A complete millwork RFP gives every bidder the same information, so quotes come back comparable and accurate — drawings, a finish schedule, quantities and locations, the required quality grade, the timeline, and site conditions. The more complete the package, the tighter and more reliable the bids.

Why a complete RFP matters

Millwork bids are only as good as the information behind them. A thin RFP produces wildly different quotes — not because the fabricators disagree, but because each one is guessing at different things. A complete package gives you comparable numbers up front and dramatically fewer change orders later.

What to include — the checklist

• Drawings & specifications — architectural drawings and any written spec
• Finish schedule — materials, laminates, veneers, solid surface, metal, glass, edges
• Quantities & locations — what’s needed, and where (critical for rollouts)
• Quality grade — the AWI grade (Economy, Custom, or Premium) per element
• Timeline & milestones — delivery dates, phasing, and any hard opening date
• Site conditions & access — occupied space, loading, elevator/hoisting, sequencing
• Submittal expectations — shop-drawing turnaround and review rounds
• Installation scope — who installs: the fabricator, or the GC’s crew

Common gaps that inflate bids

Missing a finish schedule, an unstated quality grade, no quantities for a multi-location package, or silence on who installs — each forces bidders to pad or guess, and each becomes a change order. Naming them turns a vague ask into a fair, apples-to-apples tender.

How a strong fabricator responds

A capable millwork partner reads the package, flags gaps early, supplies prequalification and domestic-content documentation, produces shop drawings, and offers value engineering where it protects intent and budget — so the number you get is the number you pay. It’s also the fastest way to see which bidders actually understand the work.

Building the package with DNS

DNS Industries quotes from your drawings, engineers the package in-house, and delivers the complete millwork and fixture scope under one roof in Vaughan, Ontario — one accountable source from tender to delivery.

Frequently asked questions

What should a millwork RFP include?

Drawings and specifications, a finish schedule, quantities and locations, the required AWI quality grade, timeline and milestones, site conditions and access, submittal expectations, and who installs.

Why does a complete millwork RFP matter?

It gives every bidder the same information, so quotes are comparable and accurate — tighter pricing up front and far fewer change orders later.

Should the RFP say who installs the millwork?

Yes — clarify whether the fabricator installs or a GC’s crew does. Unstated installation scope is a common source of pricing gaps and disputes.

Issuing a millwork tender? See how DNS works with architects & GCs →