PDA

View Full Version : Photo Documentation on job sites


Eieio
September 2nd, 2009, 04:58 PM
Photo Documentation

I was reminded again last week of the value in taking a good set of pictures on the jobs you do.

I have a coaching client who had a customer “fire” them after about 20% of the job had been done. There is a lot to the story but the bottom line is the customer thinks the contractor’s work is not up to the customer’s standard. They are also claiming the contract price is an “exorbitant fee” for the repairs on their home. The customer went out and found an “industry expert” to write a report on the job and what should have been charged for the work. You know the rest of that story.

Fortunately, our client is on top of his game. He had continually taken good pictures on the job. He has a strong contract that was approved by his attorney. He also has the ability to use our Markup and Profit book to support that he is not charging too much for his work.

His pictures clearly prove that the claims made by the customer are false and they also directly repute the claims made in writing by the customer’s industry expert.

Try doing that without pictures. Click away my friends, click away.

Link: Michael Stone's Blog

http://www.markupandprofit.com/blog/

Bender
September 2nd, 2009, 10:50 PM
I agree. My (unofficial) motto is..
Better painting through documentation.

Most of my work is referrals so I dont worry, but every once in awhile a client makes my Spidey Sense tingle and I document everything.

Here is a house that the HO was afraid to do the high work. He wanted me to help him out for cash and he asked me to write up like 4 different bids (how about this but not that) He was terribly cheap to boot.

He rented a sprayer and painted everything:rolleyes3: so I took some 'insurance pics' before we started.

Mike(VA)
September 3rd, 2009, 05:07 AM
So Bender, you take the cash? I would and would have done just what you did by taking pictures and documenting what he has already done. He won't bother you with accusations after the job if he sees you taking pictures of everything BEFORE you paint.

Might even get a bit more cash to clean up after him. :2thumbsup:

Century Man
September 3rd, 2009, 05:51 AM
Pictures are also a good way to communicate with clients regarding progress, hold ups or when a change order is recommended. We found this unexpected problem, we recommend this course of action and will cost $$ to repair it. Would you like for us to proceed?

Bender
September 3rd, 2009, 05:33 PM
So Bender, you take the cash?
I plead the 5th:lipsrsealed2:

I do run a legitimate business so cash jobs are;)

Mike(VA)
September 3rd, 2009, 05:43 PM
We all sometimes forget which pocket the COD money goes in. Do that too much though, and you have no business.

DavidC
September 3rd, 2009, 05:45 PM
We take cash with proper ID.

Good Luck
Dave

Bender
September 3rd, 2009, 05:52 PM
Yep.
I love my country and wouldn't trade it for another but...

I do pay plenty in taxes:rolleyes3:

nuff said

Bodger
September 3rd, 2009, 06:37 PM
I heard once that IRS montiors the internet, and every time the word "cash" is posted, they investigate.

I'm just sayin'.

It could happen. :mad2::mad2:

You know it was the IRS that killed JFK too, right?