I went to my colour selection last week and like many others have stated, we are now being sold a bill of goods that is completely different from what was represented since day 1 in the model suite; verbally confirmed by Aspen Ridge Sales Manager Jason Attard at the Design Seminar conducted by Cecconi Simone 0n October 26, 2006; and in print in the subsequent VuNewsletter.
Here's what was represented to me and what I know:
Model suite kitchen was standard except for upgrades to the type of granite, s/s backsplash, glass inserts in the horizontal cabinets (flat panel w/o glass was standard).
All handles were mounted horizontal and the kitchen island had one set of pots & pans drawers.
At the Design Seminar in October 2006, Mr. Attard as Sales Manager, Aspen Ridge, announced that nulofts would have flat ceilings - not stippled - throughout the suite.
In a Newsletter, it stated that AR had chosen Paris Kitchen's as the supplier for the cabinets.
changed:
Kitchen cabinet supplier changed from Paris to Frendel.
Handles are shorter/smaller and will be mounted vertical as opposed to horizontal as represented in the model suite.
According to AR, the decision to change to Frendel had to do with the Paris' inability to meet time lines; handles are vertical b/c Frendel's production capability does not allow them to mount the handles horizontally. Although, somehow the horizontal cabinets doors will have their handles on the horizontal, and so will the drawers.
Horizontal cabinets are no longer standard - now an upgrade:
$145/door w/o glass insert;
$630/door with glass insert but only available in 2 choices - white coloured door or in aluminum frame.
Otherwise, you get upper cabinets doors that are 50 1/2 inches tall.
Pots and pans drawers eliminated for all islands b/c according to AR some units' island were not deep enough to fit them while some could. As a result, they made the executive decision to not give them to any purchasers; not even offered as an upgrade.
All units come standard with stippled ceilings, and as of now smooth ceilings may/may not be available as there is no pricing.
IMO, changing the choice of cabinet supplier and design of the kitchen as represented is materially significant.
Is Frendel's quality equivalent or better than Paris' ?
Can it be considered "equivalent or better " when their production abilities can't accomodate the original design ?!?!?
The choices for cabinet door upgrades is limited and pricey considering they are from the same price point as the standard one (ie. Frendel's Denova euro group 2).
Basically, you are paying for the choice of different door colours at ~$100/linear foot.
Regarding the handles, I asked them if they could just install the doors UNDRILLED and supply me with the handles so I could install them myself. Yes to the undrilled doors, but NO to supplying me the handles to which I've already paid for. ?!?!?
When I was there, another couple came by to finalize their colour selection and they were not pleased with what had happened. They indicated that they've emailed AR many times and have not heard back from the developers regarding the changes.