The construction industry isn't just about physical work; behind the scenes, field documentation is the glue that holds everything together. In a fast-paced industry with many moving parts, documenting everything that happens on site is critical and could save you trouble in the long run.

Here are three reasons you should document the building process.

1. Reduce the risk of a lawsuit
Throughout your career in construction, disagreements are bound to occur. The best way to protect yourself against claims that could negatively impact your business is by documenting every aspect of your project. This includes documenting daily logs, images or videos of working projects, and field reports that provide detailed evidence of particular instances. It's hard to dispute tangible proof of what you have done; if a claim is made against you, you have the resources to support your case.

2. Track project status
Construction documents provide a reliable transcript of all your projects. Remembering every detail is important to monitor what is being accomplished, help builders recognize what needs more attention, and identify potential issues. Documenting projects also provide a reliable opportunity for reconstruction of each project, helping others visualize your progress and be incorporated in the building process.

Compass Group uses Multivista Systems to document the building process. We then provide the construction owner access to onsite photos and videos to see daily progress. Through reality capture technology, these photos and videos can manage projects remotely and store them in cloud-based software for easy access and efficient organization.

3. Keep track of finances
The construction industry generates approximately $1.3 trillion worth of structures each year, according to Associated General Contractors of America. Therefore, managing the finances of a construction project is not to be taken lightly. In the construction industry, no one wants to hear the words "over budget," which is why it's critical to document every financial transaction. Having a record of where your money goes will help pinpoint where to make adjustments to stay under budget. Also, some projects may need a force account that requires accurate documentation.

To ensure your business is keeping up-to-date with proper construction documentation, contact Compass Group below.

Compass Group’s mission is to establish the trust and confidence of our clients as a preeminent provider of land development, design-build, and other construction services for the commercial, industrial, religious, and residential/multifamily markets. We achieve this with our commitment to delivering superior service and ensuring our clients receive a quality finished product. Contact us today if you’re interested in building something together.

Photo by Daniel McCullough on Unsplash