When we visit a doctor or dentist, we safely assume that he or she has met all of the requirements mandated by their respective profession, including training, licensing, experience, registration, and so on.
However, when it comes to hiring a furniture installer, the unfortunate fact is that some companies claim to have professionals on their team when the exact opposite is the case.
At Precision, we have heard countless horror stories over the years of so-called professional furniture installers damaging or destroying items, showing up late (or sometimes not at all!), getting into conflicts and fights with clients, and even pulling a “bait and switch” with billing and refusing to install furniture unless higher fees are paid.
Fortunately, there is a way that you can protect your business, your budget, and your peace of mind: ensure any professional furniture installer that you are considering meets all 5 of the requirements below.
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Experience
When it comes to furniture installation, there is absolutely no substitute for experience. Merely being able to “put furniture together” is NOT sufficient. Furniture installation is a sophisticated and complex process, and requires expertise with hand tools and power tools, as well as competence working with different types and lines of furniture.
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Certification
Any furniture installer who tells you that certification “doesn’t apply” to this field should be avoided at all costs! At Precision, we send our team members to participate in furniture manufacturer training programs so they can be certified in specific lines, and learn about everything from handling and moving to advanced installation applications. We also have our own in-house training program called “POFI”, and all of our furniture installers must achieve POFI Certification before they are authorized to be part of a furniture installation project.
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Insurance
Believe it or not, but some so-called furniture installation companies don’t carry adequate insurance for their workers, or their coverage has lapsed – yet they are still doing business! Although you obviously hope that an insurance claim won’t be necessary, you need to be protected just in case an accident or injury occurs.
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Professionalism
Office furniture installation is not something that individuals or companies can “dabble in” – it is a specialization that demands total professionalism at all times. Your furniture installer should demonstrate through professional-grade project management and communications, and by providing you with case studies, testimonials and references. They should also commit in writing to ensuring that the punch list is complete, and that all areas are broom cleaned before the project is done and installers leave the premises.
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Safety
Safety must be top-of-mind for your furniture installer partner, and there can be no compromises at all on this commitment. If you suspect that any corners might be cut – even if you are told that it will “save you time and money” – then that is a clear, unmistakable sign that you should walk away.
The Bottom Line
Ideally, professional furniture installers would be governed by a “College of Furniture Installers” – just like doctors and dentists. However, since that kind of regulatory framework doesn’t exist, it’s essential to conduct your due diligence and make sure you’re ONLY working with a proven, professional furniture installation partner. Keeping the above 5 requirements in mind will steer you in the right direction!
Learn More
To learn more, contact the Precision team today. Your consultation with us is free, and for over three decades we’ve been setting the standard and leading the way in professional office furniture installation. We’re the professionals that the professionals trust!
Or if you're looking for more ways to ensure your office installation goes smoothly, check out the Ultimate Checklist for Moving Your Office. It's FREE to download!
