Not only is a picture worth a thousand words, as the saying goes, but it can save you lots of dollars. Shoot a set of pictures of jobsite features after you're awarded a contract, just prior to beginning work. Stand at corners of the building site and snap pictures along the property lines. Shoot the structures near the property line on adjacent properties to show any damage that exists and the condition of sidewalks, curbs, trees, etc. Also snap enough photos to show all apparent features of the work site itself including any structures.

Taking photos regularly should be a routine task for an assigned jobsite employee, grabbing shots throughout the course of construction showing general progress, site conditions after any weather events that impact your schedule, and other significant conditions. Photos should be part of your documentation of any changed or differing-conditions claims, and change-order work as well.

Use digital cameras that imprint the date and time, and archive the photos in a permanent file. You will refer to them more often than you think to resolve routine questions, and they will become especially important in the event of a dispute or damage claim. Owners and architects may require that progress photos be included with your construction draws. In any event, you'll be glad you have them.

The author of this article, Nick Ganaway, was a successful general contractor for 25 years. He is a consultant in Atlanta, Georgia, for contractors and other small business owners. Nick has described how to set up and manage a construction business that is profitable, enjoyable, and enduring in his book, Construction Business Management: What Every Construction Contractor, Builder & Subcontractor Needs to Know.