Managing a construction project may seem quite complicated. With so much going on, how can you ensure that everything is progressing as it should? That's why there is a resource that can help you: the Construction Photo Report.

Continue reading to check out more details about the resource. By the end of the article, see: 

• What is the Construction Photo Report?

• What is the purpose of a photographic report?

• 4 reasons to create a Construction Photo Report

• Initial tips on how to create a photographic report 

• How to assemble the Construction Photo Report?

• Generate your Construction Photo Report with Construct IN

What is the Construction Photo Report?

The Construction Photo Report is a collection of photos taken in an organized manner that shows how the construction is progressing over time.

What is the purpose of a photographic report?

To facilitate monitoring of the construction, identify problems, and communicate with all parties involved in the project. Since the Construction Photo Report is a detailed historical record, it helps to ensure that everything complies with necessary standards and regulations.

4 reasons to create a Construction Photo Report

1. Detailed documentation

The Construction Photo Report serves as a visual diary of the project. It documents each phase of construction, providing a clear view of progress and allowing identification of any deviations or issues that need to be addressed.

2. Effective communication

It facilitates communication among all parties involved in the project. With clear and up-to-date photos, it is easier to explain complex situations to managers, investors, and clients.

3. Assistance in decision-making

The photos can aid in decision-making, especially when quick and well-informed choices are required. A picture can reveal details that written reports might not be able to capture.

In conventional photos, those taken with mobile phones or standard cameras, the person capturing the images needs to be well-guided about the angles and parts of the construction that should be included in those images. All of this is essential not to forget to document something important.

In the case of 360° cameras, used by those who hire Construct IN, this concern is unnecessary because it captures all angles of the environment. 

4. Compliance record

In many cases, the photographic report is used to prove compliance with technical, safety, and environmental standards, which is essential in audits and certification processes.

Initial tips on how to create a photographic report 

Did you know that with Construct IN's platform you can create your own photographic report much more easily and also develop the Daily Work Report (DWR)? 

But to start preparing it, you need to pay attention at the pre-report stage. This tip applies to those using Construct IN or manually creating this report. 

1. Create a routine for taking photos

Whether every day, every week, or according to the progress of the project, the ideal is to maintain the same lighting, angles, and locations when taking the photos. Doing so makes it easier to compare how the construction changes over time.

Those who hire Construct IN can take 360° photos of the entire construction site and address these issues related to angles, positions, and lighting. Learn a bit more about our solution: 

2. Use high-quality cameras

In low-light environments, it is good to take extra care. Modern smartphones generally work well, but check that the photos are of good quality so you can analyze the details.

With Construct IN, photos are taken with specific types of 360° cameras. The most commonly used here is the RICOH THETA SC2, because it delivers excellent image quality and meets nearly all project types, whether large or small.

- Also read: 360º Cameras and AI: Transform the management and safety of your projects

3. Mark each photo with the date and time it was taken

It is also good to provide a brief description of what is in the photo. This helps to avoid confusion and makes the report more useful during and after construction.

With Construct IN, this record is automatic, and you can navigate through the photos based on dates with just a few clicks. 

Not to mention that by using the Screenshot functionality to make notes, they can be used to generate photographic reports. By capturing with a split screen, for example, you already have a comparison between different dates, facilitating the creation to show the progress of the construction over a specific period. 

See this video: 

Additionally, photos on the Construct IN platform are linked to the location where they were recorded via the blueprint submitted. This happens because at the moment of registration, the person needs to indicate in the Construct IN app where they are taking the image.

In conventional photographs, the person needs to organize themselves to note or record the exact location where the photo was taken, which requires much more effort.  

4. Be careful not to violate privacy or security 

Avoid taking photos of people without consent and focus on the technical details of the construction.

Here on the Construct IN platform, you can hire an extra service called Automatic Facial Blur. It erases the faces of people appearing in the photos so that the images comply with the General Data Protection Law (GDPR).

5. Organize photos logically and store them in a system

If you don't have the help of a platform like Construct IN, you need to take the photos, transfer them to the computer, organize them into folders, rename them, list the dates… all manually. There are also people who create the Construction Photo Report in Excel.

However, when you decide to hire Construct IN, this organization is done automatically and at the moment the image is taken. Furthermore, it stores this data in a single place, making it easily accessible for the entire team. 

How to assemble the Construction Photo Report?

If the necessary information is at hand, it is time to create the report. Here are the details that must not be missed: 

1. Create a header with basic data:

The Construction Photo Report should begin with a clear and direct header that includes:

• Project name;

• Exact location of the site (full address or detailed description of the location);

• Date the report is being compiled and delivered;

• Name of the person responsible for taking the photos or the report coordinator.

2. Include images

Include the images and the dates they were taken. Each photo should have a brief explanatory text detailing what is being shown, such as: construction phases, materials used, or important equipment. 

Do not forget to identify the exact location within the construction site where the photo was taken. You can facilitate this by referencing a map or plan of the location, which helps contextualize the images within the site of construction.

Using the Construct IN platform will make this much easier! The image will already be linked to the point where the noting was created. The report will present the image and the corresponding point on the plan.

- Also read: Images in civil construction: how to analyze them?

3. Write notes and observations

If something is not as expected, it should be highlighted with observations regarding what may be wrong and suggestions for actions to resolve the identified problems. Feel free to include any other relevant comments that help to understand the context of the photos or the situation on-site at that moment.

At Construct IN, you have a very practical resource called Notes. With it, it becomes easier to create quick reports because you can add photos and comments directly. It is very useful for making checklists on-site, verifying that everything is being done correctly, overseeing work safety, and much more.

4. Progress of the work

Include in the report a general assessment of the progress in relation to the planned construction schedule. It is important to highlight any changes or developments that have occurred since the last report so that everyone can clearly visualize how the project is evolving over time.

5. Compliance with standards

It is essential to check and document whether all procedures and materials used in the construction comply with safety and quality standards. It is also important to ensure that the project adheres to environmental legislation and regulations, especially in projects subject to environmental inspections.

6. Leave space for signatures

Include in the report space for the signature of the responsible person, validating the information presented. Additionally, reserve a location for the signatures of supervisors, engineers, project managers, and other professionals who need to approve the document.

Hire Construct IN to facilitate monitoring your projects and generating the photographic report 

With the remote construction management software Construct IN, you reduce in-person site visits by up to 50%, decrease inspection time, and cut down on travel costs. One of the biggest benefits is that you will be able to monitor remotely how the construction is progressing with the help of 360° images. 

Additionally, you will be able to integrate BIM, put all information in one place, generate dashboards, and reports like the photographic one, among others. 

Over 200 clients, such as Petz, Engeform, and the Alife Nino Group have already seen the benefits of hiring our platform. Now it’s your turn.