How We Define “Done Right” With Job Forms
As we added technicians, I realized “do a good job” is way too vague. What does that actually mean? For us, it means things like checking the gate, following the right yard pattern, documenting any...
Forum Discussion
I Agree that a checklist protects the standard without replacing judgment. A few things that make Job Forms hold up across a crew:
PHOTO PROOF BEATS A CHECKBOX. A tick box says "done." A required before and after photo says done right. Make photos mandatory on the items that cause callbacks, like the gate latched, the finished area, and anything unusual you found.
MAKE THE ISSUE FIELD REQUIRED. Add a question like Anything unusual on this property? that can't be skipped, even if the answer is no. It forces the tech to look, and it catches the dead sprinkler head or the damaged fence before the customer finds it.
END WITH A SECURITY CHECK. The last items should be gate closed and locked, pets and kids not at risk, tools off the property. Putting it last means it's the final thing they see before leaving.
WRITE THE ITEMS AS YES/NO ACTIONS. Gate latched? gets a real answer. Did a good job? gets a lazy one.
REVIEW THE FORMS WEEKLY. Spot check three or four completed forms a week. If techs know someone looks, the quality stays up, and you'll see which checklist items are being rushed.
For new techs, I'd add one extra item: Did you follow the route notes for this property? It catches most of the mistakes from covering someone else's route.
I like the distinction between photo proof and a checkbox.
We already use a gate photo on every visit for exactly that reason. It removes ambiguity and gives both the tech and customer something concrete if there’s ever a question later.
I also really like making the “anything unusual?” field required. That turns the form into more than a completion checklist and makes it part of risk management too.