[REPLY]
furnitre fitted not as sold. no soft close doors, no handles and a useless make up cabinet that you can't fir any thing in to as top draw is too shallow and then there's an enormous gap to the bottom shelf!!! wot for I ask.
Our wardrobes have bee left like that for 5 weeks now and no reply ro telephone messages left. Customer service is appauling!!
And then we are told that as we have signed a contract we have to pay for this appauling mess that's been left by Hammonds.
Rude, unhelpful telephone operators.
Avoid this company at all costs!!
Hammonds fitted bedrooms / wardrobes were due to arrive at 9am this morning. It is now 17:15 and the wardrobe fitter has just arrived.
This is just a taster of their customer service. Nobody bothered to phone me this morning and let me know they were going to be late so eventually I get through to someone in customer service and was told the fitters previous job had run over so he should be with you by midday but ill get him to call you. Cheers for letting me know! Oh and no phone call from the fitter.
Midday comes and goes... 1pm still no fitter and no phone call, eventually I get through again to someone completely different who has no idea what I'm talking about so I explain everything again... Another long wait, followed by "the fitter should be with you soon ill get him to call you. After another long wait I get a phone call from the fitter, ill be with you between 14:30 and 15:00. So I wait....
16:00 comes and still no phone call and no fitter... So another phone call gets made at 16:30 but by that time everyone I've already spoken to has gone home. So I explain everything again to someone else and I wait... And wait a little bit more! I've spoken to the fitter he should be with you in 15 minutes.
Another half hour later he arrives! No one can give a logical reason why I've been messed around! A 9am estimated time of arrival... 17:30 actual arrival time. 8 hours and 30 minutes late with not a single phone call to me from Hammonds without me having to chase them up.
This just documents the problems I've had today only! I have a whole list of problems and issues prior to this... One of which is them cancelling the order altogether by mistake!
Think long and hard before using Hammonds. There must be better companies out there?
I've never been left feeling so angry in all my life!
Well the design process was OK.
Surveyor was disinterested but functional.
Fitting: visit one: Didn't even bother to turn up, or even a phone call to say he wasn't turning up.
Fitting: Visit 2: Really shoddy. Turned up late, left early, damaged the wall, pulled off the curtain rail "It just fell down all by itself", apparently. Work was really poor.
Complained.
Inspection visit: Inspector said, "Yes, this work is dreadful, there is no way we can guarantee this work. It will have to all be pulled out and done again."
Fitting: Visit 4: Turned up, "What am I supposed to be doing?" he said, "I'll just check the email. Oh, I haven't bought all the parts I need. I can't do it. Bye!"
Fitting: Visit 5: No one turns up.
When I phone to complain, I am told I am being unreasonable. I cannot cancel the contract, I cannot get my money back. I can not get it removed. I am told that I will have to pay the outstanding balance, even if the work isn't finished "Because that is the system".
So there you go: the customer matters less than the system.
Don't touch this company even if it were the last company on Earth.
David Smiles found this review useful
I was originally mis-sold my Hammonds furniture - they promised super-fast installation which never materialized. Having waited more than 2 months I now find installation date cancelled due Hammonds inability to deliver my order.
When I was contacted to make the surveyor appointment I was told that I would need to wait about 2.5 weeks, but that was just for a daytime appointment. Like most people I suspect, I work during the day so needed an evening slot. Seems Hammonds don't really like to do anything out of normal business hours. Their customer services told me they would try and arrange this, but then came back and told me the first one they had was almost a month's wait. So I then said I would take the original weekday slot and take time of especially only to find it had gone in the days it took them to get back to me. Obviously, I was annoyed.
The surveyor turned up when he said he would and seemed to do a good job. I had no issue with him at all. But it wasnt to last, I was disappointed again to find out after he left that I would need to wait more than another month for the actual installation to take place.
So, the installation date was set and we were told to expect delivery of the parts in the week prior. Again, we needed to take time of work. My wife took the day off especially in order to receive the delivery, only to find out that due to a 'computer issue' they didn't have everything on the van. The driver told my wife that it was likely the doors would come on Saturday so the fitters would fit them then. We thought nothing of it and were awaiting the fitting day.
The day before the fitting I received a text saying my installation had been cancelled. I called 2 minutes later to find out why, only to be told that they had tried to re-deliver but we weren't there. Of course we weren't - they didn't tell us that we needed to be! I was then given a number of excuses about how they'd left voicemails (which neither my wife or I had on our phone) and how it was my fault that I didn't get them. I'm sorry, but that's just not true. The issue was caused by their mistake and inability to leave a voicemail and they didnt event have the decency to apologise.
I would never use Hammonds again, and would not recommend them to anyone. I've had to take so many days off to sort all of this out and the problems every step of the way have been stressful, worse given their inability to accept any responsibility or apologise in any way. The whole thing is shambolic. Do yourself a favour and find someone else!
David Smiles found this review useful
I first contacted Hammonds in January of this year. A date was arranged to discuss my requirements with a designer which was later followed up by a surveyor who produced a computer-aided design for my “dream” bedroom. So far, so good!
They also left strict instructions about clearing the room, removing any fitted furnishings, carpet and underlay. They also instructed me to make good any damage to plasterwork (which I did) as well as ensuring that access to the room from the front door to the upstairs landing were cleared of any obstructions.
So, the week before, I removed all my clothes from the drawers and the existing fitted wardrobe, dismantled it, carried it downstairs, removed a chest of drawers to another room, removed the carpet, the underlay, the grip rods and removed some damaged skirting board. I proceeded to decorate the room (apart from the bits which would be covered by the new units). Then I cleaned and disinfected all surfaces to give the fitter as best as possible an environment to work in. Finally, the night before, I dismantled my double bed and pushed it into another room. That night I slept downstairs on the sofa which was extremely uncomfortable as it was smaller than your average single bed.
Now although this is a three bedroomed house, it must be said that the second bedroom is quite small and the third bedroom is little more than a tiny box room. Both of these rooms were subsequently crammed from floor to ceiling with the things I had to remove from my future “dream” bedroom, as well as having to house their own contents.
After an uncomfortable night -(but, hey, what’s one or two nights of discomfort when you are about to lavish in luxury?) - the day dawned. I was up early - after all, promised delivery was between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Ten o’clock came and went.
Guess what? No delivery!
After about another half hour, I received a phone call from a Hammonds’ representative saying that they couldn’t trace the driver (and presumably fitter) of my dream bedroom. At this point I politely pointed out that I needed to be kept informed - after all, I had gone to such a lot of trouble to get everything ready and had more than followed their instructions in preparation. The afternoon came and a further phone call confirmed what I knew already - that they still couldn’t trace what had happened to my bedroom.
At this point I asked if it was possible for the fitting to take place the following day and that despite having to endure another uncomfortable night on the sofa, it would still fit in to my personal schedule. That wasn’t confirmed or denied. However, I was later offered another date - the following Saturday and Sunday. Unfortunately Sunday contained a long standing commitment so I had to decline. I was then offered the following Thursday (nine days after the original agreed date), which in the absence of a better offer, I reluctantly accepted.
The following day dawned without any further information.
However, it began to occur to me that a) I had nowhere to sleep for the next nine nights (the nearest family being 30 miles away and they don’t have a spare bed) and b) I had a double glazing fitter due in two days time to fit a window in the box room, now full of items moved from my main bedroom. I decided to contact Hammonds with the view of asking for compensation to book cheap (not 5 star) accommodation for the period in question. Despite receiving multiple apologies for my plight, the answer came back as a straight “NO!” I asked to speak to a manager, who re-affirmed the same answer and adding that I had been offered earlier dates and I hadn’t taken them, so it was my fault I had to wait nine extra days. This was where I began to get angry. I pointed out that he had failed to deliver on the contract dates and that it is not my fault if I couldn’t accept the following Sunday due to a commitment made a long time ago which I was unable to change. I then asked him what his proposals would be but he said he couldn’t do anything. When I suggested paying an accommodation bill with part of my remaining balance he became aggressive in his manner and told me that if I did that, he would pursue me through the small claims court. Charming man! It seems quite acceptable for Hammonds to break their part of the contract but completely unacceptable for me to do the same.
So, what happened?
Well, in the end, I cleared the little room for the window fitters. I wasn’t prepared to delay them. I reassembled my bed in the middle of a room on the bare floorboards with no carpets, curtains drawers or cupboards, surrounded by boxes. The window job was completed and I have, yet again, put all the boxes back in the little room. As I write, a new fitter has arrived, who seems to be doing a good job. My bed was dismantled early this morning and returned to the little room. As yet, I don’t know what my sleeping arrangements will be for tonight. What I do know is that Hammonds couldn’t care less!! The furniture may be of good quality, but the service leaves a lot to be desired. Someone earlier posted on this website words to the effect - ‘the success of a company is how they handle failure’. Others have written that they wished they had read the postings on this website first before entering in to a contract with Hammonds. I have joined the ever increasing ranks of those who wished they had done the same.
But I have learned my lesson. My second bedroom needs furniture. I have seen some nice units in B&Q and I will probably use a local contractor or fit them myself. It will save money and hassle.
David Smiles found this review useful
Do not consider using this company unless you are prepared to accept substandard materials and awful customer service. Do not be fooled by the sales reduction offers as the end product is still not worth the money paid. Wardrobe to wall edges should not be filled with bathroom sealer and they are not made to measure, just made to fit!
I would not recommend this company to you.
Just received a response addresses "Hi Kirsty", they can't even manage to get a name correct.
Changed the name quickly!
Please also be aware that their standard response time is in fact 15 days!
David Smiles found this review useful
We had a fitted wardrobe, a fitted dressing-table, a fitted headboard, a chest of drawers and two bedside tables installed recently. The service appeared relatively professional until something went wrong. The fitter left a hole in our ceiling as well as damaging a wall, and there were problems with a couple of the drawers. Hammonds are sending the fitter back to look at the drawers, but seem extremely reluctant to deal with the damaged ceiling, simply stating that they believe it to be a problem with the ceiling itself! They said they would escalate this to a manager, but time has passed and we've not heard anything. I'll be writing a complaint letter and taking it from there. I'm getting the impression that this is a company that doesn't care about service, and is more interested in profit.
David Smiles found this review useful
I had a bedroom fitted last June and am looking to have another bedroom fitted soon so started looking for ideas online. It was Hammonds that fitted my bedroom and so was quite shocked when I read a lot of poor reviews. I was delighted with the work done from the initial first visit to design to the completion. The timescale also was great. I will certainly consider Hammonds for my next project.
My parents ordered bedroom wardrobes which were supposed to be installed in November 2012. The job was started in Nov and eventually they finished the installation in February. Various different dates for completion were provided but on numerous occasions nobody turned up.
My parents also ordered three bedside tables from Hammonds and are still waiting for delivery. These were supposed to be delivered in February and my father, who is 90 in June, has rang the company several times and written to them twice. He has had no replies from the letters sent and no satisfaction via phoning.
CONCLUSION:-
DO NOT BUY FROM THIS FIRM! THEY ARE INCOMPETENT.
David Smiles found this review useful
Absolute rubbish. Ordered wardrobes/drawers for 2 rooms. 6 different delivery dates as they cancelled each a few hours before delivery and still waiting for 2 wardrobe doors. Directors will not speak with me and am still waiting for a call from a senior manager.
I will never buy from them again, so be warned!!!
Directors and managment are useless and there is no internal communication.
Fed up with ridiculous excuses!!!
David Smiles found this review useful
I've had a installation done by hammonds very recently and have complained about all the handles at different heights and sloped but they aren't interested in is gettin the last payment outta me which is pretty unfair really when they've haven't completed the job properly and i have now received a letter sayin they will take me court for the outstanding amount
David Smiles found this review useful
FROM THE START YOU ARE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND FRIENDLY PEOPLE, MY HUSBAND & I SAID WHAT WE NEEDED & THEY HELPED US WITH OUR NEEDS & DREAMS!!!! TO A FANTASTIC BEDROOM FROM THE PLANNER DAVID&PAUL TO THE FITTERS WHO WERE VERY PROFESSIONAL & FRIENDLY!!!!! THEY ARRIVED ON TIME ON THE SAID DAY WITH DUST SHEETS TO COVER HALL & LANDING . THE BOYS WORKED VERY HARD & INCLUDED US TO MAKE SURE WE WERE HAPPY HOW THINGS WERE GOING !! MY HUSBAND & I ARE NOW ENJOYING OUR DREAMS THANK YOU HAMMONDS BEST WISHES EILEEN & DAVID KIDD
We went to the showroom in Ashford they gave us an appointment time for a technician 2 days later. Then they rang to cancel that and rearrange it.
He did come on the 2nd appointment time and spent 2 or 3 hours measuring the bedroom, when he finished his paperwork he then gave us the hard sell. If we did not sign immediately and pay a deposit we would lose all our discounts. We were on the verge of throwing him out but then continued due to the time factor. Later we decided that we did like the furniture but not the salesman so we went to the store and started with another person who came and spent the same amount of time measuring the bedroom again.
About 10 days later we got a letter asking for the deposit which we paid, a week or so later a surveyor came to check and redo the measurements. We then had to pay another sum totalling about £5000 altogether. We had to pay another £1300 on completion. We then had to wait 3 - 4 weeks for the fitter to come. The fitter arrived with the built in wardrobes he carried everything up to the bedroom, when he started to erect the wardrobes he said there was a mistake with the measurements, the units were about a foot too short. After a lot of phone calls and hassel they said they would send another surveyor and remake the wardrobes. We said no we were not going to have that and wanted to cancel the order.
After more hassel they did agree but we had to wait to get our money back.
We then went to a local company Canterbury Kitchens and they came and measured and within 3 days the units were delivered. within another couple of days the fitter arrived and completed the job within 2 and a half days. In our opinion the units were as good if not better than Hammonds construction. THE COST £3500!!!
The lesson learnt is shop around. Hammonds knew that this was an insurance job we don't know if this had any effect on the price.
David Smiles found this review useful
i was absolutely made up with my fitted wardrobes for my master bedroom and dont regret my purchase one bit,the fitter done an absolutely amazing job and was a very nice guy to get on with,infact this is my second purchase having had one of the other bedrooms fitted with wardrobes just over 3 years ago,although i was over the moon about the quality of my recently fitted wardrobes i would have to add that i had also ordered a padded headboard which was going to cost me £400 but when it arrived i have to say i was shocked at the very poor quality of the board itself as it looked like it had just come out of a SKIP,i told the fitter that i wasnt happy and i was not going to have that fitted above my bed under any circumstances,to be honest although im not any good what so ever at diy i would have to say that i could of made a better one for £40,having said all that and to cut along story short i did get my £400 back,i do recommend that in future hammonds has its headboards already made up otherwise i can see the same thing happening again which is going to cost them some expense in the long run,
Done every thing as promised on the day they promised.
Time will tell but after 3 months 10 out of 10
We called hammonds after we had a over priced quote from sharps bedrooms and a pushy sales person.
Maggie was the lady who turned up to see us, very pleasant and her product knowledge was great. She gave us a great quote on our new bedroom furniture so we decided to give the business to Hammond's.
We had the fitter booked in to fit the new bedroom furniture , weeks later Steve the fitter arrived , was a little nervous of how it would look and the quality of the carpentry.
Nothing to worry about Steve was great clean and the carpentry was top notch.
We where so impressed with Hammond's and there staff we invited them back to quote and fit out one of our other bedrooms which we wanted wardrobes and a storage solution for the kids many toy boxes. Maggie designed a great storage solution to fit in with the design of the wardrobes. We also had the same fitter install the furniture who made a fantastic job of the wardrobes and the storage for the toy boxes .
We are looking to have our kitchen done soon and we will be defiantly be using Hammond's for this.
One last thing there customer service department where spot on with booking fitter and also sorting out a damaged part.
Thanks Hammond's
A company’s reputation is built not only on success but how they deal with failure, Hammonds cannot deal with failure! They are a company that does not care about customer service and as such cannot be recommended. A shame as they had fitted my father’s bedroom furniture and on the back of that have had two further orders including mine! They will not be getting any more custom from anyone I Know now though. All companies have problems at time, if Hammonds had handled these problems fairly,effectively and efficiently I may have still recommended them to people I know who are looking to order furniture, however given the service and attitude of the staff at Hammonds, they will not be getting any further recommendation or custom for me!
The issue is still on-going, and their good will gesture is an insult to my good will!
David Smiles found this review useful
We trusted Hammonds to carry out a 2 day installation of a 4 door sliding wardrobe with some very basic shelving inside.
Our Installation dates were 4th & 5th September 2012.
We are now 4 site visits and 133 Days since our installation began.
We are approximately £4700 pounds out due to installation and damages costs. Who would have imagined it would cost so much to get a basic wardrobe installed.
The installation is still in poor condition. Installation team butchered our house. Customer service is nowhere to be seen. We have had to do all the chasing to try and move things along. They are only interested in getting you off the phone and off the books. No customer care or concern shown. We will never use or recommend Hammonds to anyone.
We only hope that more people read these reviews and save them self the troubles we have experienced with Hammonds. We have documented emails & pictures of all installation stages and would be happy to share them with anyone to let them see what they might get from a Hammonds installation.
<Private data removed>
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As you will read below we have also been intouch with trading standards and legal teams regarding Hammonds. The more I look on the internet the more I see others have also suffered at the hands of Hammonds.
Below is a letter we wrote to Hammonds detailing some of the events so far. This is still ongoing!!!
Dear <Private data removed>,
After having a conversation with <Private data removed> on Wednesday 26th September 2012 we feel it is best for all sides to resolve this matter quickly.
We would like to request a meeting with yourself or another senior member of your team to discuss the treatment we have been shown by Hammonds.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank <Private data removed> who have been very nice and have tried to do what they can for us. I know it must be hard for them as they don’t have the power to make decisions without clearing it with management first.
There was a telephone call yesterday between myself and<Private data removed> which was recorded by myself (as are all my calls to Hammonds) and <Private data removed> assures me the call was also recorded at your end, so the history should be easy to look back at for details for us both.
At the start of the call I introduced myself and thought it would be best to give <Private data removed> a brief rundown of all events so he could better understand why my wife and I are so upset at the current situation caused by Hammonds.
Upon completing my rundown of events, <Private data removed>’s first words were "that was interesting". When I asked him what was interesting he indicated something about the fact I had mentioned decorators. He then went on to tell me that someone had told him that I had other workers in my house in addition to the Hammonds team.....
I am not sure what relevance this has to the troubles we are having or the damages caused by your installation tech Installation Tech #1.
It did sound very much like he was trying to pick holes for reasons why he would not have to pay out for the damages caused.
Not once on the call did he try and see our side or apologize for the trouble caused. He was only interested in getting me off the phone.
To answer <Private data removed>’s query regarding additional work being carried out at our property and to clear up any blanks there might have been by you receiving information third hand, I had a plasterer and a painter carry out work in the master bedroom where the wardrobes were being installed weeks before the Hammonds installation started. This was on the advice given by your surveyor<Private data removed> who came out for a site visit to finalise plans for our installation. The reason for this was the wardrobes being fitted would not have any panels on the roof or back walls so we were to decorate them so they looked nice and would not have to be decorated after installation. Before the Hammonds installation started the master bedroom walls and ceilings were skimmed by the plasterer making them like glass with not a single mark. Our painter then followed up to ensure the walls were fresh for Hammonds installation. If required I can get the plasterer to testify to the quality of the walls and ceiling of the master bedroom before your installation tech arrived.
I have spoken with Trading Standards and talked over the grievance we have with Hammonds. The agent I spoke with was very helpful and suggested we remind you of some Acts & Laws that are in place to protect the customer from companies that do not act or operate fairly.
Contact details for trading standards should you require them: www.adviceguide.org.uk 08454 04 05 06. I have a case number open with agent <Private data removed>.
Should you need to call them you would need to open your own case number.
I would like to give you some points from (The Supply of Goods and Services act 1982) Common Law:
* All work must be carried out with Skill and Care and free from defects - If not it is deemed a breach of contract
* All work must be completed within a reasonable time scale or as previously agreed upon - If not it is deemed a breach of contract
* All damages caused by the contactor / company must be corrected in a reasonable time scale. This is to say regardless of the condition of a house or property any damage caused by contractor / company must be corrected - If not it is deemed a breach of contract
* Compensation can be claimed for Stress, inconvenience, damage, loss, penalties as a result of the work not being carried out as agreed and in the condition it was agreed upon as per the contract / trading standards.
Please find the chain of events below. All statements can be verified / backed up by photo or witness evidence:
Our installation dates were 4 September 2012 & 5 September 2012 (2 days allowed for the job).
On the 4 September 2012 your fitter Installation Tech #1 arrived on site at 08:00 with no plans or drawings and we had to issue him with our customer set. The delivery tech arrived on site at 08:30.
They both then carried all the materials from the van into the house and placed them into the master bedroom.
During the material movements Installation Tech #1 and the delivery tech damaged most of our lower and upper halls and stairwell with the materials. Our wedding picture which was hanging at the top of the stairs was also damaged. I have 33 pictures with electronic signature, date and time to show all the damages caused after the materials were carried into the house.
Installation Tech #1 left the site at 15:00. He left the house in a mess, leaving screws, nails and other loose debris on the floor.
On the 5 September 2012 your fitter Installation Tech #1 arrived on site at 08:00. Installation Tech #1 worked until he considered the job complete. He called for me at 15:00 and asked me to sign his sheet to say work was complete.
I reviewed the work sheet and started to look over the installation. Immediately I found 6 defects and started to point them out to Installation Tech #1. After I had pointed out the 3rd defect I noticed Installation Tech #1 was not interested in correcting his works and I did not want to have a confrontation with him. Installation Tech #1 then left at 15:45. He left the house in a mess, leaving screws, nails and other loose debris on the floor. No attempt was made to clean the installation or work site. As soon as Installation Tech #1 was clear of the property I called Hammonds and spoke with <Private data removed> to make her aware of the situation. After a lengthy discussion I was told that it could be 4 weeks before we got a senior tech to come and review the installation and to inspect the damages. Several phone calls later and we managed to get an appointment with senior fitter Installation Tech #2 for the 10th September 2012. This would be a full 5 days later.
On the 10th September 2012 in preparation for senior fitter Installation Tech #2 visit we had placed directional sticky pointers on every mark that was made by Installation Tech #1, very easily identifying the damages caused during the installation works on the 4 September 2012 & 5 September 2012.
Senior fitter Installation Tech #2 came out for the site visit to inspect the damages and condition of the installation. We went through every detail with Installation Tech #2 and pointed out every defect or damage we found. We circled our computer generated drawing: Surveyor <Private data removed> Ref No.2496844/1/1 with all the defects and also made a listed description on the back. We went through all of this with Installation Tech #2 and he acknowledged all the defects that we found and quoted: “The installation was not to Hammonds standards” he also wrote this comment down on his report.
After reviewing the installation and damages Installation Tech #2 made a complete list of all materials required to correct the substandard works and informed us that he would be submitting his report, findings and photographic evidence to Hammonds that evening.
On the 24th September 2012: At 09:00 we called Hammonds to see why the fitter had not yet arrived to carry out his works. After several calls we found that he would arrive with us around 10:00 senior fitter Installation Tech #3 arrived at 10:00. Installation Tech #3 set up and moved in his equipment working away well removing / installing some of the damaged / new panels. Installation Tech #3 left the site at 15:00.
On the 25th September 2012: Senior fitter Installation Tech #3 arrived at 09:30 after carrying out additional work at another property. Installation Tech #3 worked away well installing some of the new panels. Installation Tech #3 left the site at 15:30.
On the 26th September 2012: Senior fitter Installation Tech #3 was called away to carry out works on two different properties and as such could not complete the works remaining on our installation.
After speaking with Installation Tech #3 the next day about how he got on at his other jobs he let slip that the two other jobs never knew he was coming as they had not been informed of his planned work scope.
This means that Installation Tech #3 could have been at our property to complete the work instead of being called away by the office.
I also had a telephone call with Regional Manager <Private data removed> to discuss installation and damages as detailed above.
On the 27th September 2012: Senior fitter Installation Tech #3 arrived at 08:20 to carry out the remaining work scope. I had to help Installation Tech #3 from his van to our Bedroom with the new wardrobe door as there is no way a single man can lift it safely (Bad company practice to have a single man lift such a heavy object) I don’t believe health and safety at work act would permit this if they knew. We reviewed the installation with <Private data removed>. We found some defects:
There is a mark on the back left hand door which is a door from the original installation still bearing the damaged edging. Installation Tech #3 applied some wax and treatment to the door but the mark is still visible. Installation Tech #3 also left us with some wax should we need to make further touch ups. We don’t feel this is acceptable for a brand new piece of furniture and certainly don’t feel we should be required to make touch ups. There are also some marks to the shelving.
The inner most right hand door soft close mechanism is failing every other time you close the door and has to be manually reset which senior fitter Installation Tech #3 showed us how to do as “sometimes they fail”. Senior fitter Installation Tech #3 left the site at 14:20.
Due to the vast quantity of shoddy workmanship carried out by Hammonds on our original agreed installation dates, all our other deliveries and fittings have had to be postponed by over three weeks. This has caused us great inconvenience not being able to complete our other works in our bedroom. It has been extremely stressful trying to rearrange dates of all of our other works and having to chase Hammonds to have their corrective work scopes completed in a timely manner. It has now been over 30 days since we have had a habitable bedroom that we can use and work is still not complete.
For your information please see quotations for works to repair damages caused by Hammonds installation team on 4 September 2012 & 5 September 2012
Plaster: <Private data removed>
£200 - Master Bedroom
£100 - Stairway and hall
Total £300
Painter: <Private data removed>
£280 - Master Bedroom
£520 - Stairway and hall
Total £800
New picture frame to replace the damaged one £40
Total £40
Grand Total for repairs:
£1140.00
All plastering works have been completed and paint works commence on Saturday 29th September.
New picture frame is now installed - receipt will be sent along with final invoice for painting and plastering. As per the guidance of Trading Standards we will also be seeking some form of compensation due to the inconvenience and stress caused by the below average installation and the subsequent poor handling of our grievance by Hammonds.
I truly hope this can all be resolved quickly and fairly otherwise we are prepared to take this matter further. I been informed that, under Scottish Law, Trading Standards will work on our behalf, at no charge to us, until a suitable conclusion has been reached.
David Smiles found this review useful
I made the mistake of choosing Hammonds to install furniture in 3 bedrooms.
Took 5 months, 8 visits from fitters, numerous cancellations. I have a family with young children. The distruptions and anxiety it caused to us indescribable.
I am unwilling to pay the final installment. Furniture ombudsman are involved, unable to broker a solution. I am now taking it up with small claims court.
To all those reading this, stay away from Hammonds, its just not worth it.
David Smiles found this review useful
As my title would suggest, my home office is brilliant. Perfect. Faultless. Thanks.
After 4 months and 5 visits, we finally had all 3 doors on our wardrobes. They have been fitted, and I quote the Regional Manager Colin here, within a tolerable error. Having spent the best part of £5,000 on these wardrobes, I don't believe an inch gap between the door and the frame at the top is tolerable. Our compensation for this wait and appalling excuse for 'fitted' wardrobes? £300. Or £400. Not sure which, depends who you talk to. They seemed quite willing to refer me to the furniture ombudsman, I'm guessing they're on speed dial. I should have known when I discovered they have a Resolutions Team. I wonder if the Regional Manager would be happy with the quality of the finished wardrobe if it was in his bedroom....
David Smiles found this review useful
Service was ok although our installation was delayed by a few days as the original fitter was not available. They managed to find another fitter who worked on a sunday. He did a reasonable job but ran out of time and ended up rushing to finish. Unfortunately, a number niggles were spotted after he left and I noted how poorly some parts were cut. Also had a issue with doors not closing properly, but to Hammonds credit their customer services did ring us to ask if there were any problems. They sent out another fitter to fix the door issue. 5 months later we have noticed some of trim has loosen resulting in large gaps - I will have to fix this myself!
Overall the experience was ok but I wouldn't say it is value for money.
I am extremely pleased with my furniture, but still feel a little unsatisfied by the non truth about Saturday services that were promised when signing. A little struggle over a shelf that was fitted with a two inch gap that was no use for anybody.
Customer service was extremely bad, i was waiting for my call back and then received a letter taking court action!!!!
I would recommend the product but would explain the problems so that people can make their own mind up
Having had an enormous amount of hassle following an initial inquiry we were completely put off Hammonds. However, following a conversation with our neighbour who were happy with the service, we arranged for a Hammonds Consultant to come and give us a quote. I was pleasantly surprised by the service received on the day and thereafter and right through to completion. We then needed another room fitted with furniture so of course, having had good service the first time we had no hesitation in arranging for Hammonds to quote for us again. I felt the service fell under par. We've had to make sacrifices on what we wanted since placing the order, because the Consultant didn't check for sockets/radiator fittings which we discovered the night before the Surveyor was due to visit. The surveyor came out and made some suggestions which we didn't sign up to initially as we wanted to discuss the options. This meant a second visit. The office don't seem to know their products as they weren't able to give me any advice on pricing or sizing. We haven't yet had the work completed but hope that when it's finished we are happy with it. Left feeling a bit disappointed. First time first rate service, second time, second rate service ...
First time we used Hammonds we were coerced into using Hammonds finance. Rep was pushy and only interested in commission. Financial Deal was badly explained. The company Barclays Partnership Finance, Don't use, were not allowed to view our loan account online and after repeated phoning found out the first month we were charged £46 for interest.
The product is good and eventually went back for matching wardrobes for main bedroom. Again product is good but customer services poor. Received a threatening letter saying debt collection and steps would be taken to recover monies owed when we were still waiting for remedial work (which Hammonds had forgotten). This was finally sorted and we paid Hammonds. Most frustrating doing business with them, only use them if you can pay in full and keep an eye in them.
To give you some background, when we bought our house 7 years ago, it had Hammonds bedroom furniture included, so when we wanted to add to it and buy drawers and bed side cabinets etc, we had to buy Hammonds to match - not a problem we were really happy with it.
Last autumn I decided we need more wardrobes and again went to Hammonds. I have to say that the service we received from the designer was good and the subsequent fitting was excellent. I was especially impressed with the bedroom fitter, no mess and very efficient service.
THE PROBLEM - THE QUALITY OF THE ORIGINAL FURNITURE. In the last few months the veneer on the original furniture is all peeling off and it looks terrible. I spoke to Hammonds and they stated that anything bought pre-2008 is not covered by the 10 year guarantee. This is really disappointing, in fact I think it is disgusting. Hammonds furniture is not cheap but I don't mind paying for quality. However all of the original wardrobe doors and drawers look shocking, as the veneer is peeling off and bubbling up. I was also extremely disappointed that the only solution Hammonds offered was to "buy more furniture to replace it" This stuff is only 7 years old. I won't buy Hammonds again.
I nearly flat lined when the surveyor said we couldn't have what the designer had created for us. All the effort I had to use to get hubby to understand what a difference it was going to make to all of us just getting our room sorted out seemed to have been wasted. 30 minutes later it was all back on track and 6 months later I may not have a carpet or wall paper but by heaven I have order and beauty in the bedroom. What a difference! There is a place for everything and a stunning finish to admire. Can't wait for the wall paper...
The whole planning and installation process was remarkably thourough and quality of finished job excellent. I would thoroughly recommend Hammonds.
Am absolutely delighted with the installation and the furniture. The whole process went very smoothly and I would be pleased if you would pass on my thanks to the(designer), (surveyor) and fitter.. They were all very professional and helpful, and the end result is brilliant
Best value for money (we tried a number of companies). Always dealt with politely and promptly. No issues at all, really would recommend.
A Gentleman arrived to talk about the choices to be had, from a very comprehensive catalogue of wardrobes, sliding or otherwise. I had already had a look and picked a beech frontage, 3 double wardrobes one with mirrors, a side table, headboard and two three drawer chests with mirror over. Then the gentleman took all the measurements and printed out the design on his laptop after confirming the design inside. His comments were very helpful. A week later, the surveyor arrived to take the measurements, and a few weeks later I emptied my bedroom, threw away some clothes that didn't fit any more, and the joiner arrived the following day to deliver the numerous boxes that made up my new bedroom. It only took three days not even that, he was very charming and a chatterbox. No mistakes were made and the wardrobes are immaculate, very easy to look after, Everything went back in, I particularly like the pull down blouse rail, all the hanging space, numerous shelves. My friends think they are wonderfull. Hammonds did an excellent job. The only criticism I would make is that in the catalogue there is an idea of how much the wardrobe might cost, my bill was considerably more that I expected, but all things considered you get what you pay for, and the wardrobes are well worth the money I spent. A day later my decorator arrived to paint the room, and the curtains arrived too. a fancy light and pictures on the wall completed the look. New duvet cover and sheets just the ticket. Thank you Hammonds for a job well done.
The wardrobe is everything I had hoped for in fitted wardrobes
Hammond make fantastic space with your room to create the perfect bedroom
Very pleased with the Willoughby fitted wardrobe. Transformed our bedroom. Carpenter fitted wardrobe in a day or so. Excellent work done.
My bedroom is lovely thank you Hammonds. I am very pleased with it. Fitter was very efficient and bedroom beautifully finished. However, didn't realise that sliding wardrobes didn't come with a back or floor.
Completely problem free experience. The fitters were fabulous and the finished product was of a really high standard. I cannot recommend them high enough
The service I received was outstanding, from the beginning to the end, and I cannot fault them in any way.
They came to my home and measured up, and showed me their range to choose from.
The workman that fitted my wardrobes worked hard and fast and to perfection. They look superb.
I recommend this company to everyone.
A good reliable company I would be happy to use again. High standard quality wardrobe with a beautiful finish.
Hammonds gave excellent service from start to finish. The stall were pleasant and courteous at all times. Everything was done according to the timetable promised and all was clean and tidy at the finish. Most importantly, we are delighted with the quality of the furniture.The bedside units, with the sliding trays, have solved our problem, caused by an adjustable bed. We can now reach our cup of tea without having to move the whole unit!! No other manufacturer that we have come across has been able to give us a solution. Thank you Hammonds.
Every Hammonds worker that came to my home was very polite and professional, they listened to everything I wanted and where then the only company out of 5 that came up with lots of other ideas! They took into account everything a lady has in the bedroom shoes costume,bags, hair and make up products, if you sit down or stand to get ready! Colours you are thinking of, most importantly they wouldn't allow me to do something all the other well know company's where going to, if I had of gone with others I would have lost floor space instead I covered over a little windows and had it fitted properly, I loved the check list at the end it really made you check the work, and few months on I still get an email asking if I am happy with the work! Exceptional! I also have a 4 yr old who I kept away but everyone that came where so lovely with him too! I would never go to anyone else and as for value for money nobody could meet or match I am over the moon with it all. And I do recommend to everyone that will listen no bother at all having the work done. Man who fitted it was wonderful one day and he worked very hard I can't tell you how pleased I am.