Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/3/2008

Question
I have a bedroom set in my son's room that once belonged to his father - so it's around 45 years old.  The set is solid wood - I think oak.   The set consists to two bachelor chests - one with a hutch, twin bed with head board, foot broad and side boards,  night stand, and a desk and chair  The dove details are loose on the chests and desk, and all tops need sanding and staining.  There are some chips and cracks that need to be filled in, along with replacing a section of wood at the base of one chest. One knob is broken, so relacing all of them may be necessary.  The repairman would also slightly sand and varnish all the piece so that they are all the same color. I've been quoted around $750.00 for all the work.  Since I've never had furniture repaired before, I don't know if this is a good price or not.  If geography is a variable, I live in the Atlanta area.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Mary
Nice to hear from you.
Yes geography is definately a variable.
But from the work you describe this man is going to do, it seems like the price is not unreasonable.
Basically this furniture will come back to you in new condition.
Could you purchase all this oak furniture today for $750.00?
I doubt it.
But Mary a good rule is always get 3 quotes after seeing if the person does good work.
Good Luck with this.
Kind Regards
Eileen