Restoration Guide ...
Unfortunately we at Molloy Restoration cannot cater for all clients. We have outlined some very simple guide lines and tips to help you choose a reliable and reputable restorer/conservator for your project.
RESTORATION CONSERVATION COMPANY.
Question the following ..
Firstly and most importantly are they recognised members of any organisations, we are members of the Design and Craft Council, the Institute of Conservator and Restorers in Ireland and we are they listed on the Irish Georgian Society traditional skills registry. These organisations have strict guidelines regarding conservation restoration and quality of work ,they only allowing certain craftspeople to join after proving their qualifications and the consistent quality of their work. They are inexpensive to join and if the quality of work is up to spec the requirements are simple and straight forward. This question will tell you allot about a conservator/ restorers back ground training and current works.
Are they a registered company, trading as a furniture restoration conservation company. There is a huge difference between a finishing company and a conservation company. The conservation company will treat the piece in its entirety however the finishing company may only quote you for a coat of polish .
Are they qualified. This is very straight forward, ensure the person working on your piece has received correct training. From a recognised third level collage.
Location of workshop, question the location of the workshop and check its address is listed on the website, golden pages etc.
SERVICE.
Request accurate treatment proposal and quotation including all charges and a maximum costing, this will prevent overcharging at the end. The treatment proposal will outline everything that has to be done to your piece, carving, finishing, rebuild etc. We encourage clients when pricing around to use our treatment proposals as a means to gauge the extent and quality of work companies are proposing to carry out. Request estimated completion date. This can be very tough to stick to with some antiquities and can run way over depending on the complexity of issues that arise, however it is possible 90% of the time and it will protect you from overcharging. Reputable conservators will give a price reduction if the piece is late.
WARRANTY.
All restoration work should be carry a warranty period. This will more than likely be limited to the works carried out. Ensure the restoration company will stand over their work for a number of years after completion. We offer between a five and ten year warranty on our work depending on the job providing the piece is stored and used correctly. This is essential as polish and wax will deteriorate within weeks if applied poorly. This is a very simple way to weed out an inferior restorer before they take your money and damage your piece.
REVIEWS & TESTIMONIALS
Be very wary of reviews and testimonials on companies web sites. These web sites are created by the companies. I would recommend looking for an independent source for review, independent sites, forums, Google maps review etc.
PORTFOLIOS
A reputable restoration conservation company will have a number of pieces moving in and out of their workshop that they can show you in person. They will more than likely have pieces in museums or public buildings as well. Calling to a live workshop for a visit may not be possible but still nothing beats meeting the restorer and meeting his/her work as well. All restoration companies will have a large record of previous work. we have over 500 pieces in our online portfolio. When reviewing galleries watch out for dismantled before photos making the piece look worse than it is.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
Ensure you are happy with the job before you issue final payment. Make sure your warranty is mentioned in signed documentation. Take your time looking over the piece when it is redelivered I would recommend five minutes to examine the piece, damaged repairs etc. a good restorer conservator will happily point out an discuss all repairs and techniques used
THE RESTORER CONSERVATOR
The finest restorer I have ever met is completely self taught, unfortunately this is rarely the case. More often than not, self taught translates directly into unqualified. Ask about qualifications, internships, education etc. Allot of furniture movers and auction houses have started advertising furniture conservation restoration services with little or no education or experience. This is by far the worst thing that could happen to your valuable piece. Poor restoration, refinishing and techniques could destroy a piece for all time.