Cabinet Renovations

I met Derek at the LA county fair a few years ago. At the time we werent ready to do the kitchen yet. A year or so later we were ready to get the kitchen cabinets color changed and do a new countertop at the same time.
We had 2 other contractors give us prices with Derek giving us a third price. One of the prices was way to high and derek was about the same as the other contractor. We really liked dereks personality and he was doing all the work himself with maybe a helper in a day or two. We also had Derek give us a price and samples of our countertops since he does have a countertop crew to do that specifically. Well after 3 weeks we first got our new granite put in and then got all our cabinets stained to a dark espresso color and changed all the hinges to slow close hidden hinges. I found a few spots over the next few days. Called Derek to let him no about it. He came out a few days later fixed up those spots and even a few more i didn't see.
I couldnt be happier with the work and professionalism of Derek and Cabinet Renovations. I've given his cards to several friends that are considering similar work. I showed friends the work and everyone thinks i spent 15 to 20k dollars on the remodel but working with Cabinet Renovation's i spend about half that.

Although the color looks very nice (off white), the job was done sloppily.  The paint processed promised does not hold up as it has already started to chip in many places.  One coat of paint or primer was applied in a zigzag manner and it shows through.  Derek insisted they were just shadows, but it is there day and night on the entire project. They cannot possibly be shadows. He clearly took a short cut.  Additionally, several handles were installed crooked by about an inch, which puts them at an angle, so very noticeable.  The hinges were not adjusted correctly so the door hinge hits the box hinge when opening, leaving it to chip on the side of the door.  Many spots were missed in the painting process, and I was only left less than ¼ can of spray paint (this is a spray process only).
The job was completed on June 27, 2014.  I informed Derek on June 30, 2014 of the above problems.  We arranged for him to come by July 3 at 10 a.m.  He was running late, and since my husband and I were going out of town that afternoon we rescheduled for  July 7 at 10 a.m. Derek never showed nor did he call. I called him the next day and left a voice mail.  No response. On Friday of that week, I sent a message through his website.  No response. Since that time I have called every week, with voice box full for four calls (although I do know he still knows you?ve called because he has returned previous calls to me when his box was full), and was able to leave messages four times.  To date, I have heard absolutely nothing from Derek.  Clearly, once he gets paid he ignores his customers. He will claim he is ?busy?.  So what!  I paid in full and expected a professional job.  I did not get that.  I would not recommend him, but if you do decide to go with him, I would hold back several hundred dollars from the final payment until you can go through and check everything closely a few days later, not on the spot. 

He really listened to what we wanted done and worked with us on our options.  The installation of the knobs on the cabinets doesn't look quite professionally done.  It looks like something I could have done myself--maybe even a little better!  He removed the old hinges that were screwed onto the front, and installed hidden hinges.  There are a few spots on the front that still show the filler and outline from the old hinge.  For the most part, it came out fine and you really have to look to see any problem.  I'd still recommend him without hesitation.