October 20, 2026
Check the Site First
The slate is on the dolly. The building elevator is right there. Then you read the plate on the wall and do the math. Three slate pieces, two installers, a dolly. Nobody checked the elevator limit, and now the job is stuck in the lobby.
Before you build anything, look at the doors, the stairs, the elevator, and the ground. Check the site first, every time.
Here’s a site check for the three big ones: treadmills, slate pool tables, and in-ground basketball hoops.
Why the site check comes first
The Family Game Room’s pool table checklist says to measure every doorway, hallway, and tight corner on the route. It also says to tell the crew about stairs in advance, so they can bring the right equipment or extra people. That applies to anything big you carry in.
Check before you go.
Script, on the confirmation call:
“Before we come out, can you tell me what floor it’s going to, how many stairs, and whether there’s an elevator? I want to bring the right gear the first time.”
Treadmills: know the path and the ticket
Before you start:
- Confirm the service level on the ticket. Room of choice means a different job from threshold.
- Walk the path from the truck to the room. Measure doors and turns against the crate.
- Find the outlet the customer plans to use, and check that the machine can reach it once it’s in place.
- Look for a clear, level spot with room around the machine.
Script, at the door:
“Your ticket says room of choice. Let’s walk to the room together so I can check the turns before we bring it in.”
Slate pool tables: weight, path, and floor
Slate is heavy. The Family Game Room says a quality 3-piece slate set can weigh 600 to 900 pounds. If there’s an elevator, check that it can carry that load along with the crew.
Their checklist also covers:
- The path. Measure doorways and corners. If a door gives less than an inch of clearance for the frame or the slate crates, take it off its hinges.
- The staging area. Clear space near the room for three slate crates and the frame parts.
- The floor. Lay down floor protection on hardwood or tile. Make sure the install spot is clean, because one pebble under a leg can scratch the floor.
- Carpet. The table settles as the carpet compresses. Plan a re-level about 48 hours after setup.
Tell the customer about the re-level before you leave, so it doesn’t surprise them.
Script, at sign-off:
“This is level now. On carpet it’ll settle over the next couple of days, so it needs a re-level after about 48 hours. That’s normal.”
The same checklist says a professional install usually takes two to four hours. Use that when the customer asks how long you’ll be.
In-ground hoops: confirm before you assemble
Your job on an in-ground hoop is the assembly on top of a footing that’s already in. You don’t dig or pour concrete. Before you show up, confirm the site is ready. BasketballHoop.com’s install guide lists what has to be true:
- 811 has marked the lines. In the U.S., 811 is the utility locating service that marks underground lines before anyone digs.
- The spot is level and stable. The slab or driveway should be free of major slope, cracks, or voids.
- The footing has fully cured. Concrete often needs 2 to 4 days or more to cure, depending on weather and mix. The pole doesn’t go on until it’s done.
- There are enough hands. Many parts are heavy and may need 2 to 3 adults to lift safely.
The guide also says many large in-ground hoop systems weigh over 400 pounds. Before you open the boxes, check them for damage with the customer and note any damage on the delivery paperwork before you sign.
Script, when you confirm the hoop job:
“Before we come out, can you confirm 811 marked the yard and the footing has had its full cure time? We’ll be putting the pole and backboard on, and we’ll bring a third person for the lift.”
Your site check, every job
Run this list on every big fitness or game install:
- Confirm the floor, stairs, and elevator before the trip.
- Check that the elevator limit covers the load plus the crew.
- Measure doors, halls, and turns against the biggest piece.
- Clear a staging area and protect the floor.
- For hoops, confirm 811, a level spot, and a fully cured footing before you assemble.
- Tell the customer about follow-ups, like the carpet re-level.
The skill is yours
Checking the site before anything goes wrong is a habit. That habit belongs to you, and it goes with you to every job.
WGCN is a third-party training module for independent contractors.
Bottom Line
Check the site before the build. Check the path, the stairs, and the elevator limit before the trip. A quality 3-piece slate set can weigh 600 to 900 lb. On carpet, re-level a pool table after about 48 hours. For a hoop, confirm 811 marked the lines and the footing has fully cured, which often takes 2 to 4 days or more. Check the site first.
WGCN’s online courses are for every white glove delivery specialist, whether you’re new, thinking about getting into it, or have been doing it for a while. The Professional White Glove Last Mile Course covers the core concepts of the job, and The Gold Standard of Customer Service is the standalone customer service course. Each course is $49.99, or $64.99 for both. See the courses.