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Frequently Asked Questions

I have a chair/couch/item I want reupholstered - now what?

 

REQUEST AN ESTIMATE

Each project begins with an estimate/quote.  The best way to obtain an estimate is to submit your details HERE. The more information you can provide, the more accurate your estimate will be. Please , do not bring your furniture/photos unannounced to the studio. Estimates take time and often involve research, so I will not give estimates on the spot.

 

CHOOSE FABRIC and TRIM

The next step is to choose fabric and trim (if required). I have extensive fabric selections, so I encourage you to view what I have to offer during your selection process. This way I can help you choose the best fabric for your project in terms of performance and aesthetics. A studio visit to look through fabric books and trims can be booked in advance at any time at my studio in Alderwood.

 

CAN I BRING MY OWN FABRIC?

If you provide your own fabric, you must provide a sample first for approval. With COM (customer’s own material), any warranty or defect issues are the responsibility of the customer. When you buy fabric through .and.once.we.were. I handle any fabric warranty issues in-house without any bother to our customers. There is a cutting/handling fee of $20 per yard for COM fabric, and you are responsible for providing 2 extra yards of fabric with any COM to account for possible flaws. 

 

GET IN QUEUE

To then secure a spot in my work queue, I require a fabric and supply deposit.  The project schedule is based on the order in which I receive deposits and the scope of the work. Once a fabric/supply order is placed, your deposit in non-refundable.  

 

DELIVERY OF FURNITURE TO OUR STUDIO

Your furniture may be only dropped off by appointment when we are ready to work on them. I cannot store furniture in any capacity due to space constraints. If you are not able to transport the furniture yourself, we offer pick-up and delivery services with a fee for items smaller than 60” long that are moveable by one person, or with your help. Anything larger than that, it is the client's responsibility to arrange their preferred service for delivery and pickup.  Once the furniture and fabric are at my shop, I will give you an estimated completion date.



UPHOLSTERY PROCESS

The work process begins by removing the old fabric and filling down to the bare frame.  I check the frame for motion in the joints and repair them, inspect springs and webbing and replace them, if required and  I retie coil springs using the traditional method of the 8-way hand-tie. Unforeseen condition issues may come to my attention once a piece is in my studio and the old upholstery has been removed. At this point I will contact the customer and inform them of the recommended course of action and how much it would cost to repair.  I then replace the fillings and padding with new materials as necessary, cut and sew fabric components and apply and add any trim as needed.



COMPLETION OF WORK

When the work is complete, I will contact you to arrange pick-up or to schedule a delivery date if a date has not already been set. Payment of remaining balance by cash, credit card, cheque or e-transfer is required upon delivery or pick up of your finished product.  No finished goods will be delivered or picked up without full payment of the remaining balance unless prior arrangements have been made. Any items left longer than 2 weeks will result in storage fees. Any items left longer than three months will become property of .and.once.we.were. to do with as I see fit, and under no circumstances will deposits be refunded.

 

Which fabric suppliers do you use?

I have accounts with many local and international suppliers, Including Robert Allen, Charlotte Fabrics, Tigi Fabrics, Tonic Living, Maxwell, JF Fabrics, Schumacher, Kravet, KB Fabrics, Ennis Fabrics and Triden Distributors.  A full range of textures and durability is available, and swatches can be provided upon request. 

 

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How long does it take?

Current lead times are 4-7 months for new clients, depending on the size of the project. During the waiting time you can decide on fabric and trims. Once decided, delivery of fabric can take up to 2 weeks and custom cut foam can take up to 5 weeks to arrive. The upholstery process can take between 4-10 days to strip, rebuild, and upholster once all the materials arrive. Tight/rush deadlines may subject to an additional rush charge to cover things like express shipping and rush fees charged by suppliers.

 

What items won’t you work on?

There are only a few things that I do not consider. I don’t  work with leather, or repair/reupholster attached pillow backed furniture or recliners. Any furniture that is pet stained, or that has obvious signs of past bug/rodent infestation must be stripped down to the frame before being delivered to the shop. I do not build bed frames, couch frames or any furniture for children. Unfortunately, I do not have the studio space to redo dining room tables.

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I have an idea for a project, how do I know if it’s something you might do?

Send me an email, with any details that you have. We'll start chatting and see what can be done, chances are, if I can't help you, I can send you in the direction of someone who can.

 

I want something you have posted, how do I get it?

You can either purchase through the “SHOP” PAGE, or if it is not listed, send me an email to see if it’s available. Currently, all items are available for in studio pickup, or local delivery for a fee. Please inquire for delivery options before purchasing.

 

I have a piece of furniture that needs to be painted, refinished, stripped or stained....?

Send me an estimate request so I can see the condition/size of the piece. Usually steps include a full cleaning, sanding, priming, painting, more sanding, and a finish based on the use of the piece or your desired look. All pieces are prepped, even if using those fancy "no prep paint" to ensure a durable, long lasting finish. All pieces are returned with touch up materials in case of any accidents that may occur. For painted furniture it is the customers responsibility to drop off and pick up finished pieces unless other arrangements are made in advance. 

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