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If you see a thing in a big box designer store, like it, and want it, I will not be able to make a copy for less.  Custom woodworking is a full service design and build experience. It isn't a factory produced end result.  It is thoughtful dialog, care, design, and collaboration. If you are interested in commissioning a custom piece please read on, the link to inquire is below.  
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General Custom Woodworking Process 
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tl;dr

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Estimate vs. Quote:

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  • Estimate = a best guess of total cost; refined after design details are finalized.

  • Quote = a fixed project price, usually based on a past/similar project (delivery, assembly, and extra design changes not included).

 

Design Phase:

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  • Billed at $75/hr. Includes CAD drawings, renderings, walkthrough video, and updated estimate.

  • Takes ~1–3 weeks depending on communication.

  • Design deposit is non-refundable if you don’t proceed with fabrication.

  • Wood/color samples available; samples may vary due to lighting and environment.

 

Client Review:

  • First hour of design changes included; additional changes billed hourly.

  • Once approved and signed, project moves forward.

    • Post-Design Estimate / Work Proposal for Time and Materials:

      • More accurate cost projection.

      • If production takes less time, you’re billed less; if more time is needed, it’s discussed immediately.

    • Post-Design Estimate / Work Proposal for Quotations:

      • Flat rate.

      • If production time takes longer, you aren’t billed.

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Payment Terms:

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Custom Work

  • 50% deposit at Work Order signing.

  • 40% due after finish/color approval, before fabrication.

  • 10% due at delivery and sign-off.

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Ronbow Customizable Cabinetry

  • Complimentary estimate

  • Any request changes require a $1500 non-refundable deposit, but applied toward final purchase price.

  • 50% Deposit for site visit and dimensions.

  • Remainder of balance before commencing production. Lead time starts after documents have been signed and payment has cleared.

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Change Orders:

  • After final approval, changes incur a $300 change fee + hourly design rate.

 

Disclaimers:

  • Rubio Monocoat finish requires specific maintenance products; shop not liable if not used.

  • Solid wood naturally moves and varies in color—this is normal and expected.

 

Rates & Fees:

Design / Shop / Assembly: $75/hr

Local delivery (≤25 miles): $150

Outside local area: $250+

In-home design consult: $150

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General Custom Woodworking Process Unabridged

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  • Estimate

    • An inference made about what the total material, labor, and incidental* cost of a project might be.  Sometimes, a very custom project will have time and materials components and discussed ahead of time. If you wish to move forward with Whiting Art | Design | Woodworking, the next step in the process will be a design draft and revised time and materials estimate reflective of any details not previously discussed or that required clarification.  A work agreement document will be drafted outlining term and conditions, including any portions of a project that will be time and materials, i.e. intricate carving, highly detailed work, inlays, et cetera.  

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  • Quotation 

    • The all-in price for a project. Sometimes, a client chooses something very similar to a past project, and I am happy to offer a set rate for the project.  Assembly, design modifications, and/or delivery not included and will be invoiced accordingly. 

 

  • Design - Billed at the rate listed in the section rates and fees below

    • This constitutes the design of your project(s) with computer aided design software (CAD), and sometimes referred to as “shop drawings.” These are the drawings of which I will use to guide the fabrication process.  In addition, I’ll also send you as a PDF of various renderings, and a video walk around of the your project.  If you wish to view your project in Augmented Reality (AR), a compatible phone or tablet is required.  

    • Included with this is an updated estimate if different than originally quoted. 

    • The turnaround for this phase varies, and typically takes 1-3 weeks depending on rate of communication. 

    • This deposit is non-refundable should you choose to not have me build your project.

    • Should the design process exceed 

    • Finished wood samples provided upon request and billed at hourly shop rate

      • Color​ samples

        • Slight variations may occur, and a sample from the wood for your project will be made for your approval. Be sure to view your sample in the space your custom piece will be in, and with the different types of lights it will be exposed to, e.g. daylight, artificial. Additionally, the final color of the walls and other pieces in the room will affect the perception of the color sample and final piece. 

 

  • Client Review 

    • I will answer any questions you may have and make any modifications to the design at your request. The hourly design fee will apply for any modifications after the 1st hour of change(s) to the original design.

    • Once satisfied with the design and we agree on final specifications we can move forward to the next step​

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  • Post Design Estimate aka Work Proposal

    • A refined inference of ​​what the total material, labor, and incidental cost of a project will likely be, and should your project take less time in production you will be billed accordingly. In the event your project will take more time I will reach out to discuss solutions as soon as they arise.  For example a hardware discrepancy might cause the project to take more time, or perhaps you wish to have something modified (please see work order change below).

 

  • Payment Terms

    • Deposit: 50% of the total project cost is due upon signing a Work Order. This deposit secures the project with proposed delivery date and covers design development, materials procurement, and preparation of finish samples.

    • Balance Payments:

      • The remaining 40% is due upon Client approval of color/finish samples, before fabrication begins.

      • Upon delivery, inspection, and signing, the final 10% is due.​

 

  • Work Order Changes 

    • If a final design has been approved with signature, and a design change is requested, a discretionary $300.00 change order fee will apply in addition to the hourly rate design fee listed below.

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Specials Notes and Disclaimers

 

  • Rubio Monocoat - Finishing and staining of the wood using the Rubio Monocoat system requires special maintenance. Unlike traditional film forming finishes, this is system is easy to maintain and can be easily retouched.  It does require special products for cleaning and maintaining. Whiting Art | Design | Woodworking cannot be held liable for damage or finish failure arising from failure to use Rubio Monocoat cleaners and maintenance products.​​ You may elect to have Whiting Art | Design | Woodworking order your maintenance products to be delivered with your custom piece.  This will be reflected on your final invoice.  Rubio Monocoat is a plant-based, hard-wax oil wood finish that is 0% VOC, durable, matte and keeps the natural look and feel of the wood.

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  • Solid wood furniture may develop small cracks and fissures may develop with changes in humidity and temperature. This is a natural, uncontrollable characteristic of solid wood furniture.

 

  • Natural wood will have variations in color and texture — no two pieces are alike.

 

Rates and fees:

Design rate: $75.00/hour

Shop rate: $75.00/hour

Assembly rate: $75.00/hour

Local Delivery (within a 25 mile radius of shop ): $150

Delivery Outside of Local Radius: ≥$250

In House Visit Design Consultation: $150

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*delivery, assembly on site, maintenance items etc. ​

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