How we estimate pricing
At Found & Fixed, we believe in pricing transparency. Our pricing model is based on estimating 4 key cost drivers:
1) labor
2) design
3) materials
4) pickup/delivery (if applicable)
Labor
This includes the hands-on time spent working on your piece once it is in our workshop. To view the full list of services we offer, please visit our services page here.
Materials
This covers supplies including consumables (stripper, sandpaper, tape, etc.), lumber, paint, and anything else needed to complete your project. These materials will be itemized on your estimate.
Design
This includes the planning and consultation time required for your project before and throughout the process (including additional check-ins, drafting custom dimensions, sourcing specific samples, and/or other design-related activities).
Pickup/Delivery
If you opt to arrange for your furniture item(s) to be picked up or delivered, we offer these services for locations within a 60-minute drive of our shop in Highland. We will quote you a price based on mileage, time, and the number of personnel needed.
We build an initial estimate for labor, design, and materials based on 4 key variables:
1
The size of your piece
The most straightforward factor is the physical scale of the piece which will impact the materials required to complete the work. For example, a dining table simply requires more product and time to refinish than a nightstand in terms of size.
2
The complexity of the services you seek
The cost is directly related to the number of steps involved and the level of expertise required. Services that are more straightforward like resealing or basic repairs are often our most affordable options as these projects take less time in the shop. Services like refinishing or painting have a higher price tag because they require more steps and time in the shop and may require check-ins along the way. Building or converting furniture tend to carry a higher premium as they require more than just shop time; they also include the time needed to consult with you on the design, exchange reference images, and approve details before the work starts.
3
The level of detail on your piece
While size matters, the level of detail often drives the price more than dimensions. For example, a piece with flat sides will be quicker to sand than a piece with ornate details like spindles, carvings, or molding. Because of this, a small, intricate chair with spindles can sometimes cost more to refinish than a large, flat table because of the hand-labor required to navigate the tight, curved spaces and take proper care to preserve the fine details.
4
The current condition of your piece
This is the hardest variable to gauge from photos. Old furniture always has a story to tell, and sometimes we discover that story only after the piece has entered our shop.
Examples could include but are not limited to:
- Hidden Damage: We check for loose joints, structural instability, or previous attempts at repairs (like nails hammered into joinery) that must be undone before we can perform a repair.
- Difficult Finishes: While standard lacquer or polyurethane strip easily, we sometimes encounter lead paint or thick epoxy. These will likely require additional testing and specialized products to troubleshoot.
- Veneer Issues: Photos rarely show if veneer is loose, damaged, or overly thin. It is likely we will need to reassess the estimate if repairs or replacements to the veneer are necessary.
Why preliminary estimates sometimes change
We do our best to provide accurate estimates based on the photos and notes you provide in our "start a project" form.
However, if we discover something unexpected once the piece is in our shop—such as hidden structural damage, damaged veneer, and/or a pre-existing finish that requires a change in our approach—we will immediately pause work and contact you.
If this happens, you always have the right to:
- Ask questions about the discovery.
- Choose a different solution that better fits your budget.
- Say "no" to the extra work.
If a new plan is agreed upon, we will adjust the estimate to cover the additional time or materials needed to deliver the best result. You can find this detailed in our process outline here.
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