Custom carpentry

Scope of Works

• Design consultation & survey – measure the space, discuss style, storage needs, timber species and finish (paint, stain, clear lacquer).

• Produce sketches / CAD drawings and confirm materials, fixings and hardware with the client.

• Workshop fabrication – cut, plane and joint frames, doors, drawers or shelving; rout cable holes or vent slots where needed.

• Finishing – prime, spray-paint or oil/wax in a controlled environment; fit hinges, handles and soft-close runners.

• Delivery & installation – protect floors, assemble units on site, scribe to walls / floors, fix securely to studs or masonry, align doors and drawers.

• Fit trim, seal edges, touch-up paint, install optional LED lighting and test all moving parts.

• Snag & hand-over – client walk-through, adjust doors, issue care instructions and remove all packaging/off-cuts for recycling.

Typical Cost (incl. VAT, 2025)

Time on Site

• Installation: 1 – 3 days for alcove cupboards or wardrobes; larger wall-to-wall libraries or kitchens can stretch to 4 – 7 days.

• Workshop lead time: usually 3 – 6 weeks from deposit to delivery (doesn’t affect time in your home).

Factors that extend time: high ceilings > 3 m, on-site spraying, hidden pipes/cables needing reroute, or delayed arrival of specialist hardware.

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

1. Will you supply scaled drawings or 3-D renders, and how many revisions are included?

2. What timber/board grades and FSC or PEFC certification will you use?

3. Is the quote fixed-price or day-rate after the first X days, and does it include VAT?

4. Where will the pieces be painted or lacquered—in the workshop or inside my home?

5. Do you handle electrics for integrated lighting, or will a qualified electrician attend?

6. How long is the workmanship and hardware warranty, and what’s covered?

7. What arrangements are there for access, parking permits and protecting floors/walls during installation?

   
   

How to Avoid Surprises

• Measure stairwells & doorways so large panels will actually fit upstairs.

• Approve a finish sample in your room’s lighting before fabrication.

• Clear the work area and fragile items; lay dust sheets or ask the carpenter to supply them.

• Reserve a parking bay or visitor permit close to the entrance for unloading long boards.

• Confirm lead times for paints, handles and hinges—late hardware delays completion.

• Check whether freshly painted units need off-gassing time before you load books or clothes.

Armed with this overview, you’ll know exactly what a custom-carpentry project involves, what it’s likely to cost in 2025, and how to keep the process smooth, durable and on budget.