By the end of this guide, you'll know if fitted wardrobes are right for your Cardiff home.
Many Cardiff families struggle with bedroom storage problems. Clothes pile up on chairs. Wardrobes overflow with nowhere to put everything. Children can't reach their favorite toys. The good news is there's a smart solution.
Fitted wardrobes are special cupboards built just for your room. They're made to fit perfectly in your space, with no gaps or wasted corners, just lots of storage.
Cardiff homes are quite different from each other. Some are old Victorian houses with tall ceilings. Others are new flats in Cardiff Bay. Some have tiny bedrooms, others have big ones. Each home needs different storage ideas.
We're Orca Interiors, and we make fitted wardrobes in Cardiff. We've helped hundreds of families get organised. We know Cardiff homes well.
Why are fitted wardrobes so good? They use every bit of space in your room. They can go from floor to ceiling. They fit around windows and doors. You can choose exactly what goes inside them.
Old Cardiff houses often have weird shapes. Maybe there's a chimney bump in the wall. Or the ceiling slopes down. Normal shop-bought wardrobes don't fit well. But fitted ones can work around these tricky bits.
New Cardiff homes sometimes have small bedrooms. Every bit of space matters. Fitted wardrobes can hold twice as much as normal ones and help make small rooms feel bigger, too.
Fitted wardrobes also make your house worth more money. When people want to buy a Cardiff home, they love good storage. It's like getting a present that keeps giving.
We use the best wood and materials. Our wardrobes last for many years. They open and close smoothly, and the doors don't slam shut. Everything is made just right.
This guide will teach you everything about fitted wardrobes. You'll learn about different styles and colours. We'll explain how much they cost. You'll see how we make and fit them.
By the end, you'll know if fitted wardrobes are right for your Cardiff home. You'll understand what to look for in a good company. Most importantly, you'll see how much easier life can be when everything has its place.
Let's start this journey together. Your dream bedroom storage is closer than you think.
Understanding Fitted Wardrobes
What exactly are fitted wardrobes? Think of them like puzzle pieces made just for your room. They fit perfectly into your space.
Normal wardrobes come ready-made from shops and are all the same size. Fitted wardrobes are different. We measure your room first, and then we make wardrobes that fit exactly.
Built-in wardrobes are another name for fitted wardrobes. Some people call them custom wardrobes, too. They all mean the same thing. Wardrobes made specially for your room.
Here's how they're different from shop wardrobes. Shop wardrobes have gaps around them. You can't use that wasted space. Fitted wardrobes have no gaps. They use every single bit of room.
Shop wardrobes are also usually the wrong height. Your ceiling might be really tall, but the wardrobe stops halfway up. That's wasted space at the top. Fitted wardrobes can go right to the ceiling.
Cardiff homes have lots of tricky spaces. Maybe there's a sloped ceiling in your attic room. Or a weird corner where two walls meet. Normal wardrobes can't handle these spaces. Fitted ones can.
Bespoke is a fancy word that means "made just for you." That's what fitted wardrobes are. Every single one is different. Yours will be designed just for your needs.
Inside fitted wardrobes, you choose what goes where. Want more hanging space for dresses? We can do that. Need lots of shelves for t-shirts? No problem. Want special drawers for socks? Easy.
You also pick the doors. Some swing open like normal doors, and others slide from side to side. Sliding doors are great for small rooms because they don't need space to open out.
The doors can also have mirrors, which makes your room look bigger and is handy for getting dressed. You can see your whole outfit at once.
You can also choose the colour and style. Want bright white doors? Perfect. Prefer wood that looks natural? Great choice. Like dark colours? We can do that, too.
The inside can be different colours from the outside. Maybe white outside and wood inside. Or any combination you like. It's completely up to you, but we're here to help.
Fitted wardrobes are also much stronger than shop ones. They're fixed to your walls. This makes them really sturdy. The doors won't wobble or fall off.
They're quieter, too. Shop wardrobes often creak and bang, while fitted ones open and close smoothly. Your family won't wake up when you get dressed.
The best part? They look like they've always been there. They become part of your room. Not just furniture stuck against the wall.
This is why so many Cardiff families choose fitted wardrobes. They solve storage problems perfectly. Every room is different, so every solution should be different too.
13 Benefits of Fitted Wardrobes
Why do Cardiff families love fitted wardrobes so much? Let's look at all the amazing benefits.
- More Space for Your Stuff
- Perfect for Small Bedrooms
- Superior Quality Options
- Your House Becomes Worth More
- No More Mess
- They Last for Years and Years
- Perfect Fit Every Time
- Quieter Operation
- Better for Awkward Spaces
- You Choose Everything
- Safer for Children
- Easy to Keep Clean
- Perfect for Everyone's Needs
1. More Space for Your Stuff
Fitted wardrobes hold much more than normal ones. They use every corner and gap. From floor to ceiling, wall to wall. Nothing gets wasted.
In Cardiff's Victorian houses, rooms often have funny shapes. There might be a chimney that sticks out, or corners that aren't quite square. Fitted wardrobes work around all these tricky bits.
2. Perfect for Small Bedrooms
Many Cardiff homes have relatively small bedrooms, such as Penylan, Splott, and Canton, which feature stunning homes but lack spacious bedrooms. Every bit of space counts. Fitted wardrobes can double your storage space. Sometimes even more than that.
They also make rooms feel bigger. When everything fits perfectly, rooms look neater, and tidy rooms always feel more spacious.
3. Superior Quality Options
Unlike big chain stores with limited choices, we offer premium materials and finishes you won't find elsewhere. Real wood veneers, soft-touch paint finishes, and luxury interior fittings make your wardrobe truly special.
We can include features like leather-lined jewellery drawers, cedar-scented sections for wool clothes, and mirror lighting that makes you look amazing. These luxury touches turn your wardrobe into something really special.
4. Your House Becomes Worth More
Good storage makes houses more valuable. When people want to buy a Cardiff home, they notice great wardrobes. Estate agents always mention fitted storage. It's a big selling point.
Most fitted wardrobes add more value than they cost. It's like buying something that pays you back later.
5. No More Mess
With fitted wardrobes, everything has its proper place. Clothes aren't scattered around, shoes have their own spots, and even small things like belts get special hooks.
This makes getting dressed much faster. You know exactly where everything is. No more searching through messy piles.
6. They Last for Years and Years
Shop-bought wardrobes often break after a few years. Doors fall off. Hinges get wobbly. Fitted wardrobes are built much stronger.
We properly fix them to your walls, use the best hinges and handles, and make them to last decades, not years.
7. Perfect Fit Every Time
Ever tried to fit a big wardrobe through your bedroom door? It's really hard work. Sometimes impossible. Fitted wardrobes are built inside your room. No wrestling with heavy furniture.
They fit around radiators and light switches, too. Everything works together perfectly.
8.Quieter Operation
Well-fitted wardrobes are much quieter than cheap ones. The doors close softly, without slamming or banging, so your family can sleep while you get ready.
9. Better for Awkward Spaces
Cardiff has many converted attic bedrooms, which often have sloped ceilings. Normal wardrobes waste space, while fitted ones perfectly follow the ceiling line.
Under-stairs cupboards are another tricky space. Fitted wardrobes can turn these into amazing storage areas.
10. You Choose Everything
With shop wardrobes, you get what they make. With fitted ones, you choose everything: height, width, depth, colour, and style.
Want a wardrobe that's only 30cm deep? We can make it. Need one that's 3 meters wide? No problem. It's made exactly how you want it.
11. Safer for Children
Fitted wardrobes are much safer than freestanding ones. They can't tip over. This is important in children's bedrooms. Parents worry less with fitted storage.
12. Easy to Keep Clean
No gaps mean no dust is collecting behind wardrobes, so you don't need to move them to vacuum underneath. Fitted wardrobes make housework easier.
13. Perfect for Everyone's Needs
Fitted wardrobes can be designed for people with different abilities. They can have lower hanging rails for wheelchair users, one-handed door handles that are easy to operate, and pull-down rails that bring clothes within easy reach.
Wider doors make access easier. Special drawer handles help people with arthritis. LED lights help people with vision problems see inside.
All these benefits explain why fitted wardrobes are so popular in Cardiff. They solve real problems that Cardiff families face every day.
We design wardrobes that work perfectly for your family's specific needs. Everyone deserves storage that's easy to use
Design Options and Styles
Fitted wardrobes come in loads of different styles. You can choose exactly what looks best in your room. Let's explore all the options.
Door Styles
The doors are the part you see most. They set the whole look of your wardrobe. Here are the main types.
Flat doors are simple and clean, with no patterns or raised bits. They look very modern, perfect for new Cardiff flats or contemporary homes.
Shaker doors have a simple frame around the edge. They look traditional but not too fancy. They are great for older Cardiff houses and suit Victorian and Edwardian homes really well.
Raised panel doors are more decorative. They have patterns that stick out from the surface. These work well in grand bedrooms or period properties.
Door Opening Types
Hinged doors swing open like normal doors. The most common type requires space in front to open.
Sliding doors move from side to side, making them perfect for small bedrooms where space is tight. They don't need any room to open out.
Bi-fold doors fold back on themselves. They're popular in dressing rooms and are good when you want to open the whole wardrobe at once.
Colours and Finishes
White is the most popular colour. It makes rooms look bigger and brighter. White goes with any other colours in your room.
Wood colours look natural and warm. Light wood, like oak or pine, feels fresh, while dark wood, like walnut, looks more grown up.
Painted colours let you match your room perfectly. Soft greys are very popular now. Blues and greens create calm feelings.
High gloss finishes are very shiny and reflect light around the room. Matt finishes don't shine and feel more relaxed.
Handles and Knobs
Some wardrobes have no handles at all. These are called handleless designs. You push the door, and it pops open. They are very modern and sleek.
Metal handles come in different colours. Chrome is shiny silver, brass is golden, and black handles look strong and bold.
Wooden handles match wooden doors perfectly. They feel warm and natural in your hand.
Mirror Options
Mirrors make rooms look much bigger. They also help when you're getting dressed. You can see your whole outfit.
Full-height mirrors cover the whole door, making the biggest difference to the room size. They are perfect for small Cardiff bedrooms.
Partial mirrors cover just part of the door, maybe the top half or a strip down the middle. This is good if you don't want too many mirrors.
Interior Layouts
Inside your wardrobe, you choose what goes where. Here are the main options.
Hanging rails for dresses, shirts, and jackets. You can have different heights. Long clothes need tall spaces. Shirts need less height.
Shelves for folded clothes like jumpers and jeans. Adjustable shelves can move up and down. Fixed shelves stay in one place.
Drawers are perfect for underwear, socks, and small items. Soft-close drawers shut quietly and smoothly.
Shoe racks keep footwear organised. Some slopes allow you to see all your shoes, while others have individual spaces for each pair.
Special Features
LED lights inside wardrobes help you see everything. They turn on when you open the doors, which is helpful on dark mornings.
Jewellery trays have soft felt linings, protecting delicate items. They are perfect for rings, necklaces, and earrings.
Tie and belt hooks keep accessories neat. No more tangled belts or creased ties.
Styles for Different Cardiff Homes
Modern Cardiff Bay flats suit sleek, simple designs. Clean lines and light colours work best.
Victorian terraces in Roath look great with traditional styles. Shaker doors and natural wood colours fit perfectly.
Family homes in the suburbs can use any style. It depends on your personal taste and existing furniture.
Popular Combinations
White doors with wooden interiors are very popular. They look fresh but feel warm inside.
Grey doors with white interiors create a modern, calming look. Perfect for master bedrooms.
Wood doors with matching interiors give a completely natural feel. Great for people who love traditional styles.
The best design is the one you love most. We'll help you choose what works perfectly in your Cardiff home.
Materials and Construction
Let's talk about what fitted wardrobes are made from. Understanding materials helps you choose the best wardrobe for your money.
Main Materials
Most fitted wardrobes use MDF as the main material. MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard, which is made from tiny wood pieces pressed together.
Why do we use MDF? It's very smooth and flat, and unlike some woods, it doesn't warp or twist. Paint and finishes look perfect on MDF surfaces.
Solid wood is another option. This comes from real trees like oak or pine. It looks beautiful and feels very natural. But it costs more than MDF.
Plywood is layers of thin wood stuck together. It's very strong but can be more expensive than MDF.
Door Materials
Door fronts can be different from the main wardrobe body. Many people choose MDF with wood-effect finishes. This looks like real wood but costs less.
Real wood veneers are thin slices of genuine wood. They stick onto MDF underneath, giving the wood look with the strength of MDF.
Painted finishes go straight onto MDF. First, we sand everything perfectly smooth, then spray on several coats of paint.
Hinges and Hardware
Hinges are the metal parts that allow doors to swing open. Cheap hinges break quickly and make noise, while good hinges last for decades.
Soft-close hinges are amazing. They stop doors from slamming shut, and the door slows down just before closing, making it much quieter and safer.
Blum hinges are the best brand. They're made in Austria with perfect engineering, and most professional furniture makers use Blum hinges.
Handles and knobs need to be strong too. We use solid metal ones, not plastic. They feel much better and last longer.
Drawer Construction
Good drawers have wooden sides, not plastic. The corners are joined properly with strong joints. Cheap drawers fall apart quickly.
Drawer runners let drawers slide in and out smoothly. Ball bearing runners are the best type. They're much stronger than plastic ones.
Soft-close drawer runners are brilliant. Drawers close gently by themselves. No more slamming or pinched fingers.
Back Panels
Some companies don't put backs on wardrobes. They just use your bedroom wall. This saves them money but isn't as good.
Proper backs make wardrobes much stronger. They also look more finished. Everything feels solid and professional.
Shelving
Adjustable shelves can move up and down, while fixed shelves stay in one place. Adjustable shelves are more flexible as your needs change.
Thick shelves don't sag under weight, while thin ones bend and look messy. We use proper thick shelving that stays straight.
Edge Banding
This is the strip around the edges of shelves and panels. Good edge banding protects against chips and damage.
Cheap wardrobes often have peeling edges after a few years. Quality edge banding stays perfect for decades.
Finishes
Paint finishes need several coats to look perfect. We sand between each coat. This takes time but gives amazing results.
Spray finishes are much better than brush or roller finishes. They create perfectly smooth surfaces with no brush marks.
Matt finishes hides fingerprints better than gloss. Gloss finishes are easier to wipe clean. Both have advantages.
Quality Differences
Expensive wardrobes use better materials throughout: thinner panels, stronger hinges, and better finishes. They last much longer.
Cheap wardrobes cut corners everywhere: thin panels, plastic parts, and poor finishes. They look okay at first, but don't last.
Our Construction Methods
We use 18mm thick panels for strength. Many companies use thinner panels to save money. Ours don't bend or flex.
All our hinges are soft-close as standard. Many companies charge extra for this, but we think it should be included.
We put proper backs on all wardrobes. Some companies don't include backs at all. Ours are fully finished inside and out.
Why Good Construction Matters
Well-built wardrobes have opened and closed smoothly for years. Doors stay appropriately aligned. Nothing wobbles or breaks.
Poor construction causes problems quickly. Doors sag and won't close. Hinges break. The whole wardrobe looks shabby.
Cardiff's old houses move and settle over time. Strong construction handles this movement, while weak construction doesn't.
Choosing Quality
Ask what thickness of panels is used. 18mm is good, 25mm is even better. Avoid anything under 15mm.
Check what type of hinges are included. Insist on soft-close hinges from a good brand like Blum.
Make sure backs are included. Some companies call this an "optional extra" to keep their prices low.
Good materials and construction cost more upfront. But they save money in the long run. Quality wardrobes last for decades without problems.
The Design and Installation Process
Getting fitted wardrobes is exciting but can feel a bit scary. Don't worry! We'll explain exactly what happens from start to finish.
Step 1: First Contact
You can call us or send a message through our website. We chat about what you need. How big is your room? What style do you like? When would you like the work done?
This first chat is completely free, and there is no pressure. We want to understand what you're looking for.
Step 2: Home Visit
We arrange to visit your Cardiff home, which is also completely free. We bring a tape measure and a notepad, and sometimes a tablet to show you pictures.
We look at your room carefully, measure everything twice to ensure it's exactly right, and check where plug sockets and light switches are.
We also chat about what you need inside the wardrobe. Lots of hanging space? More shelves? Special drawers? We write everything down.
Step 3: Design Time
Back at our workshop, we design your perfect wardrobe using special computer programs that show exactly how it will look.
We think about every detail of how the doors will open and where the shelves will go. What colour will everything be?
This usually takes a few days. We want to get everything perfect before showing you.
Step 4: Showing You the Design
We come back to your house with the design. Or you can visit our workshop in Cardiff. We show you pictures of exactly how it will look.
You can ask for changes if you want. Move a shelf up or down, change a colour, or add more drawers. We're happy to adjust things.
When you're completely happy, we give you the final price. There are no hidden extras. Everything is included in the price we quote.
Step 5: Ordering Materials
Once you say yes, we will order all the materials. Wood panels, hinges, handles, and paint. Everything gets delivered to our workshop.
This usually takes about a week. Sometimes longer for special colours or materials.
Step 6: Making Your Wardrobe
Now, the fun part begins! We start making your wardrobe in our Cardiff workshop, cutting all the panels to exactly the right size.
We paint or finish everything perfectly. Every door gets several coats. We fit all the hinges and handles. Everything gets tested before it leaves the workshop.
This usually takes 2-3 weeks. Complex designs might take a bit longer. We always let you know exactly when it will be ready.
Step 7: Installation Day
This is when your dream becomes reality! Our installation team arrives at your home. Usually early in the morning.
They bring all your wardrobe parts carefully wrapped. Plus, all the tools needed to fit everything perfectly.
What Happens During Installation
First, we protect your floors and furniture with dust sheets and carpet protectors. We don't want to damage anything in your home.
Then, we start fitting the wardrobe frame, which is fixed securely to your walls. Everything has to be perfectly level and square.
Next come the shelves and internal parts: hanging rails, drawers, and shoe racks. They all fit exactly where we planned.
Finally, we fit the doors. This is the exciting moment when it all comes together. The doors need to line up perfectly and close smoothly.
We clean up thoroughly before we leave. We remove all the packaging and rubbish, leaving your room spotless.
How Long Does A Fitted Wardrobe Installation Take?
Simple wardrobes usually take one day. More complex ones might need two days. We always tell you exactly how long to expect.
We work efficiently but never rush. Getting everything perfect is more important than being super fast.
During the Work
You don't need to stay home all day. But someone needs to be there when we arrive and when we finish.
We're very tidy workers. We vacuum up any dust as we go. Cardiff homes are treated with complete respect.
Testing Everything
Before we leave, we test every door and drawer. Everything must open and close perfectly, and all the lights must work properly.
We show you how everything works, how to adjust shelves if needed, and how to clean different surfaces. We also explain any special features.
After We Leave
You get to enjoy your amazing new wardrobe! Everything should work perfectly from day one.
If you notice any small problems, just call us. We always come back to fix anything that's not quite right.
Assurances
All our work comes with guarantees. If anything goes wrong, we fix it free of charge. Good companies always stand behind their work.
The whole process usually takes about 4-6 weeks from the first call to the finished wardrobe. Complex designs might take a bit longer.
Tips for Customers
Clear your room before installation day. This helps us work faster and protects your belongings.
Think about what clothes you'll need during installation. Pack a small bag with essentials.
Let us know about any pets. Some animals get nervous around strangers working in the house.
Getting fitted wardrobes should be exciting, not stressful. We handle everything so that you can look forward to your excellent new storage!
Cost Considerations: How Much Do Fitted Wardrobes Cost in Cardiff?
Let's talk about money. How much do fitted wardrobes cost? What affects the price? We'll explain everything clearly.
Basic Price Guide
Fitted wardrobes in Cardiff usually cost between £580 and £1020 for each meter of width. So a 2-meter wide wardrobe costs between £1160 and £2040.
Why is there such a big difference? It depends on what you choose. Simple designs cost less, while fancy features cost more.
What's Included in the Price
Our prices include everything you need. Design visit, measuring, making the wardrobe, and fitting it. No nasty surprises later.
We also include basic soft-close hinges and handles. Many companies charge extra for these, but we think they should be standard.
What Makes Prices Higher
Real wood costs more than painted finishes. Solid oak doors are beautiful but expensive, while wood-effect finishes look similar for less money.
Complex shapes cost more to make. Simple rectangles are cheapest. Angled tops or curved parts need more work.
Lots of drawers increase the price. Drawers are more expensive than shelves. But they're really useful for organisation.
Special features like LED lights cost extra. Interior mirrors, jewellery trays, and tie racks add to the price.
What Makes Prices Lower
Painted finishes are usually cheaper than wood. White and standard colours cost less than special mixed colours.
Simple interiors with mostly shelves and hanging rails keep costs down. You can always add drawers later if needed.
Standard handles and knobs cost less than designer ones. But good quality is still essential for daily use.
Comparing Costs
Shop-bought wardrobes might seem cheaper at first. But they often don't fit properly. You waste space and need to buy extra storage.
Fitted wardrobes use every bit of space. They often hold twice as much as shop ones. So they're better value really.
Size Affects Price
Small wardrobes cost more per meter than big ones. This is because the basic work is the same. Measuring, designing, and installation take a similar time.
Very large wardrobes are great value per meter. The cost spreads across more storage space.
Understanding Your Investment & Avoiding Pitfalls
Buying fitted wardrobes is a big decision for most Cardiff families. You want to make sure you get good value for your money. You also want to avoid companies that try to trick you with sneaky charges.
When Do You Pay
We usually ask for a small deposit when you order. This covers the cost of materials. The rest gets paid when the work is finished.
We never ask for full payment up front. Good companies only ask for final payment when you're completely happy.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Some companies quote low prices and then add extras later. "Oh, you need soft-close hinges? That's extra." We include everything in our original quote.
Delivery charges, installation costs, and design fees should all be included. Ask other companies what their price actually covers.
Getting the Best Value
The cheapest quote isn't always the best deal. Think about quality, guarantees, and reputation too.
Ask to see examples of previous work. Good companies are proud to show their projects.
Check what guarantees are included. Will they come back if something goes wrong?
Return on Investment
Good fitted wardrobes usually add more value to your house than they cost. Estate agents say great storage is a big selling point.
Even if you're not moving soon, you'll enjoy better organisation every day, which is valuable.
Cardiff Price Differences
Prices in Cardiff are similar to those in other UK cities. Rural areas might be slightly cheaper, and city centers might be slightly more expensive.
The main difference is travel time for companies. Local Cardiff companies often offer better prices because they're nearby.
Getting Accurate Quotes
Phone quotes are never accurate. Every room is different, and companies need to see your space to give proper prices.
Free home visits are normal. Any company charging for quotes probably isn't worth using.
Get quotes from at least three companies. This helps you understand what fair prices look like.
Budget Planning Tips
Measure your space roughly before calling companies. This helps you get ballpark figures over the phone.
Decide on your maximum budget before getting quotes. It's easy to get carried away with exciting features.
Remember to budget for any decorating you might want afterwards. New wardrobes often make rooms look better, but you might also want fresh paint.
Questions to Ask About Price
What exactly is included in the quote? Materials, design, installation, and clean-up?
Are soft-close hinges included or extra? Good companies include them as standard.
What guarantee comes with the price? How long will they fix problems for free?
When do you need to pay? Avoid companies wanting large payments up front.
Our Pricing Promise
We always give honest, accurate quotes. No hidden extras later. What we quote is what you pay.
We use good quality materials as standard. We don't cut corners to offer cheap prices.
Our prices include everything you need for a complete job. Design, materials, installation, and clean-up.
Good fitted wardrobes are an investment in your home and family life. They should last for decades and make every day better.
Choosing the Right Company
It's really important to pick the right company for your fitted wardrobes. A good company makes the whole process easy and enjoyable, while a bad one causes stress and problems.
Local (Cardiff) vs National Companies
Big national companies like Sharps and Hammonds advertise on TV. They have fancy showrooms and lots of marketing. But are they the best choice for Cardiff families?
Local Cardiff companies have big advantages. We live and work in the area, so we understand Cardiff homes really well. We know about Victorian terraces and modern flats.
Local companies also care more about their reputation. We meet customers in the supermarket! Bad reviews spread quickly in Cardiff. So we work extra hard to keep everyone happy.
National companies often use subcontractors. These are other companies that do the actual work. Local companies usually do everything themselves. Better quality control.
What to Look For
First, check how long the company has been running. New companies might not have much experience, and very old companies might be stuck in old ways. 5-15 years is usually good.
Look at their website and social media. Do they show lots of real projects? Photos of actual Cardiff homes are better than stock images.
Check Google reviews and Facebook comments. What do real customers say? Look for patterns in the feedback.
Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations. Cardiff people love to share experiences. Personal recommendations are valuable.
Questions to Ask Companies
Where is your workshop? Local workshops mean shorter delivery times and lower costs. You can often visit to see the work in progress.
Can I see examples of your work? Good companies have portfolios of completed projects, which is even better if they're local Cardiff homes.
Do you employ your fitters? Or do you use subcontractors? Own fitters usually give better quality and service.
What guarantees do you offer? How long will you fix problems for free? Good companies offer a guarantee of at least 12 months.
Can you provide references from recent customers? Speaking to previous customers gives honest feedback about the experience.
Bad Signs to Look Out For
High-pressure sales tactics. Good companies don't need to pressure you. They're confident you'll choose them based on quality.
Asking for large payments up front. Honest companies only ask for small deposits. Full payment should wait until the job is completely finished.
Prices that seem too good to be true. Very cheap quotes often mean corners get cut somewhere. Quality costs money.
No local address or workshop. Companies that only have mobile phone numbers might disappear if problems happen.
Poor communication. They'll be worse afterwards if they're hard to reach before the sale.
Meeting the Team
Ask to meet the people who will actually do the work. Good companies are proud of their craftsmen, and you should feel comfortable with people working in your home.
Check if workers are employed or freelance. Employed workers usually have better training and accountability.
Checking Credentials
Are they insured? All good companies have public liability insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong.
Do they follow health and safety rules? Professional companies take safety seriously. This protects both workers and your family.
Are they registered for VAT? This usually means they're an established business, not just someone working cash-in-hand.
The Design Process
How thorough is their measuring and design process? Good companies measure everything twice. They ask lots of questions about your needs.
Do they use computer design programs? Modern software shows exactly how wardrobes will look. Much better than hand-drawn sketches.
How many times will they visit before starting work? Usually, it is done at least twice, once for measuring and once for design approval. Depending on your preferences, designs can be confirmed digitally.
Quality Standards
What materials do they use as standard? Ask about panel thickness, hinge quality, and finish types. Good companies use quality materials.
Can you see examples of their hinges and hardware? Feel how smoothly doors and drawers operate. Quality hardware makes a huge difference.
Communication Style
Do they explain things clearly? You should understand exactly what you're getting. Technical jargon should be avoided or explained.
Do they listen to your needs? Good companies ask questions and listen to answers. They're designing for your lifestyle.
How quickly do they respond to messages? Fast responses usually continue after the sale, while slow responses often get worse.
Showrooms and Workshops
Visiting showrooms helps you see quality levels. But remember, showroom examples might be better than what you get at home.
Workshop visits are even better. You can see how carefully they work. Clean, organised workshops usually mean careful workers.
Pricing Transparency
Do they explain clearly what's included in quotes? Everything should be listed: materials, labor, design, and installation.
Are there any extra charges? Delivery, removal of old furniture, and disposal of packaging should all be discussed upfront.
How do they handle changes during the project? Sometimes you want to adjust things. Good companies handle this smoothly.
After-Sales Service
What happens if something goes wrong? Good companies come back quickly to fix problems. How easy is it to contact them later?
Do they offer maintenance services? Hinges might need adjusting after a few months. Good companies include this.
Our Approach at Orca Interiors
We've been making fitted wardrobes in Cardiff for years. We know local homes inside and out. Victorian terraces, modern flats, family houses - we've worked on them all.
Our workshop is right here in Cardiff. You're welcome to visit and see the work in progress. We employ our own skilled craftsmen.
We use quality materials as standard. All wardrobes have 18-mm panels, soft-close hinges, and proper backs. There are no hidden extras.
Our guarantees are comprehensive. We stand behind our work completely. If something isn't right, we'll fix it quickly and professionally.
Most importantly, we treat your home with complete respect. We're tidy workers who clean up properly, and your neighbours will notice the difference.
Making Your Final Decision
Don't rush into choosing a company. Take time to compare properly. The cheapest isn't always the best, and the most expensive isn't always the best, either.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Good companies make you feel confident and comfortable throughout.
Choose a company you'd be happy to recommend to friends and family. That's usually a good test of quality and service.
Remember, you'll live with these wardrobes for many years. Choosing the right company makes all the difference between loving your wardrobes and regretting the decision.
Take your time, ask lots of questions, and choose carefully. Your perfectly fitted wardrobes are waiting!