If you're planning new wardrobes, a media wall or full home joinery, you're probably already browsing websites, comparing quotes and looking at inspiration photos. But how do you really know if the cabinet maker you're speaking to is the right fit for your project?
Over the years, we’ve spoken to hundreds of clients across London and the Home Counties — and we've noticed the same concerns come up again and again. Price, yes — but also: “How will it actually be built?” and “Why is bespoke joinery a longer process — and what happens behind the scenes?”
So here are 12 important questions we think every homeowner should ask a bespoke cabinet maker before going ahead with a project — with honest answers on how we handle it at Adam Hope Bespoke.
1. Is this the kind of work you do every day — or are you a general carpenter?
This is a big one. There’s a world of difference between a carpenter who can fit a door and a joinery company that designs, builds and finishes custom wardrobes and furniture from scratch.
We specialise purely in bespoke Cabinetry and Joinery. This is all we do, every day — from full home cabinets to one-off pieces. Everything is handmade in our own workshop, not built on-site.
2. What materials are you using — and why?
This should always be clear up front. Are you getting solid wood, veneered MDF or something else? What’s the quality of the carcasses, hinges and runners? It’s easy to make joinery look good in photos — the real difference is what’s underneath.
We only use high-grade materials sourced from specialist suppliers — including moisture-resistant MDF (MR MDF), real solid wood, wood Veneers and premium board products like Egger, Xylo, Finsa and Cleaf. For hardware, we specify high-quality fittings such as Blum hinges and runners as standard.
We’ll always explain the differences between materials based on your design, usage, and budget — so you know exactly what you’re getting and why.
3. How thick are the doors and panels?
Most people never think to ask this — but it’s the difference between something that feels solid and something that rattles.
We generally build doors in 22mm or 25mm thickness, depending on your design. Thicker panels offer a more premium, substantial feel — especially for shaker or in-frame styles. You can explore our bespoke cabinetry services in Hertfordshire, London, and the surrounding areas to see how we tailor every project to suit your home
4. Is the finish hand-painted, spray-painted, or pre-finished — and where is it done?
This is an area where there’s often confusion — and it’s worth asking the right questions. There are several finishing options available, and the choice can affect both appearance and cost.
We offer a hand-painted finish (typically applied off-site with the final coat completed on-site), a PU spray-painted finish, or pre-finished boards, depending on the design and your budget. Pre-finished panels can save time and cost on decoration, and we’ll advise if this is suitable for your project.
We also offer more creative finishes — including wallpapered wardrobe doors, textured fabric finishes, and a wide range of PU lacquer sheens, from soft matt (5%) to high gloss (up to 90%) that gives a glass-like look. You can see examples of creative wardrobe finishes in our gallery
Our PU (polyurethane) spray paint gives a flawless, durable surface — extremely hard-wearing and ideal for high-use furniture like wardrobes, media walls or kitchens. All spray finishing is done off-site by a specialist company, in a fully controlled spray booth environment for a consistent, dust-free finish.
We’ll always show you finish samples, talk you through each option, and recommend what works best for your design and usage — because if you're investing in bespoke cabinetry you want the best finish applied by professionals.
5. Will I get a design or just a quote?
Some joiners give you a price and a rough sketch — and that’s it. But for a custom piece of furniture, you should know exactly what’s being built before anything is made.
We provide CAD drawings or visuals and talk you through every detail. You’ll sign off the design before production starts. If you already have plans, we can work from those too.
6. Do you come out to do a proper design survey?
Yes — and this matters. A proper site visit allows us to spot quirks, awkward walls, sloping floors, and where cables or pipes might affect the design.
We always carry out a detailed site survey before finalising measurements, even if you’ve supplied drawings. It's part of making sure everything fits and functions perfectly.
7. What’s going inside? Shelves, drawers, lighting?
You’d be surprised how often internals get overlooked. We’ll always ask: “What do you actually need this furniture to do?”
Whether it’s a double hanging rail, soft-close drawers, hidden compartments or integrated LED lighting, we’ll build it to suit how you live — not just how it looks.
8. Will you coordinate with my electrician for sockets or lighting?
Absolutely. We’ll either work with your electrician or bring our own, depending on what’s needed. Whether you want sockets hidden in a media unit or motion-sensor lighting in wardrobes, we’ll plan it all properly from the start.
9. Can I speak to past clients or see previous projects?
Yes and you should always ask this. A good contractor won’t hesitate. We’re happy to share reviews, photos, or even arrange a quick chat with previous clients — especially if you're doing a similar project.
10. Do you carry insurance?
Always ask to see proof of insurance before any work begins. A professional cabinet maker should have public liability insurance to protect your home in case of damage, and employers’ liability insurance if they have a team on-site.
At Adam Hope Bespoke, we’re fully insured and happy to provide documentation. If a contractor hesitates or can’t show this, it’s a serious red flag — and could leave you exposed if anything goes wrong during the project.
11. What about my floor or other finishes — will they be protected?
When planning any fitted or bespoke furniture, it's important to consider the condition of the space during installation. Ask your cabinet maker how they plan to protect flooring, walls and surrounding finishes while working on-site.
Joinery should never be installed directly onto carpet. A professional team will typically pull the carpet back, fit the furniture securely onto the subfloor, and arrange for it to be refitted afterwards by a qualified carpet fitter.
If you're mid-renovation or working with builders, timing becomes even more important. Joinery is best fitted onto a finished, flat floor. In some cases, plinths may be left off and returned to once flooring is complete. Communication between trades is key — and a good cabinet maker should be flexible and work to agreed timeframes.
Before any work starts, make sure you've discussed how installation will be handled — and how your space will be protected.
At Adam Hope Bespoke, our reviews consistently praise the way our team treats your home — working cleanly, efficiently and with respect throughout the installation process.
12. Will I know exactly what I’m getting before you start?
You should never be left guessing. Before a single panel is cut, your cabinet maker should give you clear, detailed information about exactly what’s being built — and how.
At a minimum, you should expect:
CAD drawings or visuals to show layout, dimensions and design
A full breakdown of materials and finishes so you know what’s being used where
Hardware details including hinges, handles and runners
An installation schedule with timings and site access plans
A fixed, transparent quote with no hidden extras
Clear communication upfront helps avoid confusion later — and gives you the confidence that your investment is being taken seriously.
Final Word: It’s Not Just About the Price
Yes, price matters — but if you don’t ask the right questions, you won’t know what you’re really paying for. Two quotes might look similar on paper, but the results can be worlds apart.
A cheaper quote often means cut corners: thinner materials, standard fittings, rushed installation, and furniture that looks tired after a year. It’s the difference between a cabinet that just fills a space and one that becomes a seamless, lasting feature of your home.
At Adam Hope Bespoke, you're not hiring a general chippy — you're investing in true craftsmanship, made by specialists. We design, build and finish everything with precision, care and attention to detail — using top-tier materials, expert joiners and a finish you'd expect in a high-end interior.
If you’re serious about getting it right — something that looks beautiful, works flawlessly and lasts for years — we’re here to help.
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