Has it been done right?

Is it finished, is it completed to your standards?

How to Ensure Your Plumbing, Waterproofing, or Painting and Decorating 

Work Has Been Done Right

When you hire a professional for any home improvement or maintenance project, whether it’s plumbing, waterproofing, or painting and decorating, you want to make sure the job has been done correctly. Not only does quality work ensure that your home remains safe and comfortable, but it can also save you money in the long run by preventing future repairs or issues. But how do you check if the work has been completed to a high standard? Here are some steps you can take to assess the quality of the work done on your home.

1. Check for Clear, Detailed Workmanship

The first thing you should do when assessing the quality of the job is to closely examine the work. For plumbing, this could mean checking for any leaks, drips, or wet spots around faucets, pipes, or appliances that have been installed or repaired. For waterproofing, you’ll want to make sure that all vulnerable areas (like basements or crawl spaces) are dry and that no moisture is present where it shouldn’t be. If you’ve had painting or decorating done, check for uneven paint, drips, or areas that might have been missed.

For example:

• Plumbing: Are there any visible signs of leaks, water stains, or corrosion around pipes, joints, or fittings?
• Waterproofing: Has the area been thoroughly sealed and treated to prevent moisture from seeping through? Is there any evidence of water intrusion after a heavy rainfall or cleaning?
• Painting & Decorating: Are the surfaces smooth, free of cracks, streaks, or bubbling paint? Is the trim and detail sharp, and are there no missed spots?

2. Test Functionality

The next step is to test how the work functions in real-world scenarios. After a plumbing job, run the water through all fixtures that were affected—such as sinks, bathtubs, showers, and toilets—and monitor for any irregularities. For waterproofing, you can inspect the area after rain to see if there’s any sign of water infiltration. For a painting job, check whether the paint adheres properly to the surface and whether it withstands wear and tear without chipping or peeling.

• Plumbing: Run the taps and check the pressure. If you had pipes replaced or repaired, see if the water flows freely without obstruction.
• Waterproofing: If you’ve had your basement or another area treated, ensure the treated surfaces stay dry and there are no leaks or damp patches.
• Painting & Decorating: Scrutinize the finish. Does the paint stay in place when touched? Is it smooth without any peeling or bubbling?

3. Check the Work Against the Initial Agreement

Compare the work completed with what was originally agreed upon in the contract. Revisit the scope of work to ensure that everything has been addressed. For plumbing or waterproofing, ensure that all areas specified in the contract were treated or repaired. For painting and decorating, make sure that the type of finish, number of coats, and surface preparation were carried out as promised.

For instance:

• Plumbing: Were all areas that needed attention addressed? Were any additional problems that came up properly handled?
• Waterproofing: Was the treatment applied to all areas that were outlined in the initial agreement? Was there a warranty or guarantee offered for the work?
• Painting & Decorating: Was the work done as described, such as specific finishes (e.g., matte or gloss) or custom detailing?

4. Check for Proper Clean-Up

A professional tradesperson will always clean up after completing a job. This is especially important in services like plumbing, waterproofing, and painting, as leftover materials or debris can cause issues down the line. Leftover paint can cause stains, exposed pipes can lead to damage or rusting, and waterproofing chemicals should be safely disposed of.

• Plumbing: Ensure that the work area has been cleaned, with any tools or debris removed. Check that no water has been left pooled around the work site.
• Waterproofing: Ensure that the work area is clear of any leftover materials or products. The treated areas should be free of tools or leftover chemicals.
• Painting & Decorating: Look for any leftover paint containers or brushes. The work area should be clean with no paint splashes on surrounding surfaces or flooring.

5. Ask for Documentation and Warranty

A reliable contractor will provide documentation for the work done, including any warranties. For plumbing and waterproofing, it’s crucial to have a warranty in case any issues arise later. If you’ve had a painting or decorating job done, check if the contractor offers a warranty for touch-ups or future services.

• Plumbing & Waterproofing: Ask if any warranties were provided and whether you have a written guarantee of the work completed. This can help protect you in case something goes wrong after the job is finished.
• Painting & Decorating: Some contractors will offer warranties on the quality of the paint job, including any touch-ups that may be needed within a specified period.

6. Trust Your Instincts and Seek a Second Opinion

Finally, if you’re still unsure whether the work has been done right, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t look or feel right, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion from another professional. They can assess the work and give you peace of mind.

Ensuring the work has been done correctly is essential for maintaining your property and avoiding costly repairs down the line. By following these steps, you’ll be able to check the quality of plumbing, waterproofing, or painting and decorating work and ensure your home remains safe, comfortable, and looking its best for years to come.