Which photos should I take on a job?
The ones that answer a question before it’s asked.
- For
- Take the few photos that settle an argument before it starts.
- When
- Before, during and after every job
Try it
Only the finished work photographed: 5 things you can’t prove.
Each photo kept is one thing you never have to argue about.
Photograph it before you touch it.
Worked out
| Photo | Without it, they ask |
|---|---|
| Before you start | Was that crack there before you came? |
| Nameplate and serial | Which model did you fit? |
| Before it’s covered | What is behind the wall now? |
| What you found | Did you cause the rot? |
| The finished work | Was it done properly? |
| The clean-up | Did you leave a mess? |
Easy to get wrong
- Starting before the first photo.
- A blurry nameplate nobody can read.
- Photos on your phone, not with the job.
- Closing the wall before the photo.
The tool for it
Questions
How many photos is enough?
One for each step that answers a question. Six is often enough.
Should the customer see them?
The before and after, yes; they show the work and build trust.
Can I use them on my page?
Ask first, and leave out faces, addresses and anything personal.
Where do I keep them?
With the job, so you find them by the customer, not the date.
How long do I keep them?
At least as long as your warranty on the work.
Do photos help with a claim?
Yes: a dated photo of what you found is hard to argue with.
What about a video?
A short one for a leak or a noise. A photo for everything else.
Do I photograph the clean-up?
Yes: it shows you left the place as you found it.