I contacted Ewen based on reviews on Homestar. I met with him to discuss a custom built bedframe. I provided him with a sketch of what the bed frame looks like and we discussed about modifications that are to be made. He said he'd email me a modified sketch based on changes that we discussed.
A few days he told me that he has already purchased the materials required and start the building process soon. I asked him for the sketch and he said he'd provide that to me later.
2 weeks later, he emailed me and asked me to pick out the stain colour for the bed frame. I was surprised to learn that he has proceed with the production of the bed frame before I approve the sketch. He said he was eager to start and got carried away with the production. He assured me that the bedframe incorporate all the changes we discussed and that I'll be pleased with the final product.
When he's ready to install the bedframe, he just emailed me the day before to let me know that he'll be stopping by for the installation. I told him it's a rather short notice and we postpone the installation a day later.
The final product left a lot to be desired. The workmanship is poor, the staining of the wood was uneven and the bed frame was not built according to speficiation.
Beware. Obtain precise sketch of the product you get him to build for you before hand rather than relying on empty verbal promises.
- Approximate cost of services:
- $5,000.00
- Company Response
MAY 20th/'10...Reading this review was a total shock to me. We had a productive and enjoyable primary meeting to lay out all the parameters and specs, at which point I asked, after reviewing the measurements and asthetic requests, and double-checking we were in total agreement, "When would you like this done"? The answer was "Right Away, because we are sick of sleeping on the floor" and after obtaining a small materials deposit, told Tony and Tim I would get started right away, which I did with their acknowledgment. Their response to my communications was somewhat sporadic, but I did eventually get then to provide me with their lacquer and stain colours. When I did the installation, I asked Tony Chan, the one partner, upon completion, "Do you have any questions, comments or concerns", as I do with all clients, to assure they are happy with my work. Tony said "No, it looks great" at which point we wrapped up our business, with him gladly paying the total outstanding balance. I heard nothing from either Tony, or his partner, Tim, until this review. I emailed Tim, who wrote the review, to find out how the project had gone from perfectly fine, to what he said in his review, and to ask why, if he had concerns, why he didn't contact me directly, and why his partner was happy with the work, but not him? His response was "He didn't have time to piddle around"? But he had time to blindly trash me and my reputation, to which I take great personal offence. With ALL clients, if there are any concerns, or questions, I have always returned to address them personally, and will continue to do so. I am disappointed that a client is not satisfied, from both a professional and personal perspective. Why not provide pictures of the work and let everyone judge for themselves, instead of hiding behind baseless words?
ADDED OCT 11th/'10......I have attempted several times to contact TIM, with regards to posting pictures of the work in question, but have not received any reply whatsoever.