To ensure all would be as expected we ordered and paid for a number of sample panels from which our joiner made sample doors and panels. The sample panels provided had a 7mm oak veneer pressed onto 12.5mm plywood.

The ultimate delivery took place 4 weeks later the planned pushing my whole programme back. When we emailed for updates, these were mostly ignored, or spoken to like we were being unreasonable. The attitude of Tom in particular is less than helpful telling us how busy he was and how our order was not his first priority.

We received boards that have a between 2 and 2.5mm oak veneer on thicker than expected MDF backing. So I emailed Tom.

"You have not paid for any Oak – you have paid for walling 20mm thick and a visual effect – not m3 of oak. You buy an aesthetic which we create. We create it to best effect – you don’t get a choice on how we do it." " I look forward to hearing from your solicitor."

And sadly so he will. The project team are lost for words as am I.