Check references
Word of mouth or spotting previous work is the best way to find your artist. From upholsterer to specialist builder, many craftsmen are aligned to associations like The Guild of Master Craftsmen. Findacraftsman.com has a postcode search facility and the Crafts Council has a large photostore from various makers. If your craftsman is not attached to a professional guild or association, ask for references and view previous works. Visit their studio to get an insight into their working practice and the scale of their business.
Quotation, Quotation, Quotation
Get three written quotes with a fixed price for any job – unless you are confident with your chosen craftsman. Insist on a completion date and, if your heart is set on a pricey firm, try negotiating the fee.
Small print
Don’t skim read the boring bits – check for guarantees and insurance in case, for any reason, their company ceases trading. Discuss payment terms upfront – is a deposit required? Ideally agree that final payment won’t be due till after completion. Keep receipts throughout.
Creative Freedoms
Whatever you're commissioning (be it clever bespoke storage system or stained glass windows), there will be an aesthetic expectation on your behalf. This is where it gets tricky – you must be specific about what you want to prevent disappointment but balance this with allowing the craftsperson freedom to experiment.
Sketches and plans
It is vital to request a written and visual description (simple sketch or 3D computer image) after discussing details. Design can be a separately chargeable element to making so don’t be surprised to get a bill for the design stage of a project – even if you decide not to go ahead with it.
The best laid plans…
can go to pot if you discover half way through a job, that you actually needed planning permission or local authority approval. Your chosen craftsperson should be able to advise but don’t take their word for it. Local council websites offer good advice. Red warning lights flash if your property is listed or if you are planning to changes its boundaries, such as new gates or fencing. Check out www.selfbuildabc.co.uk.
Shock, horror
You hate it! Unless the work is shoddy, it's a tricky situation. You need proper evidence showing that the maker has failed to fulfil your brief – which is why all of the above is so important.
Bingo, you love it!
Congratulations, you’ll be buying bespoke again. The more you commission the better you’ll become at getting exactly what you want.
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