Summary: Frequently, the advice given regarding proper documentation is to document everything � better safe than sorry. While such advice might be appropriate for some, for most it really does not answer the question and is probably not practical, anyway. Essentially, the documentation prepared on the project needs to support your view or perspective of project events. For example, if it is your belief, based on your experience and observations that the subcontractor is mismanaging the job and its workforce, it is not enough to state this belief. There must be credible documentation in the file that supports this view. There should be daily log or diary entries that record your observations regarding the subs performance � the number of workers you see standing around, reading the paper, playing cards, sleeping, etc. Pictures are just another way of documenting your view. For this example, you should take pictures of the subcontractors staff asleep, or playing cards, or reading the newspaper. You should also date your pictures and attach a written description of the dated photograph.In this episode, Scott Lowe, P.E. discusses how to use photographs to properly document your project. Audio and Video versions available on itunes or at traunerconsulting.com
