How to know a tradie actually finished the job
You know a job is finished when the work matches the scope you agreed at the start — not when the tradie says it’s done. Agree what “done” looks like up front, then check it against photos before you pay the final amount.
Define “done” before they start
The single biggest reason people aren’t sure a job is finished is that nobody wrote down what finished means. Before work begins, list the specific things that have to be true at the end: tiles grouted and sealed, switchboard labelled and tested, site left clean.
That list becomes your checklist. A good tradie welcomes it — it protects them as much as you.
Walk the job against the list
At the end, go through your list item by item, in person if you can. Open the cupboard, turn on the tap, flick the switch, look behind the door. Most “unfinished” jobs are found in the last five per cent that’s easy to skip.
Take photos as you go. Photos are the calm way to raise anything that isn’t right — you’re pointing at evidence, not having an argument.
Hold something back until it’s right
Where it’s fair and agreed, paying the final portion only once the job passes your check gives everyone a reason to finish properly. Never pay the full amount in advance for work that isn’t done.
For licensed work like electrical or plumbing, make sure you receive the relevant compliance certificate — that’s part of the job being finished, not an optional extra.
How the concierge proves it for you
This is the part we take off your plate. We record the job is done with dated photos, and you approve before it’s marked complete. If something’s not right, it’s not finished — simple as that.
We don’t supervise the trade on site. We make sure the outcome you agreed to is the outcome you actually got, with proof you can keep.
Common questions
What’s the easiest way to check a job is finished?
Write down what “done” means before work starts, then walk the job against that list at the end and take photos. If every item is true, it’s finished.
Should I pay before the work is checked?
No. Never pay the full amount up front for work that isn’t done. Where it’s agreed, hold the final portion until the job passes your check.
Do I need a certificate for electrical or plumbing work?
Yes. Licensed electrical and plumbing work in NSW comes with a compliance certificate. Receiving it is part of the job being properly finished.
What if the tradie says it’s done but it isn’t?
Point to the scope you agreed and the photos. If the work doesn’t match what was agreed, the job isn’t finished and the final payment can wait until it is.