You finished the job perfectly. Then the homeowner dragged furniture across the new floors, drove over fresh concrete, or let their kids take a hammer to the tile. Now they want you to fix it, for free.

Step 1: Document the Damage Immediately

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Photograph Everything

Take timestamped photos of the damage from multiple angles. Compare them to your completion photos to show the work was delivered in perfect condition.

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Write a Damage Report

Describe the damage in writing: what happened, when you discovered it, and how it differs from the completed state. Attach it to the project file.

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Link to the Change Order

Your original signed change order shows the agreed scope. Any damage after sign-off is not your responsibility. The document proves it.

Step 2: Issue a Repair Change Order

The Approach

“I’ve documented the damage and compared it to the completion photos from [date]. The original work was delivered in good condition, which you signed off on. I’m happy to make the repair. Here’s a change order for the additional materials and labor required.”

A separate change order for repair work keeps the paper trail clean. They sign it, you fix it, everyone's protected.

Step 3: Protect Yourself Going Forward

Completion Photos

Always take photos when the job is done. Timestamped images prove the condition you left the work in. This is your first line of defense.

Sign-Off on Completion

Get the client to sign off that the work is complete and satisfactory. SealedScope timestamps everything so there's no dispute about when acceptance happened.

Warranty Limits

Include clear warranty language in your change orders. Warranty covers defects in workmanship, not damage caused by the homeowner after the fact.

Don't Pay for Someone Else's Damage.

SealedScope gives you signed documentation that proves the condition of your work at completion. When damage happens later, you have proof.

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