Schmidt Innenausbau e.K.

Berlin

About the company

Schmidt Innenausbau was established in 2008 by Markus Schmidt after he completed his master carpenter qualification. Initially operating from a small rented workshop in Berlin-Neukölln, Schmidt built a reputation for creative solutions and reliable delivery. The business is structured as an e.K. (registered sole proprietorship), with Markus as the owner and principal decision-maker. Over the years, he has gradually built a small team of skilled craftspeople but maintains direct involvement in most projects.

Values

Schmidt Innenausbau prides itself on personal service, craftsmanship integrity, and delivering quality without corporate overhead. Markus believes in fair treatment of his small team, offering flexibility in working hours to accommodate personal needs. Regarding work safety, the approach is somewhat informal compared to larger operations. While basic safety equipment is available, enforcement is inconsistent, and Markus often cuts corners on safety protocols when deadlines loom, sometimes operating machinery without proper guards to save time. Despite several minor accidents over the years, including an apprentice who lost part of a finger in 2019, the company has been slow to implement systematic safety improvements, preferring to address issues on a case-by-case basis.

Workshop

Schmidt Innenausbau operates from a 300-square-meter workshop in an industrial complex in Berlin's Lichtenberg district. The space is divided into a main fabrication area dominated by a large assembly table in the center where projects take shape. Along the walls stand a collection of workbenches, each dedicated to specific craftspeople who have personalized their stations. The modest machine room houses essential equipment including a panel saw, edge bander, and planer/thicknesser. A small office area with two desks serves for administrative work and client meetings, with material samples organized on nearby shelves. The compact finishing space is carefully ventilated but somewhat cramped during busy periods.

Services

Custom kitchen installations
Built-in wardrobes and storage solutions
Small-scale commercial fit-outs
Residential interior renovations
Specialty woodwork and bespoke furniture
Vehicle fleet maintenance and scheduling

Specifics

Buying behavior

I look for the sweet spot between quality and cost. Big brands are nice, but sometimes you pay too much for the name. I test everything myself before buying for the team, and I'm not afraid to mix brands to get the best value. New tools only come in when the old ones can't be repaired anymore.

Tool brands

Makita, Bosch Professional, Metabo, DeWalt, Festool (selective items), Felder (workshop equipment)