I love this video. I think because I can see how much of a challenge it was and just how frustrated and not into it you were. But ever the pro. It looks great and you’ve taken everything you possibly could to get it to be as good as it can be. Top stuff. Even though you clearly hated it
Hi Peter, yes we've all been there at one time or another and recognise the pain but as I'm sure you will admit, the finished product looked GREAT ! I like to use the analogy - its like climbing a mountain or steep hill, its difficult and the aches and pains of climbing are challenging BUT the view from the top is well worth the journey. Well done , have a great weekend and keep em coming. Regards Col
Sometimes there are jobs that just make no financial sense. Enthusiasm is the devil's accountant. Your professionalism shone through on this one. Nice outcome.
Great video as ever, Peter! I like that you show the fact that it's not always smooth sailing! Finished article looked fantastic though, so well done sir!
Excellent , Great little build, Sometimes we all take on work we really don't want to do, but when it turns out as good as this, you must feel very pleased and relieved, keep up the great work:)
The project does look great and you conveyed your stress well over the video. How about a video on your bidding and billing process. I would enjoy your thoughts on how to avoid walking into such a building and billing "minefield" the next time. Thanks and as always job well done.
Thanks! I’ve often wondered about a job-costing video, I just don’t think they’d be that interesting as videos, you know? I have an idea for one on my list, I’ll give it a bit of thought and see if I can make it into something that’ll hold up 👍
Really appreciate your channel Peter and thank you for all of the effort and honesty you put in. Like the other comments here, I would really appreciate your thoughts on pricing jobs and avoiding minefields. Keep up the great work and looking forward to your next posting....
The most impressive thing about this for me was the template, measuring and planning required to make a drawing sufficiently detailed and accurate to build this back in your workshop. I'm familiar with wonky victorian houses and know it's not as simple as just measuring height and width, I notice you were using some thin corrugated sheet for your template which seems like a good idea. I'd be very interested to see a video just on the planning process for complex spaces from measuring up through to creating a cut list. (apologies if you've done one already, I couldn't see it). Thanks very much for sharing this stuff.
Thanks! Yes, I like using Correx (the thin sheet - pick mine up from my timber yard or decorator's merchant) as it's easy to work with. The trouble with videos about the planning, measuring, cutlist process is that, as well as being a bit 'inside baseball' they're just not terribly interesting visually. But yes, it's something I've considered doing, and may do in future. Closest thing I've done is my 'Carcass Cutlist' video - ruclips.net/video/VwMKHSG88RI/видео.html - you'll see what I mean about it not being terribly interesting visually! 👍 😬
Cheers Peter for that, I know what you mean - I suppose I'm looking to learn stuff primarily on youtube and find out different ways of doing things, some of that stuff is inherently dull but necessary in order to do the more interesting things well. Thanks for the link, I'll take a look.
Really interesting video....showing both positive and negative aspects of working. Your vids are 'warts and all' and are better for it. Keep them coming please.
If I had a pound for the amount of times I wish I never agreed to do a job, I’d be a lot better off but far from rich, sometimes it’s nice to look at the job when it’s done and think ‘its looks good and I overcame a lot of challenges’ this only makes us better for further work. Nice work peter 👍🏻
Had one of those projects for the house that just seemed to go wrong on every occasion, one where you question your ability to even drill a correctly sized hole. With much determination and a few wasted pieces of wood, I managed to finish said project, hopefully with the learning curve a little improved for the next project.
This is the side of self employment that customers don't realise exists. The stress !!! But you soldered on and a great result. Pat on the back for job well done peter. 👌😎
Normally your videos show your skill but this one was good display of professionalism and might help explain why you are busy. A 'cowboy' would've walked away. It looked very vexing and underpricing can't have helped but, famous last words "I'll know next time!" Thanks for the video.
If you under price something you dont have to stick with the price, provided they accepted an estimate. You can change an estimate because its just that, an estimate. You cannot however change a quote, because a quote becomes a definite contract price.
I used to make Ash engine mounts for vintage Bugatti's, they were a pain and a hideous shape. I done them cheap as chips and struggled to get paid at that. Hey there is some of my craftsmanship somewhere out there somewhere. Thud, my wife says that don't pay the bills.
Tradesmen show photos of their work to potential customers, do you direct them to your videos? I'd imagine it would be good for trade. Great job nicely done.
Thanks! You know when I started the RUclips channel I thought it might be good for business, but so far, at least, only a handful of folks have shown any interest. But it’s always there, if anyone is inclined. 👍
Loving your work even under difficult circumstances. Professional to the last. Seen you paint lots of MDF what’s your go to paint? Always tricky as it sucks the paint in
Thanks! I mostly use a water-based acrylic primer/undercoat followed by a couple of coats of water-based acrylic eggshell, all applied with a foam roller. I've used most brands and wouldn't want to live by the difference between them, tbh. I did a detailed (i.e. lengthy!) 'Painting & Finishing' series, starts here if you're interested:- ruclips.net/video/dgTN2QPgoD8/видео.html 👍
Wow, that was impressive. Had jobs myself where I hear myself say “sure, no problem”, whilst my mind is screaming “why the hell did you say that for” I think the only way (in hindsight) is to add a “why bother otherwise premium levy” 🤫 Nicely done.
Keep your chin peter !! Your a RUclips star now !! Can I ask your opinion on the domiplate you’ve been using , what’s the benefits ?? Is it worth it ?? Keep on keeping on !
Thanks Jim! Re. The Domiplate, yes absolutely worthwhile if you’re working in 12mm or 18mm thick sheets a lot. Early Dominos (like mine) had a fe issues with the fenc slipping, and the Domiplate takes this out of the equation completely. Makes the whole thing much more solid. I put off buying one for years, wish I’d done it sooner. Recommended 👍
Great job Peter ,you can always make up for on there next job ,think i would have went with just framing in a closet and add a couple shelves and hanging bar
Thanks Syd. The walls are way out, and part of the spec was for adjustable shelves, so not really an option. Also the walls were unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box👍
Looks great! I do feel your pain however, I've under-priced many jobs over the years. If I get a lead and I don't want to do it I generally over price it substantially. Remarkably, I usually get the job anyway, and then I wonder how much money I left on the table, lol!
Excellent end result but I have to ask, was that your design or the customers? Was there a reason you couldn't fit a frame directly to the walls and then hang the doors from that rather than build a full cabinet with back etc?
Thanks! Largely my design, adjusted to accommodate clients needs e.g. no plinth. Spec was for one fixed shelf and one adjustable, walls are all over the place, and unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier & a more professional job just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box, with doors on 👍
I wondered that too so appreciate both the question and the answer. I used to be so keen I'd forget to price right. Nowadays I give myself plenty time to think and discuss and options to opt out if a project feels unprofitable. Having said this sometimes it's just impossible to refuse a job because of other clients this one is related to. Either way, once I commit to a job I know I'm gonna do it. And I've been through frustrations far, far bigger than what you just illustrated. Then I say to myself I may not have made a financial profit but some lessons live teaches us are priceless. One day we'll be regretting jobs we didn't do and not the ones we were brave enough to complete. Love your channel Pete! Great you're showing your ups and downs. Keep them coming!
Smart Deco UK Edinburgh “One day we’ll be regretting the jobs we didn’t do...” Never a truer word spoken 👍 And thanks - got to show the rough before the smooth, right? 😆👍
Thanks! One fixed shelf and one adjustable, walls are all over the place, and unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box👍
Yeah, it's a cupboard to stick a bloody ironing board in. The walls aren't going to be seen much.....anyway, what is an ironing board?😉 Nice job, to be honest, the perfectionist in me would want the dodgy walls covered. 👍
Yes it's easy to be clever without knowing the whole picture. I have to admire the accuracy of your site survey. I always seem to miss an important dimension. Out of curiosity what tolerance do you work to. Job like that I'd be leaving plenty of slack.
Great video as always Peter. As someone entering into this trade I'd like to echo some of the other comments regarding a 'Pricing' video - Your thoughts and tips would be most appreciated.
Hi peter, did you use standard kitchen unit hinges? If so is there a special tool for drilling out the hinge holes? Or standard hole saw then fill the pilot hole back in? Great work btw.👍🛠
Hi Andy. Yes, I use Blum concealed hinges with built-in soft close for most of my cabinet doors. No special tools needed, a regular 35mm forstner-style hinge boring but in a drill press (though I’ve done plenty freehand) does the job - never a hole-saw though! I go into a bit of detail about hinges & marking in Part 3 of my ‘Wardrobes with panel doors and top boxes’ series, if you’re interested. 👍
I thought I heard you say that you under priced this job. Where did you go wrong? I can't imagine you got the cabinetry component wrong, but was it trying to please a client who had a moving vision of what they wanted or in the site work. When I was a contractor years ago, it was always the on-site component I got wrong, too many additional hours in waiting, accommodating peculiar layouts or unforeseen site impacts. In the end I got a better feel and also started factoring in a contingency amount.
It started off as one thing, then was added to, and changed, and then needed painting, and I just didn’t allow enough additional time for each of these extras. I should have done what I usually do and gone back to the start and re-quoted, but I was busy and needed to get on so gave an off-the-cuff price which turned out to be woefully optimistic. Mea Culpa. Get it done & move on 👍
We all know that feeling, it's soul destroying and very demotivating. I've just completed a job that I horrendously underpriced - my mistake was we hadn't finalised the entire project before the pricing was done. It was a solid oak dining table and two benches using wedged through mortise and tenon joints and pegged through tenons to name a few. It was reclaimed rough sawn oak that had to be milled to size (10 planks, 2" thick, 1.6m long by 30cm wide). Awful. Amazing results, but I charged less than half what I should've. Gutting! Good on you for persevering!
Ahh, yes, I think we’be all been there. At least it’s not so bad when the jobs turn out decent - it’s when you work your toes off for someone for no money and they say ‘ohh is that the finished size/shape/colour’ that it gets disheartening 😞👍
Great build Peter, as always. Just out of interest, why didn't this one get a plinth like your alcove units? Was the floor totally level so there was no need, or just to maximise internal space?
Thanks! Client choice re. the lack of plinth - that wanted to be able to wheel their hoover in as easily as possible, so didn’t want a plinth. Didn’t want a base to the cabinet either until I persuaded the that was a bad idea... 🤔👍
Well done you for not just giving the deposit back and producing a 'beautiful cupboard' which I expect is just full of junk by now. ;-) If that had been my gaff I would have just fitted cupboard doors and battened the opposing walls where shelves in to suit were required but I suppose it is London and everything has to be posh!! 😂
Thanks Norman! I’ve never been closer to giving a deposit cheque back tbh, but I was far enough along by then that it made more sense just to get on & get it done 😂👍
Thanks! I use an old copy of Omnigraffle, partly because I’ve used it forever and there’s an ingrained muscle-memory that’s hard to fight, but mostly because I just haven’t found anything better. Most 2-D drawing programs seem overly complex (wannabe CAD) whereas I just want something that’ll draw things, to scale. Sigh... 🤔
Another great video and job :D well done :D I really enjoy your videos and like how you go about problem solving and getting around things :) keep up the great work Peter :)
It looked quite complicated for what it was. Was it one of those jobs that the client kept adding to and before you know it, it's costing you instead of costing them?
In a nutshell, yes, exactly that. The job started out pretty straightforward, but was added to, then added to again and instead of going back to the start and re-quoting I added a bit into the costs on the fly, thinking ‘that’ll do’. And it didn’t! My fault, get it done and move on 👍
Hi and thanks! I use a very old copy of Omnigraffle for doing simple 2-D diagrams. I should upgrade it, or try something else, but there's a lot of muscle-memory to work against, and tbh it does the job pretty well. There seems to be a dearth of simple 2-D drawing software made for regular folks - everything else I've tried wants to be CAD, and I just want simple - 2-D to scale, in metric. So I stick with Omnigraffle, not because it's great, but because it's what I know; hardly a ringing endorsement, is it, lol! 😂 👍
That looks really nice, I wouldn't have thought to even try to put something in such an unusual space. One more thing, your plans show your email and phone number, I'm not sure if you wanted to leave that in or not.
Thanks Tim! Hadn’t realised my deets were showing in the plans - carefully blanked out the clients, forgot about mine 😂 It’s not a problem, they’re all posted online for anyone who want to find them, but thanks for mentioning it 👍
Hi Peter, quick question... why do you choose to paint cabinets and not use laminate white furniture board? Thanks and sorry for all the questions haha
No problem, ask away! Short answer; I make what clients ask for. So far, in 17years of making stuff for people in London, nobody’s asked me for a melamine finish. Wether that’s a longer-term trend for a painted finish, or just that people associate white furniture board with e.g. cheep & cheerful flat-pack, I don’t know. It would certainly cut down in the painting time on these projects though😆👍
Ah great video mate. Even if you were not feeling the love. You should do a video on how you price jobs. It would be good to see a pro's insight. I hate pricing jobs or should I say nixers. Hahaha...Can't tell the taxman. If I know them, end up just saying: whatever you think the jobs worth. If I don't know them, I very rarely bother doing it. Stupid of me, I no. You know what people are like when it comes to money though.
Thanks bruv! Yeah, I keep thinking about doing a ‘pricing’ video - the challenge is in making it visually interesting. Maybe I’ll do one and get the viewers to price it for me 😆👍
Peter Millard hahaha...even better. Make something & ask people to comment below on how much they wud charge. You dont want to tell people your personal business. As Socrates said: I cant teach you anything. I can only make you think.
Looks like there is about 10cm above that could have been used also. Just a bit of wall at an odd angle but why back down from a challenge? ;) Just kidding. Good job as always and I hope the next one will be a better project for you :)
Did it not occur to the customer that a framed pair of doors and shelves installed into the alcove would have been cheaper, done the same thing, and left more storage space? This project is a little bit like looking at a giant, white russian doll.
Customer's spec was for one fixed shelf and one adjustable; walls are all over the place, and unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier & a more professional job just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box, with doors on. And no, a framed door with shelves on battens wouldn't be cheaper, given all the scribing, and wouldn't look better, given the state of the walls 👍
Oh, right. I would have sheathed the walls, with wedges to plum and square. Then frame in the doors as standard. That way, you have all you need to meet the spec. Lol, next time...
In which case, you may as well build a box that's square/true and slide it in place - which is what I did. All you're 'missing' is ~18mm either side, which is what you'd need to wedge the cladding/sheath in plumb anyway. 👍
Why did they want a freestanding cabinet? Surely they just needed shelves and doors. Nice build well executed but their "desire" seemed a pointless exercise causing unnecessay frustration and stress. I'd have handed back the deposit and walked... Will they see this video of your gripes?
Customer's spec was for one fixed shelf and one adjustable; walls are all over the place, and unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier & a more professional job just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box, with doors on. Customers want what they want; no idea if they’ll watch the video, but it’s out there for all to see 👍
Thanks! TBH the walls were so far out that by the time you line them, wedge them so they’re plumb and true, it’s just easier all round to slot in an MDF box, with doors on 👍
Peter Millard Your other reply has vanished, but understood. Hope the next one is easier. (Edit:... it's there... my connection is perhaps a bit laggy; sorry)
Quite refreshing to hear your honest thoughts of the project. Typically all we see online is perfectly edited, no mistakes, and happy-go-lucky
Thanks Michael. Stick around - you’ll get to see plenty of mistake! 😂👍
I love this video. I think because I can see how much of a challenge it was and just how frustrated and not into it you were. But ever the pro. It looks great and you’ve taken everything you possibly could to get it to be as good as it can be. Top stuff. Even though you clearly hated it
Hi Peter, yes we've all been there at one time or another and recognise the pain but as I'm sure you will admit, the finished product looked GREAT ! I like to use the analogy - its like climbing a mountain or steep hill, its difficult and the aches and pains of climbing are challenging BUT the view from the top is well worth the journey. Well done , have a great weekend and keep em coming. Regards Col
Thanks Col! And yes, great analogy, but for work stuff I’d be happy with a hill, now and then 😆👍
Sometimes there are jobs that just make no financial sense. Enthusiasm is the devil's accountant.
Your professionalism shone through on this one. Nice outcome.
Thanks! Yes, this one was a bit trying. Hey ho, onward 👍
Great video as ever, Peter! I like that you show the fact that it's not always smooth sailing! Finished article looked fantastic though, so well done sir!
Thank you! 👍
Excellent , Great little build, Sometimes we all take on work we really don't want to do, but when it turns out as good as this, you must feel very pleased and relieved, keep up the great work:)
Thanks! 👍
Nice job Peter. I admire your patience. Underpricing a job always costs 'the love'.
Thanks! Yep, always learning👍
The project does look great and you conveyed your stress well over the video. How about a video on your bidding and billing process. I would enjoy your thoughts on how to avoid walking into such a building and billing "minefield" the next time. Thanks and as always job well done.
Thanks! I’ve often wondered about a job-costing video, I just don’t think they’d be that interesting as videos, you know? I have an idea for one on my list, I’ll give it a bit of thought and see if I can make it into something that’ll hold up 👍
I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on pricing jobs. For me that's way harder than building projects.
I'd be interested and it could lead to a discussion that could help us all.
Really appreciate your channel Peter and thank you for all of the effort and honesty you put in. Like the other comments here, I would really appreciate your thoughts on pricing jobs and avoiding minefields. Keep up the great work and looking forward to your next posting....
Please do it Peter I to would be very grateful for a insight into the whole pricing process
The most impressive thing about this for me was the template, measuring and planning required to make a drawing sufficiently detailed and accurate to build this back in your workshop. I'm familiar with wonky victorian houses and know it's not as simple as just measuring height and width, I notice you were using some thin corrugated sheet for your template which seems like a good idea. I'd be very interested to see a video just on the planning process for complex spaces from measuring up through to creating a cut list. (apologies if you've done one already, I couldn't see it). Thanks very much for sharing this stuff.
Thanks! Yes, I like using Correx (the thin sheet - pick mine up from my timber yard or decorator's merchant) as it's easy to work with. The trouble with videos about the planning, measuring, cutlist process is that, as well as being a bit 'inside baseball' they're just not terribly interesting visually. But yes, it's something I've considered doing, and may do in future. Closest thing I've done is my 'Carcass Cutlist' video - ruclips.net/video/VwMKHSG88RI/видео.html - you'll see what I mean about it not being terribly interesting visually! 👍 😬
Cheers Peter for that, I know what you mean - I suppose I'm looking to learn stuff primarily on youtube and find out different ways of doing things, some of that stuff is inherently dull but necessary in order to do the more interesting things well. Thanks for the link, I'll take a look.
I like the doors with those handles.
It turned out well. As long as the customers were happy, that's what it's about.
Thanks. And yes, absolutely 👍
Great job Peter, put it down to experience and hope the client recommends you to others. Like this sort of vid.
Thanks Mike! And yes, treat it like advertising is all I can hope for 😬👍
Glad to hear, that like myself, once you give a price you keep to it come hell or high water, but you still deliver a top rate piece of work.
Yep. As painful as it is sometimes, the mistake was mine - get it done & move on 👍
Really interesting video....showing both positive and negative aspects of working. Your vids are 'warts and all' and are better for it. Keep them coming please.
Thanks! And will do 👍
Really appreciate this real world post.. professional pushing through.. empathize much.
Thanks! 👍
Good job Peter. Well done for seeing it through to the end!
Thanks! Had to be done... 👍
If I had a pound for the amount of times I wish I never agreed to do a job, I’d be a lot better off but far from rich, sometimes it’s nice to look at the job when it’s done and think ‘its looks good and I overcame a lot of challenges’ this only makes us better for further work. Nice work peter 👍🏻
after a lot of uncertainty what a great finished project, keep the videos coming
Thanks Stuart! 👍
Very nice finished cabinet, brilliant work
Thanks! 👍
Had one of those projects for the house that just seemed to go wrong on every occasion, one where you question your ability to even drill a correctly sized hole. With much determination and a few wasted pieces of wood, I managed to finish said project, hopefully with the learning curve a little improved for the next project.
I think we’ve all had a few of these. Leanr, and move on... 👍
Nice job looks very smart you have a lot of patience
Thanks - not endless patience though, sadly 😆👍
Great work, intricate but up to your usual standard. Impressed.
Thank you! 👍
This is the side of self employment that customers don't realise exists. The stress !!!
But you soldered on and a great result. Pat on the back for job well done peter. 👌😎
Thanks Jason! I had to get it done so I could move on... 👍
No matter what, the end result is great!
Thanks you! And the clients were happy 👍
Mate you looked so dejected, result looked great. Had the same feeling about a project end of last year. Grrrrr jobs.
Yeah. And not dejected, just knackered and wanting to get out of there 👍
Nice job. Hope you did not loose too much, but you were right, you have to complete it anyway.
Thanks! 👍👍
very nice job Peter you made a pretty fiddly job look alot easier than i know it is having done similar jobs over the years, nice one mate cheers Ross
Thanks Ross!👍
Well done Pete, looks great 👍
Thanks! 👍
Well Peter, what can I say. Well done, as always. This one did seem to be tricky, but turned out well. O yes, and a happy new year!
Thanks Wolf. Some jobs are just more fiddly than others, for sure. And yes, same to you too! 👍
that looks really good
Thanks! 👍
Turned out very good even although customer got a bargain but I’m we’ve all done the same and probably will again
Thanks! And yes, even though we learn from our mistakes, I feel we’re destined to repeat them at some point 😂👍
Finished job looks great!
Thanks! Clients were well pleased, thankfully 👍
Great project and build. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Thanks! 👍
I agree with Kooky(down below me,lol.) Hope the client appreciated the struggle...cheers...rr
Thanks Richard! And yes, they were very pleased with the end result 👍
Build and install are definitely your best video! Good work 👍🏼
Thank you! 👍
Normally your videos show your skill but this one was good display of professionalism and might help explain why you are busy. A 'cowboy' would've walked away.
It looked very vexing and underpricing can't have helped but, famous last words "I'll know next time!"
Thanks for the video.
Thanks Frank! Yep, you don’t always get it right, lol 😂👍
Nice job. Just got to see these things through sometimes 👍💥
Thanks. And yep, get it done & move on 👍
If you under price something you dont have to stick with the price, provided they accepted an estimate. You can change an estimate because its just that, an estimate. You cannot however change a quote, because a quote becomes a definite contract price.
Great job Peter.
Cheers Karl! 👍
Always enjoy your videos, thanks.
Thank you! 👍
Good job Peter one thing is for sure we all have done the type of jobs that make no sense.
Thanks! And yes, as long as e don’t make a habit of it 😆👍
A great job and another excellent video.
Thank you! 👍
I used to make Ash engine mounts for vintage Bugatti's, they were a pain and a hideous shape. I done them cheap as chips and struggled to get paid at that. Hey there is some of my craftsmanship somewhere out there somewhere. Thud, my wife says that don't pay the bills.
Tradesmen show photos of their work to potential customers, do you direct them to your videos? I'd imagine it would be good for trade. Great job nicely done.
Thanks! You know when I started the RUclips channel I thought it might be good for business, but so far, at least, only a handful of folks have shown any interest. But it’s always there, if anyone is inclined. 👍
Nice, turned out great!
Thanks! 👍
Loving your work even under difficult circumstances. Professional to the last. Seen you paint lots of MDF what’s your go to paint? Always tricky as it sucks the paint in
Thanks! I mostly use a water-based acrylic primer/undercoat followed by a couple of coats of water-based acrylic eggshell, all applied with a foam roller. I've used most brands and wouldn't want to live by the difference between them, tbh. I did a detailed (i.e. lengthy!) 'Painting & Finishing' series, starts here if you're interested:- ruclips.net/video/dgTN2QPgoD8/видео.html 👍
Wow, that was impressive.
Had jobs myself where I hear myself say “sure, no problem”, whilst my mind is screaming “why the hell did you say that for”
I think the only way (in hindsight) is to add a “why bother otherwise premium levy” 🤫
Nicely done.
Thanks Howard. I like the idea of a ‘why bother...’ levy 😆👍
Exactly what I'm going to do!
Hope it goes well! 👍👍
Keep your chin peter !! Your a RUclips star now !!
Can I ask your opinion on the domiplate you’ve been using , what’s the benefits ?? Is it worth it ??
Keep on keeping on !
Thanks Jim! Re. The Domiplate, yes absolutely worthwhile if you’re working in 12mm or 18mm thick sheets a lot. Early Dominos (like mine) had a fe issues with the fenc slipping, and the Domiplate takes this out of the equation completely. Makes the whole thing much more solid. I put off buying one for years, wish I’d done it sooner. Recommended 👍
Great job Peter ,you can always make up for on there next job ,think i would have went with just framing in a closet and add a couple shelves and hanging bar
Thanks Syd. The walls are way out, and part of the spec was for adjustable shelves, so not really an option. Also the walls were unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box👍
fixing another persons work huh ,a one eyed plaster ...lol
😂 👍
What clients don’t always see is the head scratching that goes on to work something out. Even the simple jobs. Nice end result though.
Thanks - and yes, too true! 👍
Looks great! I do feel your pain however, I've under-priced many jobs over the years. If I get a lead and I don't want to do it I generally over price it substantially. Remarkably, I usually get the job anyway, and then I wonder how much money I left on the table, lol!
Lol, always the way, especially with jobs you just don’t want to do or don’t have time for! And thanks! 👍
Excellent end result but I have to ask, was that your design or the customers? Was there a reason you couldn't fit a frame directly to the walls and then hang the doors from that rather than build a full cabinet with back etc?
Thanks! Largely my design, adjusted to accommodate clients needs e.g. no plinth. Spec was for one fixed shelf and one adjustable, walls are all over the place, and unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier & a more professional job just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box, with doors on 👍
That makes a lot of sense. In a video we obviously can't see those sorts of things so I thought I would ask.
Absolutely, always worth an ask; as my old maths teacher used to say, the question may be for you but the answer’s for everyone 👍
I wondered that too so appreciate both the question and the answer.
I used to be so keen I'd forget to price right.
Nowadays I give myself plenty time to think and discuss and options to opt out if a project feels unprofitable.
Having said this sometimes it's just impossible to refuse a job because of other clients this one is related to.
Either way, once I commit to a job I know I'm gonna do it. And I've been through frustrations far, far bigger than what you just illustrated.
Then I say to myself I may not have made a financial profit but some lessons live teaches us are priceless.
One day we'll be regretting jobs we didn't do and not the ones we were brave enough to complete.
Love your channel Pete! Great you're showing your ups and downs. Keep them coming!
Smart Deco UK Edinburgh “One day we’ll be regretting the jobs we didn’t do...” Never a truer word spoken 👍 And thanks - got to show the rough before the smooth, right? 😆👍
Nice job,
I'd have been tempted to use a face frame to hang the doors on and fixed the shelves to the walls
Thanks! One fixed shelf and one adjustable, walls are all over the place, and unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box👍
Yeah, it's a cupboard to stick a bloody ironing board in. The walls aren't going to be seen much.....anyway, what is an ironing board?😉
Nice job, to be honest, the perfectionist in me would want the dodgy walls covered. 👍
Yes it's easy to be clever without knowing the whole picture. I have to admire the accuracy of your site survey. I always seem to miss an important dimension. Out of curiosity what tolerance do you work to. Job like that I'd be leaving plenty of slack.
Good job by the way Peter.
Thanks! 👍
Great video as always Peter. As someone entering into this trade I'd like to echo some of the other comments regarding a 'Pricing' video - Your thoughts and tips would be most appreciated.
Thanks Richard! And yes, I’ll give the ‘pricing’ idea a bit more thought, see what I can come up with. 👍
Nice one .happy new year Peter
Thanks David - same to you too! 👍
Hi peter, did you use standard kitchen unit hinges? If so is there a special tool for drilling out the hinge holes? Or standard hole saw then fill the pilot hole back in? Great work btw.👍🛠
Hi Andy. Yes, I use Blum concealed hinges with built-in soft close for most of my cabinet doors. No special tools needed, a regular 35mm forstner-style hinge boring but in a drill press (though I’ve done plenty freehand) does the job - never a hole-saw though! I go into a bit of detail about hinges & marking in Part 3 of my ‘Wardrobes with panel doors and top boxes’ series, if you’re interested. 👍
Nice job, you're artist, autograph it, love the movie great job as ever.
Thanks! Haha, I should have some kind of ‘makers mark’ 😆👍
I thought I heard you say that you under priced this job. Where did you go wrong? I can't imagine you got the cabinetry component wrong, but was it trying to please a client who had a moving vision of what they wanted or in the site work. When I was a contractor years ago, it was always the on-site component I got wrong, too many additional hours in waiting, accommodating peculiar layouts or unforeseen site impacts. In the end I got a better feel and also started factoring in a contingency amount.
It started off as one thing, then was added to, and changed, and then needed painting, and I just didn’t allow enough additional time for each of these extras. I should have done what I usually do and gone back to the start and re-quoted, but I was busy and needed to get on so gave an off-the-cuff price which turned out to be woefully optimistic. Mea Culpa. Get it done & move on 👍
We all know that feeling, it's soul destroying and very demotivating. I've just completed a job that I horrendously underpriced - my mistake was we hadn't finalised the entire project before the pricing was done. It was a solid oak dining table and two benches using wedged through mortise and tenon joints and pegged through tenons to name a few. It was reclaimed rough sawn oak that had to be milled to size (10 planks, 2" thick, 1.6m long by 30cm wide). Awful. Amazing results, but I charged less than half what I should've. Gutting!
Good on you for persevering!
Ahh, yes, I think we’be all been there. At least it’s not so bad when the jobs turn out decent - it’s when you work your toes off for someone for no money and they say ‘ohh is that the finished size/shape/colour’ that it gets disheartening 😞👍
Peter Millard Yes, or they feel that actually they've paid over the odds... Bloody people - who'd work with 'em eh? Haha
Great build Peter, as always. Just out of interest, why didn't this one get a plinth like your alcove units? Was the floor totally level so there was no need, or just to maximise internal space?
Thanks! Client choice re. the lack of plinth - that wanted to be able to wheel their hoover in as easily as possible, so didn’t want a plinth. Didn’t want a base to the cabinet either until I persuaded the that was a bad idea... 🤔👍
Do you drill clearance and pilot holes when screwing your mdf cabinets together ?
Pilots holes, and Spax M-cut screws. 👍👍
Some jobs always look better in the rear view mirror.How full was the Swear Jar by the end of it?
Very. 😆😂🤷♂️👍
Well done you for not just giving the deposit back and producing a 'beautiful cupboard' which I expect is just full of junk by now. ;-) If that had been my gaff I would have just fitted cupboard doors and battened the opposing walls where shelves in to suit were required but I suppose it is London and everything has to be posh!! 😂
Thanks Norman! I’ve never been closer to giving a deposit cheque back tbh, but I was far enough along by then that it made more sense just to get on & get it done 😂👍
Ha....I am exactly the same when I have made a mistake on price but still never cut any corners even though my heart is not in it!
Yep, got to get the job done and move on... 👍
Great project! Just wondered what did you use to make your drawings? Thanks
Thanks! I use an old copy of Omnigraffle, partly because I’ve used it forever and there’s an ingrained muscle-memory that’s hard to fight, but mostly because I just haven’t found anything better. Most 2-D drawing programs seem overly complex (wannabe CAD) whereas I just want something that’ll draw things, to scale. Sigh... 🤔
What a nice build :-)
Thank you! 👍
Another great video and job :D well done :D I really enjoy your videos and like how you go about problem solving and getting around things :) keep up the great work Peter :)
Thanks Jonathan! 👍
It looked quite complicated for what it was. Was it one of those jobs that the client kept adding to and before you know it, it's costing you instead of costing them?
In a nutshell, yes, exactly that. The job started out pretty straightforward, but was added to, then added to again and instead of going back to the start and re-quoting I added a bit into the costs on the fly, thinking ‘that’ll do’. And it didn’t! My fault, get it done and move on 👍
A hard couple of days graft there buddy. You look like a shandy was required on the way home! ;o)
Thanks Jim! And yes, first one didn’t touch the sides 🍺😂👍
Hi Peter, love your channel, very inspiring. Could I ask which software you use on your mac, for planning your projects? And keep up the good work :)
Hi and thanks! I use a very old copy of Omnigraffle for doing simple 2-D diagrams. I should upgrade it, or try something else, but there's a lot of muscle-memory to work against, and tbh it does the job pretty well. There seems to be a dearth of simple 2-D drawing software made for regular folks - everything else I've tried wants to be CAD, and I just want simple - 2-D to scale, in metric. So I stick with Omnigraffle, not because it's great, but because it's what I know; hardly a ringing endorsement, is it, lol! 😂 👍
I meant to add that reputations depend on that and a good reputation cannot be bought
hard work !!
Yep - not always puppy dogs and roses 😆👍
That looks really nice, I wouldn't have thought to even try to put something in such an unusual space. One more thing, your plans show your email and phone number, I'm not sure if you wanted to leave that in or not.
Thanks Tim! Hadn’t realised my deets were showing in the plans - carefully blanked out the clients, forgot about mine 😂 It’s not a problem, they’re all posted online for anyone who want to find them, but thanks for mentioning it 👍
Hi Peter, quick question... why do you choose to paint cabinets and not use laminate white furniture board? Thanks and sorry for all the questions haha
No problem, ask away! Short answer; I make what clients ask for. So far, in 17years of making stuff for people in London, nobody’s asked me for a melamine finish. Wether that’s a longer-term trend for a painted finish, or just that people associate white furniture board with e.g. cheep & cheerful flat-pack, I don’t know. It would certainly cut down in the painting time on these projects though😆👍
Peter Millard fair enough! In 2 minds as to if I make wardrobes from scratch painted, or buy... as it’s all going to be white! Thanks though.
Rob Pittaway Pleasure👍 Build or buy is the classic dilemma - best of luck with whatever you decide 👍🤞
Peter Millard I also not sure I can get my wife to approve a Domino for the job hahaha
Haha - more ways to skin that cat, though; biscuits, dowels etc... 👍
Ah great video mate. Even if you were not feeling the love. You should do a video on how you price jobs. It would be good to see a pro's insight. I hate pricing jobs or should I say nixers. Hahaha...Can't tell the taxman. If I know them, end up just saying: whatever you think the jobs worth. If I don't know them, I very rarely bother doing it. Stupid of me, I no. You know what people are like when it comes to money though.
Thanks bruv! Yeah, I keep thinking about doing a ‘pricing’ video - the challenge is in making it visually interesting. Maybe I’ll do one and get the viewers to price it for me 😆👍
Peter Millard hahaha...even better. Make something & ask people to comment below on how much they wud charge. You dont want to tell people your personal business. As Socrates said: I cant teach you anything. I can only make you think.
Hope you were able to have a pint after that install ;)
Oh yeah! I make sure I don’t do any of these jobs in ‘dry January’ 😂🍺👍
Looks like there is about 10cm above that could have been used also. Just a bit of wall at an odd angle but why back down from a challenge? ;)
Just kidding. Good job as always and I hope the next one will be a better project for you :)
Haha - thankfully the client decided to use the ‘dead space’ as a wine rack, so I was off the hook for that one. And thanks! 👍
Great work , been there done that ;^)
Thanks - and yep, I think we all have... 😆👍
What a nightmare Peter but turned out great in the end .
Thanks Michael. A nightmare partly of my own doing, to be fair, so get it done & move on, all I could do 👍
Time to crack a bottle of your preferred tipple!😁😁😁😁😁
Oh yes! First one didn’t touch the sides 😂👍
I must admit the space is tiny and awkward to work imagine if did that on hot day but finish is great
Thank you!
Simply bump up any upcoming jobs by 10% to cover any loss... if I could donate you the price of a pint it may ease the pain! ;)
Haha, thanks Kevin, and yes, I’m already on that 👍🍺
I wish I has been a carpenter but I was never encouraged in this type of direction ..
Did it not occur to the customer that a framed pair of doors and shelves installed into the alcove would have been cheaper, done the same thing, and left more storage space? This project is a little bit like looking at a giant, white russian doll.
Customer's spec was for one fixed shelf and one adjustable; walls are all over the place, and unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier & a more professional job just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box, with doors on. And no, a framed door with shelves on battens wouldn't be cheaper, given all the scribing, and wouldn't look better, given the state of the walls 👍
Oh, right. I would have sheathed the walls, with wedges to plum and square. Then frame in the doors as standard. That way, you have all you need to meet the spec. Lol, next time...
In which case, you may as well build a box that's square/true and slide it in place - which is what I did. All you're 'missing' is ~18mm either side, which is what you'd need to wedge the cladding/sheath in plumb anyway. 👍
First ! Cracking job
Thanks! And crongrats on ‘first’ 😂👍
Why did they want a freestanding cabinet? Surely they just needed shelves and doors. Nice build well executed but their "desire" seemed a pointless exercise causing unnecessay frustration and stress. I'd have handed back the deposit and walked... Will they see this video of your gripes?
Customer's spec was for one fixed shelf and one adjustable; walls are all over the place, and unfinished (no skirting, crude plaster/filler) at the base, so much easier & a more professional job just to hide it all behind a nice clean, square, freshly painted MDF box, with doors on. Customers want what they want; no idea if they’ll watch the video, but it’s out there for all to see 👍
Peter Millard You're a better man than me. Hat off to your patience. I'd have lined the walls. Hope you didn't lose too much on this.
Thanks! TBH the walls were so far out that by the time you line them, wedge them so they’re plumb and true, it’s just easier all round to slot in an MDF box, with doors on 👍
Peter Millard Your other reply has vanished, but understood. Hope the next one is easier. (Edit:... it's there... my connection is perhaps a bit laggy; sorry)
Thanks. That’s weird - all still there for me, but yeah, I think we’ve reached the conclusion on this one 😬👍
Really did look awkward!!
I’ve installed in more awkward spaces, but not many! Didn’t help that it’s the main passageway between the lounge, kitchen & bathroom! 👍
Peter Millard great finish tho 🖒
James C Thanks! 👍