LEGO® SET SERVICE QUESTIONS
Answers before you hand over your LEGO® project.
Learn what The Bricksmith can assess, how quotes and replacement pieces are handled, and what to expect from Greater Portland pickup or an approved mail-in project.
No commitment to book. Please do not ship or drop off a project before approval.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What to know before sending your info.
You do not need the correct service name, a complete inventory, or certainty that every piece is present. Open the questions below for details about assessment, pricing, missing pieces, handling, pickup, and approved mail-in projects.
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Possibly. I assess new or unfinished sets, dropped or partially disassembled models, loose single sets, mixed collections, secondhand sets, and completed sets that need to be disassembled and re-bagged.
Small, large, sentimental, discontinued, or badly disorganized projects are reviewed individually. The project’s condition, available information, desired outcome, and replacement-part availability help determine what is realistic.
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No. Send what you know and include clear photos of the set, loose pieces, boxes, instructions, bags, or partially built sections you have.
A set name or number is helpful when available, but it is not required to request an assessment. I will explain whether the project can be identified and whether additional inventory or identification work may be needed.
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Send several clear photos showing the entire project and any damaged, loose, mixed, or partially assembled areas. Include your desired outcome, location, known set information, and any timing needs.
I normally reply within one business day. I may ask for additional photos or details before recommending a service. If the project appears to be a practical fit, you will receive a written scope, price, estimated timing, and proposed pickup or mail-in plan. There is no commitment to book.
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Smaller, straightforward new-set assembly starts at $30. Smaller rebuilding and re-bagging projects may start at $35, while most mixed-collection and standalone inventory projects have a $40 minimum.
Your actual quote reflects the set’s size, condition, complexity, organization, available instructions, desired outcome, and handoff requirements. You will receive the complete written price before deciding whether to proceed.
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You do not need to confirm that every piece is present before contacting me. Missing or questionable pieces are documented when they affect the project or when completeness verification is part of the approved scope.
If a replacement is needed, I will explain the available options and obtain your approval before purchasing anything. Replacement pieces, seller shipping, and applicable taxes are separate unless your quote specifically states otherwise.
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Yes, in some cases. Inventory verification and missing-piece identification can support rebuilding, re-bagging, or mixed-collection recovery.
Standalone verification may also be practical when one identifiable set is already separated and reasonably organized. A complete piece-by-piece inventory is not automatically included with every service, so your written quote will specify whether it is part of the approved work.
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Your quote applies to the approved scope. If the project’s condition or contents differ materially from what could be determined during the assessment, I will pause and explain the proposed change.
No additional work will be performed, and no replacement purchase or added cost will be incurred, without your approval. You decide whether to accept a revised recommendation or quote before work continues.
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I personally handle each accepted project from intake through the agreed return. The starting condition is documented, and pieces are kept contained, labeled, and separated from other projects during the work.
I provide updates when they are useful, document missing or questionable pieces, and confirm completion before the agreed return. I do not use glue or make unapproved modifications.
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Arranged pickup and return may be available throughout Greater Portland and nearby communities based on location, project size, and scheduling.
The handoff method, timing, and any applicable pickup or return cost are confirmed in your written quote. Please do not make an unplanned visit or leave a project without prior approval.
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Some projects can be accepted by mail after the photo assessment. Sealed sets, securely organized single sets, and smaller projects that can be packed safely are generally the strongest candidates.
Large, fragile, already-built, unusually valuable, or badly disorganized projects are evaluated individually. If the project is approved, I will provide packing guidance and confirm the return method before anything is shipped. Inbound and return shipping are separate unless your quote states otherwise.
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Turnaround depends on the project’s size, condition, service, complexity, organization, replacement-part needs, and the current schedule.
Your written quote will include an estimated timeline. Mention any deadline when submitting your assessment so I can determine whether it appears realistic before you commit.
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Possibly. I can consider non-LEGO and MOC projects when usable instructions are available and the pieces can be identified and sourced if replacements become necessary.
I build from existing instructions and do not currently create custom models or instructions from scratch. Replacement pieces for third-party brands can be difficult to source, so these projects are accepted case by case.
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No. I do not glue pieces or make structural modifications without your knowledge and approval.
NOT SURE WHERE TO START?
Let’s figure out what your LEGO project needs.
Send a few photos and a short description of what you have. You do not need to identify the correct service, confirm every piece, or prepare the project before contacting me.
I will review the project and respond with the likely next step, any additional questions, and a written quote when the project appears to be a practical fit.
Free assessment. No commitment. Greater Portland pickup or approved U.S. mail-in service.