1. Do you create shop drawings?
Absolutely! Our shop drawings might be one of the primary differences between Buildlane and other custom shops.
Our design team begins working on the first draft as soon as you approve a quote – often delivering it within a few days. From there you chat back and forth with the design team; often submitting “red lines” and then reviewing revisions. Stephen, who leads the design team, often jumps on Zoom with you to make explaining your idea quicker. We also sometimes will include a 3d rendering if its needed to explain the build.
Here are some examples of recent shop drawings.
2. Where do I send my COM or finish sample to match to?
Once you approve a quote and we’ve had a chance to process the order the page will transform into “Pre-Production” mode. Here you’ll have modules for any items that need to be shipped. When you expand the module it will include shipping instructions.
If you need a COM address in order to finalize costs you can always ask in the Message box and we’ll let you know the address. But as you can see below the COM instructions do have a sidemark that helps the workshops know what order to match deliveries to.
3. Do you have standard finishes?
We do! We have forty standard finishes that include white oak, walnut, alder, and maple. They are all presented in a flat sheen, but you can always request a stock finish with a different sheen.
You are always welcome to send us a finish sample to match as well. We’ll make a match and FedEx both copies back to you to approve in person.
If you’d like a copy of our stock finishes reach out to us using the Message box on one of your pieces.
4. Where can I see my invoice and can I pay using a credit card?
I’m afraid we do not accept credit cards. Paying your invoice can be done with a check, ACH, or a bank transfer.
To view your invoice you can click on the Invoice number in the top right of your piece page.
5. What is your lead time?
This question gets asked at various stages of the process.
While still a quote – Each quote comes with a four week range for lead time.
While in Pre-Production – You’re still working against that lead time from the quote. The timer doesn’t started until you’ve paid the deposit and approved the shop drawing. (You can enter the Production Queue with fabric still not received).
While in Production – At the bottom right of the page you’ll see a Due Date. Once your order enters the Production Queue you’ll also receive an email letting you know that the Due Date has been set.
6. What is your standard fill?
As with anything this often depends on the style. But this question is usually referring to a loose seat / loose back upholstered piece. In that case I can tell you what is ordered most often. Although, we can use whatever materials you prefer. This is full custom afterall.
7. Where are your shops located?
With the exception of a shop that specialize in dining tables in Portland, all of our shops are in Los Angeles, California. Believe it or not LA has a “Furniture District” south of downtown and most of our shops are in it. Although some are further south or in East LA.
8. What is the standard pitch/height/clearance of X?
The subtext of this question is usually the uncertainty that you are going to get it right when going custom. Rest assured we are on the same page with making sure the furniture will be comfortable and functional.
For your part providing as much reference material and explanation for what you are trying to achieve will help guide us to the right answer.
On our side, our design team has basically done product design for thousands of custom builds. We’re also working hand-in-hand with some of the best craftspeople in the industry with decades of experience. And as you work your way through Pre-Production lots of furniture experts are putting eyes on your build. Our goal is definitely to fill that knowledge gap you’re going to have with furniture production. We love to see extreme creativity but we will keep you on the tracks!
9. Do you make banquettes?
We do! And this question is really a gateway to wondering how we handle furniture that needs to fit into a specific space.
For most projects we rely on the designer to produce good measurements of the space. In the least complicated spaces a shop drawing should suffice.
In more complicated spaces we’d like a pattern made. In some circumstances we’ll make a cloth footprint of the frame and mail it to you so you can roll it out in the actual space and make sure everything will fit.
We also do lots of pieces with french cleats so an installer can manage it.
10. Do you build upholstery or case goods?
Both! We probably produce 75% upholstery and 25% case goods. This is likely because case goods tend to be more expensive. We also work with metal, acrylic, glass, and stone.
Pretty much if it is a standalone piece of furniture, we’ve made it. The only things we don’t make are lighting and draperies.
