The Importance of Photographic Documentation on Construction Sites

The construction industry is in a continuous boom that will not halt its rapid pace anytime soon. And with it comes the need for expert photographs to take photos and videos of the projects.

Photographic documentation in construction is necessary to ensure that all standards are met while facilitating faster repairs if they are breached. In this article, we will cover some of the reasons why construction photo documentation is essential for the future of real estate:

1. Record and Track Path of Destruction

If a part of the project is damaged or suffers some other destruction, photographic documentation can help you track when and where the destruction occurred the first time. It can also help you record the damage, inform your client, and get the repairs underway as soon as possible. The documentation is essential if the destruction has legal implications, and the affected parties must seek redress or negotiate compensation.

If the destruction is due to a subcontractor’s negligence, photographic documentation can be used to hold them accountable. On the other hand, if it is due to the full responsibility of the contractor, then it serves as proof that the contractor is not at fault. Either way, photographic documentation can help you avoid getting caught in a legal dispute that may cost you dearly in time and money.

2. Record Changes or Variations to the Original Plan

Photographic documentation can record the unforeseen changes to the initial plan. It helps avoid miscommunication if the change is significant enough to warrant the contractor or subcontractor to modify the original plan. Likewise, if there is a change order, it can be documented through photographs.

It can also record variations from the original plan if there are deviations. If there are issues with the change order, variation, or deviation, photographic documentation can help you negotiate the necessary adjustments to keep the project on track. It can also help you track down where these changes took place so you can inform the team responsible for the modifications.

3. Identify Potential Safety Hazards

Construction sites are prone to safety hazards, and many of them can go unnoticed if they are not tracked and monitored regularly. Photographic documentation can help you identify potential hazards and address them before they become a real problem. Some examples include:

● Excessive noise: can interfere with communication and create other problems,
● Excessive dust: can cause long-term respiratory problems,
● Equipment or materials being stored in the wrong place or being placed in the way of other personnel,
● A safety walkthrough that is not being conducted at the beginning of each shift,
● The lack of fall protection or other safety measures.

It is also important to document areas that are not safe. It can help you, and your team avoids entering dangerous areas, resulting in injury and time lost from the project. In addition, if you find a potential hazard, you can use the photograph to track down who is responsible for making the area safe again.

4. Catch Infringements and Violations Before They Happen

Construction sites are often occupied by personnel who various subcontractors hire. Because of this, it is important to keep an eye out for any potential infringements or violations on the site. Some examples include:

● Violations of the building code,
● Cutting corners to reduce cost,
● Exceeding or circumventing the authority granted by the contract,
● Violations of the health and safety code.

Photographic documentation can help identify any potential infringements or violations before they happen. It can be done by creating an inspection and monitoring plan. It allows you to check that the contractor follows all of the stipulations in their contract. It can also help you identify potential issues before they become real problems.

Conclusion

Photographic documentation is essential in keeping a construction site safe by helping you identify potential hazards and catch infringements and violations before they happen. In addition, it helps you record the progress of a project so it can be completed on time and within budget.

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