Overview
The reasons are simple. Most families choose furniture based on lifestyle requirements, size, design and comfort. Mass-produced modern furniture cannot replace the timeless quality and design of furniture made as recently as a generation ago. Generally, families that are shopping for new furniture are unable to differentiate quality furniture from pieces that only appear to look good.
Furniture pieces that have provided you with several years of dependability and satisfaction have already proven themselves to be quality pieces. Replacing these proven pieces with today’s massed-produced furniture may result in disappointment in a short period of time.
Although some pieces look good when they are purchased, such furniture may become unsightly resulting in disappointment when expectations of durability are not met. Consequently, some families do not have peace of mind in their home decor. For these families, custom reupholstery can raise their furniture to better than new standards. Older furniture with many years of proven reliability, quality pieces that may have been given to you by friends , pieces needing restoration purchased at thrift shops, or pieces inherited from loved ones may be better suited for custom reupholstery than you ever imagined. Many such pieces have superior frame construction and spring systems.
Planning for Custom Reupholstery
The planning process for custom reupholstery begins with an assessment of your family’s needs and expectations. First ask yourself some questions.
• How does our family use the furniture? (everyday or occasionally )
• What room is the furniture placed in ?
• Do small children , teenagers or pets use the furniture?
• How often do I Intend on changing the fabric covering ?
• Does our family prefer a formal or casual appearance for our furniture ?
Second, budgetary planning must be addressed. Due to the expense of re-decorating your home, it is important that a quality investment be made in your furniture. Be honest about your planned budget . In some cases it is better to marginally extend your budget because the goal is to be sure that your needs are met.
Hire a reputable firm that is fully licensed. It will complete the reupholstery with due care and in conformity with provincial standards. The lowest price should not be basis of making a decision on who ultimately does the work. Our reputation has been based on honesty, fair pricing, quality workmanship and a wide selection of fabrics.
The final aspect of the planning process is to determine, (a) what work actually needs to be done to the furniture, (b) the selection of fabrics and (c) the associated cost. The most common error made by shoppers is to have several free in-home-estimates. In the custom reupholstery industry, free-In-Home-Estimates are usually done by seasoned sales representatives with little or no knowledge of the pieces that are being reviewed. Their primary motivation is to make the sale.
We suggest that consumers invest in an inexpensive, refundable, professional
In-Home-Consultation by the Canadian School to become fully informed about the particular pieces being considered for custom reupholstery. A professional consultant will provide you with a written report of the work required to be performed, what may require replacement and what parts may be restored or re-used. The consultant will help your family with the selection of fabric based on your assessment and planned budget.
Therefore, if you do intend to get two or three free-In-Home-Estimates you can determine if the competing bids are for the same quality of workmanship, and the same pattern and quality of fabric. You will know if important structural work is being omitted in order to lower the quotation or to increase the vendors profit margin. The consultation ensures that the final product will meet your expectations.
The Final Decision
As one of Toronto’s leading home renovators since 1946 and with our many years of consulting experience, we have encountered numerous situations and have extensive knowledge in creating strategies to satisfy your needs.
We recommend that you take advantage of discounts being offered in the showroom. By taking advantage of the discount, the reupholstery job may be completed under your planned budget. Further, shopping in the showroom allows you to know whom you are dealing with.
For seniors, the discount is offered in your home. We understand that it is difficult for you to shop around.
When you select a company to reupholster your important pieces of furniture make the right choice.Hire the company that:
• Meets or exceeds all provincial standards.
• Performs the work with due care and on a timely basis.
• Performs all work that is necessary for a quality, finished product.
• Has a valid renovators license.
• Has been in operation for decades.
• Provides a guarantee in conformity with industry standards.
Follow this outline of how to go about investing in custom reupholstery and you will be rewarded with peace of mind.
