ALIUSTA DESIGN

A free-standing closet was installed in my living room, but it was not what I ordered. He changed the design of the interior to make it easier for him (faster/cheaper) to do. The piece was to have 3 doors: first there was to be a fixed top shelf across all three sections (done), behind door 1 was to be just a utility closet for broom, mop, etc. --no rods or other shelves (done); the next two doors were to open out, like an armoire (done), but the interior was to be split, vertically, from top to bottom, into 2 distinct & separated sides. This is the problem: Door 2 was to have top and bottom hanging rods (shirts/pants) and adjustable shelves; door 3 side was for longer clothes (coats/dresses) and an adjustable shelf. Instead, the interior behind the double door was split horizontally with a fixed shelf and hanging rods on top & bottom, period. It completely defeated the purpose needed. I have only 1 closet in the entire apt., so my simple, requested design was a necessity. At first he said it was the way we decided, but after much debate he finally 'fessed up' & conceded he designed it for his convenience, not what we discussed nor what I ordered. The closet he made is fine, but it is NOT what I needed. What bothered me most was that there was no attempt to remedy this! I finally said that if I used him again, he would have to give me a much better price to make up for this snafu. He agreed. Also, he did not clean up. Perhaps my dissat tisfaction threw him off, but the closet wasn't wiped down, swept or dusted out & the debris on the floor was not cleaned up. Base boards had to be cut, etc, for a flush fit and anchoring, thus plaster, sawdust, was just left there; plugs for the screw holes weren't flush & the stain was messily applied, clearly drawing the eye to it -I noticed them immediately. I asked if he had a vacuum to clean up & he said no. No apology or excuse offered for not cleaning up. Overall I was disappointed. My Major Problem: I didn't have time to have him take it all down, go back to the drawing board and wait for the exact design I ordered. And since he gave me the impression I was "fit into" his busy schedule, I was sure he'd not comply with a quick turn around. (remember --no attempt to remedy this) I just wanted a 3-door unit - standard closet interiors! A simple design. Frankly, if there was confusion, he had drawings from our discussion, and the final contract had the design description. What I got is an OK closet where I can't hang a coat. Not what I needed, paid for or expected. He did give better handles -I ordered knobs. Aliusta is a very nice young man. He has skills. I would recommend him, BUT... be very sure you are clear & he is clear that you will get what you want, not what is convenient for him. Honestly, I feel taken advantage of. If I do use him again, I do believe he will make good on the promise I had to drag out of him, to give me a better price. I will let you know.

Professionalism was evident from the start. Following the 3D presentation he showed us actual wood samples and stains to choose. Over the course of the progress we received pictures. The custom table ordered had to be finished earlier than agreed time frame because we had visitors coming over. He completed the work and delivered early in the morning to our pleasant surprise. Nothing was left to change, the clean up after completion was great. Some people really know what they are doing ! P.S. He also repaired some of my old furniture as a freebie.