Lloyd’s Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts
How Should an Architect or Contractor Request Custom Millwork?
DIRECT ANSWER:
A useful custom millwork inquiry should identify what needs to be fabricated, the project location, dimensions, quantities, materials if specified, finish requirements, drawings or reference samples, installation context and relevant schedule information. Complete information allows the woodworking scope to be evaluated more efficiently.
THE BETTER THE INFORMATION GOING IN,
THE BETTER THE PROJECT CONVERSATION COMING OUT.
You do not need a perfect package to make first contact.
But these details help.
START WITH PROJECT CONTEXT
Provide:
Project name or reference
Location
Project type
Your role
Current project stage
What you need from Lloyd's
SEND THE DRAWINGS
Relevant information may include:
Plans
Elevations
Sections
Details
Schedules
Shop-drawing references
Architectural specifications
Only send information relevant to the woodworking scope when practical.
SEND PHOTOS OF EXISTING CONDITIONS
Photographs can clarify conditions drawings may not show.
Include:
Entire area
Adjacent architecture
Existing component
Close-up details
Damage where relevant
Transitions to surrounding work
SEND A PHYSICAL SAMPLE WHEN APPROPRIATE
For profile matching, a surviving sample can be extremely useful.
Protect and label it.
QUANTITIES MATTER
Identify:
Number of pieces
Approximate lengths
Number of openings
Rooms
Floors
Repeated components
IDENTIFY WHAT IS KNOWN AND UNKNOWN
It is acceptable to say:
Species unknown.
Finish to be determined.
Field dimensions pending.
Design under development.
That is more useful than guessing.
IDENTIFY THE SCHEDULE
Provide relevant milestones when known.
Do not assume feasibility until Lloyd's reviews the actual scope and current workload.
Frequently asked questions
DO I NEED COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS BEFORE CONTACTING LLOYD'S?
No. Preliminary information may be enough to begin a conversation.
CAN I SEND CAD OR DRAWING INFORMATION?
Relevant project drawings and dimensional information can help communicate the scope.
SHOULD I SEND AN ORIGINAL MOLDING SAMPLE?
When replication is involved and a sample is available, it may be extremely useful.
CAN LLOYD'S GUARANTEE A SCHEDULE FROM AN INITIAL EMAIL?
No. Scope and current project requirements need to be reviewed.
HAVE DRAWINGS, PHOTOS OR A SAMPLE?
LET'S LOOK AT THE PROJECT.
Send Lloyd's the relevant drawings, photographs, dimensions, quantities and project information to begin the conversation.
Lloyd's Woodworking · Hudson, Massachusetts · Serving customers since 1969.