What’s the most important thing I need to know about taking receipt upon delivery of my building materials?

YOU MUST INVENTORY YOUR BUILDING WHEN IT ARRIVES. You need to immediately note any shortages or damage on the bill of lading before signing it, and you have three (3) days to report “hidden damage” or missing or damaged goods that arrived in sealed containers (for example, fasteners that come in boxes). Unfortunately, job sites suffer theft, especially when they are left unattended for days or weeks. We cannot be held responsible for shortages you report after you have taken receipt of the materials and acknowledge completeness on the bill of lading. Most of the problems we deal with after delivery are caused by people not inventorying their building when it arrives. We cannot overemphasize how important a proper inventory is. We cannot collect for a shortage that was on the shipping list and signed for as received. ... more