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.

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)

____________
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.
____________

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.

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.

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.

________________________________________

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?

________________________________________

The Cusm Furniture Shop Nightmare: Part II

Blims & Uratex

Senso Memory Original

One would think that it's cheaper at the source, but in this case, it cost us much less to buy Uratex mattresses at Blims.

Mattress Type	Blims	Uratex
1 pc. Senso Memory Original - Queen	24,300	25,600
2 pcs. Orthocare Balance - Twin	19,720	24,400
Delivery Fee	1,000	340
TOTAL	45,020	50,340

 

That's a difference of Php 5,320!

We looked at other mattress brands such as Vono, Dunlopillo, Ambassador, and Salem, but it was Uratex that won out in terms of price, size, and feel.

Orthocare Balance

The Rainbow Conundrum

Before & After

Rainbow Cleaners came back and they came through! Yay, right? Not really.

When they returned to the house to do upholstery cleaning, they also had someone clean both bathrooms again. This time, the toilets came out sparkling! The magic ingredient was a bit of muriatic acid which they don't normally use. But at the time, the workers at the house informed me that NOTHING could be done.

So, while I am happier about the cleanliness of the toilets, confusion about the rates made me less than pleased. When they first gave the quotation, it just stated that the total was Php 11,580. Only recently did they give me a breakdown - after I had paid them already:

- Rate for general cleaning is Php 45/sqm

84 sqm - Php 3780
Outdoor cleaning - Php 2000
Cloth lampshade - Php 800
Transportation fee - Php 3000
____________________________
Total - Php 9580

Let me repeat, they charged me Php 11,580 for everything mentioned above.

- Upholstery cleaning rates:

2 wing chairs at Php 700/each - Php 1400
1 3-seater sofa - Php 1500
Transportion fee - Php 2000
____________________________
Total - Php 4900

I pointed out to them that we go to Makati everyday, where their office is located, and it does not cost Php 2000. They waived the transportation fee. And since they didn't do the outdoor cleaning or the cloth lampshade (among other things), they gave me a refund for the difference.

Imagine, if everything had gone according to plan, I would have never known that they had overcharged me.

Deliveries

This week was marked by deliveries from various suppliers - appliances from Abenson and furniture from CADI arrived today. While Woods Innovations Center brought over our orders last Saturday, but they will be back tomorrow as some of the items were done incorrectly.

Our contractors came back this morning to do a few repairs and found one part of the roof leaking (again). They will return once I've determined if the other areas of the roof also need fixing.

Supplier Ratings: Rainbow Cleaners

BEFORE

The house hasn't been cleaned in over two years, so it was thick with dust and all sorts of other things I didn't want to deal with.

DURING

So I decided to hire Rainbow Cleaners.

AFTER

The house is less dusty, but I was expecting more from professional cleaners.

Supplier: Rainbow Cleaners
Price Tag: Php 10,780
Rating: Php 6/10 (10 being the highest)

Pros:
Well, thanks to them, I didn't have to get rid of most of the gunk by myself. Also, it will now be easier and faster for me to clean the place up.

Cons:
Here's what I sent to them via email:

When I first inquired (in January) about having our house cleaned, I asked if you guys clean the exterior windows and windowsills - both ground and second floor due to dirt and lots of bird poop. I even called and you confirmed it could be done but only up to the second floor.

You emailed back with this reply: "Please find attached revised proposal. All you want to clean in your home is covered."

That was my main reason for hiring Rainbow Cleaners, because everything else I could do myself.

Today, they told me they don't do exteriors.

I also asked if you dry shampoo or steam clean cloth lampshades and you said yes, and added P800 to the bill. Take note I even sent a photo of the lamp.

They took one look and said no, they only vacuum cloth lampshades.

They were not very thorough. They kept telling me that it's not possible to remove the traces of lizard poop on the walls. I did it myself in front of them and it was gone.

They also were not able to get rid of the yellow stains in both toilets and bathroom floors. Another reason why I hired you. Now I have to figure out how to clean it myself.

Why did I hire you guys again? Ah, yes, the incorrect assumption that you would know what to do considering your line of work.

Supplier Ratings: Landscaper

Supplier: Cristina's Lawn & Garden
Price Tag: Php 47,400 + 12,660 = Php 60,060
Rating: Php 8/10 (10 being the highest)

Pros:
The owner, Ms. Celia Castro, was very easy to deal with and it took them about three days to finish everything.

Cons:
Nothing major. Some of the stepping stones were not positioned correctly in that the gaps are not uniform. For example, 13 inches at one end, 8 inches on the other end, and 10 inches in the middle.

The garden looks a bit scraggly, but that's because I decided to go with young plants as they're cheaper. I'm also debating whether or not to wait a few months for the plants to grow before adding more.

UPDATE

For an additional Php 12,660, we had the following done to the garden:
- fix the incline of the soil near the garage so that water won't pool
- add more plants
- add more stepping stones
- place pebbles in the area that used to be covered in cement

Here are the results:

Landscaper: Christina's Lawn & Garden

While Marliz Driftwood Shop's labor charge was cheaper, their rates for plants (per piece) was higher. So I was thinking that I might be able to save more with Christina's Lawn & Garden especially if I decide on adding more greenery.

The village has a crew of guys who help maintain the landscaping for the public areas, and one of them offered his services for our garden. At first I was enthusiastic as he had the lowest quotation, but a closer look at his plan (which I somehow lost), showed a few plants and mostly pebbles. And looking at pictures of other gardens he has done in the area, I felt that his aesthetic didn't match mine. But the deal breaker was that he was not keen on letting me visit the garden center where he'd be getting his supplies. I asked to see the place and he has yet to reply back.

Since my knowledge of plants is almost zero, I want a supplier where I can go and actually look at my options.

Window Shopping: Landscaper

The garden area is small, tiny actually at roughly 70 sqms., but I've received quotations ranging from Php 42,000 to as high as Php 271,000! The list below is in alphabetical order, though limited only to the ones I'm considering:

The Flowerbee is the landscaper for Sonya's Garden.

In case you're wondering what's included in a Php 271,000 landscaping service, here's the quotation as given by Beauty Blossoms who partnered with a landscape architect (just click to enlarge):

Custom Made Furniture: Woods Innovation Center

Why did we choose them instead of the options listed in the previous post? We didn't. Remember the last renovation update where our contractor had a different idea of what "finished" means? Well, I spoke with Dawn, the manager, to basically tell her the same thing as I still could not believe Choi's version of "finished." Then, a few minutes after we ended our phone call, she sent me this text message:

"Hi Nicole, just out of honesty & I can feel your frustration which I really understand as your contractor, you might have an alternative supplier to supply all your furniture? We can give all the furniture details for free, this is what you'll need to have custom made furniture.

I'm just filled with concern (and fear in terms of your quality standards & level of expectation) if we don't deliver exactly the way you like. Just an option, you don't need to get it from us, we can just take care of the pending & repair works. I can even give you directly the contact of our furniture fabricator & you can get it at 15-20% less across all costs (that's our mark-up)."

My reply? "My expectations aren't high. I just want that when someone says finished, it actually is. Is that too much that you want to give up already?" She then proceeded to send me the contact details of their furniture supplier along with the rates that were given directly to them.

At first, I still wanted to order the furniture through Reach Out and Build Inc, but why force the issue when they clearly do not want to do it?

I didn't bother with their offer of getting furniture details from them. Because despite giving them the specifications at least thrice, they still measured the queen bed at 59 inches wide. The measurements I sent were for a 60 inch wide mattress, so obviously, the bed won't fit. And that's just one of the many examples of how they didn't read most of the instructions I sent (a sample can be found in the last post).

It should be noted that I didn't even yell or get mad the entire time we were talking. I also have never met Dawn - all correspondence is via email or text message. I'm now baffled as to how they can claim to build a house. Doesn't that entail a lot of instructions to which they seem allergic to?

ITEM	DESCRIPTION		UNIT PRICE	TOTAL PRICE
3 SEATER SOFA	Materials: solid mahogany wood (sundry) for frame, Uratex foam (blue) for cushion     Size: 85 cm (d) x 190 cm (w) x 90 cm (h)	1 pc	18,000 (fabric not included)	18,000
CABINET	Materials: marine plywood in duco finish, combination with solid wood   Size: 46cm (d) x 286 (w) x 206 cm (h)	1 set	38,000	38,000
BUNK BED	Materials: pine wood     Size: 36” x 75” standard single	1 set	12,000	12,000
BEDFRAME	Materials: solid mahogany wood, combination with marine plywood     Size: queen 60” x 75”	1 set	17,000	17,000
SHOE CABINET	Materials: marine plywood combination with solid wood - 4 doors and 2 drawers     Size: 34cm (d) x125cm (w) x 100cm (h)	1 set	15,000	15,000
SIDE TABLE	Materials: solid mahogany wood     Size: 40 cm (d) x 45 cm (w) x 55 cm (h)	2 pcs	4,000	8,000
MEDICINE CABINET (master’s)	Materials: marine plywood     Size: 15 cm (d) x 40 cm (w) x 50 cm (h)	1 pc	5,000	5,000
MEDICINE CABINET (ground floor)	Materials: marine plywood     Size: 14cm (d) x 40 cm (w) x 30 cm (h)	1 pc	5,000	5,000
MIRROR FRAME (ground floor)	Materials: mahogany wood - 4” wood frame   Size: 95cm (w) x 183 cm (h)	1pc	8,500	8,500
MIRROR FRAME (master’s)	Materials: mahogany wood     Size: 55 cm x 60 cm (w) x 155 cm (h)	1 pc	6,500	6,500
Subtotal				Php 133,000
Delivery charge (including ocular fee)				Php 3,500
TOTAL				Php 136,500

On the bright side, we'll get to save almost Php 29,000 with this setup.