Your hotel design had a humble beginning: It started out as a napkin sketch.
Most great projects do.
Now, all the pieces are coming into focus.
It was a lengthy, cumbersome process to get this point - months or perhaps even years in the making.
But what if the most important piece was yet to come? Choosing a hotel furniture installation service provider can prove to be one of the most significant decisions you make.
Let’s dig into why – and how – that is.
Hiring a hospitality furniture assembly service is optional. Truth be told, there’s no law that requires your project to have one.
But having an experienced team of professional installers can be worth its weight in gold.
Maybe your design is simplistic, or perhaps you would benefit from more experienced hands. Either way, hotel casegoods installation services are your key to punching out a successful project.
There are several important factors to consider that can hamstring your project or result in guest dissatisfaction. In the worst-case scenario, assembly and installation errors could lead to lawsuits. Here’s how to do it right:
Space limitations for assembly
Maneuverability in stairwells, elevators, and hallways
Insufficient equipment or resources for unloading
Limited communication between vendors
Choose a hospitality furniture manufacturer that’ll work with your plans & installer to consider potential issues before the final shipment. Solutions may require site visits by the manufacturer to complete field surveys (including blocking and electrical) and talking with your install about whether to assemble certain pieces at the factory rather than the site.
With your hotel furniture at the site, it’s now time to put it all together. That can be difficult with dozens or even hundreds of guestrooms to complete, even with ample access to the right equipment.
An experienced hotel furniture installation team will efficiently assemble the end products to be functional and sturdy. Cleanup should be quick and thorough because finished rooms equal revenue.
You might have a unique design. If it’s not unique, it’s certainly crafted with a purpose. Your team has blocked out spaces to:
Fit the furniture perfectly
Accommodate necessary components like HVAC, cable, electrical, plumbing, and safety features
Space matters. Skillful installers will understand every square inch in your plan.
A chain of documentation begins when your order is placed. From financial agreements to product specifications, everything should be recorded and presented for your records.
You should expect regular communications from a dedicated Project Manager (PM). This PM will be your point of contact with the manufacturer throughout, and often beyond, the life of your project. Expect this person to answer any questions, visit the project site, and provide status updates as the order progresses.
When it comes time for delivery and installation, you should have a complete package of info including:
Estimates/order summaries
Order adjustments
Delivery dates
Installation recommendations or instructions
After the installation of hotel casegood, your job starts.
The simple fact of the matter is you did not make such a major investment to see it fall into disrepair after a short time. In other words, your hotel FF&E should have a long, useful life, and you can directly influence that.
When initially looking for an installer, be sure to ask about the level of support they offer for any immediate concerns that might arise after the installation. This includes troubleshooting issues and making adjustments as necessary to ensure that all furniture and fixtures function as intended. It also means coming around if need be to make a fix.
It’s also best to check with your manufacturer and installer about any documents (think manuals, care instructions, etc.) or training needed to keep your casegoods in top shape. Even using the wrong cleaning product can ruin a perfectly good casegood.
And next to training your staff in how to care for your new FF&E, it’s a good idea to come up with a regular inspection and maintenance program (and stick to it). It’s no different than the upkeep you do for your car – a missed oil change can create costly problems to fix.
What specific qualifications or certifications should your hotel furniture installation team members have? Furniture installation team members often have qualifications that include technical training in carpentry or construction, certifications from trade schools, or specialized training programs provided by their employers. Certifications can also include those for handling specific types of furniture or safety certifications like those from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Are there any additional costs associated with the furniture installation beyond the quoted price? Yes, and this is one of those “buyer beware’s” (but in a good way). Additional costs beyond the quoted price can include charges for expedited services, fees for handling special materials or delicate items, and costs for extra modifications not initially included in the quote. Other potential additional costs could be for parking and transportation if the installation site is in a location with limited access. How should your installation service handle unexpected issues or delays during the installation process? The #1 way they should handle the unexpected or delays is to communicate any changes or challenges you. There’s nothing worse than not being on the same page. |
When your project’s at the finish line, you need a one-stop-shop hospitality furniture manufacturer capable of making, delivering, and installing your order.
With an experienced hotel furniture assembly and installation provider on your team, you can rest easy about your vision for the perfect casegoods becoming a reality.