1   What is FF&E?

FF&E is short for Furnishings, Fixtures and Equipment. Because there is considerable opportunity for costly confusion  a Definition of Scope document is essential which lists in detail what is and what is not FF&E.   The term often includes the hotel’s operating equipment such as chinaware, bed linen, silverware, uniforms, housekeeping equipment and engineering tools, all fixed and loose kitchen and laundry equipment including cold rooms and kitchen hoods, health club equipment, computers with their associated equipment and software, all loose furniture, decorative lighting, carpets, curtains and bed covers. It does NOT include consumable supplies such as food, drink or paper products, wall coverings, hard floor finishes, wall tiling, plumbing fixtures such as faucets, washbasins, baths or wcs, built-in millwork such as the reception desk, PABX systems and handsets, or computer cabling.

It is strongly recommended that a copy of the Definition of Scope Document is made available to all concerned with the project at an early stage. It may be appropriate to agree an exception to the Definition because of local practice, for example in some countries carpet supply may be regarded as a part of the General Contractor’s work. What is essential is that everybody uses the same Definition; if they do not it is very likely that some items may be double or nil supplied and that this will result in additional costs and delays