Fitted Furniture - The 7 Mistakes to avoid !

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Tristan Titeux 7 BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN BUYING FITTED FURNITURE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

The Seven Biggest Mistakes People Make When Buying Fitted Furniture – And How To Avoid Them!

Internationally-renowned furniture designer Tristan Titeux explains the hidden pitfalls


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Table of Contents

1 MISTAKE NUMBER ONE P6 Not getting a guarantee If the doors fall off or the shelves sag, will the company be there to assist you?

2 MISTAKE NUMBER TWO P10 Using a company with no reputation Research the company you are about to commission thoroughly

3 MISTAKE NUMBER THREE P13 Choosing an amateur company with reduced-price products You always get what you pay for so select a specialist firm that loves what it does

4 MISTAKE NUMBER FOUR P15 Rushing the design procedure Ensure you can participate in the planning process and agree the design on paper


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Table of Contents

1 MISTAKE NUMBER ONE P6 Not getting a guarantee If the doors fall off or the shelves sag, will the company be there to assist you?

2 MISTAKE NUMBER TWO P10 Using a company with no reputation Research the company you are about to commission thoroughly

3 MISTAKE NUMBER THREE P13 Choosing an amateur company with reduced-price products You always get what you pay for so select a specialist firm that loves what it does

4 MISTAKE NUMBER FOUR P15 Rushing the design procedure Ensure you can participate in the planning process and agree the design on paper

6 MISTAKE NUMBER FIVE P19 Turning your home into a building site Make sure you do not have to clear up the company’s rubbish

6 MISTAKE NUMBER SIX P22 Choosing an unreliable company Will they start work when they say they will?

7 MISTAKE NUMBER SEVEN P25 Putting your children’s future at risk

Will the products your company uses be sustainable and certified?

Important Questions To Ask P28

Feedback From Satisfied Customers P32

What Can Go Wrong P36

Empatika Details P42


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Who am I?My name is Tristan Titeux and I founded Empatika in 2003 on completion of my carpentry qualification from West London College. I have always been passionate about wood and really enjoy using it creatively to make all manner of things. I had a workshop in my bedroom from the age of ten – so this was the obvious career choice for me!

My dream once was to move to France and build my own house. But instead I became Notting Hill`s most sought-after handyman, fixing anything to do with wood in people’s homes.

I have always been mindful that it is a privilege to enter someone`s home, and have always made sure that I work with the utmost professionalism and – of course – leave the rooms I have been working in clean and tidy. I have found that this approach encourages people to respect and have confidence in me – and it has led to many commissions creating bespoke furniture and storage solutions.

My past clients have included Westminster Abbey and TV makeover programmes (such as ‘60 Minute Makeover’ on ITV and ‘Homes for the Brave’ on SKY).

As my reputation increased, so did the size of my team. I now

employ five talented craftsmen who specialise in building contemporary fitted furniture.

You can read more about the team on our web site www.empatika.uk

I am known for my integrity and for leaving people reassured that they have made the right decision in commissioning my company to design and build their furniture.

All pictures featured thoughout this booklet are the property of Tristan Tristeax and are of the work carried out by Empatika.


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I understand that most people are not specialists

in fitted furniture design. I hope that through this

booklet, I can help people to avoid many of the pitfalls

that commonly occur when commissioning work in

this area.

I have learned that life is about a lot more than just

money. My only aim is for my work to result in a

happy customer – something which in turn leaves me

full of satisfaction.

On that note, I am delighted to offer you my advice

and I wish you the very best of luck in making the

right choices for your home.

The exciting prospect of perfect fitted furniture in your home makes it easy to get carried away. But before you invest, it’s worth asking a few key questions so you don’t get caught out later. Finance is only one of the things you need to consider: other important aspects include the time you’ll need to invest in working with your chosen professionals to get the right outcome, vetting the person who will be trusted to

come into your home, and what happens if things go wrong.

Before agreeing to any contract, take a look at the common mistakes listed below, so that you can avoid these pitfalls and make the right choices!

Tristan, Yabo and Adam (sporting the Empatika logo on their work clothes) on the set of SKY’s ‘Homes for the Brave’

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MISTAKE NUMBER ONE Not getting a GuaranteeIf the doors fall off or the shelves sag,

will the company be there to assist you?


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T here are many things that can go wrong with fitted furniture – both in the short and the long term. Shelves can sag and break, doors may not fit well or can fall off because of poor hinges, drawers may stop opening properly… The furniture may crack, warp, or the seams might open up badly.

As you are investing so much of your time and money in your fitted furniture It makes sense, then, to ensure you use a company that offers a guarantee.

A company proud to offer a two year guarantee has nothing to hide, and cares about its customers. It will use the best materials, hardware and tools at its disposal to ensure the best possible result. You can rest assured that a company of this calibre will rectify any problem that may occur, once they’ve finished the job!

At Empatika, we use the best wood-board suppliers, who pre-cut our material to our specification before it is delivered to your home. They use a £60,000 saw that cuts to an accuracy of 0.1mm. The edges are then finished with edging tape and given a 2mm radius. This ensures that the edges are as smooth as the surface, and that all pieces line up perfectly. Edges of normal MDF are very rough, and even more so if badly cut with a hand saw. The off-site pre-cutting ensures the product is totally accurate, straight and smooth.

Similarly, hinges must be of the best quality, too. At Empatika, we use special screws that cost four times more than standard screws, because they don’t split the wood and actually make the unit stronger.

A company that offers a guarantee will pay attention to these small hidden things, because these details bring added value, contributing to the best quality fitted furniture you can buy.

Try to find a company that has a good reputation online (read their testimonials and reviews), and ask to see examples of their work. A reputable company with a record of excellent client satisfaction is more likely to honour their guarantee.

And remember to ask this question: what action will the company take if the doors fall off, the shelves sag, or I am unhappy with the quality of the work?

“A company that

is proud to offer

a guarantee has

nothing to hide,

and cares about

its customers ...”


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Upon completion of a job, a good company should keep in touch with you – for example, by sending regular emails to find out if your furniture is still in good order, or if you need any help with anything. They might provide useful hints and tips to make your home more beautiful – and they will certainly be there when you need them. They should be available on the phone or via email to answer any questions you may have and offer relevant advice if you need it.

We have seen and repaired or replaced many pieces of badly made fitted furniture in our time, and we know that things can go wrong. This is especially true with a company that tries to cut corners. If you buy too cheaply, you may end up buying twice. You will be unhappy with what you have, and solving the problems will cause a lot of stress. If you use a company that offers a guarantee, you are much less likely to find yourself in this situation.

As our customer Elizabeth Souquet says about her previous experience with fitted furniture: “If you do it too cheaply, then you do it twice. That is what happened to me.” She is now delighted with what Empatika have done for her. You can watch the video testimonial here: http://youtu.be/MGTuY136YIc.(You can also search Google for “Elizabeth Souquet Empatika”.)


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“A guarantee is

a good assurance

along with all the

following points.”

Empatika offers a two year Guarantee. It covers poor construction, doors falling off, shelves bowing and any fault of Empatika’s at the point of construction. It doesn’t cover deterioration of paint or general wear and tear.

MISTAKE NUMBER TWOUsing a company with no reputationResearch the company you are about to

commission thoroughly

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Don’t buy anything from a company without researching their credentials online: are there any customer reviews

to read, or watch on video? Don’t be fooled by the nice design of a website or its sales patter. Remember, the only

people who will tell you what the service is really like are past customers. A reliable company will have many

genuine testimonials that reflect on the good experiences of their customers – and the company should be honest enough to

admit where mistakes may have been made and rectified.

It is possible to tell if a testimonial is genuine just by the way it is written (giving personal anecdotes etc.,) but, video

testimonials are even better, and cannot be disputed! A customer has to be very satisfied to want to appear on video and talk

about a particular company. So, if a company website has several video testimonials, you can be sure that they are at the

top of their field!

Look for testimonials on independent websites too, such as Qype, Bview, TrustATrader, and Google Local Listings. And don’t

just rely on one or two reviews: anyone can have a couple of testimonials, and they could be from friends.

It is also a good idea to use the internet to search either the company name or the name of the director or owner of

the business. If there is anything good or bad about them, you will find it online. There is nowhere to hide in the age of the

internet! If you find nothing then this is not good news. No information equals no reputation – so you could be taking an

expensive gamble, even if you really like their work.

If you do choose a company with little or no reputation, make sure they have insurance. Otherwise, if something goes

wrong in your house, there is a chance they may just disappear, never to be seen again – because they have no reputation to

protect and simply don’t care.

“ A customer

has to be very

satisfied to

want to appear

on video and

talk about

a particular

company.”


A company with a good reputation will want to maintain it. They certainly won’t want to put it at risk by producing poor quality work.

Once you’re happy with your choice of company, ask them how long the company has been in existence. If they have been around for a while, it’s a good sign – hopefully, they will then also be around for the foreseeable future! Companies with a good reputation who are proud of their work, will be happy to talk to you about any aspect of the business.

At Empatika, we are proud to present dozens of testimonials about our work online (www.empatika.uk/testimonials). Here are just a few extracts:

“We are so pleased with their service – the workmen are unfailingly polite…”

“They are worth every penny, because of the quality…”

“You will not be disappointed by this firm…”

“I have rarely met people that inspire such confidence…”

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“Companies with

a good reputation

who are proud

of their work,

will be happy to

talk to you about

any aspect of the

business.”


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MISTAKE NUMBER THREE Choosing an amateur company with reduced-price productsYou always get what you pay for so select a specialist firm that loves what it does


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Some companies ‘dabble’ or are amateurish in their operations – they don’t really care about your needs, but just want to get the job done as quickly as possible. Such companies may undercut prices to secure customers – but remember: you

always get what you pay for. A low price is often not indicative of a good product.

It is far better to choose a specialist firm, whose staff are professionals and who can

fulfil all the important criteria outlined in this booklet. Of course, price is an important

aspect of any purchase, but if you want quality products, professional construction and

excellent after-care, this will come at a price. However, it will be money well spent.

It is really important to choose a company where the staff involved love what they do.

Ask yourself, is this person I am speaking to passionate about the company? Does this

person love their job? If they do, you can be sure of a good outcome. If the company

specialises in a particular area, they are more likely to care about their workmanship and

create something beautiful.

Make sure you choose a company which has many examples of previous work on

its website, so you can get a good idea of its style. The best way to predict future

behaviour is to look at what someone has done in the past! So, if they can bring a

physical portfolio to you – or even an iPad or laptop with lots of photos – then you can

pick out furniture you like, to help make sure you get the results you want.

Here at Empatika, we are honoured to show customers our back catalogue and to talk about

any aspect of the business.


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MISTAKE NUMBER FOUR Rushing the design procedureEnsure you can participate in the planning process and

agree the design on paper

Michelle

showed us

this photo

she liked

She sketched aninitial idea of what she had in mind

Final minimaldesign we went for


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I t is true to say that failing to plan is planning to fail and this is as true for fitted furniture as it is for anything else. A

furniture company will always ask the client for a brief – but without a plan on paper, you have to rely on your verbal

discussions and memory, and there’s always the chance you may misunderstand each other.

That approach never quite works – because when it comes to furniture design, two people rarely have the exact same picture

in their heads. So be sure to get a plan on paper of what your fitted furniture will look like. That way, you will see the

dimensions, the spacing between the shelves, the exact proportions and how the overall design looks.

A hand-drawn plan is fine, but if the company has the ability, a scale-drawing made using specialist computer software is better.

And if possible, a 3D image is the best way to help visualise everything. If the company can offer a photorealistic render as an

extra option, then that is the icing on the cake. You will feel as if your furniture is really in front of you (see the picture on the

next page for an example).

Don’t go forward with a company that doesn’t have a clear idea of what you want. Choose one that puts the right amount of

effort into the planning stage. Choose a company that listens to you, and asks questions to get a full picture of what you

want.

The best companies will suggest things you may not have thought about. They will ask you how exactly you want to use

your unit: you tell them what you want to store, and they will suggest the best ways to do it. They will prompt you to think

about how you may use your furniture in the future. You might want to be able to adapt it to your future needs. A company that

thinks that far ahead demonstrates care and attention to detail.

“Failing

to plan is

planning

to fail.”


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A company that has completed similar projects before will knows what to look out for, for example, what dimensions work best, both visually and structurally. We have seen a lot of shelves that look very ugly because the dimensions have clearly not been considered. If you leave too much space above the books in a bookcase, it just does not look nice at all! So it’s important to be prepared and know what you want to store on your shelves. Focusing on the smallest details helps us get things right first time.

Empatika are happy to offer 3D images, scale-drawings and photorealistic rendering.

A computer-rendered image gives an accurate idea of the unit’s final appearance The final completed unit, made by Empatika


Don’t be too confident in a company representative who automatically says “Yes” to everything you propose. You might think that it shows they are listening and that you have all the right ideas, but you may well be suggesting something that won’t work in reality.

You may want a shelf for a specific reason, but what if it sags because it is too long, or just doesn’t look right? In our opinion,

the company has a responsibility to tell you honestly if your ideas will work or not and to advise you on the best

approach. You need professional experts to advise you of potential pitfalls in your ideas – and that approach should manifest

itself in any discussions you have with them.

So remember to take your time over the drawn plans. Think about what you want to use your furniture for in advance of your

arranged visit so that you are prepared. Have a selection of objects that you want to display – such as books, vases and any

special ornaments. That way, when your fitted furniture company arrives they can make sure the unit is built to do exactly

what you want it to do.

Once the visit is over you should insist on the provision of scale drawings, so that you know what you will get and there

are no misunderstandings. Choose someone who is willing to change the drawings for you as much as you like, until you

are happy with them. Don’t go past the drawing stage unless you are totally happy with all aspects of the plans.

Here at Empatika, we are meticulous about the planning process, pride ourselves on listening to our customer’s needs and work with

them to ensure they are delighted with the outcome.

“The

company has a

responsibility to

tell you honestly

if your ideas will

work or not.”

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MISTAKE NUMBER FIVE Turning your home into a building siteMake sure you do not have to clear up the company’s rubbish


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Y our home is a precious, relaxing space – the last thing you want is someone who will not respect it:

someone who walks into the house with dirty shoes, doesn’t protect the floor, doesn’t use a dust extractor, and doesn’t clean up at the end of a job. All these little things add up to a lot of stress.

Choose a company where the workmen can demonstrate that they are aware of being in your home and not a building site: whose considerate approach stems from the familiarity of regularly working in, and respecting, people’s personal spaces. A true craftsman recognises the beauty of the piece he is making, and the beauty of the place in which he works.

It is also important, of course, to consider noise – especially if you have sensitive neighbours or live in a block of flats. Find a company that understands this, and keeps noise to a minimum.

Ask for references from satisfied customers. Remember: carpenters normally work on building sites, so it is important not just to check out the firm, but also to ask the name of your carpenter/s and get references for these individuals if possible. You should look for people who are naturally considerate: who are kind and caring individuals that show respect for you, your home and your neighbours.


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Most importantly, will they take their rubbish away with them, or will it be left for you to deal with?

These days it is getting more and more difficult (not to say expensive) to dispose of waste. You don’t want to be left dealing with it, so ask the company if they will take their waste away as part of the job – and whether this is

included in the price. Always make sure all financial details are agreed upfront – so you don’t have any surprises or disagreements at the end. An itemised written quote is essential.

Empatika always works quietly and respectfully in your home: we will take all rubbish away at the end of the job, and leave the place as clean as we found it – and this service is included in our quote.

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MISTAKE NUMBER SIX Choosing an unreliable companyWill they start work when they say they will?


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E veryone knows how stressful it can be when someone says they will do something, and they don’t: when they say they will turn up and then fail to appear – or are late. Use a company’s first visit as a guide. If they are late, see how they behave. Do they call ahead to let you know? Or do you have to call them to find

out what’s going on? If they turn up late for their first appointment, then it is not likely they will start work on the day promised – or on time.

It is difficult to find this kind of thing out before taking someone on – and this is where testimonials come into their own. The more evidence you have, the better. You want to be able to see a pattern – to read again and again that a company is reliable, trustworthy and conscientious.

If a company can’t answer the phone to you promptly and courteously, can you trust them to get to your home on time and treat it respectfully? And if you don’t feel you can trust them with your keys, then you should certainly not trust them to do a good job with your furniture!


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Another necessary precaution is to make sure that the company is insured to do the work in your home. If the quote is cheap, it is likely that the company is not insured. You need to ensure that if something goes badly wrong, you will not be the one footing the bill.

Make sure, too, that you choose someone who will be on your job full time until it is completed. It is very frustrating when someone keeps leaving to go and do other little jobs, not putting all their effort into yours.

Empatika is fully insured for any eventuality whilst undertaking work in your home and we pride ourselves on the punctuality and trustworthiness of our craftsmen.


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MISTAKE NUMBER SEVEN Putting your children’s future at riskWill the products your company uses be sustainable and certified?


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M any materials used to make fitted furniture pollute the earth – and ultimately, our own health too. We live in a self-contained biosphere from which nothing escapes and everything is interconnected. So when we contaminate our surroundings with environmentally harmful products, we can be sure that we will eventually experience the

results – in the form of problems like allergies, respiratory diseases, and cancer.

The impact of human activity on the environment is serious. We are losing an area of rainforest the size of a football pitch every single second. Therefore it is imperative that we make informed decisions about the sustainability of the goods we purchase.

For example, it is important to choose a company that uses FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified materials as a minimal requirement, then you won’t be participating in the destruction of the world’s remaining forests.

Virgin wood takes a long time to grow and is overused, and what many people don’t realise is that we don’t have to use it! For example, 2 million tonnes of straw goes to waste in the UK every year, but if customers chose strawboard furniture, this would be a sustainable, effective use of this a waste by-product of the cereal industry.

We’re not saying that no one should use wood – but diversity is crucial. When you start to look into alternative materials, it soon becomes clear that there are endless possibilities. It’s possible to get hemp board, bamboo plywood, coconut shell panels, recycled plastic and glass, and boards made of sunflower and rice husks. These are all by-products of other processes, and they don’t require new trees to be grown. They are much more environmentally-friendly and have less impact on our planet.

“Children’s

natural bedroom

painted with

eco paint.”


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Clever design can also help make fitted furniture more sustainable. So choose a company that really understands

sustainability. It’s about more than using one or two ‘eco’ products. It’s about taking a holistic approach – and that’s

only possible with a full understanding of the subject.

Think about choosing a company that offers a full eco-friendly option – with the use of paints and finishes made of

natural, renewable, healthy, plant-based ingredients.

Eco fitted furniture must last as long as possible – so it should be strong as well as beautiful, with a timeless design.

It should be adaptable, designed for various uses and possible future re-uses. And at the end of its life it should be

able to be taken apart, so the materials can be recycled.

If you follow these principles, you will have the joy of owning a piece of fitted furniture that contributes positively to

the environment, as well as to the lives of you and your family.

To find out more about Empatika’s eco-fitted furniture,

our ‘Eco Options’ and to read more on environmentally-friendly materials,

visit: www.Empatika.uk

or www.TristanTiteux.com.

Eco-fitted TV Unit made with formaldehyde-free MDF and paint made from renewable plant-based materials.


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“Fitted furniture made with formaldehyde free MDF wood”


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Important Questions To Ask Finally, here is a checklist of useful questions for you to pick from when choosing a company to make your furniture. The most important questions are at the beginning of the list, and these are imperative, but the more you ask the better, and don’t feel bad about doing so – you deserve the best!


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• Do you offer a guarantee? What does it include?

• For how many years do you guarantee your fitted furniture?

• What insurance do you have? Can you send us the certificate? (If something goes wrong in your

home you want to be sure you are protected. Don’t feel bad about asking.)

• What are the payment terms? Do I pay a small deposit, then the total once the job is completely

finished? (You want to make sure you are in control, in case you end up with something not

quite right. You need some leverage to make sure they correct anything that goes wrong.)

• Will the quote change or is it fixed? (Some people like to underplay a job and then add

all sorts on at the end. Make sure you know what you are in for from the beginning.)

• How long have you been trading? (The longer they have traded, the more experience

they will have.)

• Do you have a portfolio of work I/we can see?

• Do you do scale 3D drawings for me to see? Can I change those until I am happy?

• Do you offer an optional photorealistic render of the drawing?

• Do all the workers speak English? (It goes without saying that if you can’t make yourself

understood, you are not going to get what you want.)

• Will you be there full-time until the job is completed?

• If my doors go out of line in two years’ time, will you come and fix them free of charge?

• Will you take all your waste away with you?

• Do you have independent online testimonials we can see? Or video testimonials?

If so, where?


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• Do you mainly work in private clients’ homes or on building sites? What is the proportion of each? (Always ask for specific details.)

• Can you supply FSC certified timber? How do you know it is FSC certified?

• Can you offer an ‘eco’ option?

• Do I get to talk to one person throughout the job or will I be passed to different people? (It is important to have the continuity of one person working with you.)

• Will you be on the job every day until it is finished?

• Once I am a customer, do I go on a priority contact list? (To make sure you get your questions answered in a timely manner once you have commissioned some work.)

• Is your team full time or part time? (If they are full time, it shows they are busy and that they have loyal workers who know the company inside out.)

• Do you specialise in modern fitted furniture? (Someone who specialises in different styles will not have the same eye for the modern look.)

• Do you use Farrow and Ball, Mylands, Dulux Trade or similar quality water based paint?

(Not all paints are equal!)

• Do you use dust extraction attached to your tools?

• Do you have your own vacuum cleaner?

• Will you do some little jobs around my house while you are here? (There are always things you need doing around the house – now might be a perfect time to have them done.)

• If I have a delivery, will you take it for me? (While you have someone working in your home, it can often be helpful if they will sign for a delivery.)

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Feedback From Satisfied CustomersHere are some testimonials from people who have used

Empatika’s services in the past.

Our detailed planning process and professionalism were

important to Alexandre Carefull:

VERY PROFESSIONALPros: it has been a pleasure to work with Tristan and Empatika and I would not hesitate to recommend him.

In the planning stages, I had very specific ideas of what I wanted, and Tristan was excellent in turning my specifications into a working plan. He visited my flat twice before plans were complete to ensure all details were correct, and nothing seemed too much trouble.

During the building of the shelves, Tristan and his colleagues were very professional they were punctual, work was on-time, and the work-space was kept tidy throughout. They were able to work around my busy work schedule, and I was able to let them get on with it whilst I at work.

The finished shelves are really exceptional, than you Tristan. Solid as a rock and excellent workmanship. They’re beautifully designed, and look fantastic in the room. Everyone who has visited has commented on them, and asked for Tristan’s details should they need work don themselves. When I need more shelves, I will not hesitate to contact Empatika again.

Alex CarefullLondon


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Tristan Titeux

WORTH EVERY PENNY

IMPRESSED AND PLEASED

7 BIGGEST MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN BUYING FITTED FURNITURE AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

Georgina appreciated our tidiness and professionalism:

Nicola Anstey commissioned our services after seeing some

good reviews on Bview, and wasn’t disappointed:

Reviews … - 19 Sep 2011 HHHHH I would recommend Empatika in a heatbeat. They build a large set of cupboards and bookshelves for us. Tristan made sure he totally understood what we wanted and then his team built them were courteous, professional and hardworking. Nothing was too much trouble. We have had a lot of tradesmen in our house over the past year and I can honestly say that Empatika stood out. They were tidy, polite and were the most respectful of it being our home, rather than just their workplace – something that was really important to me with two young children in the house. Worth every penny.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful? Yes – No – flag as inappropriateResponse from the ownerThank you Georgina, that really makes It all worth the extra work and effort we put into everything we do, it is nice to that is gets noticed. It makes me feel very proud of my team.Edit – DeleteEmpatika – TodayYour response has been published

Empatika installed 2 built-in cupboards and shelving. We chose Tristan on the basis of the reviews on this site and the pictures displayed on his website. The reviews set our expectations high but we were not disappointed. From the very first email, to his first visit, to ensuring that the drawings met our and Tristan’s exacting standards, to the final product that has transformed a a grotty room into an elegant, clean, crisp space, we have been very impressed and pleased with the service we received and the end result. Tristan takes pride in his work. His work is modern and the quality and service has been excellent. So often you can pay a lot but be disappointed in London. Tristan and his team does what it says on the package and more. I would readily recommend him to anyone’s.

Nicola Anstey London

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PROFESSIONAL AND RELIABLE

EXACTLY WHAT WE WERE HOPING

Rachel White appreciated someone who listened

carefully to her requirements:

Chris and Laura enjoyed the flexibility of the design

process, and ended up with exactly what they wanted:

Pros: Empatika impressed us with their very professional and reliable service. We are very pleased indeed with two large bookcases they designed and installed for us. It was a pleasure to deal with contractors who listened carefully to our requirements, responded promptly to our questions and met our expectations entirely beginning with our initial enquiry through to completing the job as promised. We would not hesitate to recommend them to our friends and we would certainly use them again in future. Thanks for a great job.

Rachel White London

Pros: laura and I just wanted to say a huge thank you for the shelving you did on our home… All our needs were catered for from start to finish and the extra touches were a welcome respite. Your two colleagues working on site were extremely courteous and considerate throughout and the thought that went into the drawings and the willing ness to be creative was a real bonus. We have finishes up with exactly what we were hoping for and the time and work spent in putting the piece together was worth all the efforts. Thank you for conce more and I hope we can work with you once again in the near future… I would not hesitate to recommend you to other clients or customers and would be happy to have your company do a job for us whenever the next opportunity my arise… Thanks and best regards, Chris and Laura

Chris Ashworth London


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FANTASTIC RESULT

THE RESULT IS PERFECT

Alison King appreciated the flexibility of evening visits:

Hadrian Ramback was absolutely delighted with

the service:

Tristan at Empatika provided an excellent, professional service.The company installed and painted cupboard doors, floating shelves and an entertainment/shelving unit with cupboards in our small flat. They also put in wall-mounted bedside lights. Despite very limited space and some awkward stairs to negotiate, they produced a fantastic result with almost no mess or fuss. We gave them the keys to the flat to start work while we were away for a week and they proved entirely reliable and trustworthy.

Tristan came round several times to discuss the shelves, each time proving happy to visit in the evenings so we didn’t have to take time off work. I had drawn diagrams of what I wanted to achieve and he turned them into reality, offering helpful suggestions to make them even better. He was able to source light fittings and switches an was equally happy to fit the cupboard handles I provided. He produced carefully annotated drawings and was always helpful and available via email and phone.

The shelves are brilliant quality, really solid and holding up perfectly even under the weight of rows of hardback books. The bedside lights are great and the cupboard doors close neatly and fit perfectly. Overall we are very happy customers.

Alison KingLondon

Empatika has simply been brilliant for me. When I bought my flat a few months ago, it looked like nothing. Tristan and his team built MANY fitted bookshelves, and two wardrobes, and I am simply delighted. The workman were efficient and clean, the work was done faster then I could dream of, and the result is perfect. I had left them my keys, and could travel abroad without any worry: I have rarely met people that inspire so much confidence. Frankly, I wish I could buy one more flat just to have them redo it.



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Rushed workmanship creates many problems, such as shelves collapsing where they meet the wall.

These shelves are not set back – which makes it look even worse – and are badly painted, with gaps not filled under the bottom shelf.

HOW TO DO IT BETTER: Good quality workmen will take the time and care necessary to

complete the job to a high standard.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG


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Careless cutting, inaccurate measurements

and terrible painting leaves ugly edges.

HOW TO DO IT BETTER: Edging the door with special edging tape, rounding the edges slightly and

painting correctly create a much more elegant look.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG


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Cheap hinges daubed with paint look ugly and will eventually fail,

causing doors to sag.

HOW TO DO IT BETTER: Quality hinges last forever, and are easily adjusted to rectify any issues.

Removing the hinge before painting results in a professional, clean finish.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG


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Badly cut doors don’t line up and have uneven gaps because they are not straight and not the same size.

Rough unsanded sides and unrounded edges add to the slap-dash appearance.

HOW TO DO IT BETTER: Cutting doors to an accuracy of 0.1mm by machine ensures that all the pieces fit perfectly

and the gaps remain consistent.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG


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Badly designed and built shelves look ugly, and will eventually fail.

HOW TO DO IT BETTER: Design shelves correctly and build them well and they will last forever. It isn’t just about the material you use – it’s about what you do with it.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG


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It’s not just the ill-fitting doors that make this unit look terrible – the electric socket is also sitting ‘half in, half out’ of it.

This will cause a nightmare if an electric test is needed when selling the house or in case of a fault.

HOW TO DO IT BETTER: Good measurements and plans will enable this issue to be spotted well in advance -

and properly addressed.

WHAT CAN GO WRONG


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In order to ensure that we create the right bespoke furniture for you, we follow the same simple but effective process. We begin with an introductory discussion about your idea to assess whether we are the best company for you. This is followed by a design visit to your home, to see the space and to discuss your requirements in detail. Working in partnership with you, one of our designers will then create an aesthetic design that will make the most of the available space.

• Fitted bookcases

• Floating shelves (no visible support)

• Contemporary fitted wardrobes

• Computer workstations

• Simple, office utility shelving

• Entire home-offices and desks

• Television entertainment centres

• Pine, veneered, hardwood shelving

• Hi-fi units

• CD, DVD shelving and storage

• Home libraries

• Home offices

• Heavy duty shelving

• Shoe cupboards

• Bathroom cabinets

• TV units

FREEPHONE 0800 458 9158LANDLINE 020 8451 6537MOBILE 07770 431 551EMAIL [email protected] @FittedFurnitureFACEBOOK /Empatika

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The Empatika logo is a resigetered trademark. All photographs inside the book are the copyright of Tristan Titeux.

Fitted Furniture - The 7 Mistakes to avoid !

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