How to prove a job was done
Disputes are rarely about the work. They are about what each side remembers. Clear evidence, collected as a habit, ends most of them before they begin.
What good proof looks like
- What was there before you began, including existing damage.
- What you did, in photos of each area.
- Who did it, and when.
- That the client agreed the scope, in writing.
- That the client saw the result, such as a message or sent link.
Build it into the job
Proof fails when it depends on memory. Make it a fixed step: no completed job without photos. The easiest way is a tool that won't let a job finish without them, but a written rule and a daily check by a supervisor can work too.
When a client disputes the work
Stay calm and reply in writing. Share the before and after photos for the area in question, and offer to visit if something does look wrong. Most disagreements end when both sides look at the same evidence.
This is general guidance rather than legal advice. If a dispute involves a lot of money, get advice from a qualified professional.
Questions
Do photos count as legal evidence?
They can help, but it depends on where you are and the case. Keep originals and a record of when they were taken, and ask a qualified adviser about anything serious.
How long should I keep job photos?
At least as long as your warranty or guarantee period. Some trades keep them for years.