David Ball Furniture Restoration

Studleys Devon EX15 3SU
Telephone: 01823 680607 Mobile: 07962 401408
Email: dcb132@btinternet.com

Your questions answered

Your piece of furniture may be bent, blistered, broken, cracked, dirty, scratched, scuffed, split, stained, twisted, warped, wobbly, wonky or worm-eaten, and have bits missing, bodged repairs, lifted veneer or loose joints. However, even a badly damaged piece can often be restored.

What can I do to improve it?

I can either conserve it or restore it. Conservation involves no new replacement parts, but will stabilise the piece by re-gluing and fixing loose and broken parts, and reviving its surface polish. Restoration will go further and replace missing wooden, metal and other parts with materials of the same period or style wherever possible; stains, glues and polishes will usually be of the same type as the originals. Below is a Victorian mahogany dressing table mirror frame before and after my restoration:-

 

How will I undertake the work for you?

I will give you a free verbal estimate for the work and this will give you a good idea of the minimum and maximum cost of the work, based on what I can see at the time. If you give me the go-ahead I will either collect it then and there or later, or you may like to bring it to my workshop so you can see where the “operation” will take place. On closer inspection in my workshop I may find further work that needs doing; if so I will contact you to discuss any changes to my estimate. My invoice will outline the state of repair of your piece of furniture (including previous repairs) before I start work, and a list of the conservation and restoration work that I have undertaken; and I won’t compromise on the quality of my conservation and restoration work.

How much will I charge?

I make no charge for my initial verbal estimate, but am happy to give you a written report on the condition of your piece for a small fee. As a guide this may cost from £10 - £15 for a small piece of furniture needing only minor conservation/restoration to £60 - £70 for a large piece of furniture needing major conservation/restoration. The condition report will also include my estimate of the cost of all the conservation and restoration work identified. If you commission the work from me I will deduct the cost of the condition report from my final invoice. Payment will be due on delivery or collection. I will charge if I collect or deliver, depending on the distance travelled.

I hope I can be of service to you

David Ball