What needs assembling?
Send the number of items and exact product links. A wardrobe frame with sliding doors and organisers is a different job from an open shelving unit; the model and instructions tell me more than the box count.
Scroll across to see both columns.
| Your job | What to include in the enquiry |
|---|---|
| New flat-pack furniture | The complete model, including separately bought doors, drawers or organisers; delivery status and final room. |
| Partly assembled furniture | Photos of the current stage, the instructions, remaining hardware and any damaged or missing parts. |
| An existing unit that needs attention | What catches, moves or sits unevenly; when it started and whether the unit has been moved or dismantled. |
If a part is missing or a joint has failed, we need to resolve that before agreeing how to finish assembly. An existing drawer that will not close may need diagnosis rather than the furniture rebuilding.
Check the room, boxes and wall securing.
Tell me where the boxes are and whether they need moving upstairs. Include stairs, lift access, narrow doorways and the room's ceiling height. Leave enough clear floor space to follow the assembly method; some tall furniture needs clearance to be raised into position.
Required wall securing is part of planning the job. The restraint and wall fixing must suit the furniture and the wall. IKEA's furniture safety guidance explains why anchoring matters and why wall material affects the fixings. Mention skirting boards, nearby sockets and any restrictions on drilling. Do not plan to omit a manufacturer's required restraint.
How much does furniture assembly cost?
My furniture-assembly labour is £50 for the first hour, then £25 per additional 30 minutes, including VAT. The minimum labour charge is £50 including VAT, even if the work takes less than an hour. Materials are charged separately at net cost plus 10%, then 20% VAT. There is no separate travel or parking charge.
The total depends on the complete model, configuration and agreed work, rather than a universal price per wardrobe or bed. See the pricing guide and worked examples.
The item count, complexity, access, present condition and wall-securing work all affect the scope. Send a complete list so we can discuss the visit as a whole. Confirm any dismantling, moving existing furniture or packaging removal separately; these should not be assumed to be included.
- Product links, model numbers and the quantity of each item.
- Your postcode, room and where the packages are stored.
- Assembly instructions and any known missing or damaged parts.
- A photo of the final position and any required wall attachment.
Once those details are clear, we will agree the work, materials, price and availability. If something different is discovered on arrival, the next step needs discussing before additional work goes ahead.
Before the furniture goes into use.
The completed item needs checking against its instructions, including doors, drawers, fittings and required restraints. Keep the manual and spare labelled parts for future adjustment. Follow the maker's loading and care instructions; assembly does not change the product's weight limits.
If you also need shelves or a mirror fitted, include them in the original list and see shelf and mirror fitting. For an existing kitchen door that catches, the home repair service may be a better starting point than a new assembly enquiry.
Plan the assembly in a useful order.
Start with the final room and position, then check the instructions and components before assembly begins. A large unit may need building near its final position; assembling it elsewhere can leave a finished item that will not pass through a doorway. Keep loose fittings separated by product when several pieces are involved.
Allow for doors, drawers and internal fittings to be adjusted after the main frame is together. Wall restraints required by the instructions belong in the plan too. If a structural part is missing or damaged, agree how it will be replaced before treating the item as ready to use.
Clear rates, agreed before the work.
- First hour, including VAT
- £50
- Each additional 30 minutes, including VAT
- £25
- Materials, before VAT
- Net cost + 10%
The minimum labour charge is £50 including VAT, even if the work takes less than an hour. Materials use their VAT-exclusive cost plus 10%, then 20% VAT. There is no separate travel or parking charge. Where parking is difficult, please arrange a suitable space or permit if possible and let me know before the visit.
Send the complete job list, photos and postcode. We will discuss the scope, expected time and materials before agreeing the work.
Help in your borough.
I cover Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames and Merton, including Wimbledon. Send your full postcode to check the location and discuss availability.
