Hiring a furniture assembler: what to send and what to check afterwards
'How much to assemble a wardrobe?' sounds straightforward. To give you a useful answer, an assembler needs to know which wardrobe, where it will stand and what else the job includes. Sending everyone the same details lets you compare quotes before booking. Here is what to prepare, from the product code to the final walkthrough.
Contents
Before you book
- Send the exact model and photographs of the space, not just a picture of finished furniture.
- Check whether carrying packages, adjustments, required anchoring and packaging are included.
- Agree what happens if parts are missing or the wall cannot be assessed from photographs.
- Allow time to check the work together before the assembler leaves.
Describe the type of work you need
Assembling a flat pack desk, rebuilding a wardrobe after a move and fitting a kitchen are different jobs. For new furniture, send the product link and manual. For used furniture, show the dismantled components, fittings and any damage. For bespoke furniture, ask whether installation is already included in the maker's quote.
Mention adaptations immediately: skirting that prevents positioning, a worktop needing a cutout or wall cabinets. Do not assume every assembler undertakes those tasks. In a kitchen, separate furniture assembly from water, gas and electrical connections, and decide who coordinates the necessary specialists.
Send the same information to each assembler
Your initial message
- Town and neighbourhood; share the exact address with the chosen provider when arranging the visit.
- Brand, model, product code, dimensions and quantity of each unit.
- Instructions, product link and photographs of packages or existing components.
- Photographs of the final position, wall, skirting and room access.
- Floor, lift access, package location and any carrying or furniture moving required.
- Preferred date, available time and who can attend the final check.
In a public request, cover personal details on shipping labels. Clear photographs of the product code and room are enough initially. If two units look similar, list both codes: internal accessories can change the workload.
Check the price line by line
| Item | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Assembly and adjustments | Are all doors, drawers, accessories and final adjustments included? |
| Anchoring required by the manual | Who assesses the wall, what needs confirming and how will the price be communicated? |
| Access and transport | Are travel, carrying packages and an assistant included? |
| Packaging | Will it be collected in one place or removed from the property? |
| Missing parts and another visit | What is payable if assembly stops and a return visit is needed? |
A lower price may cover assembly alone. Ask for a total for the same scope and an explanation of provisional amounts. With hourly billing, ask how many people attend, whether time is charged for the team or per person, and how you approve an overrun. This article gives no market rates: the model, conditions and inclusions must be established first.
Clarify wall anchoring before the job ends
IKEA explains that wall material determines the appropriate anchoring hardware (opens in a new tab). Ask how the wall will be assessed and share what you know about concealed services. If this is uncertain, the assembler should obtain specialist advice. A photograph alone cannot establish what lies behind the finish.
If the manual requires anchoring, discuss it in your first conversation. In a rented home, resolve the landlord's permission before booking. If required anchoring cannot be completed, have the job recorded as unfinished with a plan to resolve it. 'It stands fine anyway' is not technical confirmation.
Prepare the room and agree how missing parts are handled
Clear the agreed work area, access route and final position. Allow the assembler to inspect packages before unpacking and point out damage you have already noticed. Do not schedule decorators, deliveries and assemblers in the same area without coordinating times. Discuss waiting time before arrival.
IKEA identifies replacement parts using codes in the assembly instructions (opens in a new tab). For a missing or damaged component, keep photographs, its label and proof of purchase. Contact the seller about the solution available to you; a store's terms in another country do not promise delivery in Moldova. Separately confirm the assembler's outstanding work and return visit charge.
Check the result together
Before closing the job
- The furniture is what you ordered and stands in the agreed position.
- Doors and drawers open and close normally without obvious rubbing.
- Shelves, handles and accessories in the order are present.
- There is no unexplained new damage to surfaces, floors or nearby belongings.
- Anchoring required by the manual is complete, or the job is recorded as unfinished.
- You have the manual, an explanation of leftover parts and a list of problems with completion dates.
A customer's visual check does not certify fixing strength. Ask what has been done and respect the product documentation's limits. CPSC recommends removing objects that tempt children to climb (opens in a new tab). Do not test stability by climbing, pulling or applying improvised loads.
A request you can adapt
'Looking for an assembler in [town] for wardrobe [model, code, dimensions] and desk [model]. Packages are in the room on floor [number], with [access]. Manuals and photographs attached. I need assembly, adjustments and an assessment of required anchoring. Please show travel, fixings and packaging removal separately. Available: [dates]. Please give an estimated total and terms for a return visit.'
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a price from a wardrobe photograph alone?
You may get a preliminary estimate. For a useful quote, add the product code, instructions, accessories and site conditions. Ask which circumstances could change the amount.
Should I buy the fixings?
Agree this after assessing the wall and the product requirements. Do not buy fixings simply by appearance or assume all materials are included in assembly pricing.
What if a door does not close properly?
Show the problem during the final check and have it recorded with a remedy and date. For contracts, payments and acceptance, see the guide to working with a tradesperson.
Who pays if the furniture arrived damaged?
Distinguish delivered damage from damage during assembly using photographs and a joint inspection. The seller's solution and the assembler's terms are separate matters. Do not automatically assume assembly or another visit will be free.
Sources
- Secure it! Wall anchoring guide (opens in a new tab), IKEA, accessed 15 October 2026
- AnchorIt.gov (opens in a new tab), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, accessed 15 October 2026
- What can I do if my product is missing some parts? (opens in a new tab), IKEA Canada, accessed 15 October 2026