PHASE 3: PROCUREMENT

  1. Procurement. (This whole process has been skipped over)

    1. Appliances

      1. You need to work alongside your kitchen designer or cabinet builder to make sure that the appliances that you have selected will fit within the plan and space of the kitchen

      2. Make sure you show the specifications to your contractor prior to purchasing to make sure everything works

      3. Make sure your fridge can be brought into the house.   Look at the overall height and compressor locations.

    2. Counters

    ORDERING

    • After you have created your full “Open Items” list, plan out what needs to be ordered and when. Consult our Guides to make sure you have thought through all your considerations when ordering each item.

    • See a typical Ordering Schedule

    • When financially possible, designers love it when all items can be shipped to and stored by their receivers (your plumbers, electricians, tile contractor). That way, they can inspect items on arrival for damage and store them safely.

      • Tips to confirm before you hire receivers—??

    • When ordering, PLEASE make sure that all furniture can actually be brought into your home. You must consider the sizes of:

      • Front door openings

      • Hallways, bends in hallways

      • Stairways

      • Room doorways

    TRACKING

    • Save your invoice and update the budget with the final costs. Make sure that it is inline with what you had planned for.

    • Update the Open Items list as you track your items with their estimated shipping dates

    • Never feel guilty about calling your vendors every three weeks or so to track an item. As you get closer to the ship date, call more often if you feel like you need to apply pressure. Always confirm the shipping address. Review the order acknowledgement. You will be surprised how often articles can be mixed up. Always try to be one step ahead and plan for the worst—you will not regret it. We always say the design industry is just as much about creativity as it is problem solving and managing people. If your shipping date changes, notify your team, as delays may hold up the project and you will have to decide if you need to select another item or make schedule adjustments.

    • When a piece ships and is not going directly to you, notify the recipients and confirm they have received it. Keep notes. It is best not to leave any room for chance or error.

    RECEIVING

    • Open and inspect all items

      • Most vendors have short periods of time that they will except returns of damaged goods, often within 24 hours or even upon delivery.

      • Take pictures of damaged items and send emails immediately with order number. Order replacements and have them shipped ASAP.

      • Refuse delivery if possible

    • Log onto the Open Items list when items have been received and where they are located.