Repairs
If you would like to inquire about a potential repair or restoration project please get in touch. Although we have had great success with previous projects there are some details you should be aware of before requesting a repair or restoration. The information below will help you to decide whether or not you should consider commissioning us to carry out a repair or restoration for you. Our effort is to avoid disappointing our clients whilst protecting ourselves from any liability.
Repairs and restorations are very time consuming. Often more so than making something from scratch. In most cases the repair or restoration is cost prohibitive. However sometimes there are reasons why the repair or restoration is necessary. If you have an item that has sentimental or monetary value or is something that works for you very well and you cannot replace it then you may benefit from a repair or restoration. Most of the time the request has to be turned down due to cost implications.
Repairs and restorations carry some risks. The worst case scenario is that through the repair or restoration process the item becomes damaged due to reasons beyond the control of the craftsman. For this reason we cannot take any responsibility for an item being damaged or destroyed through the process of repairing or restoring it. Every effort is made to ensure that this does not happen and we will refuse a project if we assess the risks to be too great.
Repair and restoration work is usually given second priority when we are on a production run or there are a number of consecutive bespoke commissions. For this reason we cannot give a firm date for completion. These projects are usually highly time consuming and if you decide to go forward with a project please do not have high expectations for a quick turnaround. Where there is urgency we will try our best to fulfil your requests. Otherwise we will decline the project to protect customers from disapointment.
It is not always possible to offer a complete or matching repair or restoration. This depends on issues like availability of matching materials, suitable tools and expertise and viability of techniques. Therefore it is possible that after taking on a project we have to cease working on it due to some unexpected constraint. If a project has commenced before we realise that it is not possible we will endeavour to return it to its previous state. This may not be possible and we cannot take responsibility for the loss of an item in this instance.
Finally we usually give a rough idea of the cost of the project but the costs can escalate due to unforseen problems. If you do commission us for a repair or restoration please keep in mind the costs are likely to increase as the project goes on. We charge on an hourly basis and we will let you know if there is any cause for increase in costs before continuing. Please also be aware that there is a possibility of there being a point of no return. If we have progressed to a stage when the item cannot be ‘put back together’ then we cannot take responsibility for the loss of the item. We will return all of the parts of the item where possible.
In summary in most cases it is not worth or not possible to do the repair or restoration. The risks of loss of the item and the high cost of such projects mean that we do not end up taking on most repair work or restoration work. It is because of the potential liability and prohibitive cost of repairs and renewals that very few people will take on these projects. If you do consider to repair or restore your possession then please be prepared for its loss or for high costs.