Our project with Virginia Cabinetry went very smoothly from start to finish. For our initial visit and estimate, we spent alot of time going over MDF versus wood, what kind of wood, whether glass shelves would be included, the detailing on the cabinets, and how to make the detailing and overall look similar to that of our adjacent dressing room. We also needed to insert a radiator cover in the middle, and wanted it to be strong enough to sit on, just in case. The installation area was below two windows, and our 1920s home has alot of asymmetries and quirks, so they measured multiple times, without prompting, because the layout of the space made it obvious that slightly off measurements would need to be considered throughout. We also wanted to be sure that the radiator cover gave sufficient access for servicing, and so we discussed several options for creating a removable hinge so that the cover could be removed. We discussed the proportions of the unit overall in that we wanted the unit to add distinction and detail to the room, but not overwhelm it. We also have delicate items from travels abroad that we wanted to display, and discussed whether overhead lighting was feasible, though we opted to go without it, at least for now. The drawers below needed to be of sufficient depth to store linens, blankets, or other somewhat bulkier items that our dressing room cabinets could not hold, so we talked alot about how to negotiate this given the width of the radiator and the size of the shelving atop the drawers. We also gave him a piece of old trim work from a prior project so that he could match the color.
We discussed an approximate estimate beforehand, and the formal estimate sent later held no surprises. They were very accomodating about the fact that I later decided that, given our original windows in the home, I requested restoration-grade glass in the cabinet doorfronts. We discussed where he could get this, and he let me know what it would cost once he looked into it. I explained that I would be fine with him adding this to our bill, because for me, this was an important detail for the overall theme of the house. I would be looking at this unit every day, so I wanted no regrets.
When we returned from vacation, the cabinets were ready. I can't remember exactly how long it took to make the unit; I am guessing maybe 3-4 weeks (we were only gone for about a week and a half). We had to put off installation for a couple of weeks, and they were fine with that.
The day of installation of course very exciting. I was off that day so that I could assist with any questions or concerns. It took them most of the day, which was fine by me. I wanted them to take their time and do the job right. They were savvy about being able to place extra pieces in certain places to help transition difficult corners, which was a lingering concern in the back of my mind, given the oddity of the measurements in the space they had install the unit. We have 6-8 inches of trim molding along the floors, with shoe molding, and picture rail about an inch from the ceiling, throughout the 1st and 2nd floors of the house, and they navigated this very nicely as well, and matched the trim color well.
They left very little debris behind--some sawdust on the front walk--which was easily remedied.
My husband and I are very pleased with the unit itself, its design, its installation, the value it adds to our home, and the guys that did the work. Of course, I took my own chances with whether the restoration-grade glass would be worth it on the cabinet fronts, and it definitely was.
I would anticipate that some potential clients would be concerned about language barrier issues. Some of his crew are from other countries, so he helps them settle here and find work. The owner was so conscientious about discussing every detail of the project at the beginning, and speaks fluent and seasoned english anyway, such that he seems to have been in the states for quite some time (don't let his accent fool you!). Plus, his installers were excellent. So we never really had reason to anticipate any problems with that, and it never became an issue. He and his crew were also just very pleasant people, easy to work with.
I am not sure if Angie's List allows reviewers to submit images of services rendered, but if you would like to see the work that they did for us, they did take pictures, and we could certainly take some as well and send them to him to post.