The Abstract Co london

I appointed this company to build large wall cabinets in my living room. The person in charge, Inigo, was personable and seemed to know his trade. Work to be done in two weeks as main reason for the appointment. Price was a tad cheaper than other 2 quotes but he could start straightaway. Deposit paid; then a group of very young guys turned up and did some work; then some ‘ordinary’ delays; but then, the very day the proper work was supposed to start in my property, nobody turned up at all and my calls were declined. All I had was some carcasses and sheets of MDF. The day before I received some very awkward messages as well which already raised a concern (they were unhappy I did not appoint them for other additional works they quoted for me, as well). I texted, emails and called and had no replies. I then called in other contractors to do the job and started the tendering process again but after a few days later, I found Inigo working in my living room. He apologized and promised he would not do it again. I gave him another chance stressing the fact that this was the end of a lengthy project, I was under pressure to complete, and I could not take another ‘disappearance’. He worked a few hours then left saying that he needed to finish work in his workshop. He, also asked me for some more money for additional material and like a complete idiot I truted him and paid another £300. Then I had another day of delay for some delivery to wait for and then, punctually, for the second time, the very day they were supposed to come and eventually assemble the carcasses into the beautiful wall cabinets I was wishing for (still then to be painted, etc), they did not turn up at all and started again declining my calls in another mysteries disappearance. This was over 3 weeks after I paid the deposit. A couple of days after, with no warnings and/or calls, they turned up at the property trying to get in to pick their tools as they had the code to get inside (house still not lived in). Luckily my builders and I were waiting for a late delivery otherwise I would not have known he was coming to my property. I was surprised to see this young trader suddenly reappearing and when I confronted Inigo, he told me he needed the tools he left behind but would come and resume the work after 2 days. Apparently, he had a lot on.
At this point, trust was gone and I did not believe another word. A lot of excuses were given to me along the way. They might all be true, I do not know. Perhaps I contacted these guys in the wrong time and usually they are as good as per Bark’s reviews. By the way, when problems started, I checked again the reviews and noticed a 1 star review in June 25 (again works left mid way). Inigo told me this was a friend of his. This review has now disappeared. All very murky.
This company also subcontracted brickwork for me. Build 2 small walls in the front garden and repair window seals. The work was never finished. The seals had to be done by someone else taking days/extra money. One of the walls moves if you push it.
After a month I still have only have some ugly MDF carcasses in my living room. I asked for half of the deposit back and had a sound NO back, no surprises there. I asked for the additional £300 back or to be presented the invoices of purchase but did not receive anything. I was told that I would be given the remaining material (more MDF boards) and some drawings for others to complete. I already had 2 different professionals, and both said they cannot use other’s material already cut.
My recommendation is: perhaps it was wrong timing for me to contact his guy, but if you wish to use these guys, do not pay any deposit. I just binned a few thousand pounds I worked very hard to put together.
I filed a complaint with Bark and it was no use. Apparently other sites have a compensation scheme Bark does not have. Here on Bark you are on your own. Pity as I found very good contractors here as well. More...

Work took a bit longer than expected (for various reasons) but the quality of both the materials and workmanship is exceptional, and the price was very fair.

Here’s a glowing review for Ini at The Abstract Co in London:

“I can’t recommend The Abstract Co enough! We had a complex project for our home, including a library room and bespoke wardrobes throughout, and Ini exceeded our expectations at every turn. The craftsmanship and attention to detail were superb, and the results are just stunning. Not only was the work top-notch, but Ini is also such a friendly, approachable guy, which made the whole experience even better. The pricing was very reasonable considering the complexity of the project, and it was clear that Ini takes great pride in his work. If you’re looking for high-quality, custom-built furniture with fantastic service, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommendThe Abstract Co!” More...

Ini and his team did a fantastic refurbishment job for me! Couldn’t speak highly enough 👍🏽

I had a great experience using The Abstract Co, they made me a bespoke table in a really quick turnaround time and were really communicative throughout. Would definitely use again. Thank you! More...