Efficient job sites

Construction daily logs: 4 tips for better construction reports

Are you ready to take your daily reports to the next level? Discover a better way of filing and managing logs with construction software.

Sub education daily logs

Every project is different. No day on the job site is truly the same.

Building or fixing up homes is complex, complicated work – arguably, even more so for subcontractors. They have to keep straight how to best communicate with the many different contractors they’re working alongside.

That’s what makes construction daily logs so important. Jobs of all sizes demand regular, detailed construction reporting so you always know where things stand at any given moment. These must-have notes shouldn’t just be created by project or site construction managers either. Subs can use them to their benefit, too – especially when completed in construction software.

Here’s why subs and project owners should always leave a log for their builders at the end of each workday:

  • Improved contractor relations – The last thing any contractor wants is to play the guessing game when it comes to their subs’ progress on a job. Construction daily logs allow you to communicate all those details while boosting collaboration with any team.
  • Time savings – Job sites are a busy place. There are always new people coming and going. Logs store a wealth of information, so anybody can learn about a project, what’s been done and what’s coming next without searching here, there, everywhere – helping you stay on track.
  • Dispute resolution – Construction daily logs and checklists can be your best friend when it comes to protecting your bottom line and reputation as a subcontractor. Did something go haywire on the construction site? Who’s to blame? How were weather conditions? When did it happen? As long as your logs are filled out properly, these reports can keep your name clean.

For many subs, it’s a no-brainer: Daily logs level up your way of doing business and succeeding with construction project management. But how do you improve daily logs themselves? We’ve got the answer.

Check out our four tips for improving construction daily logs.

  1. Create comprehensive – but not complex – daily construction reports
  2. Keep your daily construction logs transparent
  3. Aim for consistent daily construction reporting
  4. Be tech savvy

1. Create comprehensive – but not complex – daily construction reports

Detail. Detail. And more detail. That’s what daily construction logs are for. However, you’re not writing the next great American novel here either. It’s important to know when you can remain high level and broad and when you need to give further context. A good rule of thumb: If you think a general contractor (or even a fellow team member) might question it, add clarity to provide the answer.

To keep things simple, write concisely and use bulleted lists. This can save you hours each week. It’s all about striking the right balance of being thorough but not so much that the log becomes unusable.

Here is a quick list of things all the very best daily construction logs include:

  • Work site conditions – including weather
  • Personnel (crew members) onsite and hours worked
  • Any and all delays or disruptions
  • Equipment and materials used
  • Project progress and completed tasks

2. Keep your daily construction logs transparent

Contractors want to know the good, the bad – and everything in between. At the end of the day, construction daily logs can be a subcontractor’s best communication tool. Knowing that, you should use it to deliver both progress updates and problem updates.

As mentioned earlier, construction is complicated work. Mistakes happen. Instead of ignoring what went wrong or trying to cover it up, be transparent. This helps the entire team get ahead of delays and allows for quicker problem-solving.

Transparency reaches new heights with construction software. Unlike paper logs, digital reports allow you to attach photos and videos. Now you can give greater context to any wins or challenges you encounter as a sub.

3. Aim for daily construction reporting

Consistency builds trust – and the leading contractors want to re-hire those who have it. To show that you’re one of the best subs or construction companies in the business, share your logs every day around the same time. If you wait until morning, some of those pertinent details are sure to be left behind in dreamland.

4. Be tech savvy

The future of construction is technology. The best builders aren’t just relying on hammers and nails anymore. Digital tools like Buildertrend have proven themselves to be just as valuable.

It’s time subcontractors (and their stakeholders) get on board, too. As construction software continues to become more important and prevalent, subs increasingly have the option to record and track details with digital construction daily logs. If your builder does use Buildertrend, you can be given a personal sub portal where you create and share updates through the Daily Logs tool.

So, what makes this so much better than the old way of producing reports? Check this out:

  • You’re able to generate personalized and professional-looking logs you can share with builders right from the job site.
  • Instantly update logs onsite using your tablet or mobile device.
  • Easily access previous reports – from wherever – if you need to hunt down information.
  • Since your contractors have access, too, you’ll increase collaboration and coordination throughout the building process.
  • Automatically generate weather reports.
  • Save time using digital templates provided by your builder in your Sub Portal.
  • Add photos, videos and other files to any log for further context.

The benefits of working with a Buildertrend builder don’t stop there …

Buildertrend doesn’t just help you quickly create the most in-depth and valuable construction daily logs imaginable – there are plenty of other reasons subs want to use our platform and mobile app, too.

Learn what other features are available to you when you work with contractors who use the leading construction software.

FAQs about daily construction logs

Daily construction reports should include updates on everything that happened on the construction site that day. Examples of what should be included are site attendance, delays, work performed and completed, and materials and equipment used.

Daily logs are an important part of any construction project to keep clients and stakeholders informed at all times. By tracking completed work and possible delays, home builders can accurately communicate the status of the construction project and make informed decisions.

By using construction software like Buildertrend, you and your team can update the progress of your construction project from any device. This keeps every construction worker informed and allows you to save time on construction meetings that would discuss daily progress.

About The Author

Sean Robinson

Sean Robinson Sean Robinson is a senior content marketing specialist at Buildertrend

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