Before You Sign the Completion Certificate, Check These Things

At the end of a water or fire damage repair, most contractors ask you to sign a certificate of completion. It's a short form that says the work is finished and you're satisfied. On insurance jobs, it's often what the contractor sends in to get the final payment released.

That's why some contractors push for it early. In the reviews we read for companies around Elk River, more than one homeowner said they were pressured to sign before the job was actually done, and then couldn't get anyone to come back for the punch list.

Once you sign, you've told everyone the job is finished. So don't sign until it is.

Walk through every room that was worked on

Do this in daylight, with the contractor if you can. Look for:

  • Drywall: smooth seams, no visible tape lines, no nail pops, texture that matches the rest of the wall.
  • Paint: full coverage, clean lines at the ceiling and trim, no missed spots behind doors.
  • Flooring: no gaps, lifted edges or soft spots. Transitions installed at doorways.
  • Trim and doors: baseboard and casing back on, caulked and painted. Doors open and close without rubbing.
  • Cabinets: level, doors lined up, hardware back on.
  • Outlets and fixtures: covers back on, lights and outlets working.
  • Cleanup: no dust on surfaces, no debris left in the yard or garage, plastic and tape removed.

Check the paperwork too

  • Does the work match the written scope and any change orders?
  • Did you get final moisture readings showing the area was dry before it was closed up?
  • If subcontractors were used, ask for lien waivers so you're not on the hook if the contractor doesn't pay them.
  • Get any product warranties (flooring, cabinets) and paint colors in writing.

If something isn't right

Write it down, take a photo, and give the list to the contractor. Sign once it's fixed. A good contractor won't argue with that. If the list is one or two small items, some homeowners sign with the items written on the form. Either way, get it in writing.

How we do it

You sign off when the work is done and you're happy with it, not before. We walk through it with you first, fix anything on the list, and send you final photos. See how the whole process works on our water damage restoration page.

Call or text Ben: (612) 991-5525 any time, day or night.

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