FAQ's
Can we visit your workshop?
Yes. We are happy to accept visitors by appointment. Give us a ring or simply drop us a line and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
What warranty do you provide?
All parts directly manufactured by handwerk come with a 5-year guarantee (excluding normal wear and tear and accidental damage). Any parts, materials and equipment not manufactured by handwerk will carry that manufacturer's warranty.
Do your materials and manufacturing processes meet environmental standards?
We follow standards that respect sustainability of supply and environmental stewardship. Most of our woods are Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certified; the substrates carry low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and have no added formaldehyde. We also ensure the heat, energy and water efficiency of our workshop.
What services do you provide?
We can take care of all design and build aspects of your project. In the case of kitchens or larger built-in units, this includes renovation of the space (from gutting to installation of appliances using an independent electrician and plumber). Should you wish to use your own contractor, electrician and/or plumber we are also happy to accommodate this.
Do you supply appliances or countertops?
Yes. We can supply most brands of electrical appliances, taps and sinks available in Canada through our partners. We can also supply a variety of worktops.
How do you provide your services?
Our custom work has a 5-stage process. Completion time depends on the size of your project and the services you require.
Stage 1: Exploration
The first stage is a meeting with you in our shop or at your home to discuss your requirements. This can take up to an hour of your time. Together we will explore the style you're seeking, matters of practicality, and preferred options for materials, fixtures and fittings. There is no charge for this initial meeting. We will then prepare a cost projection based on the instructions you have given us.
Stage 2: Design
This stage may involve trips to suppliers to obtain samples, meetings to discuss your options, and various versions of drawings and designs. There will be a charge for these services, which we will discuss with you before proceeding. In most cases, the design fee will be refunded if you purchase the designed product from handwerk.
Some customers already have a design and simply want handwerk to build and install it. In those cases, we can provide you our input regarding practicality free of charge.
Stage 3: Contracts
We will deliver you a final quote for production & installation, together with the final design specification. Once you are fully satisfied with the design and cost quotation, we will ask you to formally place an order with us and to make a payment of 50% of the contract price.
Stage 4: Production
After building your product, we will invite you to our workshop in central Ottawa to view and approve it before delivery and installation. We will then invoice you for a further 40%, due prior to installation. In the case of freestanding furniture, the full balance will be required prior to pick-up or delivery.
The time between placing an order and installation is typically six to eight weeks. Smaller projects may require less time.
Stage 5: Installation
Installation can take from half a day to two weeks, depending on the complexity of your product. A medium-sized kitchen usually takes 3 days to install perfectly. Our skilled installers will make every effort to keep disruption to an absolute minimum during this period. Once you are fully satisfied with the installed product, we will invoice you for the final 10% of the contract price. About one month later, we will contact you to ensure you are completely satisfied with your product and to respond to any concerns you may have.