were hanging in our Residences @ Somme bedroom.

As to the gallery wall by the staircase, this was the first thing I thought of doing when we bought the house. Putting it up was harder than I thought, but I think everything worked out in the end.

Christmas 2017

Merry Christmas everyone!

This year, our theme is minimalist - mostly because I was so busy fixing up the house, I forgot to buy holiday decor. By the time I got around to shopping for a tree, I was informed that the type I was looking for had been sold out by September. My idea was to place a pencil slim tree beside the foyer table to save on space (not to mention that it's the only logical location in our house for a Christmas tree).

As to the other decor items, most of what I was interested in, were either sold out or the last piece. My problem with the last piece is that it's not in a box and has probably been on display for weeks (meaning dusty). So, of course, I didn't want that.

Given the situation, I told my husband that we'll decorate next year instead. He was disappointed. Considering this is our first Christmas in the house, I could understand his sentiments. Fortunately, a trip to National Bookstore turned out to be lucky and they still had decor items stored in boxes in the stockroom. That's where the wreath and the tabletop Christmas tree came from.

The snowman stocking was sourced from SM and the red and gold balls were the ones we had on our old tree.

Supplier Ratings: Upcycle Manila

Supplier: Upcycle Manila
Price Tag: Php 9,000
Rating: Php 9/10 (10 being the highest)

Pros:
Another furniture piece I'm in love with! Even the underside of the table is smooth - many furniture makers don't give the hidden areas much thought. They're probably thinking that if no one can see it, why bother? Not the case here and I didn't even have to tell them about it. I usually instruct my suppliers to ensure that all sides are smooth and even then, there's no guarantee that they'll follow.

They also promised to deliver in 2 weeks (including weekends) and they kept their word.

Cons:
Can't really think of any, unless you count the time they forgot to do the order form. They already started on the furniture before I actually signed anything.

On hindsight though, I should have gone with my original measurements and made the length and width 10 centimeters longer. The table looks smaller than what I had imagined it to be (despite measuring many times).

Window Shopping: Accent Table

We need an end table to go between the blue sofa and the pale yellow armchair. But I want something with metal that way, it will add a bit of interest in that not everything is made of wood.

So, I started asking around - Mandaue Foam can do custom-made furniture, but not the ones with metal and it will take three months as their factory is in Cebu. Our most recent furniture supplier, Woods Innovation Center, doesn't do metal either. Other suppliers I asked were busy so I just ended up with two quotations.

Initially, I was considering 80 x 90 x 65(h) cm, but thought that the table might be too large for the space.

Dimensions: 70 x 80 x 65(h) cm

Biara Furniture
Rate: Php 19,200
Delivery Fee: Php 3000

Upcycle Manila
Rate: Php 8,000
Delivery Fee: Php 1,000

There's not much to think about here, Upcycle Manila wins hands down.

Before & After: The Study

Before

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After

By the way, that the fabric of the armchair color coordinates with the picture frames was not on purpose. I forgot that the prints were yellow and black, and had I remembered, I would have chosen something else.

Slow Progress

We're still working on the house, but things are not moving as fast as I would like due to the other items on my plate.

The last pieces of furniture are coming soon and half the picture frames have been hung. I also have guests arriving in less than two weeks so time to start cracking!

Leaky Bathroom

See the light brown water marks on the ceiling? This is right below the upstairs bathroom. Yup, it's leaking probably due to the holes in the floor grout.

Fortunately, I called Maricel of Rabacon (contractor who installed everything in said bathroom), and she sent a couple of workers over to seal the gaps. Though, I was also thinking that maybe the holes are due to the bathroom tiles or the toilet not being installed properly? This assumption is based on the backyard roof which also had leaks while a similar, but older, roof made by Avida over the front door never had a problem. And speaking of front doors, the red front door they installed warped and cracked after a couple of years.

So, I was a little wary of calling them to fix things since they didn't do a good job to begin with. But Maricel mentioned that I should have called her to repair the roof and the door which they would have done for free. Considering all of our expenses thus far, I was thinking, maybe it’s worth a shot.

Also, the previous village manager, Engr. Froilan, once mentioned that things inside a house will start cracking due to the heat especially if the house is closed and hot air has nowhere to escape. So that might be another possible explanation, though not even the workers who came over know for sure. Well, let’s see if this will work.

Supplier Ratings: CADI Showrooms

Linden Writing Desk - Php 14,500

Mariela Wing Chair - Php 16,500 (fabric not included)

Supplier: CADI Showrooms
Price Tag: Php 68,800
Rating: Php 8/10 (10 being the highest)

Pros:
I love the furniture!!! As far as I can tell, all the pieces look sturdy and really well made.

L - Unno Chair #1 - Php 5,100 each (without cushion seat)

R - Petite Wing Chair - Php 14,900 (fabric not included)

Cons:
They can only do what's in their catalogue - custom made items are only for bulk orders (think hotels, restaurants, etc.), and having changes made to their design proved to be problematic.

For example, their dining chair (Unno Chair #1) originally had an upholstered seat, and when we asked to switch to solid wood instead, the sales agent in their SM Megamall branch said it wasn't a problem. After paying in full (which is a requirement prior to delivery), I was informed that changing the chair design would cost us more. They also told us that the seat height was lower than normal as the workers received the wrong instructions. Take note at this point, two months had already passed since they informed us that all the items were ready to be delivered. We had asked them to postpone the delivery as the renovation took longer than anticipated.

As you can probably guess, I wasn't a very happy camper. I pointed out that it was unfair of them to change the price right before delivery. Why should we be paying for the mistakes made by the company? In the end, they conceded my point and kept things as is. The delivery though was further delayed as they had to redo the chair height.

Oh, and their delivery fee is rather steep. If they deliver to Alabang, the fee is Php 400. Our house is just an additional 20 minutes away and they're charging Php 3000 because it's located in Cavite, though I was able to negotiate it down to Php 2500.

The Cusm Furniture Shop Nightmare: Part III

Cusm: We have tried to come up with settlement to agree but now this email that you sent. You said we don’t have the right to be mad, after accusing us as cheaters, scam and involving our daughter. If you are not insensitive, not US.

May I inform you that we did not make any profit on your cabinets since we quoted it in a special price. You even posted it in your blog that we gave you the lowest price for your kitchen cabinet. We may have change some materials but our intention is to make it look nice and it is not cheap either and not to make money.

We have a company policy, if our Client is not happy with our product, we will give full refund and pull out what we supplied. At least you can have a chance to replace your cabinet s with what you wanted.

Just advice us when to deposit the P 171,320 and the schedule of pull out.

Mel 

Nicole: So, you've just admitted that the material was changed on purpose and that it wasn't a mistake as Tita Cindy first claimed.

What else is there to assume especially if you keep repeating it's just the cabinet doors that has MDF (and it's been proven that it's not just the doors)? If it were really a mistake, you'd be clueless as you'd think nothing has MDF and wouldn't know which part has MDF.

When something is not part of the agreement amd the client is not informed, what would anyone normally think? Especially when you've WILLFULLY AND PURPOSELY changed it to cheaper and less durable materials? Anyone would naturally think they've been cheated and scammed.

I told you from the beginning no MDF. Then you're going to twist this into something that was supposed to be good? You're kidding, right?

We never asked for a discount, so if you're claiming you didn't make money, that was on you, not us.

Here's a quote I read yesterday that I thought timely and apt:

"Sometimes people pretend you're a bad person so they don't feel guilty about the bad things they did to you."

I told my family about the refund and pull out you're offering. You know what they said? "How rude!"

Again, how you're trying to twist this as though changing almost everything to MDF was out of the goodness of your heart is amazing. I am being extremely sarcastic in case you missed it.

Fine, don't give us a refund. That way I can forever think you owe us.

Lastly, as to your company policy, you first offered to refund the down payment in exchange for the doors. I suggested that we be given the difference given that 70% is MDF which you completely disregarded, and now you're insisting on complete pullout and refund. So on top of everything else, you're also mean-spirited. You're such a great example of honesty, accountability, and responsibility.

My mind is really blown on how you disregarded signed contracts (isn't that breach of contract?), and then claim it was for the greater good. Is that what you do to all your customers? If it was done to you, would you be happy? And then you're mad at me? This is so incredibly absurd!

Cusm: Because at first you didn't want the Php 48,320 which is why we offered the full payment refund and pull out. If a refund of Php 70,000 is okay with you then we won't pull out the cabinets. Please advise when we can make the deposit.

Nicole: That was because you said 48,320 for the doors. But it's not just the doors, is it?

We'll settle for Php 60,000 and up to you if and when to deposit.

Cusm: Will deposit Php 60,000 on Monday. I'll email the deposit slip once done.

________________________________________

They really have nerves of steel, don't they?

I've since come to the conclusion that the low rate they gave wasn't due to a discount, but because the material they used was cheap to begin with.

The Cusm Furniture Shop Nightmare: Part II

- Six days later -

Nicole: Any update? Your silence makes me think more that all that MDF wasn't a mistake.

Cusm: I did not reply last week because we talked to the workers who were in charge of your cabinets, and according to them they only used MDF on the kitchen doors. And they don't remember anymore as it's been 7 years unless we go there and check. Anyway, we are really sorry and we will refund your downpayment. Can I get your bank account number or I will send thru LBC the amount of Php 48,320.

Nicole: Tita, you've been so sure from the beginning that only the doors have MDF. If it was a mistake, how would you or the workers know or remember? So it seems based on your emails, the MDF was on purpose especially since they even recall it was only for the doors.

No need to come over as I had Timberpro go over each and every cabinet. He told me more than 70% is MDF.

So we paid over Php 171,000+ for MDF. Is that fair?

I feel like we've been scammed. This reminds me of the time Uncle Stephen charged us Php 11,000 for a demand letter. I found out later Php 3,000 was already too expensive for that type of service. And my cousin-in-law told me he could have done it for free.

But we trusted Uncle Stephen as he was Daddy's brother. Needless to say to this day I feel betrayed and makes me question the type relatives Earl has. We also trusted you.

Let's hope you or your daughter never have to go through what we went through with you. You'll never understand how pained and angry I am until you experience the same thing.

Oh, remember I mentioned there were doors that were returned because I found out they were made of MDF? Their color is different from the rest of the cabinets so It was easy to find out which ones were replaced. It's not just the doors, a few drawers too. But I'm skeptical whether they were really replaced or just repainted.

So it seems that Timberpro is right.

Php 48,320 is not enough and not equal to how we've been cheated.

And here's one of the things that really gets to me - you've known from the beginning that the doors were made of MDF, why did you go through with it knowing what's on the signed contract? Why didn't you have it changed? You made us pay you the full amount even though you knew that what you did was wrong.

Again, if it was a mistake that you didn't know about, how did you or the workers know right away that it's only the doors?

Cusm: We will deposit Php 171,000 tomorrow. What bank did you give? We will pull out all the items on Saturday.

We will deposit tomorrow your P 171,000. What bank did you give? And please schedule the pull out of all that we deliver on Saturday.

Nicole: No, I just want what's fair. Are you being sarcastic? And it seems you're the one who's mad. Reminds me of an oft repeated saying.

Pull out all the kitchen, pantry, linen and laundry cabinets? It's different if it were just the doors - you could have just switched everything in one day.

Attached is a picture of one of the shelves. We're cleaning everything as we're moving in this weekend. They forgot to cover one end with laminate. Is that MDF?

And here's another shelf.

Just give what the price would have been for 70% MDF seven years ago and give us the difference from what we paid.

You said refund Php 171,000 and you'll pull out all the cabinets? Seriously? You're the one who's wrong and you're the one who's angry?

It really makes me question what kind of people are the ones who get mad even after they were found to be majorly at fault. Is that what you've taught your daughter?

Come to think of it, should I even trust you to give an honest refund? Based on your last reply, no.

What right have you to get mad? None.

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The Cusm Furniture Shop Nightmare: Part III

The Cusm Furniture Shop Nightmare: Part I

Duped by relatives? You be the judge.

If you've read through this blog, then you know how important it was for us to avoid having furniture made with medium-density fibreboard (MDF) as it's prone to mold and very flimsy. So in 2011, when we had our cabinets done by Cusm Furniture Shop, we specified that solid wood or plyboard was to be used for our cabinets. This was also reflected in the contracts we signed with them which you can view in the following links:

Kitchen cabinets
Laundry and pantry cabinets
Bedroom cabinets, linen closet, and bookshelves

Now that we've finally moved in, we've discovered, most of the cabinets are made of MDF. I confronted the owners, and below is what they had to say about the situation.

Nicole: Hi Uncle Mel and Tita Cindy, just wondering pls what material is in the attached picture. Is it MDF? It's not plyboard or solid wood.

Cusm: Hi Nicole, MDF.

Nicole: Thanks! That picture was from one of the kitchen cabinet doors you installed.

The thing is, I specifically said no MDF. Also, no where in the papers signed and specifications agreed upon in writing stated that MDF was the material to be used.

What we paid for is supposed to be 18mm thick solid mahogany in duco painted finish.

So now I'm wondering if all the supposedly solid mahogany doors are actually MDF.

Now I'm wondering if everything is made of MDF.

A few years ago, two or three of the doors were replaced because I found out they were made of MDF (the laminate chipped). I thought at the time that maybe it was just a mistake with a few doors. It's now looking like they're all MDF.

Cusm: We only use MDF for your kitchen doors only. Sorry for the late reply.

Nicole: But I didn't pay for MDF. The contract does not state MDF - it's supposed to be solid mahogany doors.

The first thing I said to Uncle Mel was no MDF. The contract and what we paid was for solid mahogany doors.

Why did you make it MDF? I've been feeling really bad and depressed about this. All along I believed we had solid wood doors. Honestly, I feel cheated.

Cusm: We are sorry if you feel bad and depressed. And we didn't cheat you, I don't know what happened that they used MDF on doors. We will refund half of the total cost of your kitchen cabinet.

Nicole: I take it the kitchen, pantry, and laundry cabinets all have MDF doors? Actually, would it be possible to get replacement doors instead please? Meaning, the doors to be changed to what was actually stated on the conforme?

Though, if you're too busy, then we'll go with the refund.

My old contractor just passed by the house and told me even the carcass is made of MDF (not just the doors).

We recently had a case of termites that ate part of the pantry cabinets. They took a look at the hole and said everything is made of MDF.

Cusm: I will asked Mel. Will email you again.

- Five days later -

Cusm: Can I get your account number? Will deposit your November 2010 downpayment P48,320.

Nicole: Timberpro is currently here at the house. He said the following have MDF:

- Kitchen cabinets - doors, some of the shelves
- Pantry & laundry cabinets - carcass, doors and shelves (in other words, EVERYTHING)
- Linen closet - carcass, doors and shelves (in other words, EVERYTHING)
- Bedroom closet - drawers and shelves

That's almost everything. Considering that no where in the contract is MDF listed as an approved, agreed, and paid for material, how did it get there? There's too much of it to be "mistake."

I initially asked for all to be ducco finish, it was Uncle Mel who suggested everything be covered in laminate. Remember, you even got mad at me because you said you've spent so much on laminates already. Take note it wasn't even my idea. Now I'm wondering if the laminate served another purpose.

How would you feel if you were in our shoes?

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The Cusm Furniture Shop Nightmare: Part II

Short Break

The end is near for this blog as we come to the conclusion of our home renovation. I'll be posting more supplier ratings as soon as I get back from vacation.

We've Moved In!

Though it's a work in progress as we're currently sorting through boxes and organizing everything. We also still have to hunt for furniture (e.g. coffee table) and other things. In the meantime, here's a sneak peak of what the house looks like so far.

Supplier Ratings: Woods Innovation Center

Supplier: Woods Innovation Center
Price Tag: Php 137,909
Rating: Php 6/10 (10 being the highest)

Pros:
Their rates are reasonable and the workmanship, in general, isn't bad.

Cons:
1. If you text or send them an email, it may take some time before they answer, if at all.

2. They don't follow measurements or instructions well. The white medicine cabinet, for example, is supposed to be brown. They delivered it covered in white laminate fully expecting me to just accept whatever they've decided on. They didn't bother to call or email to check beforehand whether white would be okay with me. They finally offered to redo it in brown after I started getting angry. I decided there was not enough time since we were planning to move-in already.

Another example is when the headboard arrived in two colors (white and brown) - it was just supposed to be one color. They insisted that they were following instructions until I showed them the signed contract. So it's very important to have everything in writing.

3. They're not great with small details. One part of the bunk bed needed paint. If I hadn't noticed, they would have left it looking dirty and unfinished. They also forgot to cover the inside of the cabinets with laminate, so it took them longer to install as they had to add it in at the last minute (they even had to make two trips to the house because of it).

4. They mess up your house. So while they did repaint the bunk bed, they splattered white paint all over the floor and didn't bother to clean it up. They also had excess adhesive on all sides of the mirror they installed and just told me to clean it up myself with paint.

5. I think they better find an alternative way to provide support. All their drawers have a wooden bar inside which I have never encountered before in any other drawer I've come across.

6. Don't expect them to be able to copy certain furniture styles. Below is what I requested (the white sofa) and what was delivered (I provided the fabric).

Three Seater Sofa - Php 18,000 (fabric not included)

Here are the other items we ordered from Woods Innovation Center:

Brown Mirror Frame - Php 8,500

Shoe Cabinet / Foyer Table - Php 15,000

Bunk Bed - Php 12,000

Queen Bed Frame (without mattress) - Php 17,000

Side Table - Php 4000 each

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Bedroom Cabinets - set of three (top photo) - Php 39,409
Bathroom Medicine Cabinets - Php 5000 each
White Mirror Frame - Php 6500
Delivery Fee - 3500