Antique Furniture Restoration Repair & Refinishing of Jackson Hole

PROVEN CREDIBLE EXPERT WITNESS:

 

Credibility in the courtroom is like virginity.  Once lost, it cannot be regained. It was therefore important to establish credibility with the trial judge and/or jury, to shift the lack of credibility to the other side.  If your expert, or any witness, loses credibility, they run the risk of destroying your case.  Mr. Sweet has and or will provide expert testimony in litigation, arbitration, mediation, and in trial court proceedings.  To date, Eric Sweet of JH Furniture Restoration has a 100% Jury trial success rate as credible expert witness.

 

 

ANTIQUE VS REPRODUCTION:

 

Judging an antique's integrety and inherant quality is of the utmost importance when determining fair value. 

By using our consulting services, our clients have saved substantial sums when acquiring works of art and antiques. 

Whether you wish to acquire a single antique or an entire collection, we will assist you in allocating your funds to your best advantage.  If you wish to sell or donate items, we will recommend the most appropriate means of disposition.

Let us guide you in avoiding mistakes because a poor repair will detract significantly from the value of your investment.  

 

 

MOVING DAMAGE:

 

Your clients trust you to deliver their belongings safely and securely to their new destination. Unfortunately, there are times when moving damage occurs and furniture needs to be repaired. In those instances, you can trust JH Furniture Restoration to help you preserve your relationship with your customer, repair belongings and provide peace of mind.

 

When relocating, it's up to you to make sure you get there in one piece -- it's the movers' job to make sure that all of your belongings arrives the same way.  But what if your sofa arrives in two pieces? And no, it wasn't the sectional couch! It's time to file a claim…

 

There are three main parts of the process:

 

* On moving day, the movers will prepare an itemized inventory with the quantity and condition of your goods. It is important that you are in complete agreement with this inventory so that if you do need to file a claim, you will have the documentation needed to prove whether damages were pre-existing or incurred during transit.

 

* Upon delivery, if you find that you have missing or damaged items when your stuff arrives, note it on the moving paperwork, either the inventory or the Bill of Lading (which is like your receipt -- you get it when movers take possession of your stuff, and sign it again to indicate you received your stuff). Not noting the damage on this paperwork doesn't damage your ability to make a claim, but it makes the claim stronger.

 

* Follow through with your claim with the moving company. Here's how to do that:

 

1. Call the agent that handled your move to request their particular paperwork for filing a claim. Don't count on the movers to do it; you need to deal with the moving company itself. 

Relocation.com's Charlie Morris, an expert with 30 years of experience as a certified moving consultant, advises: "Never rely on the driver or crew to report your claim. Although the driver might say he will report any issues with the full intention of doing so, distractions can come up over the course of a busy day and it might slip his mind." It will be your responsibility to follow through. "Contact the company yourself and let them know if you have a claim," says Morris.

 

2. Save damaged goods so they're available for an inspection. "You MUST keep damaged items," says Morris. "Do not dispose of them and do not repair until the moving company has sent out an inspector."

 

If you have crushed boxes, broken glass or other items that may be hazardous to family members, separate those items to a safe area in your new home. In some instances, you can take pictures of the damage and then discard the items.

However, before you discard any damaged items, you should first confirm the claims process with your moving company to make sure you are still covered if you discard them.  "Get anything of that nature in writing so that you have proof," says Morris.

Should the loss or damage of goods hinder living in the new residence -- such as if beds are broken, essential appliances will not work, or anything else that would make everyday-life difficult -- your mover can sometimes expedite replacement of the items while waiting for the written claim form.

 

Morris also advises, "At the time of delivery, if you notice damaged or crushed cartons, it's important to make note of this then.  Especially if you packed the boxes yourself, this will be the only time you can still show that the movers are liable for damages, not you."

 

3. Do it fast. After you have listed any lost or damaged items on your claim form, the form needs to be returned to the mover as soon as possible. With most companies, you have nine months from the date of the delivery of your goods to file your claim, but the sooner you do it, the better.  In this way, it's more likely that the people responsible for the damages can be held liable and your claim can be satisfied quickly.

 

How the Claims Process Works:

After you have submitted your claim, a claims adjuster will be assigned. Your moving company might have their own claims department or they might contract out to a claims specialist.  Either way, your claims adjuster will be the one to arrange for a local third-party repair company to come out to your home to inspect damaged items and estimate the cost of repairs if possible, or the costs for replacement. 

 

"Generally, you can expect a response within a week or less from the time you submit your claim, at least confirming receipt of your claim. The faster that the company deals with the claim, the better it usually is for both the customer and the company," says Morris.

Have clear communication with your adjuster as to how you will be satisfied with the way your claim is settled. For example, if you do not feel an item can be repaired, make sure the adjuster is aware that you would rather have it replaced. If the adjuster is unsure if repairs are possible for a particular item, they will generally report to the moving company that they suggest replacement rather than repair, as this is likely the more practical option to satisfy your claim.

 

Some things to keep in mind:

 

1. Be nice. As a general rule, "You get a lot farther with sugar than with vinegar"  Be advised that if you are working with a moving company in getting a claim settlement, "always maintain a dignity in your conversations with the moving company. Overall, things tend to get resolved faster and more easily if you're pleasant to work with."

 

2. Know the rules. Finally, bear in mind that your shipment might not be insured at full-replacement value.  Your goods will most likely be covered by the company's valuation, which is not insurance, but a limit of liability.  Your goods are covered only to a set amount.  This valuation coverage (or limit of liability) should be outlined in your contract with the moving company. 

 

3. Be sure you're satisfied. When settling your claim, the moving company may decide to pay a cash settlement to you for the value you have listed on your claim form. Generally this is because of the challenge or impracticality of getting a replacement item to you. Make sure that you are satisfied with the settlement before cashing any check because when a check is issued to you for your claim, it will usually read "full and final settlement" of your claim. If you are dissatisfied with the amount, continue to negotiate an acceptable settlement.

 

Damages and loss can happen during a move, but any good moving company wants to ensure that you are satisfied with their service, which includes how they follow up on claims issues. Even if a thing or two doesn't make it through the move in one piece, your sanity can still stay intact.

 

Your Next Move:

• Make Sure Your Move Is Insured

• Inspect Your Bill of Lading & Inventory Form

• Have Your Moving Paperwork Explained

 

 

FIRE & FLOOD RESTORATION:

No one plans for a disaster, but quick action after a calamity and bringing on a fire and flood restoration business to repair everything can save both time and money. There are many things that cannot be fixed after a disaster and will have to be replaced. Though it may be difficult, this is a process that has to be dealt with swiftly, as the longer it takes to respond, the more damage will take root and make the situation worse.The problem with burn damage is that it doesn’t end when the flame goes out. Ash left behind is highly acidic, and will slowly rot away whatever it touches. Within minutes, plastics are yellowed and any appliances in the vicinity of the combustion are discolored. This discoloration gets worse and worse, and begins to affect fiberglass and metals after several hours. Fire and flood restoration typically must begin before a few days pass, because metal corrosion takes root and wood furniture requires refinishing as quickly as possible.After a few weeks, huge costs can be expected, because at this point, carpet needs to be ripped up and replaced, and metal and glass will be permanently etched, many times, beyond the point of being able to salvage it. This means windows and appliances will need immediate attention to avoid replacing them. Piping may also be damaged beyond repair, and multiple leaks may cause water damage throughout the home.The problem is that water accelerates the growth of many nasty organisms, from molds and fungi to bacteria and parasites. All of these represent major health hazards, and are difficult to remove if they are allowed to take root. While fire and flood restoration teams can stop the spread of these organisms by removing rotting material, a homeowner can help out by getting rid of some items in the home right away.Anything that is textile-based will need to go if it is soaked by water contaminated by sewage. It is often difficult to tell if this is the case, so some fire and flood restoration businesses err on the side of caution and remove them anyway. Carpeting in the home will need to be ripped up and discarded if it is not dried within 48 hours of being soaked, including the padding that lies underneath the fibers. Clothing, insulation, bedding, paper and stuffed toys will all need to be thrown out if they come in contact with contaminated water. Electronics will likely be destroyed if submerged, though it’s best not to test them, as wiring can be damaged and cause electrical shock. When a catastrophe such as either of these occurs, it is best to contact a reputable company to help as quickly as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

DECORATOR & DESIGN:

 

A professional colour consultant will give you fabulous results, while saving you time, money, and work.

Do you have a room that just doesn't "feel right" but can't figure out why? Have you ever bought the "perfect" paint colour, only to be disappointed at how it actually looks on your wall?

Colour is the single most important visible element of any design. It's no wonder that people agonize over it. Choosing the right colour can be a daunting task; choosing the wrong one can prove to be frustrating.

With so many paint colours and finishes to choose from, it makes sense to hire someone who can take the guesswork out of the equation and create the colour palette that is right for your space and your lifestyle.

A trained colour expert knows how to accomplish the 
result you are seeking, whether you are painting a room, remodeling a space, or looking to improve your home's 
curb appeal.

 

Why you should consider hiring a colour consultant for your next decorating project:

• Whether your taste runs toward trendy or traditional, a colour consultant will create colour schemes that will enhance any room design, taking the room's walls, trim, ceiling, and other architectural features into consideration.

 

• A consultant is knowledgeable about the various paint products on the market and can recommend the right ones for your project.

 

• A consultant will work with your existing furnishings and accessories if you're not planning to replace them. A fresh coat of paint makes any space look new, and the right colour combinations can unify existing elements.

 

• A colour consultant will work with you on large or small projects, whether you will do them yourself or plan on hiring a professional.

 

• Your favourite colour may be blue; but what is the best blue for your bedroom? All colours have undertones that may not be apparent to most people. A trained expert can correctly identify which undertones are compatible.

 

• Colour consultants understand the psychology of colour, and know how to achieve the highly desirable and harmonious colour flow you seek for your home.

 

• Colours look different under different lighting conditions. A colour consultant understands this important factor and how paint colours absorb light, and will make sure that the romantic red you pick does not end up looking orange.

 

• A colour consultant will collaborate with you to ensure you get the result you want to achieve the first time.

 

• A colour professional knows how to "dress" your home with colour, inside and out.

 

 

• Not only will a consultant find the best colours for your home based on functionality, your lifestyle, and your personal taste, he or she can also give you great decorating ideas that you can apply to any space.