After visiting over 20 whole - house customization brands in person, I’m here to reveal the malicious extra charges that often sneak into your budget. Let’s break down each hidden cost to ensure your customization journey is smooth and cost - effective.
1. Wardrobe Back Panel Thickness
The thickness of the wardrobe back panel should be at least 9mm. Reject any option thinner than that. Some suppliers use 18mm for the main cabinet but only 5mm for the back panel. Before placing an order, ask about the back panel thickness and the cost if you want to thicken it.
2. Pricing Calculation: Projection Area vs. Developed Area
For wardrobes, calculation by projection area is usually more economical. Avoid those charging by developed area. Also, ask if there’s a limit on the number of internal partitions when using projection area and the extra cost if you exceed the limit.
3. Drawer Charges
Drawers are generally priced separately. Ask if any drawers are included for free. If you need more, find out the cost per additional drawer.
4. Hardware Details
Most suppliers include basic hardware, but you need to clarify the specific types, quantity, and brand of what’s included. If you want to upgrade, ask about the options and their costs. Imported hardware is prone to counterfeiting, so consider buying from official online stores if you’re unsure.
5. Straighteners for Full - Height Cabinets
For cabinets that go from floor to ceiling, straighteners are necessary to prevent warping. Before customization, confirm the board height, whether straighteners are needed, their cost, and the warranty period.
6. Handle Options and Costs
Standard handles have limited styles and not all suppliers provide them. Ask about the styles of standard handles and the cost to replace them.
7. Hidden Handles
Hidden handles look elegant but are more expensive. Find out if the supplier supports hidden handle design, the cost, and whether they’re priced per meter or per piece.
8. LED Strips
LED strips enhance ambiance but aren’t very practical. Ask about the charging method for LED strips—if they’re charged per meter. Find out if there are extra costs for transformers and switches, and whether the switch is touch - sensitive or motion - sensitive.
9. Light - Exposed Panels
Light - exposed panels hide the differences in cabinet and door materials and colors. Ask about the charging standard for light - exposed panels.
10. Top Sealing Panels
To make wardrobes look more aesthetic, top sealing panels are usually needed. Confirm the charging standard for top sealing panels—whether they’re charged by cabinet or by door.
11. Edge Banding Technology: PUR vs. EVA
Ask about the type of edge banding technology used. Edge banding technology directly affects environmental friendliness and pricing. Choose PUR over EVA if possible.
12. Cabinet Depth and Height
The standard depth of a wardrobe is 60cm, and that of a sideboard or TV cabinet is 35cm. Cabinets are usually 2.4 meters high. If you want deeper or taller cabinets, there might be extra charges for being oversized.
13. L - Shaped Corner Cabinets
L - shaped corner cabinets are popular, but you need to ask how the area is measured and calculated. Find out if there’s any double - counting.
14. Special Craftsmanship for Doors or Cabinets
Special craftsmanship for cabinet doors or bodies, such as special shapes or splicing, may require extra fees. Ask about the charging standard for these personalized designs in advance.
15. Binding Off Strips
Ask about the charging method for binding off strips. They’re one of the most likely items to be double - charged.
16. Special Process Colors
Special process colors may come with extra charges. Confirm which colors are charged and the charging standard in advance.
17. Customization Cycle and Compensation for Delays
The whole - house customization cycle is usually 35 - 50 days. Clarify the customization and installation time and the compensation standard for delays.
18. Installation and Transportation Fees
Not all suppliers include installation and transportation fees. Clarify whether these costs are included.
19. Warranty and Repair Costs
Not all suppliers offer a warranty. Confirm the warranty period and how repair costs are calculated after the warranty expires.
EN
Hot News
