Custom-made furniture: how to compare offers from makers
Why prices for made-to-order furniture vary so much
There are no two identical kitchens or wardrobes, so comparing "by the estimate" is hard. The difference hides in the materials: branded laminated board (Egger, for example) against a cheaper one, film-faced MDF against painted, glass, mirror. In the hardware: Blum or Hettich against an unnamed make. In the complexity of the project, and even in who does the measuring and fitting. So the most important thing is to give every maker the same specification.
What to prepare before the request
- Measurements of the niche or room: width, height, depth, distances from pipes and sockets.
- A sketch, photo or inspiration picture: even a simple drawing helps.
- What you expect inside: shelves, rails, drawers, lighting.
- Preferred materials and hardware, or a budget from which the maker will choose options.
How it works with BlaBlaPrice
Instead of inviting a measurer from every workshop, you write one request, and furniture makers reply in the chat: what they can make, from which materials, at what price and in what time. They can see where their offer stands and can improve their terms. It is free for the buyer, and only the one you choose sees your contacts. More: How it works.
What to put in your request
- What to make — kitchen, sliding wardrobe, walk-in closet, built-in wardrobe, children's furniture.
- Sizes — niche or room, ceiling height.
- City — for measuring, delivery and fitting.
- Carcass material — board brand, MDF, solid wood.
- Fronts — painted or film MDF, mirror, glass, colour.
- Hardware — brand, soft-close, handles.
- Project — you have a sketch or need design and measuring.
- Fitting and timing.
- Budget.
Example: “I need a built-in sliding wardrobe for a niche of 2.2 × 2.6 m, Egger board carcass, painted MDF fronts with a mirror, Blum hardware with soft-close. I have a sketch and need measuring. Delivery and fitting, Jaipur, within 3 weeks. Budget up to ₹1,00,000.”
How to compare offers from makers
Ask for an itemised estimate: materials, their thickness, hardware, what costs how much. Check whether measuring, the design, delivery, fitting, connecting appliances and taking away the waste are included. Ask about the payment schedule: often an advance is taken and the rest after fitting. Most important is a written agreement with lead times, specification and warranty. Also ask for photos of finished work similar to yours, and look at reviews.
Production time depends on how busy the workshop is, so agree on a date and, if there is a reason, on responsibility for delay. Don't sign until you have checked the sizes against your own measurements.
Common mistakes
- Comparing prices without an identical specification.
- Not checking how the furniture meets pipes, sockets and the window sill.
- Not saying who buys the appliances and the sink the niches are made for.
- Paying the full amount upfront without an agreement.
For individual areas, see kitchen furniture, sliding wardrobes and walk-in closets, and also hallway furniture.
