Appliance deliveries are one of the most common causes of surface damage in UK homes. A washing machine being manoeuvred through a kitchen, a fridge-freezer pushed along a tiled hallway, a dishwasher installed beneath a worktop — all of these processes create opportunities for chips, scratches and dents. Understanding what gets damaged and how to address it can save significant time and money.
How Appliance Delivery Damages Surfaces
Floor Tile Chips
Ceramic and porcelain floor tiles chip at corners and edges when heavy appliances are manoeuvred across them — particularly if the appliance tilts and its base edge impacts a tile corner, or if a trolley wheel rides over a tile edge. LVT and vinyl floors are scratched by metal appliance feet and trolley wheels.
Worktop Chips During Dishwasher or Hob Installation
Dishwashers and integrated appliances installed beneath worktops can chip the underside of the worktop during installation — from the appliance door, tools or the appliance casing. The worktop is also vulnerable during a replacement if the old appliance is removed forcefully.
Hallway and Corridor Damage
The route from front door to kitchen often involves tight corners where appliances contact walls, door frames, skirting boards and architraves. Chips to plaster, tile corner guards and wooden door frames are common. Vinyl and LVT in hallways can be damaged by the wheels or base of appliance dollies.
Who Is Responsible for Delivery Damage?
Where a delivery team caused the damage, the retailer bears responsibility. Document all damage immediately — before the delivery team leaves if possible — with photographs. Professional repair estimates support a claim against the retailer for the cost of making good. We provide written estimates and reports appropriate for this purpose.
Get a Free Assessment
Send photographs of the delivery damage — whether to floors, worktops, walls or fittings — for a free combined estimate.
