FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

Get in touch with Philip via the Contact page - email is always preferred - with a brief description of the piece or pieces in question, along with one or two clear supporting images of each item. Philip will then be in touch to discuss the project further and, where appropriate, arrange a site visit to view and assess the piece(s) in situ. Following this, you will receive a detailed written estimate via email. Each estimate is prepared to reflect the full scope of the proposed treatment and includes a clear outline of the work involved, an indication of the time required, and the associated costs. Where relevant, specialist materials or processes required as part of the treatment will also be identified. Upon acceptance of an estimate, a deposit of 40% of the total estimated cost is payable to secure a place in the work schedule, with the balance payable on completion of the work.

Email is always the preferred method of contact. This allows enquiries to be properly considered and helps ensure an informed response. Philip aims to respond to all enquiries within 7 working days. Where helpful, a telephone conversation can be arranged following initial contact by email.

Philip is often working in the workshop, on site, or preparing condition reports and estimates, and may not always be available to take calls. Email is always the best way to get in touch and allows enquiries to be properly considered. Philip aims to respond to all enquiries within 7 working days. Where helpful, a telephone conversation can be arranged following initial contact by email.

If your question isn’t covered above, please email Philip at info@philipburrows.co.uk and you will receive a response within 7 working days.

Timescales vary depending on the condition of the piece and the agreed treatment approach. Before producing an estimate, Philip will always clarify the intended scope of work to ensure expectations are aligned. Your estimate will include an indication of the time required, based on the condition of the piece at the time of assessment and the proposed treatment. All timings are estimates rather than fixed deadlines and may be subject to change should additional issues be identified during the course of the work. Any significant variation will be discussed in advance.

In most cases, pieces are completed and returned within approximately 6–8 weeks of collection. Where additional time is required due to the nature of the work, you will be informed promptly and an updated timeframe agreed. If a piece is in regular use, such as a dining table or seating, this can be discussed in advance and every effort will be made to minimise disruption.

Yes. Philip is happy to work with you and your insurer to provide detailed and accurate estimates relating to insured damage. Estimates prepared for insurance purposes follow the same careful assessment and documentation process as all other work. A non-refundable fee of £100.00 applies to the production of each insurance-related estimate, plus travel costs where applicable. Any associated costs are typically recoverable through your insurer, although this should be confirmed directly with them.

The current lead time is approximately 10 months from acceptance of the estimate and receipt of the deposit. This is intended as a guide and, while every effort is made to keep to the anticipated schedule, timescales can change depending on the nature of the work, the size of the project, and existing commitments. If you are working to a particular deadline, please mention this at the outset.

The workshop is located in St. Saviour, Guernsey, Channel Islands.

Visits to the workshop are welcome by appointment only. If you would like to arrange a visit, please get in touch in advance so a suitable date and time can be agreed.

For insurance, security, and storage reasons, items cannot be dropped off at the workshop without prior arrangement. Where required, short- or longer-term storage can be accommodated by prior agreement and is subject to a storage fee. Please get in touch in advance to discuss the piece and agree the most appropriate next steps.

Collection and delivery are the client’s responsibility unless otherwise agreed in advance. Where required, Philip can assist with arranging safe collection and delivery using trusted carriers, including specialist art handlers, at additional cost.

The cost of restoration or conservation work varies depending on the condition of the piece, the complexity of the proposed treatment, and the agreed scope of work. Each project is assessed individually and supported by a detailed written estimate. A deductible production-of-estimate fee of £50.00 applies to each estimate produced and is deducted from the final cost should the work proceed. Estimates are prepared to reflect the full scope of the proposed treatment rather than a simplified or provisional figure. This ensures that time, materials, and processes are properly accounted for, allowing you to make an informed decision before proceeding.

Preparing a detailed and accurate estimate requires careful assessment, planning, and documentation. This work is undertaken before any commitment to proceed and represents a professional service in its own right. The production-of-estimate fee reflects the time required to properly assess the piece, consider appropriate treatment options, and prepare a clear and comprehensive written estimate. Where an estimate is accepted, the fee is deducted in full from the final cost of the work. This approach allows estimates to be prepared thoroughly and responsibly, rather than as informal or indicative figures, and ensures that each project is assessed with the appropriate level of care.

The time and costs outlined in your estimate reflect a considered and realistic assessment of the work required to carry out the treatment to an appropriate professional standard. If needed, Philip is happy to discuss the scope of the proposed work. In some cases, costs can be adjusted by revisiting the treatment approach or omitting non-essential elements, where appropriate.

No. All work is priced consistently, regardless of payment method.