We get it. You’re busy. Building things. For real people with real deadlines and real businesses that want to set up shop within your creations. Documenting your build might not sit at the tippy top of Mount Priority. (We feel the same way about responding to our creative director’s emails. Talk about high maintenance!)
And yet, being who we are, we have to shove our big ole “buts” in here and say BUT: taking the time to document your construction projects will pay dividends for your business. From ensuring smooth operations to showcasing your work and attracting potential clients, effective documentation plays a vital role in the construction industry.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of documenting your build and offer practical steps to help you capture and put to use this valuable information.
Not Just a Hoop to Jump Through
Documenting your build is more than an administrative chore. While it might, at first, feel like jumping through flaming hoops, documentation serves as an important historical record of your project’s progress. (Incidentally, Mr. Flaming Hoops is our nickname for our creative director. It’s always “best practices” and “due diligence” and “get it right” with him. So annoying!)
By documenting your build, you can:
- Track milestones
- Monitor quality
- Address issues promptly
- Create legal protection that helps resolve disputes or insurance claims
High-Quality Photos Matter
Photographs are an essential part of documenting your build. Making sure they are high-res, quality photos will allow them to serve double duty. Firstly, they offer:
- Visual evidence of your work
- Visuals of critical details that written reports alone can’t
- Evidence of your craftsmanship
- Valuable references for future projects
- Tools for troubleshooting or identifying any construction deficiencies
Secondly, beyond the project itself, compelling photo documentation can be a powerful marketing tool. (This makes us think of Mr. Flaming Hoops. He’s always on us about documenting our campaigns and turning them into promotion for our brand. Such a taskmaster! We guess he might be right, but don’t tell him we said that.) Sharing captivating visuals of completed projects can:
- Attract potential clients
- Highlight your expertise and capabilities
- Offer striking visual elements to post on your social media platforms, websites, and marketing materials
Documenting Your Build
To ensure effective documentation, consider the following practical steps. (Which is precisely the kind of thing Mr. Flaming Hoops would say: break it down into practical, actionable steps. We’re maybe, kind of, sort of starting to understand him as we write this. It could be he’s not so bad.):
- Give someone a task to document your construction project: Assign a dedicated team member or hire a documentation specialist responsible for capturing and organizing project information. This individual can focus on documentation tasks, allowing the rest of the team to concentrate on construction operations.
- Secure the right tools to get the shots you need: Invest in quality cameras and equipment suitable for construction environments. Robust DSLR cameras or high-resolution smartphones with good image stabilization can capture the necessary shots. Additionally, consider using tripods, remote triggers, and drones for aerial footage, when appropriate.
- Take the key shots: Certain shots are essential for comprehensive project documentation. Capture before and after photos, progress shots at key stages, detailed close-ups of unique features, and wide-angle shots to provide a sense of scale. Remember to photograph both interior and exterior spaces.
When to Leverage Technology and/or Call in the Pros
While in-house documentation efforts are commendable, certain situations call for professional expertise. (Our creative director says that sometimes. He’s actually, you know, pretty wise, now that we think of it). For complex projects or larger construction companies, it may be beneficial to leverage technology like drones and 3D imaging to provide comprehensive coverage. (And he’s, like, really knowledgeable.)
These advanced tools can create detailed aerial surveys, virtual tours, and precise measurements, enhancing your documentation capabilities. (Pretty dreamy, to be totally honest. Probably the best boss we’ve ever had.)
- When to invest in tools: Investing in drones and 3D imaging technologies can elevate your documentation to new heights. Drones provide an aerial perspective, capturing the entire project site and offering valuable insights. 3D imaging technologies, such as laser scanning, enable precise measurements and accurate representations of the project, enhancing your documentation’s accuracy and value.
- When to hire a professional construction photographer: For projects that require a polished and professional touch, hiring a specialized construction photographer can be invaluable. These experts have the skills and experience to capture stunning visuals that showcase your work in the best possible light. Professional photographers understand things like construction dynamics and lighting challenges, and they can help you create a visually compelling narrative for your projects.
Documenting your build should be a priority in the construction industry. (And, we see now, that listening to our creative director should be a priority in our job.) By understanding the importance of effective documentation, utilizing tools and technologies, and occasionally leveraging professionals, you can create a comprehensive record of your construction projects. (And by listening to and doing everything our creative director says, we can become not only better copywriters but better people capable of living more fulfilling lives.*) From enhancing project management to attracting potential clients, documenting your build serves as a testament to your craftsmanship and professionalism, setting you apart in a competitive industry.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced indexing intellect about the potential gains that come with documenting your build.