We were recently installing a fitted furniture package on a project in Hampshire.
I was fitting a bespoke fitted bookcase alongside one of the lads when we noticed that something wasn’t quite sitting correctly. It was close, but not right.
After taking a closer look, it became clear that we needed to trim the end scribe slightly. I turned to the Dexter and said:
“If we skim 3mm off the top back edge, it’ll go in nicely.”
At that exact moment, the site manager happened to be walking past. He overheard the conversation, stopped and said:
“For goodness’ sake, lads, we’re not building a Rolex here!”
It made us laugh, but I also had to disagree with him.
Because, in a way, we are.
Of course, we aren’t manufacturing watches. But the same principle applies: small measurements matter.
Three millimetres might not sound like much, particularly on a large bespoke fitted piece of furniture. However, it can be the difference between something fitting neatly and something looking like it has simply been made to fit.
When we manufacture bespoke furniture, we are working within real buildings. Walls aren’t always straight, floors aren’t always level and the dimensions on a drawing very rarely perfectly reflect what is waiting for us on site.
That is why we carry out detailed site surveys, produce working drawings and manufacture each item for its specific location. It is also why our installation team takes the time to make those final adjustments when they are needed.
Most people may never notice the 3mm we trimmed from that bookcase, and that is exactly the point.
They will simply see a piece of furniture that fits properly, sits neatly against its surroundings and looks as though it was always intended to be there.
So no, we weren’t building a Rolex.
But when it comes to care, precision and attention to detail, we’ll continue to work as though we are.
Have a good weekend!
Adam
