Commission a professional

• How to buy fitted furniture
• Commission a professional
• Key points to consider in dressing rooms
• Key points to consider in bedrooms
• Key points to consider in home offices
• Key points to consider in living rooms
• Useful contacts

If you have a small, straightforward project or feel confident about your own design abilities, you may want to entrust your scheme to a local carpenter, or put together your own team of professionals. Independent designers offer one-off designs and total flexibility, while a carpenter is likely to look to you for the specification. As joiners rarely have showrooms, it is important to see a portfolio of their work or some of their installations first. Personal recommendation is very valuable; in its absence, trade associations can help.

*Creating a brief
Put together as detailed a brief as possible, with pictures from magazines or the internet and samples of materials you like. Ask questions, such as whether the furniture is made of solid wood or veneered, and keep an open mind about the craftsperson’s ideas as well.

*Agreeing terms
Make sure that you are absolutely clear about payment terms, such as when the deposit is needed, how much it is – typically between 30 and 50 per cent of the total price – and when the balance is paid. Never pay in full upfront. Ask for a breakdown of materials and labour, and make sure you get all the payment details, together with the schedule, in writing.

Chosen by House to home