The “before” picture often magnifies the significance of the “after” picture. In other words, if you had only seen the “after” picture below, then you may think, Wow! How did that crane find its way into that nice pool of water? Perhaps it somehow fell into the water?
Now check out the “before” pictures … which tell you exactly what happened.
Did you know photographs like the ones above are essential to the construction project management process? The term project management includes: (1) establishing procedures to manage, monitor and document work and progress; (2) ensuring regular flow of information for project control and coordination; and (3) creating contemporaneous, accurate and complete record of job conditions and problems including their impact to the project.
But why are proper records so essential for claims and disputes?
- To establish causal connection between the event and the damages
- To establish reservation of rights or non-waiver of your claim
- To properly identify actual costs and delays incurred
As a construction litigator, most of the claims that I handle involve breach of contract disputes. The majority of them involved one of the above three issues, which must be established by some type of proof (i.e., testimony or letter or written change order or photograph). Good record keeping will either prevent claims or preserve your rights.