Designed possible built-in bookcases for upstairs hall, living room, and basement stacks, working with me; photographed relevant spaces, came up with alternate lay-outs, using my suggestions. Actually constructed and installed upstairs shelves with cabinets, and two basement long double-sided stacks with lighting. All in all, quite pleased with the interaction and the job, despite some problems.
I was searching Angie's List for contractors who could build reasonably priced, visually acceptable bookcases for my home to house an extensive collection being moved from my office, and the pictures on A-K Custom Cabinetry looked the best to me (I wasn't after beautiful furniture, but functional clean looking cases that would highlight the books). I called, and met with Kevin, who took extensive photos and measurements of the available spaces, and we tossed around ideas. In a couple weeks he sent me designs; I gave him feedback, and he sent revised. He came out and we finalized 2 of the projects we discussed once we agreed on the specifics. I paid half, the other half upon completion. When everything was done, the installation took 2 or 3 days, with Kevin there only part of the time. Part of the job was also moving existing free-standing bookcases to the basement, with their content, which made the job possible for me, and which was nicely accomplished (including prepping the basement floor). A-K was very busy, and, at installation time, seemed anxious to finish. When the upstairs installation was nearly complete, I noticed some problems--in an 1865 house, neither the wall nor floors were flat, etc. When I pointed this out, some adjustments were made, and I was pleased with the result overall, but in the end, the cabinet was slightly tilted, and the bookshelves did not quite line up with the cabinets. The cabinet doors did not completely close and needed adjustments twice. The basement installation was more major. The cases were off the floor, fit well with the ceilings, and the lighting suggested by Kevin was great. Here too, though, there were glitches. 1) the light string across the top were glued in place, but after a few days, they came out of their tracks and began sagging--requiring fixing, twice. 2) one of the two large stacks was wobbly and rocking when touched, and required a half-day's visit several weeks after the installation to fix (by tightening things and attaching it to the ceiling). 3) The painted shelves on both installations hadn't been properly smoothed and sanded, and required a visit and go-over. 4) The six extra shelves I had ordered were not smoothed, but were taken back, to be done at A-K and returned. Despite two follow-up calls, I have yet to receive those shelves after many months, and got no response other than "we are busy" and they'll do it and return them as soon as they can. EXCELLENT: What A-K was excellent at was working with the customer, customizing according to workability and the client's tastes and needs, and designing options cooperatively, and coming up with good ideas I didn't know about. Installation was efficient, moving my stuff was helpful, and they always left the place vacuumed and cleaned. A very user-friendly, creative, knowledgeable fellow to work with. NOT SO GOOD: When there were installation problems, they did their best to fix them (but sometimes left before the job was done). In terms of design, It turned out that the exact measurements could have been more exact to fit the given space; only when the installation was well on its way did the problems with the fit surface, when it was really too late (although they made adjustments the best they could). Had the original measurements and design been more attentive to detail from the get-go, the problems could have been anticipated and avoided altogether. Throughout, they said they would happily return, even weeks or months after the installation, to fix any problems. They did (sort of). But there were more problems than there needed to be (with proper planning), and some of the problems couldn't be fixed. My sense is that their biggest problem is that they are (evidently) too busy, trying to do too many things too quickly, and haven't the time, patience, or inclination, when doing the installation, and especially when finishing it, to be sure everything is right, all t's are crossed and all i's are dotted. Because of this, they lose time having to return to fix things...which makes them even more pressed for time. Would I use them again? Yes: the final product is close to what I wanted and needed; they are affable and leave the place clean; and the price is reasonable. BUT in future, I would: a) pay more attention to detail, demand more detailed plans, and proactively try to anticipate problems; b) double-check everything, especially during installation, as it is being done; and c) not pay the second half until everything (I mean everything) was done to satisfaction. They are clearly capable of doing an excellent job, but less hurry on their part would mean less worry on yours. Once they move on to another project, their memory, attention, and incentive lapse. My project was delayed a bit, I was told, because they were having problems with other installations (to which they had to return). Now I think I understand what that was about. I think they can do very good work, but sometimes settle for what they regard as good enough, and decide to be done before they are.
