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Unload, Inspect, Stage Materials

Unload, Inspect, Stage Materials

Owned by Aleeshya Broome, created
Last updated: Jan 08, 2025
6 min read

Table of Contents
02. Prepare for the Installation

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This page will explain the best practices for unloading, inspecting, and staging materials. By following these steps, all materials will be organized and set up for a successful installation. Prior to unloading materials, ensure you have performed the initial walkaround with the customer, completed the Hazard Inspection Procedure, reviewed the system’s elevations and measurements, and found the high point in the space(s).

 

Page Contents

Skill Requirements
Process Steps
Related Training Materials
Next Steps
Certification
Tips from the Field
Terms & Definitions

Types of Installation: Off-the-Floor, Floor-Based, Virtuoso, Wall Bed, Paxton, Martha Stewart

Installer Level Required: Jr. Apprentice Installer

Products Required: TFL Material, Accessories, Special Order

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Process Steps

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when handling material and tools throughout this process. Review the PPE Matrix for further guidance.

  1. In each space, identify where the staging area will be.

  • The staging area will be where all material is located while waiting to be installed.

  • The staging area should located within close proximity of the installation area (in or close to the space), but not directly on or around a wall containing an system.

 

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A standard reach-in style space

  • In the example above of a reach-in style space, the staging area should be located as close to the closet’s opening as possible. Consider an adjacent blank wall, or area to lean material against.

    • When leaning material, the wall or surface must be stable enough to hold the material and protected from the material.

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A walk-in style space

  • In the example above, the staging area should be located on Wall C, continuing into the center of the room.

  1. Set up runners, tarps, and drop cloths where applicable.

  2. Set up a blanket in each space of install for the staging area

  • Ensure it is close to the workspace; there should be protection on the floor as well as between the material and the wall.

  1. At the jobsite, identify where the “shop” will be located.

  • The shop is a central location in which tools and prepping of materials should be located.

  • If space(s) on the first floor: Set up shop within the space or close proximity to the space.

  • If space(s) only on the second floor: Set up shop in the largest of the spaces or a space that has extra room for prepping and storing tools not being used.

  • If no space in home: Set up shop outside as close to the entry door as possible, or in the garage with granted customer approval.

  • This is completed during the walkaround with the customer.

Avoid power tools inside unless absolutely necessary. If power tools are used inside, dust is created in an enclosed environment, and smoke detectors could be set off.

  1. Bring in any cordless tools to ensure batteries are being charged.

  2. Bring in materials from the van/truck and set them on the blankets.  All material should be brought in during the same time-frame.

  • Be aware of larger and heavier items that require a team lift. Do not attempt to lift an item identified as a a team lift item, as indicated on the label or parts list.

  • Material should be brought in following the initial walkthrough with the customer.

  • Material should be organized by room with the exception of partitions; partitions should be staged in the “shop” area to be prepped.  The prepped partitions will then be brought to the workspace and hung on the rail.

  1. Inspect each item prior to placing it in the staging area. Inspect the front, back, and each side for chips or damages. If any damage is identified and needs replacement, call the shop/warehouse as soon as identified. Always strive to identify all damaged or incorrectly size parts as early as possible in the day, and make a single phone call to the shop/warehouse.

For any materials that need to be cut prior to dry-fitting or installing, leave them in the van until it is time to install them. For example, pieces of baseboard, fascia, crown, scribe, or filler.

Do not prep partitions against the wall; find a location to prep on sawhorses with partitions laying horizontally.  This may be outside of the space or the home.

  1. Stage materials in order of installation.

  • Fixed shelves should be closest to the workspace.

  • Adjustable shelves should be placed furthest away.

  • Connecting shelves should be placed between the fixed and adjustable shelves.

  • Sort each shelf group in order of size with the tallest in the back and the shortest in the front.

  • Drawers and additional material (bottom/top caps, countertops, poles, accessories) should be placed in each of their respective spaces and away from the working area until they are ready for installation.

  • Always ensure the blanket or protective material is between our material, and any aspect of the space (wall, floor, etc.)

  1. Assess materials based on the drawings and BOM, and ensure you have the correct number of partitions, shelves, and drawers.

  1. Stage accessories and hardware.

  1. Set up hand tools.

  1. Using painter’s tape, tape all elevation drawings on the wall close to their respective installation walls.

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Related Training Materials

Preparing for an Installation
PPE Matrix
Product Feedback Form

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Next Steps: Completing the System Skeleton

 

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Tips from the Field
Tips submitted by fellow installers and leaders in the field. These optional tips are intended to make this install process simpler.

Click here to submit your own tip from the field.

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Terms & Definitions

Adjustable Shelves

A shelf type requiring movable shelf pins to hold shelf in place.  This shelf’s placement can be adjusted according to the customer’s preference.

Blankets

Moving blankets; used as the foundation of all staging areas.

BOM

Bill of Materials; Parts List

Connecting Shelves

A shelf type connecting two systems located on two walls.  This may be referred to as bridging and forms a 90-degree angle to connect the two wall systems.

Drop Cloths

Used for covering stationary items to protect from dust, dirt, debris.

Fixed Shelves

A shelf type requiring locking cams to hold shelf in place.  This shelf is used to strengthen the overall structure of the system.

Runners

Used for floor protection in traffic areas: hallways, doorways, etc.

Shop

A central location in which tools and prepping of materials should be located.

Tarps

Used for covering stationary items to protect from dust, dirt, debris.

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Questions? Please e-mail Aleeshya Broome (albroome@calclosets.com)