AI-generated illustration — not a photograph of La Maison projects.
Your BTO keys are in hand — and a brand-new flat is an exciting blank canvas. One of the first big decisions: who will actually build your carpentry? Two popular routes: engage an interior designer (ID) to plan and manage the whole renovation, or commission a carpentry specialist directly and build the home piece by piece. Neither route is universally better — they differ in scope, coordination and who is responsible for what. Here is how to choose with confidence.
What each option actually covers
An interior designer takes the lead on design and coordination: you get a concept, drawings and material selection, a schedule across the different trades, and one point of contact for the whole project. The built-in carpentry is usually executed by workshops the designer engages.
A direct carpenter specialises in the carpentry itself — fabricating and installing the items you agree on, from kitchen cabinets and wardrobes to TV consoles, shoe cabinets and storage. You brief them with photos, a floor plan or measurements; they measure on site, quote, build in the workshop and install. Throughout, you deal directly with the people doing the work.
Where the difference shows up
| Decision | Interior designer | Direct carpenter |
|---|---|---|
| Design and layout | Designer leads; you approve | Every choice stays with you — or bring your own plan |
| Other trades (electrical, plumbing, tiling) | Designer schedules and coordinates | A shared effort — you arrange the other works, and your carpenter helps coordinate them so everything lines up |
| Quotation | Often bundled across trades; design and management sit inside the price | Item by item, covering the carpentry scope |
| Changes after confirmation | Handled through the designer and priced as variations | Discussed and priced directly with the carpenter |
| If something goes wrong | One party accountable across trades | The carpenter stands behind the carpentry and answers for it directly |
One practical nuance: some specialists also help coordinate related works — such as electrical points and lighting — so everything lines up with the cabinetry itself. At La Maison Carpentry, helping coordinate these areas is part of the job. Ask any carpenter how they handle related trades before you commit.
How to compare a carpenter’s quote with an ID’s quote
Price figures depend entirely on scope and specification, so this article deliberately quotes none. Instead, compare like for like — these are the checks that matter:
- Ask both for the same item-by-item breakdown, and for what is excluded as well as included.
- Check whether design work, drawings, site coordination and other trades are inside the price or billed separately.
- Ask how changes after confirmation are priced.
- Compare what you are actually getting, not just the total.
When does a direct carpentry specialist suit a BTO?
- Your scope is carpentry-led — kitchen, wardrobes, TV console, storage — and the remaining works are minor or already arranged.
- You have the layout settled, or you prefer to decide each item yourself rather than through a design process.
- You want to deal directly with the people who fabricate and install your built-ins, and compare itemised quotes.
- Your project includes related works — electrical points, lighting — that your specialist can help coordinate alongside the carpentry.
When does an interior designer suit a BTO?
- You are overhauling the whole flat across many trades and want a single point of responsibility and one schedule.
- You want help with the design itself — 3D visuals, material selection and layout decisions.
You can also combine the two. Some owners arrange design help for planning and then commission the carpentry directly; others ask the designer which workshop will build the carpentry. Ask early, and you will know exactly who is responsible for each part.
Questions to ask before you commit
Whichever route you take:
- What exactly is included, item by item — and what is excluded?
- Who measures the site, and at what point?
- How are changes after confirmation priced?
- What is the payment schedule, and what happens if something needs rectification?
If you engage a carpenter directly, also ask:
- Where is the carpentry fabricated, and can you see samples or a workshop?
- What do I need to prepare before installation — electrical points, water, tiling?
If you engage an ID, also ask:
- Which parts of the work are subcontracted, and to whom?
- How is the design and management fee structured — flat, percentage or bundled?
How we work
La Maison Carpentry is a carpentry specialist — it is what we do all day. We build kitchen cabinets, built-in wardrobes, TV consoles, shoe cabinets, bomb-shelter covers, study tables and platform beds. We also help coordinate other areas — such as electrical — alongside your carpentry, so the details line up on site. Send photos or a floor plan and we will prepare an estimate; if it works for you, we arrange an on-site measurement and finalise the quote. Installation is included.
Planning the rest of the timetable around it? Read what happens between key collection and move-in, and see how this decision fits the wider contractor question in one-stop renovation vs direct contractors.
Ready to make your BTO truly yours? Send your floor plan or room photos and tell us which rooms you have in mind. Start your enquiry.