As a general contractor taking pictures of your construction project may not be a priority. That is, until you come face to face with property damage claims. However, construction sites are a playground for disaster, from storm damage to theft and vandalism. Property damage claims can set your business back financially. So how do you prevent financial loss when held liable for property damage?
As is common practice, you will hire specialists and ensure availability of equipment and materials. But things don’t always go according to plan. Which is why it is important to cover your construction project and business from unforeseen incidents.
Property Damage Claims
Many contractors often dismiss the importance of pictures as part of the documentation process. In this article, we will highlight five reasons why you should take pictures of your construction project.
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Protect your company from unfair property damage claims
Construction projects are getting bigger by the day, with claims bordering on millions of dollars. This can be as a result of natural disasters, fire, theft or vandalism. Protect your company from paying thousands for damage you did not cause by taking photographs.
In case of any damage claims, your photos will show any prior or changed conditions. They can also describe the worksite and show the methods and equipment used.
Documenting any signs of weakness highlights any risk factors to your team and the project. It eliminates any unfair damage claims raised by the client. As an extra measure you can insist that your client signs on time stamped photos. This prevents anyone from unfairly disputing an invoice or laying blame. -
Document your team’s progress
As a general contractor, your priority is to keep your client satisfied. A visual representation of progress does more than a simple report. It adds credibility to your work. Take pictures of your construction project from the start, and include timestamps.
Always document difficulties encountered during construction. This helps explain any delays or additional requirements for your team.
Pictures also aid in decision making, especially for clients who cannot visit the site. -
Advertise your skills as a general contractor
Humans are essentially visual creatures. Images are processed faster and last longer, as opposed to words on a report.
Consider creating a portfolio for your brochures and website. Include pictures that show the building or land before construction begins. These show a changing landscape and highlight the magnitude of the work your business carried out.
Highlight your craftsmanship by showing additional details you brought into the design. You should also single out any ‘out of the box’ solutions your team developed.
To assist in planning
Every general contractor understands how important planning ahead is. Pictures allow you to make an estimate of the following:- Project duration.
- Materials required.
- Quantities required.
- Foresee obstacles
This makes planning much more effective.
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To enable site inspection
Construction sites are often not very safe. Some sites require people to conduct inspections. Drone photography can be used in dangerous situations. Especially at great heights or unstable parts of the construction project.
Use photographs to protect your business
Overall, the construction industry is filled with instances of property damage. The right photographic documentation will go a long way in saving the company from potential loss. Most of all, as a general contractor, you should have your portfolio do the marketing for you. We’d like to assist your construction business keep property damage claims at bay. For this it is important to invest in Contractors Insurance, including general liability coverage. Call Contractors Liability on 866-225-1950.
