Custom Woodcarving Orders and how to make the process work well for you

Personal interview for you Custom Carving Order

This can be done via phone, email, or in person, a ‘qualifying’ interview is required to see if we can work together.  During the interview, the following topics are usually discussed:

Project Outline

What it is that you would like created? In most cases, an idea is present but it may take some brainstorming to develop into a full concept.  This stage is a lot of fun and, sometimes, where we end up can be quite varied from where we began!

Design

Once we have a concept idea, the next step is to have drawings created.  It is crucial not to rush this process, as drawings on paper are much easier to alter as opposed to the sculpture itself.  Blunt honesty is greatly appreciated during this process, as it is the quickest and most cost-effective way to ensure you get the design you want.  You may already have drawings or pictures; if not, our sculptor, James Andison’s design rate is $65.00/hour.  The total design fee will be waived if a Sweetwood Creations Inc. contractual agreement is signed; if the project does not come to fruition, the design fee will be charged.

Pricing

Once the drawings have been signed and approved, a professional quote will be formulated based on the following considerations:

• Wood selection and grade
• Material costs
• Size and degree of difficulty
• Finishing product and quality
• Labor cost
• Completion deadline - when the product needs to be at your location. (We are very proud that we have never missed a deadline, as we pay special attention to punctuality!)

Please note the following are not included in the pricing:

• Applicable taxes such as GST, State or Provincial taxes.
• Transportation of completed work, applicable duties and installation costs (Sweetwood Creations Inc. can organize this for you as we have a trucking service and international brokers established. We also respect and comply with all NAFTA rules and regulations).

Contract

Once the drawings have been approved and the contract signed, a 50%, non- refundable deposit is required.  The remaining 50% is due on delivery of the product.

Creation

It is important to us that you are happy with your product.  During the process of creating your custom woodcarving project, photographs will be taken and emailed to you so you can monitor its progress. This can also be beneficial in that changes can be made during the construction phase, if you so desire. Obviously, this may also affect the pricing, depending on how many hours of labour are added or subtracted.  If you are in the area, you are most welcome to visit our studio by prior arrangement, as we love to share our passion with our customers.

On customer approval of the final photographs of the completed carved work, the transportation considerations are addressed.  At Sweetwood Creations Inc., we believe that “cheapest isn’t always best”.  Once the product has left the Sweetwood Creations property, it falls under the care and insurance of the carrier.  If you already have a trusted carrier you would prefer to use, please let us know.  If you would like; Sweetwood Creations Inc. can also arrange this for you, using reputable, insured carriers.  For larger art work needing cranes for installation, James can be hired to look after transportation and to help with the installation process, as he is experienced in this field.  Once the product is off-loaded to its final destination, the remaining 50% of the payment is due and the responsibility for the art work becomes that of the owner.

Woodcarving Installations

If your Sweetwood Creation Inc. wood carving is a large piece, installation considerations need to be addressed, such as:

• Can you fit the wood sculpture through the doors?
• Are dollies, jacks, forklifts, pullies or cranes needed ?
• Are there stairs involved?
• Should installation be made before the roof goes on?
• How much manpower is required?
• Do you have an internal support structure in place?
• Does the wood carving need its own free-standing support?

If you need assistance with any of the above, please feel free to contact us. Over the years, we have gained valuable experience with displaying, installing and meeting any challenges that may arise.

Woodcarving Support

Oops! Accidents unfortunately happen at construction sites.  If any thing happens to your sculpture, i.e. damage from dents, abrasions or dry wall dust, or damage from construction, or fire, theft, or vandalism, Sweetwood Creations Inc. will help you deal with insurance companies and/or help you find the most cost effective solution(s) to repair, refinish or replace your piece of artwork.  For large bodies of woodwork, cracking or checking could develop, and is very difficult to control.  This is part of the natural dynamics of large wood carving sculpture and is an acceptable attribute in wood culture communities.  If, for example, you have a large crack running through a face that you would like to have fixed, Sweetwood Creations Inc. offers a service for restoration, refinishing, or repairs of your wood carving.  Please call us if you have any questions or concerns.