Missing or Damaged Kitchen Delivery: What to Do Before Fitting

A practical checklist for homeowners when kitchen units, panels or fittings are missing or damaged before installation starts.

A kitchen delivery can contain many separate cabinets, panels, fittings and accessories. If something is missing or damaged, the safest response is to identify it early, record it clearly and agree what can still be fitted without creating avoidable rework.

Check the delivery against the latest order

Use the final supplier plan and item list, not an earlier design. Check labels and quantities before removing packaging unnecessarily. Look for visible transit damage, incorrect finishes and missing pieces such as end panels, fillers, plinth, cornice or appliance accessories.

Photograph any damaged packaging and the affected item before it is moved or altered. Keep the supplier's labels and reference numbers visible. The kitchen delivery checklist explains the wider pre-fit check, including access and storage.

Tell the supplier and fitter promptly

Report shortages or damage through the supplier's stated process and keep the reference or case number. Tell the fitter what is affected and when a replacement is expected. A missing decorative panel may have a different effect on the programme from a missing cabinet, appliance or component needed to set out the room.

Do not assume that every missing item means all work must stop. Equally, do not ask for work to continue where doing so would prevent a proper replacement or create extra dismantling. The supplier and fitter should each confirm the part of the problem they control.

Agree any change to the fitting sequence

If useful work can continue, record what will be completed, what will remain outstanding and whether a return visit is required. Confirm who is responsible for replacement parts, delivery dates and any additional attendance caused by the missing item. This keeps a supplier issue separate from the agreed installation scope.

Where the issue affects appliance positions, worktop measurements or visible finishing pieces, wait for the correct information before irreversible cutting or templating. The kitchen installation responsibilities guide helps clarify the supplier, fitter and homeowner roles.

Information to have ready

• the latest plan and order number;
• photographs of the packaging, label and damage;
• the supplier's replacement or case reference;
• the expected replacement date;
• a list of work that can and cannot continue;
• written agreement for any revised visit or extra scope.

Homeowners across Nuneaton, Coventry, Bedworth, Hinckley and the wider Midlands can contact TLS Kitchens with the current plan, delivery information and postcode. The installation sequence can then be assessed against the actual missing or damaged item.