From San Fernando Valley Business Journal-Architect Dean Vlahos Discusses the Value of Taking Pictures of Your Construction Job

This article dates back to 04, but is absolutely relevant today even more...
"A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words" you got that right. Digital film is cheap-take pictures of the details, the issues you have, write them down and file them with your contractor, architect, whoever, and cover your butt!

Begin article-
When it comes to construction litigation, a picture can be worth much more. As a Profession, we find our selves increasingly challenged by the legal community to provide services that can at times be viewed as beyond the Standard of Care. We therefore must be prepared to defend our performance in a court of law if and when the need arises. One easy way to contribute to our defense is by providing continuous photographic documentation of construction site activities.

Assume your contract is based on the AIA Document B 141--Standard Form of Agreement Between the Owner and Architect with the Standard Form of Architect's Services: Design and Construction Administration along with A201--General Conditions of the Contract. As Architects we have a responsibility to our Clients to insure their projects are being constructed in conformance with the approved Construction Documents through periodic field observations.

Those individuals responsible for performing Construction Administration Services should ask a few basic questions at the time of the field observations.

* What milestone construction activities are taking place at the time of the observation? (Foundation systems / walls / waterproofing systems)

* What is the quality of work being provided by the Contractor?

* Does the work in place conform to the design intent of the Construction Documents?

* When details have not been provided, does the construction meet the design intent of the documents?

* Are there areas of conflict with the coordination of the documents that should be photographically documented?

* Have materials been installed in such a way as to conform to manufacturer's recommendations so as not to void Warranty or Guarantee?

* What components of the waterproofing system are being installed that should be photographically documented?

* Are the approved shop drawings and submittals being followed?

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