Considering buying built in furniture to make the most of your bedroom, lounge or even a spare room, but wondering how or where to start? Here’s a set of step-by-step tips to help you take the first steps towards your dream fitted furniture.
- Research, research, research! Look at websites, quality home interest/interior design magazines, brochures and showrooms where possible. Consider truly bespoke versus a modular build –reputable fitted furniture makers will be able to design to any size and work around odd shapes. Select a company that has the quality, styles and finishes that will suit your chosen room and fit with your over all house styling.
- Check the workmanship quality of your chosen fitted furniture maker, ask if they have completed projects in customer’s own homes that you can view.
- Put together a detailed brief of what you envisage for your room, and what’s important to include/accommodate within the design. Collect pictures of any ideas you’d like to use for inspiration. Pinterest is a fabulous new online tool for this.
- Arrange a home consultation. Choosing fitted furniture should involve a design specialist visiting you at your house to fully understand your requirements and the environment they will be creating.
- Be honest with the designer about your lifestyle, how you use the space and how much storage you really do need. A realistic conversation will enable your designer to put together a solution that works better for you.
- The designer usually produces initial layout drawings and your quotation during this stage (usually without obligation), so don’t be afraid to ask for something special or different. Also ask your questions about delivery, the fitting process, for example when would the installation start, how long should it take and who would your main point of contact during the build.
- Understand the quotation and payment terms – Some companies offer seasonal savings, interest-free and pay-later deals so don’t be afraid to ask.
- After approving layouts, leading companies usually employ surveyors who will visit to check measurements and quality assure the design. You should receive a copy of the final CAD drawings. Find out about where your furniture will be made and how the quality will be checked before the installers bring it to your house to fit. Why not ask to visit the workshop to watch it being built?!
- For the installation, prepare and clear the room as much as possible ready for your fitters to start. Most reputable companies will work as carefully as possible in the space you give them, however be mindful they are not trapeze artists, plus you do get a better view of the results when there’s less clutter blocking the view.
- The fun part. Enjoy organising possessions, arranging accessories, and finally sitting back to admire your beautiful new fitted furniture.
est of luck and happy home making.