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Wanted to let you know about an outstanding cabinet maker on stt., AI Development.
We own a condo at Gallows on stj and watched some big renovation miseries before starting our own renovation.. Construction can be a problem in the states, but the islands represent a whole new subset of issues! Renovation can be even more problematic than new construction because of unforeseen and hidden problems.
Fate brought us to Ismail, who had recently opened his own cabinetry business(AI Development) after managing another large cabinetry shop on stt. He showed us his commercial work on STT including work where the clients followed him from his previous job.
The mahogany cabinets are beautifully made with the best hardware (haffele) - we did not have to ask for these, they were standard and included in his price. Minor changes (mostly mine) were made with a "no problem" and no up-charge. Not only did Ismail NOT nickel and dime us, he helped resolve problems that were not within the purview of a cabinetmaker. He even helped my husband set the new toilet instead of calling back the tile guy for another day with his usual, "no problem". Ismail also helped in ways which would never have been expected; he even offered to receive ( and pick up thru Customs) appliances we ordered and shipped via Tropical - a bit of a problem when you don't live on island.
My husband owns a medium size architectural firm in the DC area and regularly approves the adequacy of work before payment from client to contractors. So, unlike most of the rest of us, my husband knows high quality work when he sees it.
He also recognized that the islands bring special problems, and Ismail knew what they were and how to deal with them. One thing he said that impressed me (not in the business) was that Ismail said "you do not start a job in stj until you have EVERY last thing you might need on the truck.!"
The work was done on time - actually ahead of time. Ismail called to ask if he could start the work early because there was a temporary break from the Hanna rains. Everything was installed in a few days, except those things which had to be done after the granite was delivered. What a joy...
What impressed my husband most was that when unexpected conditions arose, he just solved the problems and moved on (in the other units at Gallows, similar problems stopped the job for months), whether it was a cabinetry issue, a tile issue, a plumbing issue, or an electrical issue.
In short, Ismail is a jewel, and I know his business will be a huge success.
Posted : September 28, 2008 2:48 am
What a great story. Thanks for sharing--there are some really excellent craftsman and women in the VI and it is always nice to hear about them. KJ
Posted : September 29, 2008 1:59 pm
Topic starter
it would be great if folks would tell us about the good experiences with the trades and crafts in the VI.
Posted : October 21, 2008 9:44 pm
Appliance repair on STT, Mr. Lopera - he's in the book.
Posted : October 22, 2008 12:41 am
I met Ismail (A&I Development) after reading this thread. He gave me a tour of his shop. He is doing very nice work and uses exceptional equipment. He's an extremely personable guy, too.
If you need well-made custom cabinetry, give him a call!
Posted : October 22, 2008 12:49 am
Topic starter
Jules,
glad to help. Ismail is exceptionally reliable - did everything he said he was going to do (and more), did it when he said he was going to do it (and earlier), and easily solved whatever inevitable problems he encountered.
Trade,
Thanks for the appliance repair recommendation - hopefully, we won't need him for a while (since we have all new appliances shipped from the mainland), but you never know.
Posted : October 24, 2008 4:25 pm
Mr. Lopera is the one Western Auto uses for repairs to the appliances they sell. He shows up when he says he will, too.
Posted : October 24, 2008 5:19 pm
Topic starter
Does anyone know who does service on Samsung refrigerators (or if anyone sells them?)
Posted : June 3, 2009 4:32 pm
