Getting a piano into your home.

Before you measure

The route, not the distance.

Assess the complete route between the truck and the final position, not only the distance or the room size. Narrow openings, turns, stairs and loading access can affect the method and quotation.

Measure every point on the route before you enquire, and send the measurements with your first message. Ask whether those measurements are enough or whether an access survey is needed.

HDB flats

Service lift, corridor and front door.

What to measure and check for an HDB delivery:

• Lift opening and internal dimensions: height, width and depth. Include the lift doorway and headroom. The mover should confirm how the particular piano will be prepared and carried.
• Corridor width from the lift to your front door, including any turns.
• Front door width with the door fully open, and whether the door frame reduces it.
• Internal route from the front door to the room: any turns, steps or narrow passages.
• Building access: ask the town council whether restrictions or arrangements apply to this delivery.

If the lift route is unsuitable, ask the mover whether another safe route can be arranged. Do not commit to a stair carry or crane option before feasibility and the cost have been confirmed.

Condominiums

Management office, goods lift and common areas.

What to arrange with your condo management before the delivery date:

• Management approval: ask what notice, paperwork and delivery hours apply to your building.
• Goods lift booking: confirm the internal dimensions and the time slot. Ask which lift may be used; suitability depends on its actual dimensions and the piano.
• Loading bay access: where the truck parks, and whether a slot must be booked.
• Common area protection: some managements require floor and wall protection in the corridors. Check whether this is the mover's responsibility or yours.
• Deposit: some condos require a refundable deposit for common area damage. Confirm the amount and the refund process.

Measure the same internal route as for an HDB: goods lift, corridor turns, front door and the path to the room.

Landed homes

Driveway, entrance and the crane question.

Landed homes have different access considerations:

• Truck access: can a delivery truck reach the house, or does it need to park on the road? Is the driveway wide and firm enough?
• Entrance: front door, gate and any steps between the truck and the room. Measure every pinch point.
• Upper floors: if the piano is going upstairs, measure the staircase width, the ceiling height at turns, and the landing dimensions.
• Crane access: if the stairs will not take the piano, ask whether a crane option is feasible at the property. The crane needs clear air above, space for the truck to position, and a suitable opening at the top. The sale page shows a photograph of this being done.
• Permits: a road closure or heavy vehicle permit may be needed from the relevant authority if the crane blocks a public road. Ask which approvals are required and who will obtain them.

Questions for the mover

Before the date is set.

Whether the mover is arranged by the dealer or booked directly, ask these before confirming the date:

• Have they confirmed the route from the measurements you sent? A mover who says yes without seeing the measurements is guessing.
• What crew does this route need? A service lift delivery takes fewer people than a staircase carry. A crane job takes a different crew entirely.
• Is floor and wall protection included? In your home and in common areas if applicable.
• What happens if it does not fit on the day? Ask before, not on the morning of.
• Is the tuning booked for afterwards? Ask the technician when this instrument should be checked and tuned in its new room.