While other customers have had positive and satisfying experiences with this vendor - our personal…read moresaga has been much different. Our review is solely based on what we have personally and individually gone through in utilizing this sub-contractor.
We needed custom cabinets for two basement bathrooms on a new home build. MJ Design was recommended to us by the folks that did our granite countertops. We set an appointment, and Jared came out to our home for an initial visit. We identified our needs and shortly thereafter we received an initial quote. Much to our surprise, the price was well above our expectations, yet we felt like Jared's initial "sales pitch of being a perfectionist" and considering customer support & communication with the client" two of his highest priorities - we swallowed the bitter money pill and paid approximately $9,000 for two, bathroom cabinets.- signing the verbose and somewhat occluded work order/authorization (here, like pretty much every other homeowner we trusted in good faith that we not only would be taken care of, but more importantly we would have a credible voice in the event something went astray).
During our initial design visit we unequivocally expressed and explained to Jared what specific stain we wanted on the cabinetry to the smaller bathroom. Jared assured us that he could produce what we requested. At no point did he provide either a sample or even a photo of what "ebony" stain would look like as a final product. Our primary requests where to ensure that the expensive walnut grain would be clearly seen through the stain - Once again we put our faith in him as the expert he proffered to be.
When the cabinets arrived for installation - it was immediately apparent that there was a problem. While the larger bathroom cabinetry was fine, the smaller bathroom cabinet was stained a dark, pitch black and not in any form what we originally agreed upon. That same day and before any installation occurred, we notified Jared of the problem, we stated our preference - that the problem cabinet was not to be installed, that it be taken back to his shop and fixed as to what we expected/needed. His immediate response was to have all the cabinets installed and we "could work things out later", so once again - with concern now growing, we allowed for the installers to do their job.
What followed as one might identify as a "remedial effort at reaching an acceptable solution" instantaneously decomposed into overt events of "doubling down and falling back on what was requested per the work order/authorization" - now days after the installation had occurred Jared produced a definition of "ebony" a definition which was unknown to us when ordering - as a point of interest it was at this time that we found that the specific language found within his work order/authorization is crafted in such a unilateral manner that it leaves the customer without any significant legal recourse- should you elect to undergo a contract with this individual, it will be to your greatest benefit to read every single word in the fine print. This obvious a case of "Buyer Beware".
Jared did come out to our house and see the problem for himself. At that time, he let us know that the outside panels of the cabinets would have to be made anew, and that he shouldered "part of the responsibility - during that specific conversation" (at no time did he identify or assign any additional expense for us). We were left with the expectation that the new cabinet panels would arrive shortly and be installed as per our original work order/contract.
After his visit - we received an email for a change order and an additional $800.00 charge for the new cabinet panels.
This is when we witnessed in fact what "perfectionism and customer support" truly mean in this venue. For two weeks we texted, called and emailed. In every single one of those communication platforms, we optimistically searched for a way to reach an acceptable solution (our intent has always been to help protect the brand name of those folks who take great pride in the quality of their trade). The few replies we received, unfortunately contained (once again) the same verbiage of "what was ordered" and the menace of possible additional costs that (according to the contract) he could, should he wish, bring forth. Just to further clarify, I am quoting his last email to us: "There is no use going back and forth, this will be my LAST email". How would you feel as a dissatisfied and frustrated customer?
Home building is stressful enough without these gauntlets.
How we wish that our experiences with MJ Design would have been different, the real irony is that they very well should have.
M&B J
Alpine, UT.
