Built to Last: 7 Questions to Ask Before Commissioning Bespoke Joinery

Beautiful Joinery Starts with the Right Questions

Commissioning bespoke joinery is exciting — you get to create something unique, tailored, and timeless. But before you dive into Pinterest boards and pick Farrow & Ball colours, it’s worth asking some honest, strategic questions that could save you time, money, and a few grey hairs later.

This blog is your pre-project compass — a guide to the 7 most important questions to ask before you sign off on any joinery project. Because bespoke means built for you — and that requires clarity.

Question 1: What Will This Joinery Actually Do?

It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this.

Is the joinery meant to:

• Maximise storage?

• Create a focal design feature?

• Tidy up visual clutter?

• Frame a fireplace?

• Be child-proof and indestructible?

A&H Note: Before we even draw, we ask how you live, what’s in the way, and what’s missing.

Question 2: How Will It Work With My Day-to-Day Life?

Design without function is just expensive decoration.

Ask yourself:

• How often will I use this?

• Do I need drawers, shelves, hidden compartments, power access?

• Will this block access to sockets, skirting, windows or radiators?

• Do I want it to grow with children, technology, or new layouts?

We once built a beautiful alcove unit with a hidden pull-out charging drawer for devices — the kind of thing that makes day-to-day life feel effortless.

Question 3: Have I Thought About Materials and Finishes?

You don’t need to know your MDF from your birch ply — but it helps to consider:

• Painted vs natural timber look?

• High durability or luxury softness?

• How does it work in damp spaces (bathrooms, kitchens)?

• Do I want sustainability-certified materials?

We’ll help you choose the right fit — but going in with a sense of tone and feel makes our design work even sharper.

Question 4: What Will It Look Like in 5 Years?

Trendy is fine. But if you’re investing in bespoke carpentry, timelessness pays off.

Ask:

• Is this a long-term solution or temporary design?

• Will I want to repaint it in future?

• Does the style match the rest of my home or is it fighting it?

• Will I grow tired of the colour, handles, symmetry?

We’ll gently guide you past the Pinterest rabbit holes and help you design something you’ll love in five years and fifteen.

Question 5: What’s My Budget — Honestly?

It’s not the most fun question, but it’s a powerful one.

Bespoke joinery can be scaled beautifully to suit budget ranges — as long as we’re honest from the beginning.

We can:

• Recommend different materials

• Suggest modular alternatives

• Propose phased work (do the kitchen now, living room later)

• Keep the “wow” and lose the “wasted spend”

Don’t feel shy — we respect transparency and work to make your investment worthwhile.

Question 6: Am I Choosing the Right Joiner?

We can’t speak for everyone — but you should always check:

• Do they specialise in residential bespoke joinery?

• Do they understand period properties and modern extensions?

• Will they handle installation and finishing, or just supply?

• Can they communicate clearly, professionally, and on time?

A&H Tip: Look for a studio that combines design thinking with build excellence. Not just “we build things” — but “we solve problems beautifully.”

Question 7: What Would I Change About My Current Furniture?

This is our favourite design psychology question.

Think about:

• That wardrobe where half the clothes are always jammed in

• That alcove where everything piles up

• That shoe storage that never fits wellies or heels

• That sideboard where cables go to die

Knowing what frustrates you helps us design what delights you.

Final Word: The Best Joinery Is Built Around You

It’s not about making the fanciest cabinet. It’s about solving the right problem with craftsmanship, intention, and a clear conversation.

If you’re commissioning joinery — whether a wardrobe, banquette, or entire dressing room — ask the right questions upfront. We’ll handle the rest with care.

Ready For Your Next Project?:

Want to make sure your next joinery project is not just stunning — but smart, too?

📩 [book a consultation with our design team]. We’ll walk you through every decision, every step.