Furniture assembly: a guide for pros

What customers ask, how to win the job, and what to put on your profile.

Offering furniture assembly

Furniture assembly is a high-volume job where customers judge you on speed, a neat finish and a piece that does not wobble. Win it by checking the parts first and anchoring tall pieces without being asked.

What customers ask

  • How long will the assembly take?
  • Will you take the boxes away?
  • Do you anchor tall furniture to the wall?
  • What if a part is missing?
  • Can you move the pieces into the room?
  • Will my drawers slide smoothly?

How to win the job

  • On the call, ask for the list of pieces, the brand if known, the room each one goes in, and any tall or heavy items.
  • Check the hardware count and the parts against the list before you start, and tell the customer about any shortage.
  • Quote the assembly per piece, with the anchor kit, the haul-away and any old furniture removal as separate lines.
  • Show the customer the level check and the anchor points before you leave, so they can see the piece is stable.
  • Test each drawer, door and hinge, and adjust them before you leave.
  • Leave the customer the manufacturer's manual and the spare hardware bag, labeled by piece.

What to put on your profile

  • Post photos of finished pieces in their rooms, with the anchors visible behind tall pieces
  • List the furniture brands you assemble most often and the kit types you handle
  • State whether you move furniture into the room, and the stairs and doorways you can manage
  • Show your check process for parts and anchoring in a short note

Follow-up that helps the customer

  • Offer to anchor the wall shelving or TV that goes near the new furniture
  • Suggest a tightening visit after a month of use, since joints settle
  • Recommend a full room setup visit when the customer is furnishing a bedroom or office

Licenses and permits

Furniture assembly is not commonly a licensed trade. Work that involves gas, power or wall structure, such as a built-in unit with an outlet, can need a licensed trade or a permit. Check with your state or local licensing agency before you take that work.

Questions

Do I need insurance for furniture assembly?

Ask your insurer what it covers for in-home work, including damage to walls and floors, and keep a copy of your coverage on file.

How do I handle a piece that arrives damaged?

Photograph the damage before you build, notify the customer and the retailer, and hold the assembly until a replacement or repair is agreed.

Should I warranty my assembly?

Yes, but write the terms down. Say what you cover and for how long, and say what the manufacturer warranty covers separately.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

Edit history

More installation and assembly guides for pros

Start here

About this guide

Get furniture assembly requests

Customers pick you by name. Signup is free, and you pay only for leads you accept.

Join as a pro
Sign up free