​What is FF&E in Construction?
FF&E means Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment and is a document containing the items that will be installed during a project.
This is formally produced by designers at the discretion of the client for a predetermined fee level. This should be circulated to your Project Manager so they can ensure it is implemented properly.
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Read more below to get a more in depth look into how FF&E is used in Construction. 

​When is FF&E used?
During any construction project, there will be an FF&E document. This is the case in new builds, large-scale commercial projects right down to the modest kitchen remodel.

What is in an FF&E Document?
The pure nature of construction means that we will be, at the very least, adding new items to the building. These items will be listed in the FF&E document.
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Kitchen taps, wall pictures, carpets, and flooring would be included. Basically, any item that needs to be purchased will be included in the FF&E document.

​Who Compiles the FF&E Document?
The Architect and or Interior Designer will almost always compile this. This is simply because they are the ones that are taking your vision and implementing it into real-world items. Anyone can choose a tap or a door handle but not everyone has the keen eye of a designer. In many cases compiling the FF&E document is the most important thing to the end-user as this is what the world sees when your project is finished.

It is very important to note that the designers are not the only ones that have an FF&E document. Your builder will have one even though they probably don’t know it. When they call in the materials list from the supply house they are, in effect, ordering from their own FF&E Document. 
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How is an FF&E Document Made?
The easiest and most common way to make this is to use Microsoft Word and Excel. Some will use Google Docs but I have found it best to used Excel as you can secure it from being edited.
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How much does it cost for an FF&E Document

​There will certainly be a cost associated with this in the form of a percent markup or add-on.
 
There are two very distinct things to note here.

If you are working with a reputable Architect, Interior Designer, or Builder then it will be simple. They will give you direct link’s to the products they are recommending with their cost shown to you. They do this because you have already agreed to a percent fee for OHP (Overheads and Profit). 

This fee will vary widely and is very dependent on the level of involvement and cost of the items. The reason for the fee in the first place is because they are taking responsibility for the purchase, delivery, and, in the builder’s case, installation. A fee of 3% to 15% and even 20% in some extreme cases will be found. If you are involved in a project with an interior designer then you will already be paying a premium for their services but the fee will still exist.

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Some examples would be like this.
PanasonicTV with a link – Photo – Cost – % Fee – Person to order – date order needs to be made – date delivery needed – confirmation of order and delivery.
TV Wall Bracket with a link – Photo – Cost – % Fee – Person to order – date order needs to be made – date delivery needed – confirmation of order and delivery.
Extractor Fans with a link – Photo – Cost – % Fee – Person to order – date order needs to be made – date delivery needed – confirmation of order and delivery.

The other way this is done is by giving a generic or general description of an item with a budgeted cost associated with it. 

An example would be a chrome tap, single lever, mid-height spout up to £100. This may come along with a generic picture from an online shop or a previous job. This type of thing is very common when working directly with the Builder or Main Contractor. 

I have found this to be because the Contractor can get this at a substantial discount but still charge the premium, as long as you don’t ask too many questions. 
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Conclusion
The FF&E document is an integral part of the construction process and should be kept up to date. The circulation of the document to all relative parties is vital as it is a guide to what the client intends to have installed. 

The Project Manager should be checking this throughout the life of the project to ensure the client gets what they envisioned.