Installations - Prep

Whether you are a professional interior designer or a design obsessed homeowner, at some point your orders are ready for delivery and installation. This is supposed to be the fun part - right?  It can be and will be; however, it is important to plan in advance to prevent any potential hiccups. 

1. Create an installation checklist (see sample).
2. Confirm delivery of each item at least two weeks in advance. Ask delivery service if all charges have been paid and confirm they have the correct delivery address and phone numbers (for you if you will be present at installation). If not, update paperwork for your records and client invoice.
3. Confirm access options for client's home for day of delivery: Gate code? Alarm on? Specific doors to enter and exit? Will area be prepared for installation - vacuumed, swept, etc.? Are there pets? Provide any helpful information to delivery service such as number of steps, rooms involved in installation, directions to home.
4. Prepare final invoice for client and email in advance of delivery.
5. Confirm all balances due have been paid by client and to vendors.
6. Inspect all items to be installed. Notify warehouse that you need all items available for inspection. Bring order paperwork and camera. Inspect every inch of piece to confirm no damage in transit and all details are as they should be on order. Take photographs and save in your client's folder under Inspections. If anything is broken or incorrect, notify vendor immediately. (If items can not be inspected prior to delivery, ask for photos of items to be emailed to you without their packaging).
7. Call delivery service 1-2 days prior to installation to confirm delivery window. Notify client of delivery window even if they will not be present. If possible, ask for driver's cell phone number and confirm AGAIN that they have your number. Request that driver confirm any tools needed for assembly are packed on truck with items for delivery.
8. Contact any vendors that are planning to attend installation 1-2 days prior to confirm arrival time and duration of time needed. For example, is a handyman or contractor needed to install lighting, assemble product, install window treatments, hang artwork?
9. One week prior to delivery, prepare contact information sheet (see sample) that includes client address, phone numbers, and email addresses as well as vendor, delivery service, and contractor phone numbers. Include tracking/reference/weigh bill numbers as needed so everything is in one place.
10. Pack car with installation bag (see list of items included), copies of order paperwork (client invoice and vendor order) and contact information sheet.
11. Plan to be at client's home 30 minutes prior to delivery window to confirm all rooms are ready for items to be installed.

If the installation has been a long time coming, it is thoughtful to bring a small gift for the client, such as fresh flowers, a book or candle. I always select something that coordinates with the items being installed and adds warmth to any photos you take of the finished space.