GET, LLC revisits our discussion on Furniture, Furnishings
and Equipment or FF&E-this blog post focuses on effort needed to prepare a
cost estimate and specifications for your next project.
The sage wisdom of
the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Handbook of Professional Practice
asks us to remember that your architect or construction professional must be
able to estimate costs to provide the client with figures for a furniture budget.
Pricing estimates can be calculated by applying an appropriate discount to
current list price information obtained from the manufacturer. More accurate
pricing can be obtained directly from manufacturer’s representatives, dealers, like
GET, LLC.
To make budget estimates as accurate as
possible, the architect must consider applicable taxes, shipping and storage
costs, access fees and installation costs.
We must remind you to
prepare accurate and clearly written furniture specifications for all types of
furniture and furnishings. Specifications for freestanding furniture pieces are
the simplest to prepare, and most vendors will assist with the preparation-including
our partner Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner American Hotel Register.
Systems furniture can be specified in general terms, since most systems vendors
prepare full and detailed parts lists for individual orders.
There are three types
of specifications for furniture and furnishings. Proprietary specifications
identify products and materials by manufacturer’s name, model number, or part
number. This is a “closed” specification and does not allow for
substitution-used by many designers to control aesthetics, function, and
quality. Descriptive specifications describe in detail the performance characteristics,
materials, finishes, workmanship, and fabrication of a particular product and
list several comparable manufacturers. This type of specification is used in an
“open” bid situation. Performance specifications describe only the desired or required
results and neither prescribe product characteristics nor reference
manufacturers.
For more on how GET,
LLC through our friends at Savoy Contract Furniture and teaming partner
American Hotel Register can assist you with your specific FF&E needs-
please check out our website at www.get-guam.com or give us a call at
671-483-0789 to discuss the best solution for your facility. All the solutions are Made in America!