Materials handling on site

The customer buys the materials and deals with suppliers. Before they order, we ask you to review the design and materials list. See 'Reviewing the design and materials list'. This article covers what happens once items start arriving.

Steps

1. Tell the customer when you need things. The customer books deliveries, usually for days you're on site, because many suppliers deliver kerbside only. Give them dates that fit your programme. The materials tracker shows what's been ordered, so you can see early if something's behind.
2. Take delivery. You'll usually be the one accepting deliveries and moving them in from the kerb. Check what's arrived against the order paperwork.
3. Check every item within 48 hours. Confirm it's the right item and undamaged, with no missing parts. Unpack carefully. An item that's out of its original packaging is unlikely to be returnable, so keep the packaging until it's fitted.
4. Store materials safely. Somewhere lockable, dry and protected from site activity. Keep stored items away from weather, dust and footfall they aren't designed for.
5. Flag problems to the customer. Send them photos of anything wrong or damaged. They raise it with the supplier and handle any return.

What you don't do

• Don't install damaged or wrong items on the basis that you'll work around them. Flag them and photograph them when they arrive.
• Don't replace items yourself without going through the customer. The supplier's warranty applies, and going around it makes the customer's claim harder.
• Don't cover the cost of supplier mistakes. If the supplier sent the wrong item or a damaged one, that's between the customer and the supplier.