Commercial Furniture Procurement Checklist: A Complete Guide for Hotel, Restaurant, and Serviced Apartment Operators


This checklist is designed for anyone managing a commercial furniture procurement project — whether you are a hotel operator fitting out a new property, a restaurant group refurbishing a site, or a developer furnishing a serviced apartment scheme. Work through each section in order.

Phase 1: Project Definition

  • Total number of rooms, covers, or units confirmed
  • Room categories and furniture requirements mapped (e.g. standard bedrooms, suites, restaurant, lobby)
  • Budget per category confirmed and approved
  • Opening or completion date confirmed
  • Furniture procurement timeline worked back from opening date (allow minimum 16 weeks for custom, 2–4 weeks for in-stock)
  • Decision maker for furniture sign-off confirmed
  • Interior designer engaged or in-house specification resource confirmed

Phase 2: Compliance Requirements

  • Project type confirmed (hotel, restaurant, serviced apartment, care home, etc.)
  • CRIB 5 requirement confirmed for all upholstered pieces
  • Fire risk assessment requirements reviewed with assessor or solicitor
  • Insurance requirements reviewed — evidence of certification required?
  • List of all upholstered pieces requiring CRIB 5 certification compiled

Phase 3: Supplier Selection

  • Minimum three suppliers approached for quotation
  • Each supplier asked to confirm CRIB 5 certification capability
  • Sample pieces or fabric swatches requested from shortlisted suppliers
  • References from comparable commercial projects requested
  • Lead times confirmed from each supplier
  • Trade pricing or volume discount terms confirmed
  • Delivery and logistics capability confirmed (white glove, assembled, etc.)
  • Warranty terms reviewed and compared

Phase 4: Specification Sign-Off

  • Final furniture schedule completed (piece, quantity, fabric, finish, dimensions)
  • CRIB 5 certificates confirmed for every upholstered piece in schedule
  • Fabric rub cycle ratings confirmed against specification requirements
  • Foam density confirmed against specification requirements
  • Room access dimensions checked against all furniture dimensions
  • Colour palette and finish consistency checked across all categories
  • Sample sign-off completed with decision maker

Phase 5: Order and Delivery

  • Purchase orders placed with confirmed lead times
  • Delivery schedule agreed and shared with site team
  • Storage arrangements confirmed for early deliveries
  • Site contact confirmed for delivery coordination
  • Snagging process agreed with supplier
  • Certificate documentation requested at point of order

Phase 6: Handover and Documentation

  • All CRIB 5 certificates received and filed
  • Warranty documentation received and filed
  • Cleaning and maintenance instructions received
  • Fire risk assessment updated to reference furniture certification
  • Snagging completed and signed off
  • Replacement schedule created for future reference

Need Help with Your Commercial Furniture Project?

Industrious Decor supplies CRIB 5 certified contract furniture for hotels, restaurants, serviced apartments, and commercial developments across the UK. Trade pricing and fast delivery from stock. Contact trade@industriousdecor.com with your project brief.

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