Welcome! We’re pleased to guide you through the process of commissioning fine furniture or cabinetry. If you have any questions along the way, give us a call (800-905-0273).
Overview
Initial Consultation and Estimate
Meeting to review style, function, and projected cost. Development of estimate. Read more…
Design Development
Drawings and samples submitted for approval subsequent to retainer or contract. Additional elements selected. Review of any adjusted costs and estimated delivery date. Read more…
Fabrication
Production updates via photos or shop visits. Final approval of piece prior to finishing. Read more…
Finishing
Finishing updates via photos or shop visits. Final approval of finished piece. Delivery and/or installation scheduled. Read more…
“A picture is worth a thousand words”
We recommend that all of our clients keep a scrapbook, Pinterest board, or Houzz ideabook filled with inspiration for the furniture or cabinetry you’d like to have custom crafted. A trip to a local library or a bookshop can allow you to browse images from books or recent magazines, such as Dwell, Architectural Digest, or Coastal Living. Photos of a particular piece or room, even if all the details are not just right, are helpful. If you love a specific color, table leg, or wood, bring along some photos. That way, we’ll have a great idea of the details and overall look that appeals to you.
Initial Consultation and Estimate
We’ll begin to discuss your furniture or cabinetry at our initial consultation. We’ll discuss the general design and specific functions of the furniture or cabinetry. We’ll go over any pictures and images you have and discuss styles, design elements, wood species and finishes. If you are interested in working with reclaimed wood or slabs, we can tell you what we currently have available in our inventory. If you have specific concerns for the piece – for instance, that a cabinet interior will need to be kept at a certain percentage humidity for preservation purposes – we will need to know these types of details now, before we begin the design process. Should measurements need to be taken prior to rendering, we will make an appointment to meet with you after the initial consultation. We do not charge a fee for the consultation or any measurements that need to be taken. Within a few days of your initial consultation, we will present a written estimate of the price based on the styles and colors selected at our initial consultation, and either a take a retainer for additional design development or submit a contract for your review.
Design Development
If needed, over the two to four weeks after the design retainer or contract is signed, we will work with you to refine every detail of your furniture or cabinetry. During this time we will be producing a complete set of CAD drawings and layouts, if required by the project, and samples of wood, veneers, colors, and finishes. We will work with you to select fixtures, countertops, and appliances when required. When the shop drawings and samples receive your signed approval, we will review any changes to the initial estimate for your final approval and submit the final contract. Upon contract signature, your furniture or cabinetry will be entered into our production queue. Estimated delivery dates are generally within eight to twelve weeks of final approval, but depend upon the project’s size and complexity. We require a deposit of sixty percent of the total project price at the time the contract is signed for furniture and smaller pieces. For larger projects such as kitchens, baths, and yacht remodels, we will review your payment options with you at our meeting.
Fabrication
Once your piece of furniture or cabinetry is being built, we may ask you to visit our studio. This helps us ensure that we are meeting your expectations. If visiting is not convenient, we can update you by e-mailing digital photos. When the project is completely assembled, but has not yet been finished, we will ask you to visit and give your final approval of the fabricated and assembled piece. At this time, we require a payment of thirty percent of the project cost prior to finishing for smaller items such as furniture and small cabinets. For larger projects, such as kitchens, baths, and yacht remodels, your payment options may differ.
Finishing
Depending on the finish that is applied, it may take as many hours to finish a piece as it does to fabricate it. When the furniture or cabinet is finished, we ask that you visit the studio to give final approval prior to delivery or installation. At this time the final ten percent payment is due if there is no installation and we will make arrangements to deliver your furniture or cabinetry. Should the piece involve installation, we will request your approval of the staged piece at our studio and the final ten percent will be due upon completion of installation. For larger projects, such as kitchens, baths, and yacht remodels, your payment options may differ. Kodama’s warranty is issued when the project is complete.
Your custom furniture piece or handcrafted cabinet is a valuable and beautiful addition to your home, office or yacht. All of our heirloom quality pieces are signed and dated.