What do I need to do to refurbish this built-in wardrobe?

[Deleted User]

Hi.

First of all, just one to apologise for creating multiple threads about this. Previous ones were more me ranting and getting general feedback about tradesman making promises to quote, at terms showing up, but not getting back. Here, I thought I would post clearer picture of what I am looking to achieve and get a better idea from people here about the works that needs to be done.

This is my built in wardrobe which is above the stairs (so can't go lower). It's quite tall and we don't really use the space above so I am thinking I can add a couple drawers and still have space to hang clothes. This will allow me to get rid of a temporary cloth wardrobe we have in our room. There is also a wardrobe in the second room that needs pretty much the same thing doing to it. 

Inside, the walls are cracked in areas and there are a couple posts (like the one with hooks on the wall) that need to be removed. I am not much of a DIYER at all and have asked carpenters to take on this job but no luck so far (contacted around 10 from Checkatrade and a couple of Facebook). Any tips, advice, ideas etc? The only other thing I can think of is making this part of a entire bedroom refurbish but that's not going to happen for a couple years and want/kinda need this done now.

Would be great to get a better understanding of what needs to be done (plastering perhaps) and what trademan to best approach).

What I am looking to achieve (just one of the silos) -



The actual wardrobe - 

Doozergirl

How wide is the cupboard, exactly? And deep? 

Essentially what it needs is two drawers and some decent cladding at the sides to screw them into.  

And a good clean.  Because it's actually nearly there.  I can see why people
aren't really keen on the job because it isn't much of one.    I mean you can rip it all out and clad it all and make it all brand new, but I'm not sure there's point.  

 

MovingForwards

Clean and paint it. Buy a chest of drawers to fit in the bottom and the job's done. 

Your desired set up is what I've got saved to my phone, just need to move home to achieve it (space).

plumb1_2

With wanting draws you are limiting the amount of tradesman who have ability to make draws, ie work bench,table saw etc. So maybe stick to having shelves.
Fill the cracks in, mdf shelves and paint 
Or you could line the walls with sheets of white conti board, and the same shelves. With fixed or adjustable brackets.
I would presume any good handyman could do this.

Soot2006

In my old house, I measured out the built-in  bit and found out it perfectly fitted an IKEA PAX frame, so we cleaned the space out, wedged it in and then covered the edges with trimming to make it look good. Made my life a lot easier as I then just added all the usual fittings inside - looks great! Always worth a shot!

(in true MSE style, I got the Pax on Gumtree for £30 or something ... and then sold the door for £20 and kept the frame haha)

[Deleted User]

Doozergirl said:

How wide is the cupboard, exactly? And deep? 

Essentially what it needs is two drawers and some decent cladding at the sides to screw them into.  

And a good clean.  Because it's actually nearly there.  I can see why people
aren't really keen on the job because it isn't much of one.    I mean you can rip it all out and clad it all and make it all brand new, but I'm not sure there's point.  

 

1m wide and 0.6m deep. 2m tall.

plumb1_2 said:

With wanting draws you are limiting the amount of tradesman who have ability to make draws, ie work bench,table saw etc. So maybe stick to having shelves.
Fill the cracks in, mdf shelves and paint 
Or you could line the walls with sheets of white conti board, and the same shelves. With fixed or adjustable brackets.
I would presume any good handyman could do this.

I thought that's what wardrobe makers do! I am literally going on to Checkatrade and search for customer furniture. Looking at pictures, they are all built in furniture. I thought this job would be a walk in the park. 

I might just settle for shelves here, especially as their is a desk right next to it that will make opening and closing a little awkward. With that said, there is a second wardrobe with almost the exact same thing I need doing to it. That one definitely needs drawers though. 

Soot2006 said:

In my old house, I measured out the built-in  bit and found out it perfectly fitted an IKEA PAX frame, so we cleaned the space out, wedged it in and then covered the edges with trimming to make it look good. Made my life a lot easier as I then just added all the usual fittings inside - looks great! Always worth a shot!

(in true MSE style, I got the Pax on Gumtree for £30 or something ... and then sold the door for £20 and kept the frame haha)

Will check this out. Thanks. 

Bendy_House

What a shame you aren't a DIYer, because this is a perfect job for one. But, since you ain't, then 'all' you need is a Handyperson, and not a joiner.

Look for a 'no job too small' type, but anyone vying for the job MUST be able to demonstrate that they have a decent level of competence with this sort of thing - able to, say, NEATLY modify drawer sizes to suit, if needed. Able to achieve a good finish, etc. Ideally, ask them to bring with them photos of previous wardrobey jobs they've done. Also mention that there could be larger full-bedroom refurbs coming in the future.

Meanwhile, could you take a couple more pics, please, to show the FULL cupboard, one with door closed and one open. Confirm - you DON'T want a door on this?

And, an accurate measurement of the doorway width, please.