Lesson 12 — Final inspection and handover

Tools and materials

• Good torch
• Small brushes for touch-ups
• Leftover paint, labelled
• Cleaning cloths, vacuum
• Phone for photos

Step by step

1. Remove masking tape carefully, pulling it back at a low angle.
2. Inspect every surface in good light and with a torch held at a low angle: look for missed areas, thin coverage, runs, bits, brush or roller marks.
3. Check lines at ceilings, corners, skirtings and around fittings.
4. Mark issues with small pieces of low-tack tape and fix them: touch in small areas with the same paint and tool, feathering the edges.
5. Check hardware, sockets and switches are clean and refitted correctly.
6. Clean the room: remove dust sheets carefully (folding inwards), vacuum, clean any spots off floors, glass and fittings.
7. Put furniture back as agreed.
8. Walk round with the customer, show them the work and invite them to point out anything.
9. Tell them about drying and curing: when the room can be used, and when surfaces can be cleaned.
10. Leave labelled leftover paint and note the colours, finishes and product names used.
11. Take photos of the finished work and record any issues or extra work agreed.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Inspecting only from a standing position — low light reveals defects.
• Rushed clean-up — customers notice mess more than anything.
• Not explaining curing — customers clean or hang pictures too early.

Troubleshooting

• Touch-up shows as a patch: it's often a sheen difference — repaint to the nearest corner or edge.
• Customer reports a problem later: record it, revisit, and fix it promptly.

Final quality check

• Coverage and colour even everywhere
• Clean, straight edges
• No runs or defects
• Site clean and tidy
• Customer walked round and happy
• Photos and records saved