Do you provide free quotes?

Yes, if you want we can give you an estimate or a quote if we have enough detail, just email us at info@empatika.uk some rough dimensions and a sketch and ideally some pictures of the area you have in mind and you will get a quote very quickly by email. If you are happy with the estimate then we can come and visit you when it suits you and talk in detail.

How reliable are your carpenters?

We are very reliable, stick to start times and days agreed, we do what we say we will do, we turn up on time every day in order not disrupt your schedule. And we are there throughout the job, not disappearing for one day to do something else.

Do you provide drawings?

Yes once we receive your deposit, we provide you with a hand drawn from scratch 3D computer scale drawing precise to the millimetre for you to check how it looks and to see if you are happy with the dimensions. If you like you can make any changes until the drawing is perfect.

How do I know you will do a good job?

Before I buy anything I read reviews so I suggest you do the same, we have over 100 independent testimonials on the internet. Please have a look at our testimonial page to see what our clients say about us

You call or email us, we asses your needs and give you an estimate or quote, then we arrange a time to come round and visit you, ask you more questions in detail to find out exactly what you would like, listen very carefully to your ideas and offer design ideas and solutions to best use your space and needs. We go away, email you a final quote. Once you decide to go ahead, we take a small deposit, then send you the drawings, once you have agreed the drawing we can book your place in the diary and we agree a start date. We then turn up with the materials and tools and build your units, then once built we paint them or oil them. Then once we are totally finished and you are delighted, only then do you pay us the balance, lastly if you feel testimonials have helped you choose us, please help us keep them fresh and leave us a testimonial here: https://plus.google.com/101927655300158702077/about?hl=en&review=1

Are you going to make a big mess in our house?

We understand that your home is precious and we do everything we can to make sure we leave it in the state we found it. All our materials are cut to size by a specialist cutting company before being delivered to your home, so minimal cutting is required onsite, even then we cover and protect the floors, cover your furniture with plastic sheets, use dust extractors connected directly to power tools, we even use a fine dust and chemical extractor for really sensitive areas, this is well over the top but we like to do the very best we can and offer the best service, and when the work is all finished we take all our rubbish away and give your place a clean.

What materials and finishes do you offer?

Our units are built of quality Medite FSC certified MDF wood then painted, or made of wood veneer we can oil or use matt water based clear varnish, and also melamine coated wood as typically found in kitchen units. We are also pioneering research in alternative healthier eco friendlier materials, we are the first UK fitted furniture company to use UK sourced strawboard which is totally natural and bound with no glues at all to make our bespoke furniture, we can build your units out of formaldehyde free MDF too, we also use recycled plastic sheeting for decorative purposes with lighting behind and recycled glass as well as many other sustainable materials and finishes to find out more please see our eco page.

Do you paint the units and what colours do you offer?

Yes, we use the best quality professional waterbased DULUX and Farrow and Ball eggshell semi matt white paint . If you would like the eco option using more natural paints please see our environment page. We mostly use white but can paint any colour you like (If you would like to paint your fitted furniture we can offer you free advice).

Do you spray the units and do high gloss?

We can arrange to spray the doors and outside visible parts and make the internal carcass of a white or other colour melamine coated laminate.

Are your charges transparent?

All charges are stated in advance in the final quote, you know what you will pay from the start, everything is listed in the quote. Only handles are optional and to be supplied by you or us, also parking is extra, so they are priced separately. All of which is clearly stated in your quote.

Does your service represent value?

For the quality of service we offer from beginning to end we offer outstanding value, we take great pride in producing only the best bespoke furniture that you will be proud to own for years to come, we offer a 2 year guarantee on our work, we are endorsed by various independent certification bodies, we take customer service very seriously, we understand that there is more to producing furniture than wood and screws, your total satisfaction is our number one priority, but don’t take our word for us see what our clients say.

How flexible are you once the work has started if something needs changing?

Our craftsmen all speak good English and have a great deal of skill and will do everything they can if you feel that something needs adapting, for example you change your mind about how many shelves you want, or the spacing between them, then if it is possible we will do what we can to please you, either free of charge or at extra cost depending on what it is.

Can you fix stuff in my home?

Yes if you need anything fixing in your home while we are there making your fitted furniture, if we can do it we will help you out. I like to offer a service that I would like to use myself so for such things as hanging pictures, fixing doors that don’t close and generally anything wood related tell us when we come to measure up for your fitted furniture.

Do you use real wood?

We use real wood veneers or plastic laminates that look like wood but not generally solid wood, we work with close associates who use solid wood, just ask us for contacts.

We don’t do bathrooms but if we are already working in your house doing other fitted furniture, we will consider any storage you would like for your bathroom.

I have sockets where I want my fitted furniture how will you deal with this?

If you have an electrical, phone or TV areal socket that is ok as we can cut a hole in the back so you can still access them, we can move electrical sockets around if they haven’t got far to go. Phone sockets we can more if there is enough spare wire.

Do you make kitchens?

No we don’t make kitchens but sometimes can make units that go in your kitchen such as a bookcase.

Storage Inspiration: Top 5 Storage Hacks

Home » Blog » Storage Inspiration: Top 5 Storage Hacks

Do you live in a small space with just too much stuff?! Modern homes seem to be decreasing in size, yet the objects and belongings we “need to have” seem to be increasing. The result is a very cluttered home, with no clean spaces and a stuffy atmosphere which you can’t relax in.

What’s the answer to this puzzle? Surely there is some amazing storage design which can come to the rescue and ensure we can carry on living like this? We’re not so sure. If you live in a small apartment in the city, there is only so much you can fit in your closets!

However, when it comes to furniture design and storage inspiration, the experts here at Empatika can definitely help. Whether you need some clever hacks to organise the contents of your wardrobe or would like to create some space to keep your book collection, we have a few tricks up our sleeves. Read on for our top five storage hacks which will make your life much easier.

1. De-clutter

Ok so this isn’t exactly a storage tip in the form of an innovative cabinet or a Narnia-esque extending wardrobe; but it is a valuable piece of advice if you are looking for storage. We’ve seen it time and time again – we design and build the most beautiful piece of furniture for a client, and within minutes it is covered up and cluttered again. Before buying your storage solution, have a good clear out so you’re only keeping exactly what you need.

You may not think of yourself as a hoarder, so presume that this step doesn’t apply to you. It does. Everyone collects bits and pieces and random objects which they have no use for – so every now and again you need to de-clutter.

Clutter isn’t just bad for interior design; it could also be bad for your physical and mental health. It can affect other areas of your life, and make you feel anxious and stressed in your own home. If you think you need help de-cluttering your home, then get in touch with our interior design and de-cluttering expert, Helen Sanderson. She helps homeowners clear clutter from their lives before putting away the things that really matter into their beautiful new storage cabinets.

2. Sneaky Shelving

If you don’t have much wall space around your home but need some shelves, then a good place is usually on the staircase. If you are placing them on the wall adjacent to the stairs, of course do take care when choosing the height – and make sure children and guests to your home are well aware of them so they don’t hit them on their way up or down.

Alternatively, why not transform the redundant space beneath the staircase? You could build a built-in bookshelf cabinet, or just fit normal shelving to create as much storage as you need.

Image source: http://freshome.com/2012/04/12/30-under-stair-shelves-and-storage-space-ideas/

3. Multi-functional Furniture

Some items are pure genius, offering a 2 in 1 (or sometimes 3 in 1)! If you just don’t have the floor space for lots of furniture, these practical items are for you. Think coffee tables with draws, beds with storage solutions built in underneath, seating and poufs which open up to allow you to store items inside. Start looking for pieces of multi-functional furniture and you’ll be surprised what you find!

Image source: http://www.traditionalhome.com/design/storage-inspiration-small-spaces?page=5

4. The Sky’s the Limit

When it comes to making the most of your space, you really do need to think vertically. This is especially true in the kitchen and the bedroom, where you’ll have items that you don’t need to reach for every single day. Build cabinets all the way to the ceiling (just made sure you have a ladder handy or something to stand on so you do have easy access). If you have limited space, then floor to ceiling storage is a practical option.

5. Ask an Expert

Some people have a knack for spotting storage opportunities, and fitted furniture designers are within this group of people. From suggesting height and depth and recommending the best places to optimise storage, the team at Empatika have decades of experience in helping homeowners create bespoke storage solutions. They can make a built-in wardrobe more functional or ensure that each shelf is sturdy enough to hold your particular belongings. Moreover, a tailored storage solution is built specifically to your needs so you know it will be fit for purpose, and of the highest quality.