Pre-Installation Checklist for Countertop Fabricators
What Is a Pre-Installation Checklist?
A pre-installation checklist covers every verification step between completed fabrication and the install crew loading the truck. It confirms that fabricated pieces match the template, all hardware is packed, the site is ready, and the customer is scheduled. Shops that run this checklist consistently report 30-40% fewer on-site problems and significantly fewer return trips.
TL;DR: Pre-Installation Essentials
- Verify every fabricated piece against the template before loading the truck
- Pack all hardware, adhesives, and shims the night before installation
- Confirm site readiness with the homeowner/GC 24-48 hours prior
- Check truck route for access restrictions (low bridges, narrow streets, gated communities)
- On-site problems cost 3-5x more to fix than catching them in the shop
- Return trips average $200-$400 each in labor, fuel, and lost scheduling
- Shops using this checklist cut callbacks by 35-50% within 90 days
Complete Pre-Installation Checklist
Section 1: Fabricated Piece Verification
- All pieces present and accounted for (match against cut list)
- Each piece labeled with position identifier (A1, A2, B1, etc.)
- Dimensions of each piece verified against approved template
- Sink cutout dimensions confirmed against actual sink or spec sheet
- Cooktop cutout dimensions confirmed against appliance spec sheet
- Faucet holes drilled to correct spacing and diameter
- Edge profiles match customer specification on all visible edges
- Polish quality acceptable on all visible surfaces and edges
- No chips, cracks, or visible defects on fabricated pieces
- Seam edges are straight and mating pieces fit together tightly
- Backsplash pieces fabricated and included (if applicable)
- Support brackets fabricated or sourced (for overhangs over 10-12")
- Color/pattern consistency verified across all pieces (same slab lot)
Section 2: Hardware and Supplies
- Sink clips and mounting hardware packed (correct quantity)
- Adhesive/epoxy for seams (color-matched to material)
- Silicone caulk (color-matched for perimeter and sink)
- Shims (various thicknesses for leveling)
- Support rods or corbels packed (if overhangs require them)
- Plumber's putty or silicone for faucet installation (if shop installs fixtures)
- Touch-up kit for minor field repairs (matching color)
- Masking tape for seam protection during adhesive cure
- Alcohol or acetone for surface cleaning before adhesive application
- Drop cloths and floor protection material
- Suction cups for positioning pieces
- Carrying clamps/slab lifters loaded on truck
Section 3: Documentation
- Job packet printed with customer name, address, and contact info
- Approved template/layout drawing in packet
- Installation notes from templater (shim locations, special instructions)
- Customer approval documentation (signed or email confirmation)
- Material warranty information for customer handoff
- Care and maintenance sheet for customer
- Invoice or balance-due sheet (if collecting payment at install)
- Camera or phone charged for completion photos
Section 4: Truck and Transport
- Pieces loaded in installation sequence (first piece installed = last piece loaded)
- A-frame rack padding clean and sufficient between pieces
- Straps securing all pieces with no stone-to-stone contact
- Backsplash pieces separated with foam padding
- Truck fuel sufficient for round trip plus contingency
- Tool kit on truck: levels, squares, clamps, drill, jigsaw
- Wet saw or grinder with diamond blades for field adjustments
- Vacuum with dust shroud for any on-site cutting
- Ramp or lift gate functional (if applicable)
Section 5: Site Readiness Confirmation
- Customer or GC contacted 24-48 hours before installation
- Old countertops removed (or removal included in scope and crew is prepared)
- Plumbing disconnected by licensed plumber (or crew is qualified)
- Sink, faucet, and cooktop on-site for installation
- Clear path from truck to kitchen/bathroom confirmed
- No other trades scheduled during installation window
- Customer aware of approximate installation duration
- Payment terms confirmed (deposit collected, balance due at completion)
- Pets and children will be clear of work area
- Parking available for installation vehicle
Section 6: Crew Preparation
- Install crew briefed on job specifics (layout, material, special features)
- Lead installer has reviewed template and installation notes
- Crew aware of any unusual site conditions (stairs, tight access, second floor)
- PPE available: safety glasses, gloves, steel-toe boots, back braces
- Crew has customer contact number and shop backup number
- Estimated arrival time communicated to customer
- Backup plan discussed for common issues (piece does not fit, plumbing conflict)
How to Use This Checklist
The Night Before
Sections 1-4 should be completed the afternoon or evening before the installation. This gives time to address any issues -- a missing sink clip, a piece that needs touch-up polishing, or a hardware shortage. Discovering problems at 7 AM when the crew is loading the truck creates rushed, error-prone fixes.
Morning of Installation
Section 5 confirmation should happen 24-48 hours prior, but a quick morning text or call confirming the arrival time reduces no-access situations. Section 6 briefing takes 5-10 minutes and ensures every crew member knows what they are walking into.
At the Job Site
Bring the printed job packet with the approved layout. Refer to it constantly during installation. After completion, photograph every installed section and have the customer do a walk-through before the crew leaves.
The Cost of Skipping Pre-Installation Checks
| Problem | Frequency Without Checklist | Cost Per Incident |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong/missing hardware | 8-12% of installs | $100-$200 (return trip) |
| Piece does not fit (undetected fab error) | 3-5% of installs | $1,500-$4,000 (remake) |
| Wrong edge profile fabricated | 2-3% of installs | $1,800-$3,000 (remake) |
| Customer not home / site not ready | 5-8% of installs | $200-$400 (rescheduling) |
| Missing tools or supplies | 10-15% of installs | $100-$300 (lost time) |
A shop completing 15 installations per month without a pre-installation checklist can expect 4-6 incidents monthly. At an average cost of $300-$1,000 per incident, that is $1,200-$6,000 in preventable monthly losses.
FAQ
How long does the pre-installation check take? Allow 30-45 minutes for piece verification and truck loading review. Site confirmation calls take 5 minutes. Total time investment: under one hour per job.
Should the fabricator or the installer do the piece verification? Ideally, someone other than the CNC operator verifies the pieces. A dedicated quality control person or the lead installer provides a second set of eyes.
What if we discover a fabrication error during the pre-install check? Better to catch it now than on-site. Assess whether it can be corrected in the shop (re-polishing, re-cutting a faucet hole) or requires a new piece. Notify the customer immediately if the installation needs to be rescheduled.
Do we really need to call the customer 24 hours before? Yes. No-access situations cost $200-$400 each and waste half a day of crew time. A 2-minute phone call prevents this entirely.
Should we collect payment before or after installation? Industry standard is 50% deposit at contract signing and 50% balance at installation completion. Verify the payment arrangement is documented in the job packet before the crew leaves the shop.
How do we handle field adjustments during installation? Minor adjustments (scribing to an uneven wall, slight trimming) are normal. Major adjustments suggest a template or fabrication error. Document the adjustment, photograph it, and report back to the shop for root cause analysis.
What completion documentation should the installer collect? Photographs of every installed section, a signed completion form from the customer, and notes about any issues or adjustments made. This documentation protects against future disputes.
Can this checklist be digital instead of printed? Yes. Many shops use tablet-based checklists that sync with their project management system. The key is that every item gets checked -- the format matters less than the discipline.
Keep Every Installation on Track
SlabWise's Customer Portal lets homeowners confirm site readiness, approve layouts, and track their installation schedule -- reducing the 8-15 daily phone calls that slow your team down. Start your 14-day free trial at slabwise.com.
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute -- Installation Standards and Practices
- ISFA -- Pre-Installation Quality Assurance Guidelines
- Marble Institute of America -- Technical standards for installation
- Stone World Magazine -- Installation callback reduction studies
- Countertop Fabricators Alliance -- Operational efficiency data
- National Kitchen & Bath Association -- Installation certification requirements