Construction Photography – Benefits
DEAR TIM: I'm about to have some reroofing work performed. I would like to be able to see the condition of my roof boards after the old roofing is removed. However, I am afraid to climb ladders. Do you think it is unreasonable for me to ask the roofers to take pictures of the work they are doing? Do you have any other suggestions concerning construction photography? D. I.
DEAR D.I.: I think your photography idea is fantastic. I have hundreds of photographs that I shot on many of my past jobs. Often these photos saved me money by proving that I performed certain tasks. In your case, they can lessen your anxiety concerning the sound condition of your wood roof deck.
The only problem I see in your case is timing. Often roofers feel the need for speed. They have anxiety about raindrops. You may need to use an instant photography camera. This will allow them to uncover a portion of the roof and immediately photograph it. By the time they climb down the ladder, you will be able to view the photo.
Why not ask them to photograph their work in progress as well. For example, suggest they photograph all flashing details as the roof is being installed. Take close up before and after photographs of chimney flashings. The 'after' photos will tell you how well the flashings were installed. You will be able to see the soldered corners and the fresh mortar in the brickwork.
On full scale new construction or remodeling jobs, photography is a must. These projects allow you to make use of conventional, instant, and video camera photography methods. If you decide to pursue such a project, carry your camera(s) with you each time you visit the job site. Take photos of all walls, floors, window and door installations, and other work in progress.
Consider taking photographs standing at the same spot on a daily or weekly basis. When viewed in sequence it will appear that your house or room addition bloomed like a flower. Use a video camera to capture high energy activity such as the foundation being excavated by heavy equipment. Concrete trucks that spin their drums while pouring the foundation also make for great action shots you may wish to capture.
Photographing all aspects of the job may help provide clues for future problems. For example, what happens if the drywall installers cover a wall plug? Your photos of the walls just prior to drywalling will tell you the exact location of the covered plug. I always took numerous shots of utility and downspout trenches before the dirt was backfilled. By taking numerous photos from different angles, you can locate quite accurately underground pipes at a future date.
Construction photographs, especially those with the date and time imprinted on them, may prove useful in the event of a work slowdown. You can document daily progress, or the lack thereof, with photographs. O.K. say cheese everybody!
