Unless your contractor orders all of your renovation products and materials, you may encounter some unique industry practices when placing your own materials and fixtures for your project. Familiarizing yourself with how orders are processed and finally delivered to your project site can reduce unnecessary delays, confusions, and stress.

A typical order progresses as follows:

Purchase Order

A purchase order is a document recording your request for furnished goods. It identifies the order confirmation number, purchaser, vendor, delivery address, date of the order, product ID, product name and description, quantity, unit price, quoted price with any discounts, relevant taxes, payment method and conditions for the delivery of the good. Your payment of the purchase order balance authorizes the vendor to begin the order with their suppliers.

Lead Time

Lead time is the time it takes for the product to be delivered to you. It is in a constant flux depending on the latest inventory count from the supplier. Most vendors update a product's lead time just prior to issuing you a purchase order invoice. Therefore, you should complete your purchase order as soon as possible to reserve your supply. Product shortages may take months to resolve, which may require you to delay your project or find a substitute.

Curbside or Sidewalk Deliveries

Many construction products and materials are oversized and heavy and require special delivery conditions. Most vendors provide curbside or sidewalk delivery where their movers deliver the product in their packaging to the curbside. You are responsible to hire your own movers to transport the products into your job site or designated storage area. Your condominium will likely require that your movers be insured. It is critical that you schedule your mover to meet the curbside delivery so your products are not sitting on the sidewalk exposed to the elements.

Accepting Deliveries

Upon receiving your delivery, it is critical that you or a designated representative inspects the delivery for damages. Document damages to the packaging and contact your vendor immediately. Once you accept the delivery, it becomes difficult to claim that your product was damaged in delivery because you and your mover become responsible for transporting the product to your designated storage area. You may still report the discovery of damage and defect of your product when the contractor finally removes the packaging for installation, as long as the discovery is within a reasonable timeframe. Verify terms of your warranty and returns with your vendor.

Moving and Transporting

Once you accept the curbside or sidewalk delivery, you and your mover is responsible for transporting the product to your designated storage area. It is critical that you schedule your mover to meet the curbside delivery so your products are not sitting on the sidewalk exposed to the elements. You must also make sure that you made proper arrangements with your condominium, including any insurance certificates and freight lift access.

Storage and Security

Upon receiving your deliveries, it is important to store them in a safe and secure area. The storage area should have a stable humidity and temperature, minimal sunlight exposure, and free of moisture, vibrations, and pests. Stored products should be accessible but secure (from theft or tampering), and should not obstruct the zones of work or block the path of egress. Take careful inventory of your products. Check with your vendor for care and handling instructions and document any discovery of defects immediately.

Working with trusted vendors can expedite the order and delivery of your products and materials. At Room by Color, we facilitate coordination responsibilities with you, your mover, and your contractor to ensure that they up to date with the latest lead times, delivery schedules, and warranty policies. See more reasons how Room by Color can help you.