Faulty Assumptions
Do not assume that items covered in Furnishings will be purchased and installed outside of your contract, especially if any furnishings or typical arrangements are shown on the drawings. This could be a costly assumption. Check all drawings and specifications for these items, and if any are found, check for the terms “NIC” (Not In Contract) or “By Others.” If these or similar terms are not present, it is safe to conclude that these items are in your scope of work.

Installation of Items
In many cases, Furnishings items are purchased by others, but the contractor is responsible for them. Check all drawings and specifications for these items.

Handling Charges
In cases where Furnishings items are purchased by others but are to be installed by the contractor, many contractors add a handling charge. (Ten percent of the estimated material cost is common practice.) This charge covers the receiving, handling, storage, protection, and final delivery of these items.

Preparation of Items
In some cases, Furnishings items may require assembly before installation. Assembly time can often exceed the time required for installation.

Cleaning Time
When installing materials purchased by others, be sure to allow for cleaning time. Invariably, these items will need some cleaning, and this responsibility will fall on the installer.