How-To Guide for Taking Proper Construction Photos

How-To Guide for Taking Proper Construction Photos

Purpose:

Ensure that each room and space on the job site is photographed with consistent, clear documentation that shows the overall condition, progress, and details. This guide outlines the process of taking photos from every corner of the room, starting from one corner and working around the space to capture the most thorough and accurate images.

Step-by-Step Photo Process:

1. Preparation:

• Camera/Phone Settings:
  • Ensure the camera is set to the highest quality possible.
  • Enable a wide-angle lens if available, to capture more of the space in each shot.
  • Turn on the grid lines (if available) to help keep your photos level.
  • Ensure your phone/camera has enough storage and battery for multiple photos.
• Ensure Proper Lighting:
  • Take the photos in good lighting conditions (either during the day or with proper artificial lights).
  • Avoid shadows, glares, or overly bright spots that can distort the view.

2. Start at the First Corner:

• Positioning: Stand in the first corner of the room (often the one nearest to the entrance).
• Camera Orientation: Hold the camera at chest height (unless you need to capture specific details on walls or floors).
• Photo Objective: Take a wide-angle photo facing diagonally across the room to capture the opposite corner.
• What to Include:
  • The opposite corner.
  • As much of the room as possible: walls, floor, windows, doors, and any visible work.
  • If there are any features of note (electrical outlets, plumbing, or other details), make sure they’re visible in the photo.

3. Move to the Next Corner:

• Positioning: Move to the next corner, continuing in a clockwise (or counter-clockwise) direction around the room.
• Camera Orientation: Again, hold the camera at chest height and aim it diagonally towards the previous corner you photographed.
• Photo Objective: Take a second wide-angle shot from this new corner, ensuring you’re capturing as much of the room as possible from this perspective.
• What to Include: The previous corner and as much of the room as possible from this angle.

4. Repeat Around the Room:

• Continue the Process: Repeat the process for each remaining corner of the room:
  • Move to the next corner, aiming to capture the opposite corner and as much of the room as possible.
  • Always aim to take wide-angle shots and ensure that the photos show the full scope of the room.
• Important Note: If there are any significant features in the room (e.g., columns, windows, or unusual construction elements), be sure to photograph them specifically. You may want to take close-up photos of these elements in addition to the corner shots.

5. Additional Detailed Shots:

• Close-Up Photos: After taking your corner-to-corner photos, you may need to take detailed photos of key features, such as:
  • Electrical panels or outlets.
  • Plumbing installations.
  • Any areas with special features like custom carpentry or finishes.
  • Areas showing progress, issues, or areas of concern (e.g., cracks, damage).
• Take Photos at Different Angles: If a feature is particularly important (like an installation or a specific area that needs inspection), take additional shots from multiple angles.

6. How to Upload Photos into Buildertrend Under the Correct Job:

1. Log into Buildertrend:
   • Open the Buildertrend application on your mobile device or computer.
   • Log in using your credentials.
2. Navigate to the Correct Job:
   • Once logged in, go to the “Projects” tab or use the search bar to find the correct job or project.
   • Select the job where you want to upload the photos.
3. Go to the “Documents” Section:
   • Within the job’s dashboard, navigate to the “Documents” section from the sidebar or menu.
   • You can also go to the “Job” or “Photos” tab, depending on how your Buildertrend account is set up.
4. Select the Folder for the Photos:
   • If your company has specific folders set up for photo organization (e.g., “Progress Photos”, “Room Photos”, “Inspection Photos”), choose the correct folder to upload your images.
   • If no folder exists, you can create a new folder by clicking the “Add Folder” button and naming it appropriately (e.g., “Room 1 Photos – Nov 2024”).
5. Upload the Photos:
   • Click the “Upload” button (usually represented by a “+” sign or an “Upload Files” option).
   • Select the photos you want to upload from your mobile device or computer.
     • You can upload multiple images at once by selecting several files or an entire folder.
6. Add Descriptions (Optional):
   • After uploading the photos, you can add a description or notes to each image for better clarity (e.g., “Before drywall installation,” “Electrical outlet installed,” or “Room 1 – Corner 1”).
   • This helps keep the photos organized and makes it easier to understand the context when reviewing later.
7. Confirm the Upload:
   • Ensure that all selected photos are uploaded successfully.
   • Check that they are listed in the correct folder under the job.
   • If needed, adjust any settings such as adding them to a specific task or comment thread.
8. Review and Save:
   • After uploading, double-check to ensure all images are correctly uploaded to the correct job and folder.
   • Once satisfied, save or exit the document section.

Tips for Organizing Photos in Buildertrend:

• Organize by Job/Area: Create folders for specific areas (e.g., “Living Room,” “Kitchen,” or “Electrical Work”) to help easily navigate and find photos later.
• Use Tags or Labels: If your Buildertrend setup supports it, consider adding labels or tags to photos to further categorize them (e.g., “Pre-construction,” “Progress,” “Completed”).

By following these steps, your team can easily upload photos into Buildertrend and ensure they are stored in the correct job under the appropriate categories, making it easy for you and your team to track progress and access the images later.

Tips for Better Construction Photography:

• Use Natural Light: If possible, take photos during the day when natural light can help illuminate the space. If working in dim conditions, use high-quality artificial lighting to avoid shadows.
• Avoid Clutter: Clear unnecessary items from the photo area to avoid distracting from the actual work being done.
• Focus on Key Areas: Ensure you’re not only taking photos of corners but also any areas where work has been completed or needs to be inspected.
• Check for Safety: Always make sure the area is safe for you to take photos in. Avoid photographing during any hazardous activity.

Final Checklist Before Completing Photo Documentation:

• Took photos from all four corners of each room.
• Captured wide-angle shots to show the full space.
• Photographed any key features, damages, or specific areas needing attention.
• Properly labeled and dated each photo.
• Verified photo quality (no blur, glare, or shadows).
• Uploaded photos into Buildertrend under the correct job and folder:
  • Logged into Buildertrend and navigated to the correct job.
  • Selected the correct folder for the photos (e.g., “Room 1 Photos – Nov 2024”).
  • Uploaded the photos and added descriptions or notes (if necessary).
  • Ensured all photos are saved in the correct job and folder.

By following this simple, corner-by-corner approach to documenting construction progress, you’ll ensure that all areas of your project are well-documented and can be easily referenced later for progress tracking, inspections, or client reports. This methodical process will help you keep a professional and organized record of your work.