Pre-Installation Inspection Checklist
A pre-installation inspection checklist is a standardized set of checks performed before countertop pieces leave the shop and again at the job site before installation begins. This two-stage inspection catches damage from handling and transport, verifies site readiness, and confirms all pieces are present and correct - preventing the costly scenario where an install crew arrives at a job site with the wrong pieces or an unprepared kitchen.
TL;DR
- Pre-install inspections prevent 90% of installation-day problems
- Stage 1 (at the shop) takes 10-15 minutes and catches fabrication defects and missing pieces
- Stage 2 (at the job site) takes 10-15 minutes and catches transport damage and site readiness issues
- The most expensive installation problems: wrong pieces on the truck, transport damage, and unprepared job sites
- Each failed installation attempt costs $300-800 in wasted crew time and travel
- Digital checklists with photos create accountability and a record for dispute resolution
- SlabWise includes digital job tracking that ensures all pieces are accounted for before loading
Stage 1: Shop Inspection (Before Loading)
Complete this checklist before pieces are loaded on the truck. The shop foreman or lead installer should perform this inspection.
Piece Verification
- All pieces present: Compare the piece list to the job order - every piece should be accounted for
- Piece dimensions verified: Spot-check at least one critical dimension per piece against the template
- Correct material: Verify the material matches the job specification (color, brand, thickness)
- Seam pieces fit: Dry-fit seam edges on the shop floor - gap should be under 1/16 inch
- Sink cutout verified: Measure the cutout against the sink specification sheet
- Edge profiles correct: Visual and tactile check that edge profiles match the contract
- Surface quality: Check all visible surfaces for scratches, chips, and processing marks
- Faucet holes drilled: Verify positions and diameters for all faucet and accessory holes
Installation Supplies
- Epoxy/adhesive: Correct color match for the material
- Caulk: Matching or complementary color
- Support brackets: If required for overhangs exceeding 10-12 inches
- Shims: For leveling on uneven cabinets
- Sink clips: Correct type and quantity for the specified sink
- Plumber's putty or silicone: For sink rim sealing
- Seam setter: For tight seam compression during bonding
- Rodding materials: If any on-site reinforcement is needed
Loading and Protection
- Pieces wrapped or padded: Foam, blankets, or cardboard between all pieces
- Edges protected: Edge protectors on all polished edges
- Pieces secured: Strapped or braced to prevent shifting during transport
- Loading order: Pieces loaded in installation order (first installed = last loaded, on top)
- Vehicle appropriate: Truck bed clean, adequate space, proper A-frame or rack
Stage 2: Site Inspection (Before Unloading)
Complete this inspection after arriving at the job site but before unloading any pieces from the truck.
Site Readiness
- Cabinets installed and secure: All base cabinets fastened to walls and each other
- Cabinets level: Check with a 4-foot level across all runs - variation under 1/8 inch
- Old countertop removed: If applicable, existing counter and backsplash removed
- Plumbing disconnected: Water supply off, drain disconnected for sink installation
- Appliances moved: Range, dishwasher, and refrigerator accessible for counter installation
- Access path clear: Pathway from truck to kitchen is clear for carrying large pieces
- Doorways measured: Pieces fit through all doorways (check the largest piece)
- Floor protected: Drop cloths or cardboard on floors in the work area and path
Piece Inspection (After Unloading)
- Transport damage check: Inspect every piece for new chips, cracks, or scratches from transport
- All pieces accounted for: Every piece from the shop checklist is present
- Piece orientation confirmed: Each piece positioned for correct installation location
- Seam edges clean: No damage to seam edges that would affect the joint
Customer Communication
- Customer present or available: Someone authorized to approve the installation is reachable
- Review installation plan: Walk through the layout with the customer if present
- Confirm fixture positions: Verify sink, faucet, and cooktop positions match expectations
- Note any site changes: If anything changed since the template, document it before proceeding
Common Pre-Install Problems and Solutions
| Problem Found | Solution | Time Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Missing piece | Return to shop or fabricate replacement | Delay 1-3 days |
| Transport damage (minor chip) | Field repair with matching epoxy | 15-30 min |
| Transport damage (major crack) | Refabricate piece | Delay 2-5 days |
| Cabinets not level | Shim and level before installation | 15-45 min |
| Old counter not removed | Remove on-site (if contracted) or reschedule | 30-60 min or reschedule |
| Plumbing not disconnected | Call plumber or disconnect on-site | 15-30 min |
| Pieces don't fit through doorway | Remove door or explore alternate route | 15-30 min |
| Wrong material on truck | Return to shop, load correct pieces | Reschedule |
Why Pre-Install Inspections Save Money
Cost of Skipping Inspection
| Failed Attempt Cause | Frequency (No Inspection) | Cost Per Occurrence |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong pieces on truck | 1-2% of installs | $400-600 (crew time, fuel, rescheduling) |
| Transport damage requiring shop return | 2-3% of installs | $300-800 (crew time, rework) |
| Site not ready | 3-5% of installs | $300-500 (crew time, rescheduling) |
| Missing installation supplies | 2-4% of installs | $100-300 (delay, supply run) |
For a shop doing 40 installations per month, skipping inspections causes 3-6 failed installation attempts per month, costing $900-4,800 in wasted crew time.
Cost of Performing Inspection
Two-stage inspection adds 20-30 minutes per job. For a 2-person crew at $50/hour loaded cost, that's $33-50 per job. Against $900-4,800 monthly savings from prevented failures, the ROI is clear.
Digital vs. Paper Checklists
| Feature | Paper Checklist | Digital Checklist |
|---|---|---|
| Completion tracking | Easy to skip items | System enforces completion |
| Photo documentation | Separate process | Integrated (attach photos to items) |
| Historical records | Filed in folders | Searchable database |
| Accessibility | Physical copy needed | Available on any device |
| Accountability | Signature only | Timestamped, geolocated |
| Dispute resolution | "I filled it out" | Photographic evidence |
SlabWise provides digital checklists linked to each job, with photo attachment capability and automatic status updates when inspections are completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a pre-install inspection take?
Stage 1 (shop): 10-15 minutes. Stage 2 (site): 10-15 minutes. Total: 20-30 minutes per job. This time investment prevents 3-5% of installations from failing on the first attempt.
Who should perform the inspection?
Stage 1: Shop foreman or lead fabricator. Stage 2: Lead installer or install crew foreman. The person performing the inspection should not be the same person who fabricated the pieces - fresh eyes catch more issues.
What if the site isn't ready when we arrive?
Don't force the installation. Document the site conditions with photos, notify the office, and reschedule. Installing on an unprepared site (unlevel cabinets, plumbing still connected) leads to problems that cost more than the rescheduling delay.
How do I handle transport damage?
Minor chips on non-visible edges can be repaired on-site with matching epoxy. Chips on visible surfaces, cracks, or major damage require returning the piece to the shop for repair or refabrication. Document all damage with photos before making a decision.
Should the customer sign the pre-install checklist?
Not the full checklist, but get customer acknowledgment of the installation plan and any site conditions noted during the inspection. This protects you from disputes about what was agreed upon.
How do I prevent transport damage?
Proper wrapping (foam between pieces), edge protection, secure strapping, and careful loading. Train every person who handles stone on proper technique. Most transport damage comes from pieces shifting during driving - secure loads thoroughly.
What happens if pieces don't fit through doorways?
Measure doorways before the installation day (ideally during the template visit). If the largest piece won't fit, either remove the door/frame or plan the delivery path through an alternate entrance.
Can I use a generic checklist or should I customize?
Start with a generic checklist and customize based on your shop's specific issues. If you frequently have transport damage, add more loading checks. If site readiness is your main problem, add more site verification items.
How do I get install crews to actually use the checklist?
Make it a job requirement, not a suggestion. Digital checklists that must be completed before the job can be marked as "in progress" in your system enforce compliance.
Should I inspect every job or only large ones?
Every job. A failed bathroom vanity installation wastes the same crew time as a failed kitchen installation. The checklist for a vanity is shorter, but the discipline of inspecting every job catches problems consistently.
Track Every Installation
SlabWise tracks pieces from fabrication through installation with digital checklists, photo documentation, and automatic status updates. Know that every job is verified before your crew hits the road.
Start Your 14-Day Free Trial - installation tracking included with every plan.
Sources
- International Surface Fabricators Association. "Installation Quality Standards." ISFA Guide, 2024.
- Natural Stone Institute. "Pre-Installation Best Practices." NSI Standard, 2024.
- National Kitchen & Bath Association. "Countertop Installation Guidelines." NKBA Reference, 2024.
- Stone World Magazine. "Preventing Installation Failures." Stone World, 2024.
- Fabricators Alliance. "Installation Process Benchmarks." FA Report, 2024.
- OSHA. "Safe Handling of Heavy Materials in Construction." OSHA Guidelines, 2024.