How to Inspect Your Cabinet Delivery
The delivery truck just pulled up with $15,000 worth of cabinets. The driver wants you to sign. But once that truck leaves, proving damage or missing pieces becomes exponentially harder. You have one shot to catch problems—make it count.
Quick Summary
Time needed
1-1.5 hours
Cost
Free
Difficulty
Easy
Why Delivery Inspection Is Critical
Cabinet suppliers deal with damage and missing piece claims every day. The ones they honor are the ones with documentation from delivery day. The ones they fight are the "I opened this box three weeks later and found damage" claims.
Real Story: A homeowner signed for their cabinet delivery without inspection. Two weeks later, during install, they discovered a shattered glass door. The supplier claimed it was installation damage. With no delivery-day photos, the homeowner ate the $400 replacement cost.
Your goal is simple: verify everything arrived undamaged, or document exactly what's wrong before the delivery driver leaves. This isn't paranoia—it's protecting your investment.
Step-by-Step Inspection Process
1. Count All Boxes First
Before anything else, count the total number of boxes delivered. Match this against your packing slip.
Critical Rule: If the box count doesn't match your packing slip, DO NOT sign as "received in full." Write the actual count and note "X boxes short per packing slip" on the delivery receipt. Take a photo of what you wrote.
Quick Count System:
- •Have your packing slip ready before delivery
- •Count boxes as they come off the truck
- •Mark each box with chalk or tape as you count
- •Double-check your count before signing anything
2. Check for Obvious Shipping Damage
Walk around all boxes looking for signs of rough handling. The packaging often tells you what's inside.
Red Flags to Look For:
- • Crushed or dented corners
- • Holes punched through cardboard
- • Water stains or dampness
- • Torn or ripped packaging
- • Boxes that were clearly re-taped
- • Boxes sitting at odd angles (internal damage)
Pro Tip: Take photos of damaged boxes from multiple angles BEFORE opening them. Include the box label in the photo so you can identify which cabinet it is. Ask the driver to be in one photo to timestamp it.
3. Open Priority Boxes
You can't open everything while the driver waits. Focus on high-value pieces and anything with external damage.
Inspect These First:
Finished End Panels
These are expensive and show every scratch. Check both sides carefully.
Specialty Cabinets
Glass doors, corner units, appliance garages—anything custom or complex.
Drawer Front Boxes
Check that finishes match and you have the right quantities for each size.
Any Damaged Boxes
If the box looks rough, open it immediately and check the contents.
4. Verify Finishes Match
Open a few door boxes from different parts of your order. Make sure the finish color and style are consistent.
Common Issue: Cabinet doors from different production runs can have slight color variations. If you notice a difference between boxes, document it immediately. Wood finishes especially can vary batch to batch.
What to Check:
- •Door style matches your order
- •Finish color is consistent across boxes
- •Wood grain pattern matches (if applicable)
- •No scratches, dents, or gouges on finished surfaces
- •Hardware pre-drills are clean (if applicable)
5. Document Everything
Your phone is your best protection. Take photos of any issues while the driver is present.
Good Documentation
- • Photo of damage with box label visible
- • Close-up of the actual damage
- • Wide shot showing all boxes
- • Photo of delivery receipt notation
- • Picture with driver in frame
Poor Documentation
- • Blurry photos
- • Can't tell which box it is
- • No date/time stamp
- • Only verbal description
- • Photos taken days later
Smart Move: Email photos to your supplier before the driver leaves. Subject line: "Delivery damage documented - Order #XXXXX - [Today's Date]". This creates a timestamp and paper trail immediately.
What to Write on the Delivery Receipt
Never sign a delivery receipt that says "received in good condition" if you found problems. Here's what to write instead.
If Boxes Are Missing:
"Received [actual number] boxes only. Packing slip shows [expected number] boxes. Missing [X] boxes."
If You Found Damage:
"Box [number] has crushed corner. Box [number] shows water damage. Contents not verified—will inspect and report within 24 hours."
If Everything Looks Good:
"Received [number] boxes. External packaging appears undamaged. Full contents inspection pending."
Complete Delivery Day Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I find damaged cabinets after delivery?
Take detailed photos immediately showing the damage and the box label together. Contact your supplier within 24 hours—most companies have strict reporting windows. Don't start installation until replacement pieces are confirmed. Keep all packaging in case you need to return items. Document everything in writing via email, not just phone calls.
How long should I keep the delivery driver waiting while I inspect?
Most drivers allow 15-20 minutes for basic inspection. Count all boxes, check for obvious shipping damage, and open 2-3 high-value pieces (like finished panels or specialty cabinets). You don't need to open everything, but catch major issues while they're there. Never sign without at least counting boxes and checking for crushed packaging.
What if the box count doesn't match my packing slip?
Do NOT sign the delivery receipt as received in full. Write the actual number of boxes delivered and note 'X boxes short per packing slip' on the receipt. Take a photo of what you wrote. Call your supplier immediately—missing boxes might still be on the truck or at the warehouse. Never assume they'll arrive later without documentation.
Should I open every cabinet box during delivery inspection?
No, that's not practical or necessary. Focus on high-value items: finished end panels, specialty cabinets, drawer front boxes, and any boxes that look damaged. You can do a full inventory after delivery, but catch obvious damage while the driver is present. Priority is documenting shipping damage, not verifying every hinge.
What counts as acceptable damage versus something I should reject?
Reject cabinets with cracked or split wood, deep gouges in finished surfaces, broken doors or drawer fronts, or crushed boxes with visible interior damage. Minor scuffs on unfinished interior surfaces are usually fine—they won't show after installation. When in doubt, document it with photos and ask your supplier. You can't un-accept damaged goods later.
Ready for the Next Step?
Everything checked out, or replacements are on the way. Now comes the fun part—installing your base cabinets.