Never make final payment on the same day work is declared “finished.” Fresh work hides problems. Paint hasn’t fully dried, pipes haven’t been stressed, tiles haven’t settled, and electrical load hasn’t been tested.
Give yourself at least 24–72 hours to observe. Turn on taps repeatedly, flush toilets, test sockets with real appliances, open and close doors and windows, watch for leaks or cracks. Small issues show up quickly when a space is used normally.
Once full payment is made, urgency disappears. Holding payment briefly is not wickedness — it’s standard protection.