Waiting for the furniture to arrive might mean the difference between sleeping in a comfortable bed in a new building or watching television from the living room floor. A successful building project is more than the construction of the intended structure. 

Paying attention to detail in every stage of construction is one way of guaranteeing success in a building project. FF&E installation is one of the significant and final stages of construction. To avoid bare walls and empty spaces, it would be best to familiarize yourself with the intricacies of FF&E.

What Is FF&E in Construction?

FF&E refers to movable items in a building not part of the construction budget. These include furniture, fixtures, and equipment — represented by the letters FF&E. While light fixtures and water faucets are also movable, they are not classified under FF&E as they are accounted for in the construction budget. 

As a client, you can reach an agreement with your contractor to install the FF&E before moving in. In such a case, the FFE in construction documents will be termed as Owner Furnished, Contractor Installed (OFCI). 

Regardless of whether or not you take on your contractor’s services, you need a professional to guide you through construction FFE installation since it directly impacts the safety and comfort of occupants in the building. Additionally, valuable FFE items require specialized handling and installation.

The FF&E Process: A Guide to FF&E Selection and Installation

While it might not be rocket science, the FF&E process can be tedious. To save yourself the trouble, it would be best to discuss this step with your contractor. However, to stay in the loop, below is a step-by-step guide on FF&E selection and installation. 

1. Schematic Designs and Floor Layout

Visualization and schematic designs are essential in FF&E planning. While architectural designs give you an overview of how space will be utilized, FFE designs and layouts show the actual characteristics and location of items. With rendered 3D models of the space, you can make informed decisions about the color, sizes, and number of FFE items needed. 

Layouts allow you to plan for services such as power and water supply to equipment before installation. Knowing the exact location of FFE items makes it easy to schedule delivery and installation.

2. Specifications and Supplier Data Collection

Once you are satisfied with the designs, the next step is to source information about the FF&E items needed. The data you collect should include material quality, color, price, and production duration if you are looking for custom pieces. Interior designers and architects might recommend reputable suppliers. 

The data collection stage allows you to compare product quality and prices for the best deal. At this stage, you can ask a supplier for a proposal or apply the bidding system. Requesting a proposal limits you to one supplier while the bidding system gives you access to different suppliers with different prices and quality. 

3. Procurement: Purchasing Construction FFE Items 

The procurement stage is critical in the construction of FFE installations. It affects project timelines — delays in procurement could significantly extend the project delivery time. As a client, you can either work with a procurement agent or deal directly with the supplier. 

Procured items should be delivered on schedule to avoid storage expenses. Late deliveries delay the installation of subsequent items and occupation of the building. 

You need the guidance of professionals — your interior designer or architect, throughout the procurement process. Besides scheduling FFE items delivery, they verify the quality, quantity, and suitability of delivered items. Professionals will also propose ideal substitutes in case of budget and design changes. 

4. Installation and Inspection for Safety

FFE elements vary in complexity. While some, such as furniture, are easy to install, equipment such as computer servers requires technical know-how. Technicalities in FFE installation should be considered in the procurement stage. 

The supplier should state whether they offer installation services or recommend a reliable technician to do it. Installations should be done in line with the schematic designs. Creating a list of FFE items with installation information helps ensure you install items in the right position. 

Items that might affect the safety of occupants inside a building require inspection and authorization from government officials. Understanding regulations that govern the use of certain FFE items allows you to seek permits ahead of time to avoid delays. 

Acknowledging the Significance of FFE in Construction

FF&E installation is the last stage of a construction project. It directly affects the experience of occupants in both residential and commercial buildings. The selection and installation process of construction FFE involves four main stages. These are schematic designs and layouts, specification and data collection, procurement, and installation and inspection. 

Professionals such as interior designers and architects should be involved throughout the process. They provide technical information on the quality, quantity, and potential alternatives to FFE items whenever needed. 

FFE in construction affects project completion time. Construction planning with FFE installation in mind minimizes unnecessary delays. Installation time depends on the project scale. Larger projects could take several days to complete FFE installations. Being in touch with the supplier gives you the information needed for scheduling delivery and installations. 

The number of suppliers you work with depends on the nature of the building. If more than one type of FFE item is needed, such as in hospitals, you can work with different suppliers for furniture and equipment. Working with one supplier guarantees you better after-sale services.