Any existing holes, uneven patches or old fixtures are usually addressed before the first panel goes up, rather than worked around afterwards.

Installers typically mark a single level reference line across the full wall length first, so every panel that follows is aligned to the same baseline rather than each panel being levelled independently, which is what causes visible drift across a long run.

Panels are generally fitted one at a time, working from one end of the wall to the other, with each new panel checked against the previous one for alignment and gap consistency before moving on to the next.

Once all panels are up, installers check each join for gap consistency and finish any exposed edges at the ends of the run, which is also when any final adjustments to fixings are made before the room is handed back.

A thorough installer will walk the finished wall with you, point out anything to be aware of, such as a slightly tighter join in one spot or a fixing point to avoid drilling near later, and leave basic care guidance for the finish.

Installers who take extra time getting the first panel perfectly level tend to move faster through the rest of the run, since a good start avoids compounding small errors across every panel that follows. Rushing to save time on a long run almost always produces a worse long-term result than a slower, more careful installation day, which is why sequencing and pace matter more than how quickly the crew finishes.

Once the final panel is fitted, installers typically step back and check the whole run under the room’s actual lighting, not just up close. Small alignment issues are often more visible from a distance than during the fitting itself.

Beyond the panels themselves, a proper installation involves laser levels, torque-controlled fixings and packers for minor wall irregularities, along with covered flooring and protected furniture in an occupied office, particularly for larger panels being manoeuvred into place. Larger panels are also more exposed during transport than a single small board, so it is worth asking how delivery is handled before the installation date is even set.

Expect a small snagging list even after a good installation, a fixing to tighten or a corner to touch up, and a good installer resolves what they can the same day rather than leaving everything for a follow-up visit. Ask upfront what the plan is if a problem cannot be resolved on the spot, whether that means a scheduled return visit or a longer wait, so there are no surprises if something does come up partway through the job.

A number of established suppliers build a short follow-up visit, a few weeks after installation, into their standard process, specifically to catch any settling issues before they become a bigger problem, which is worth asking about if it isn’t offered upfront.

If judging whether an installation is genuinely level and flush feels beyond your own expertise, ask a second person, ideally someone from the original design or fit-out team, to review it alongside you before signing off.

Planning a multi-panel install? Chameleon’s whiteboard wall installation team works to a single reference line for a consistent finish across the whole run.