Make the task small enough to review

Start with one location and one result. “Finish upstairs” combines different rooms, trades and decisions. “Bedroom 2: paint the ceiling in the agreed white finish” identifies a result someone can submit and another person can review. Split the job when separate stages need their own evidence or different people are responsible.

A task title should help someone find the job in a list. Put the detailed instruction in the description rather than hiding everything in a long title. Use the same room names in the brief, reference photo and completion note.

Include scope and exclusions

Describe the work included, the finish or specification already agreed and any known exclusions. If preparation, waste removal or moving furniture is outside the agreed scope, say so. Do not introduce a new exclusion after work has been submitted and expect the task record to resolve the disagreement.

Where the scope is uncertain, discuss it before starting. Write down the clarified instruction. A photo of a wall identifies the area, but it cannot explain on its own whether the price covers preparation, painting or both.

Copy this task brief template

TASK TITLE:
LOCATION / ROOM:
WORK INCLUDED:
AGREED MATERIAL / FINISH:
EXCLUSIONS:
REFERENCE PHOTO SHOWS:
AGREED PRICE AND CURRENCY, IF APPLICABLE:
AGREED TARGET DATE, IF APPLICABLE:
COMPLETION PHOTO SHOULD SHOW:
QUESTIONS TO RESOLVE BEFORE STARTING:

Worked example: decorating one room

Bedroom 2 ceiling

“Paint Bedroom 2 ceiling in the white finish already agreed. Scope includes the preparation discussed at the site meeting and the ceiling edge above the internal door. Walls and woodwork are excluded. The reference photo identifies the ceiling and door edge. On completion, submit a photo showing that area and note anything still outstanding.”

Replace vague phrases such as “as discussed” with the actual detail wherever possible. If you add a price, state what that price relates to; do not assume an optional amount in an app replaces the commercial agreement.

Check the instruction from both sides

  • Can the tradesperson identify the location without another call?
  • Is the expected result described clearly?
  • Are exclusions and unresolved questions visible?
  • Will the planned completion evidence show the relevant work?
  • Are any separate stage checks needed?

Put the brief into WorkSign

The investor creates the task with a description and reference photo, assigns the tradesperson and can include an optional price and deadline. The tradesperson submits the completion photo with an optional comment or voice note. The investor accepts the result or requests a correction.

WorkSign does not currently provide a dedicated pre-start scope acceptance workflow. Resolve questions directly before work begins. Keep important agreements and original materials outside the platform during testing.