Everything you need to know about our design and order process.
We know starting a renovation or a large scale project can be daunting and the more information you have the easier it is to make those big decisions. As designer-makers we take care of the process from beginning to end, creating your dream design, and then bringing it to life ready for its new home. Here you can find a detailed breakdown of each step in our order and design process, from first contact through to installation, so you know exactly what to expect should you choose The Birch Boys to take on your project.
1
Enquiry
Fill out our enquiry form to give us a little more information about your project, this includes:
- Address or post code
- Description of project/pieces required (please use bullet points)
- Current stage of project, approximate dimensions of the space and furniture
- Any photos, architectural drawings, floor plans if applicable (JPEG/PDF only, no DWG/CAD files)
- Approximate budget (if available)
- Small selection of design inspiration (preferably existing or previous collections or projects from our website/social media)
Please provide top-line information-only at this stage. Specific design details can be discussed in depth at site visit and design development stages.
Information on and samples of our finishes can be found here:
- Samples
- Finishes
- Exploring our finishes
Please note as is the case with all online imagery, these are only representative of colour and tone, and not 100% accurate. Due to the nature of the natural materials etc, variations can occur in the physical article. This is considered characteristic and part of the charm of the materials.
2
Quote
Options and pricing will be provided upon receipt of enquiry checklist, including any prospective delivery and installation charges.
- All quotes can only be guaranteed for 4 weeks from the time of issue
- An approximate calculation of our current lead times will be provided, based on the date that deposit payment is received.
- These are subject to capacity and availability at the workshop, and may vary
- Any possible additional charges that may arise during the project will be raised (such as optional extras etc.)
- A call or meeting at our Workshop /Showroom can be scheduled on the back of the preliminary quote. A site visit will be arranged only following receipt of the deposit payment
We unfortunately cannot offer a site visit or detailed design at the quote stage.
3
Invoice & Deposit
Once you have chosen to do your project with The Birch Boys and are happy with your quote, we will draw up a proforma invoice with all your project details:
- It will include a clear breakdown of costs, plus clear detailing of project notes as discussed and confirmed.
- Once deposit payment has been received, the workshop will update you and your invoice with lead times and various dates for the stages involved in your project
- We always require deposit payment prior to arranging and undertaking site visit
Please note that the invoice acts as a contract between the client and The Birch Boys, so please double-check that all details are correct.
Payments
The payments will be spread throughout the project, to help you manage your cashflow. Please check out our payment break downs bellow (currently we do not offer financing):
Projects under £2,000 + VAT
80% deposit / 20% balance (prior to delivery)
Projects between £2,000 and £10,000 + VAT
40% deposit / 40% manufacturing / 20% balance (post delivery)
Projects over £10,000 + VAT
20% deposit / 20% design submission / 40% manufacturing / 10% delivery / 10% balance (post delivery)
Lead times
Lead times are all approximate and subject to change. Projects range from 10 to 14+ weeks from receipt of deposit payment, depending on the scale and complexity of your project, or any changes that may arise.
4
Site Visit
Once we have received the deposit, your assigned designer-maker will schedule a site visit at your convenience:
- Please make sure the space is clear and ready for the visit and notify us of any ongoing works.
- When on site we can begin discussing your project in further detail, whilst gathering a clearer understanding of your space and the project’s requirements (including details, finishes, etc.)
- The team can advise and guide you on the design to ensure you are fully satisfied with the outcome
- Detailed measurements will be taken of every aspect of the space
- Final details will be confirmed with you before work commences on our 2D design
5
Design
Following our site visit, your designated designer-maker will start work on your digital design:
- This will include some images to help you visualise the outcome, displaying all the details of your space
- This file will be emailed to you as a .jpg or .pdf file
- We may provide a couple of variations, depending on requirements
6
Amendments & Confirmation
Any changes and amendments can be discussed and made to the preliminary design submitted during this phase
- Your assigned designer-maker will tailor the 2D design to your taste and needs
- There are no limitations to the number of revisions that can be requested. However should you require more than 5 revisions or a complete redesign of the details discussed and agreed upon, there will be a surcharge for the work
- Once you are satisfied with the design and have confirmed you are happy to proceed, we will move on to manufacturing
Please do not hesitate to raise any queries with your assigned designer-maker before confirming your design as once the project enters the manufacturing stage, there can be no further changes. We are here to help and happy to discuss.
7
Manufacturing
We manufacture all of our projects at our workshop in Digbeth, Birmingham the highest quality sustainably sourced raw materials
- Your designated designer-maker will work closely with our skilled makers at the workshop to ensure your project is made to the highest standard.
- Manufacturing commences 4-8 weeks prior to when your installation date has been scheduled. Any delay to confirming the design will push back manufacturing and the installation date.
- When designing a fully-bespoke piece or project, we may need to prototype some of the features before the final manufacturing. This might occasionally add to the lead time but we will make you aware of this process during this stage
8
Delivery
Depending on the project, we offer two delivery options: collection by client, or delivery by The Birch Boys.
- An approximate price for delivery can be included in the original quote (see Step 2)
- For delivery within Greater Birmingham: we work with a trusted shipping team to safely deliver your project
- For delivery outside of Birmingham: depending on the location, we will need to outsource the delivery to an external provider. If you wish to collect your piece, please make sure to bring protective materials such as cardboard or blankets
- Should you choose to organise your own collection, The Birch Boys cannot take responsibility for any issues that may arise as a result
- For all international shipping, we can provide a bespoke quote following enquiry form submission
9
Installation
All installation is done by our experienced in-house team, who know how best to fulfil your project at this final stage.
- Your assigned designer-maker will follow the project through to installation to ensure the details and quality are maintained throughout.
- Occasionally, and in very specific circumstances, clients may arrange installation of their projects via another contractor, although this isn’t recommended.
