Planning furniture assembly and comparing offers
A bed frame, sliding-door wardrobe and modular office system involve very different work. A useful quote starts with the actual furniture and tasks, rather than simply the number of rooms.
Assembly, dismantling or both?
New furniture assembly starts with delivered components. Used furniture that has already been dismantled requires checks of fittings, condition and completeness. Dismantling followed by rebuilding involves two visits or work phases; explain whether the location changes and transport is needed.
Distinguish ordinary assembly from repairs, bespoke alterations and kitchen installation. A wardrobe may assemble according to its instructions, while adapting it to a sloping wall involves extra carpentry. Electrical and plumbing connections should not be assumed part of a general assembly service.
Specify models and configuration
List furniture types and quantities. A model name, product number or link helps the company identify the work. If unknown, provide approximate dimensions and a brief description. Door type, internal fittings and joined units can make a significant difference for wardrobes.
Check that all packages, fittings and instructions are available before the appointment. Disclose missing or damaged parts before the fitter travels. Special screws are not always immediately replaceable, and incomplete furniture may require another visit.
- New furniture. Coordinate delivery and assembly so every required package is available.
- Used furniture. Disclose damage, missing fittings and changes to the original configuration.
- Multiple systems. List models so a complex wardrobe is not priced as a simple shelf.
What does furniture assembly cost?
One published regional rate is CHF 90 per fitter per hour, including VAT and travel within Zurich, with a two-hour minimum. That means CHF 180 minimum for one fitter. Two fitters for two billed hours amount to CHF 360. This illustrates a specific tariff, not the expected duration of your job.
Other providers quote before VAT, add travel or charge per item. A furniture store may also charge a visit fee when assembly does not coincide with delivery. Compare final amounts for the same work and check whether an existing moving quote already includes assembly.
| Item | What to clarify |
|---|---|
| Labour | Per-person or crew rate, minimum duration and billing increments |
| Fixed price | Models, quantities and additional work covered |
| Travel | Call-out charge, travel time and parking |
| Materials | Fittings, fixings and replacement parts |
| Completion | Adjustment, packaging removal and VAT |
Prepare space and wall fixings
Clear the work area and make packages accessible. Depending on construction, a tall wardrobe may need space for assembly on the floor or sufficient ceiling clearance. The instructions and actual room determine the method.
A required anti-tip fixing is not an optional extra to omit at will. Fixings must suit the wall and furniture. Disclose known lightweight walls or service routes and clarify drilling. If the substrate is unknown, assessment is more useful than an unsupported promise.
Coordinate transport and final checks
Furniture delivered to the entrance is not necessarily already in the assembly room. Carrying, shop collection and transport between homes should be agreed explicitly, as should removal of packaging or old furniture.
At completion, check position, alignment and operation of doors and drawers together. Record necessary fixings and outstanding parts. Keep instructions, spare fittings and agreed follow-up work so any further visit has a clear scope.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have just one wardrobe assembled?
Yes. State model or dimensions, door type and additional work. Travel and minimum charges particularly matter for a small individual job.
What if I no longer have the instructions?
Mention this. Manufacturer, model or product number often help locate the correct instructions. Unidentified used furniture should be assessed before confirmation.
Do I need to provide tools?
Agree that the fitter brings suitable tools. Have furniture-specific parts and existing fittings ready. Obtaining replacements is not automatically included.
Is transport after dismantling included?
Only if ordered. Dismantling, transport and rebuilding can be quoted together, but remain distinct parts of the service.
