🛠️ How to choose a reliable furniture workshop: 15 criteria that cannot be ignored

Custom furniture is an investment in comfort, aesthetics and durability. But it’s all possible only if you trust the work to real professionals. How to choose a truly reliable furniture workshop so as not to regret it?

In this article, we will take a detailed look at how to identify a good contractor, what questions to ask, and how to avoid scammers or amateurs.

---

✅ Why is it important to choose a workshop consciously?

Custom furniture is not just an interior item, but:

• precise calculation,

• thoughtful functionality,

• reliable fittings,

• complex assembly,

• long-term guarantee.

A poor quality workshop may:

• miss deadlines,

• assemble a crooked structure,

• use cheap materials instead of the stated ones,

• disappear after receiving the advance payment.

💬 This is why the choice of the contractor is no less important than the choice of the furniture itself.

---

🔎 1. Explore the site and social networks

Go to the workshop website:

• Are there any real photos of the projects?

• Are contact details, address, tax identification number, and bank details provided?

• Is the work process clear?

Check out social media:

• How often are works published?

• Do clients have photos of installations?

• Is there a dialogue with subscribers?

📌 Lack of online presence is a warning sign for 2025.

---

📸 2. Study the portfolio

A self-respecting workshop publishes:

• before and after projects,

• photo at the editing stage,

• detailed descriptions of the work,

• visualizations and real photos of the result.

💡 If all the photos are from Pinterest or “sterile” - there is a risk that it is not their work.

---

⭐ 3. Read real reviews

Please note the reviews:

• on Google Maps, Prom.ua, OTZOVIK, Instagram/Facebook;

• with photo or video;

• with a description of the situation: timeframe, how we communicated, what the nuances were.

❗ There shouldn't be perfect 5-star reviews in a row. Sometimes it's more important how a workshop responds to criticism.

---

💬 4. How do managers or masters communicate?

Good workshop:

• answers clearly, without any fluff,

• does not pressure, does not manipulate,

• asks questions about your premises, tasks and wishes,

• sends an estimate within 1–2 days.

📌 If they are reluctant to communicate with you, the same approach will be taken to your order.

---

📐 5. Do they make measurements and a project?

Reliable workshops are a must:

• they go out to take measurements,

• make a project with visualization and drawings,

• agree on each stage before concluding the contract.

🟡 If the technician refuses to come out until the advance payment is made or works “by eye” - refuse.

---

📃 6. Do they provide a contract?

Without contract:

• there are no deadlines,

• no price,

• no responsibility,

• no guarantees.

The contract must include:

• precise technical specifications (dimensions, materials, color, configuration),

• cost and stages of payment,

• deadlines,

• guarantees,

• contacts.

📄 If the contract is “oral”, look for another contractor.

---

🧾 7. Transparent calculation

You must understand, what exactly are you paying forThe workshop must provide:

• detailed calculation,

• names of fittings, facades, laminated chipboard/MDF (not just “material – 15,000 UAH”),

• cost of installation, delivery.

💰 Transparent calculation is an indicator of honesty.

---

🛠️ 8. What equipment is used?

Modern production uses:

• format cutting machines,

• edging machines,

• CNC machines.

If the craftsman “saws everything in the garage,” you will most likely receive a home-made product.

---

🧩 9. What fittings?

Good workshops use:

• Blum, Hettich, Hafele, GTV, Boyard and others.

The contract or project must specify brands and models of fittings.

📌 Cheap Chinese fittings are the cause of breakdowns after six months.

---

🧪 10. Are there certificates and documents?

Reliable workshop:

• officially registered (sole proprietor/LLC),

• can provide invoices, receipts, contracts,

• gives warranty card,

• Certificates for materials available upon request.

📋 If they say: “We do everything by trust” - this is not the place for you.

---

⏱️ 11. Are deadlines met?

Ask:

• how long will production take,

• were there any failures in previous orders,

• what is written in the contract in case of delay.

A good sign is if the terms are in the contract realistic. Promises of “we’ll deliver the kitchen in 5 days” are suspicious.

---

🪛 12. How does the installation go?

Professionals:

• arrive on time,

• do not damage the floor and walls,

• work with tools, not hammers and screwdrivers,

• clean up after themselves.

📌 Poor installation can ruin even the highest quality furniture.

---

🔧 13. Warranty and service

Reliable workshops provide a guarantee:

• from 12 to 36 months,

• sometimes - lifelong for fittings.

Also offered:

• adjustment after 6 months,

• service maintenance.

---

💼 14. How long have you been on the market?

Optimal: from 2-3 years and more. Beginners often work with mistakes. Experienced companies:

• debug processes,

• have a supplier base,

• value their reputation.

---

👥 15. Word of mouth recommendations

Ask your friends:

• who made furniture for them,

• are they satisfied with the quality,

• how did the process go?

💬 Real recommendations are better than any marketing.

---

📌 Checklist: How to recognize a reliable workshop