Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Q.  Do I need to make an appointment?
A.  There is no need to schedule an appointment. Feel welcome to stop in anytime during open business hours.

Q.  Can you provide an estimate before I make the trip?
A.  Yes—please email clear photos of your item to info@restorationservices.com to receive a rough estimate.

Q.  Are your services for antiques only?
A.  Restoration is not limited to antiques. We handle fine art and objects of sentimental value as well.

Q.  Do you provide appraisals?
A.  In an effort to stay focused on our specialty—restoration—we do not offer appraisals.

Q.  Can you provide an estimate on the spot?
A.  We carefully review each item individually and will provide a detailed estimate within a day or two after receipt of an item.

Q.  How long have you been in business?
A.  Restoration Services first opened for business on Main Street in Waltham in 1982. We have been in our current Arlington Center location since 2000.

Q.  Do you do the work there?
A.  Yes—unless specified on your estimate, all of the work is done here at our studio. We happily refer our customers to specialists in other fields whenever necessary.

Q.  Are you insured?
A.  Items left in our shop are documented, cataloged, and insured. Additional insurance can be provided for items of exceptional value.

Q.  Where can I park when I visit?
A.  Arlington Center offers ample street parking. There is also a municipal parking lot within walking distance.

Restoration

Q.  How long will it take?
A.  The queue is organized on a first-come, first-served basis. Repairs are typically completed in 8-12 weeks. The time is subject to change depending on the nature of the repair and the length of our project list. We will do our best to keep you informed about your place in the queue.

Q.  Is expedited service offered?
A.  In some cases a rush service can be provided for an additional fee of 20%.

Q.  Do you charge for estimates?
A.  No—estimates are free of charge.

Q.  Is a deposit required?
A.  A 50% deposit is requested for invoices totaling $300 or more. The remaining balance is due when the work is complete.

Q.  Do you accept credit cards?
A.  Yes, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. Payments can be securely made online or at our studio.

Q.  How does your pricing work?
A.  Pricing is determined by the difficulty of the work and time spent on the project. The value of the item is never taken into consideration.

Q.  Are items restored safe for use?
A.  We are capable of restoring items to be watertight and food safe. Just be sure to mention any concerns you have. We are happy to accommodate your individual needs. Our standard methods result in a repair that is less conspicuous and better suited for display only.

Q.  Is restoration reversible?
A.  In most cases, we make every effort to ensure that our work is completely reversible and no damage is done to the item. Exceptions may be made for certain materials or customer requests. You will be notified if this is a concern.

Shipping

Q.  I don’t live nearby, can I ship my item?
A.  Absolutely! Remember to pack carefully and include a note inside the package with your contact information. Here are some tips for shipping safely!

Q.  Are there additional fees for return shipping?
A.  FedEx is our preferred shipping provider. There is no additional fee other than the FedEx shipping charge.

Q.  Are return shipments insured?
A.  Yes, every package is insured for the cost of the repair plus shipping unless otherwise specified.