What Is Field Verification? Definition & Guide
Quick Definition
Field verification (also called a field measure, site check, or pre-template verification) is the process of visiting a job site to confirm that conditions match what was assumed during the quoting and sales process - before committing to digital templating and fabrication. This includes verifying cabinet dimensions, layout accuracy, wall straightness, sink/cooktop models, and any site-specific conditions that could affect the countertop project. Field verification catches discrepancies early, when changes are cheap, rather than at installation, when they cost $1,500-$4,000+.
TL;DR
- Field verification confirms site conditions before committing to templating and fabrication
- Catches discrepancies between what was quoted and what actually exists at the job site
- Typically done during or just before the digital template appointment
- Prevents remakes caused by wrong sink models, cabinet changes, or layout assumptions
- Takes 15-30 minutes and saves hours of rework when it catches problems
- Critical for new construction where conditions change between sale and template
- Some shops combine field verification with the template appointment; others separate them
Field Verification: Catching Problems Before They Become Expensive
The Gap Between Sale and Template
In residential countertop work, there's typically a 1-4 week gap between when a customer signs the contract and when the template crew arrives at the job site. During that gap, things change:
- The contractor installs a different cabinet brand with different dimensions
- The customer changes the sink selection from undermount to farmhouse
- Wall framing reveals an out-of-square corner that wasn't visible during the sales visit
- The appliance cooktop dimensions differ from what the customer originally specified
- Upper cabinets are installed, blocking the backsplash height assumed in the quote
In new construction, the gap can be 2-6 months, and changes are even more likely.
Without field verification, the template crew shows up expecting one thing and finds another. Best case: they adapt on the fly and add 30-60 minutes to the appointment. Worst case: they template to incorrect assumptions, and the fabricated countertop doesn't fit. That's a $1,500-$4,000 remake.
What Field Verification Checks
| Verification Item | Why It Matters | Common Problem |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet layout matches quote | Pieces are designed to fit specific sections | Cabinets moved, added, or removed |
| Cabinet level and plumb | Out-of-level cabinets affect countertop fit | 1/4"+ out of level at corners |
| Wall straightness | Countertop scribe to wall depends on wall flatness | Bowed walls, out-of-square corners |
| Sink model confirmation | Cutout dimensions are model-specific | Customer changed sink after quote |
| Cooktop model confirmation | Cutout dimensions are model-specific | Different brand/model delivered |
| Backsplash height | Affects backsplash piece dimensions | Upper cabinets installed lower than expected |
| Overhang dimensions | Affects piece sizing and support requirements | Island/peninsula dimensions changed |
| Access path | Countertop pieces must physically fit through doorways | Narrow hallways, tight turns |
| Plumbing rough-in location | Affects sink cutout positioning | Rough-in doesn't match sink spec |
| Electrical location | Affects cooktop cutout positioning | Outlet location changed |
Field Verification vs. Digital Templating
Field verification and digital templating serve different purposes:
| Aspect | Field Verification | Digital Templating |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Confirm conditions match assumptions | Capture precise dimensions for CNC |
| Timing | Before or at template appointment | At template appointment |
| Duration | 15-30 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Equipment | Tape measure, checklist, camera | LT-2D3D or Proliner |
| Output | Go/no-go decision + updated job notes | DXF file for CNC programming |
| Who does it | Template crew, sales rep, or dedicated verifier | Trained template operator |
Some shops combine both into a single appointment: the template crew arrives, spends 15 minutes on verification, and if everything checks out, proceeds to the digital template. Other shops separate them - a salesperson or coordinator visits first, verifies conditions, and only then schedules the template crew.
When Field Verification Is Critical
New construction: Conditions change frequently between sale and template. Verify within 48 hours of the planned template date.
Remodel with contractor involvement: When a general contractor manages cabinets, plumbing, and electrical, verify their work is complete and matches specifications before templating.
Complex layouts: L-shaped kitchens with peninsula returns, waterfall islands, or multi-room projects have more variables that can change.
Premium materials: When material costs $40-$80/sq ft at wholesale, the cost of a remake is especially painful. Field verification on a $15,000 quartzite job is cheap insurance.
Customer-supplied sinks and cooktops: Verify the actual model delivered to the site, not just what was specified on the quote. Customers frequently change selections, and model dimensions vary by brand and series.
Implementing Field Verification in Your Workflow
Step 1: Create a standard checklist. Develop a printed or digital checklist covering all verification items relevant to your typical jobs. Keep it to one page - your team will use it if it's quick.
Step 2: Photograph everything. Take photos of cabinets, sink, cooktop, walls at corners, and any unusual conditions. Photos protect you if there's a dispute later about what conditions existed at verification.
Step 3: Compare to the original quote. Pull up the quote and compare every assumption to the actual site conditions. Flag any discrepancies.
Step 4: Resolve discrepancies before templating. If the sink model changed, update the work order before the template crew captures the cutout dimensions. If cabinets are out of level, discuss with the customer and contractor before templating.
Step 5: Document the verification. Log verification results in your digital job packet. SlabWise tracks field verification as part of the job workflow, connecting verification results to the template stage - so your template crew knows about any site-specific conditions before they arrive.
The Cost of Skipping Field Verification
For a shop doing 25 jobs per month:
- Industry average: 2-4% of jobs require remakes due to site condition discrepancies
- That's approximately 1 remake every 1-2 months
- At $1,500-$4,000 per remake: $1,500-$8,000 per month in potential losses
A 15-minute field verification costs essentially nothing. Even if it only prevents one remake per quarter, the ROI is 10-20x or higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is field verification in countertop fabrication?
Field verification is a pre-template site visit to confirm that job site conditions (cabinets, sinks, cooktops, walls) match what was assumed during the quoting and sales process.
Is field verification the same as templating?
No. Field verification confirms conditions and identifies discrepancies. Templating captures precise measurements with laser or digital equipment for CNC programming. Some shops combine both into one visit.
How long does field verification take?
A thorough field verification takes 15-30 minutes for a standard residential kitchen.
Who should do field verification?
The template crew often handles it as the first step of their appointment. Some shops send a salesperson or coordinator separately.
When should field verification happen?
Ideally 1-3 days before the template appointment, or at the start of the template visit. For new construction, verify within 48 hours of the planned template.
What happens when field verification finds problems?
Work stops until the discrepancy is resolved. This might mean updating the work order, getting customer approval for changes, or waiting for the contractor to complete cabinet work.
Does field verification prevent all remakes?
Not all - some errors occur during fabrication or installation. But field verification eliminates remakes caused by site condition discrepancies, which account for a significant portion of remake causes.
Should I charge for field verification visits?
If field verification is a separate trip from templating, some shops include the cost in their project pricing. Others absorb it as a cost of doing business given the remake prevention value.
How does field verification work for remodel projects?
Remodel verification checks that old countertops are removed, cabinets are in final position, and plumbing/electrical are ready for the new layout.
Can field verification be done remotely?
Partially. Some shops have customers or contractors send photos and measurements for preliminary verification. However, on-site verification is more reliable for catching issues like out-of-level conditions.
Verify Templates with Confidence Using SlabWise
Field verification catches site problems before templating. SlabWise's 3-layer template verification catches measurement problems before fabrication. Together, they eliminate the two biggest sources of costly remakes in countertop fabrication.
Start your 14-day free trial at SlabWise.com
Sources
- Natural Stone Institute - Templating and measurement best practices
- ISFA - Fabrication quality control guidelines
- NKBA - Installation standards and site preparation
- Stone World Magazine - Field measurement articles
- Countertop fabricator forums - Real-world verification experiences
- Marble Institute of America - Stone installation standards