Turn “restored” into a list of actual jobs
A quote saying “fully restored” leaves too much unanswered. Ask what will be repaired, adjusted, replaced or left alone. A polished cabinet tells you little about the condition of the strings, action or other working parts.
The Piano Technicians Guild care FAQs distinguish reconditioning from rebuilding. A rebuilder may use different wording, so compare the proposed work rather than relying on the label.
For ordinary tuning, touch or tone adjustments, start with our tuning and repairs guide. Those jobs do not automatically mean that the piano needs a rebuild.
Have the piano inspected before choosing the work
Explain what bothers you: sticking notes, uneven touch, an unwanted sound, damage to the case or a combination of problems. Ask the technician to connect each recommendation to what they found during the inspection.
Photographs can show cabinet damage, but they cannot settle every question about the instrument’s condition. Ask which parts need to be examined in person and whether inspection or collection has a separate charge.
If you are buying a piano that needs work, arrange that inspection before buying. Read our used piano checklist alongside the proposed repair plan.
Is the piano worth restoring?
Ask whether the proposed work would give you an instrument that suits your playing needs. Compare the complete restoration quote, including transport and follow-up work, with the cost of a suitable replacement piano and its delivery. A low purchase price does not make a major rebuild economical.
Family attachment or historical interest may matter to you as well as playing condition. Keep that personal reason separate from an expected selling price: spending money on restoration does not establish that a future buyer will repay the cost.
Compare quotes on the same basis
If one proposal includes new action parts and another keeps the existing parts, the two totals do not describe the same job. Ask each business to separate the main items:
- Work to the playing mechanism, strings and other internal parts.
- Parts being replaced, including the proposed type or maker.
- Cabinet repairs and the preparation and finish being offered.
- Regulation, voicing and tuning included after assembly.
- Collection, storage, insurance arrangements and return delivery.
Ask how unexpected work will be handled. Agree that a changed job and price need your approval before the extra work begins.
Be specific about the finish
If appearance is your main concern, explain what you want to keep as well as what you want changed. Discuss colour, sheen, veneer repairs and any existing markings that matter to you.
Ask to see a relevant sample or completed work, and confirm how closely the proposed finish can match it. Keep photographs of your piano and a copy of the agreed specification before it leaves your home.
Our directory separates piano restorers, action rebuilders and piano refinishing. Check the individual business’s experience with the work you need.
Plan the return, not just the collection
Confirm the expected timescale, who arranges transport and what happens if completion is delayed. Give the mover the access details at both ends; our moving checklist helps you prepare them.
Before accepting the proposal, ask what aftercare is included, when the piano should next be checked or tuned, and who to contact if a problem appears. Read the written guarantee so you know what work it covers and any conditions.
Browse piano restorers