Custom-made furniture

1. Comparing options: ready-made vs custom furniture

• Ready-made furniture
• Pros: short lead time (often within a few days), lower unit cost, wide selection of standard fronts and modules.
• Cons: limited range of sizes, harder to fit into unusual spaces, less ability to personalize details.
• Custom-made furniture
• Pros: maximum use of space (including slants, niches), personalized selection of materials and accessories, unique design.
• Cons: longer lead time (4–8 weeks), higher cost (designer + installation), greater risk of measurement errors.

2. Preparation and design

• Measure your kitchen precisely (width, depth, height up to the ceiling).
• Create a detailed design or have it done by professionals: choose furniture layout, front materials, type of guides and fittings.
• Make sure the design includes technical drawings with dimensions and appliance specifications.

3. Contract and schedule

• Ready-made furniture: confirm availability of selected modules and delivery time in the contract.
• Custom-made: prepare a detailed contract with deadlines, payment stages (design, production, installation) and penalties for delays.

4. Quality control before installation

• Dimension check: compare the dimensions of delivered items with the documentation.
• Finish inspection: check fronts for even lacquer, scratches, defects, and edge alignment.
• Fittings check: locks, hinges and guides should work smoothly, without play or sticking.

5. Reporting defects and complaints

• Document defects: immediately take photos or record a video, describing the problem (e.g. “uneven gaps between fronts, 07.08.2025”).
• Complaint protocol: fill in the manufacturer’s form or prepare your own – describe defects, expected repairs and suggested deadline.
• Submission deadline:
• Warranty (rękojmia): you have 2 years from the furniture handover date to report physical defects.
• Manufacturer’s guarantee: deadlines defined by the supplier (usually 2–5 years) – record in the contract or warranty card.
• Submission method: send the protocol by email with confirmation of receipt, or submit via the manufacturer’s online portal. Keep proof of sending and reading.

6. Buyer’s rights and repair deadlines

• Seller/manufacturer obligation: fix defects within 14–30 days from complaint confirmation (in line with contract or statutory warranty).
• Substitute performance: if the seller doesn’t repair within the deadline, you may order repairs at their expense – after prior written request and failure to act.
• Price reduction or withdrawal: for significant defects, you have the right to request a price reduction or withdraw from the contract (proportionally to the defect).

7. Post-repair inspection

• After defects are fixed, schedule a second handover – check whether all issues were resolved according to the protocol.
• Verify smooth operation of fittings, alignment of fronts and finish quality.

8. Document storage

• Archive contracts, measurement protocols, design documentation, complaint correspondence and service confirmations.
• Organize them chronologically so that in case of a dispute, evidence is easily accessible.

Thanks to these guidelines, choosing the right furniture type, having a precise contract and properly handling defects will help you enjoy a functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen without unnecessary delays and extra costs.