
Millwork Budgeting – What You Should Know
June 8, 20255 Common Millwork Mistakes in Commercial Projects – and How to Avoid Them
Millwork plays a critical role in shaping the function and visual identity of commercial interiors. From reception counters and product shelving to washroom partitions and brand-specific finishes, well-executed millwork can elevate a space. But when mistakes occur—whether in planning, fabrication, or coordination—the impact can be costly and disruptive.
At RICH ASSET PROJECTS, we’ve completed a wide range of commercial and franchise-based builds across Calgary and Western Canada. Over time, we’ve seen how easily millwork problems can arise in projects that lack the right systems or experience. Here are five common mistakes—and how we ensure they don’t happen on our watch.
1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Site Measurements
Millwork is only as precise as the data it’s based on. Inaccurate measurements can lead to gaps, poor fit, or last-minute site modifications. We conduct detailed site verification before fabrication begins, especially in franchise rollouts where consistency is critical. Our process eliminates guesswork and reduces costly rework.
2. Overlooking Material Suitability for Commercial Use
Using residential-grade finishes or budget materials may cut initial costs but leads to rapid wear in high-traffic settings. We specify durable, commercial-grade laminates, substrates, and hardware built to withstand daily use. In franchise environments, this protects brand image and reduces maintenance calls.
3. Poor Integration with Other Trades
Millwork can’t exist in isolation—it must coordinate with HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and signage. Misalignment can cause delays or require on-site modifications. Our team manages this through early coordination and regular cross-trade check-ins during scheduling and layout finalization.
4. Lack of Brand Consistency in Franchise Rollouts
Inconsistent finishes, hardware, or dimensions across franchise locations weaken the brand identity. We work from brand-approved design packages and maintain a millwork database to ensure consistent replication across multiple sites, without sacrificing timeline or quality.
5. Inadequate Shop Drawings and Communication
Vague drawings or verbal instructions leave too much room for interpretation. At RICH ASSET PROJECTS, we provide detailed shop drawings for review, confirm all finishes and hardware with clients before fabrication, and maintain open channels of communication from start to finish.
Our franchise clients benefit from the fact that our entire process is systematized—what might be a first-time issue for others has already been addressed and built into how we operate. The result is a streamlined build experience with fewer surprises and smoother execution.
If your commercial project demands clarity, consistency, and precision in millwork execution, RICH ASSET PROJECTS is ready to deliver. We understand what’s at stake when building for business.