If you work in construction, there is no doubt that you probably have a massive workload. And no matter your profession, no one likes to exacerbate their workload with extra paperwork. However, when it comes to construction contracting, whether you are a prime or subcontractor, there are certain field documents that are absolutely vital to maintain.
Keeping a thorough record of your work and other important information is the most important thing you can do to mitigate your risk of losing a lawsuit, aside from utilizing strong contracts to begin with. Below we have outlined a few of necessities when it comes to your construction field documents. Please keep in mind that this blog is not intended as legal advice for your specific situation. Every project is unique and you should always have a skilled attorney review your project and advise you on the steps you should take to protect your business and your best interests.
Daily Logs
No prime contractor or subcontractor should ever conduct work without keeping meticulous daily logs. Your daily logs are one of the most important protections you can utilize to mitigate your risk of lawsuits. They should be thorough and accurate. Every day, your log should provide details of any and all activities that occurred at the construction site that day. This means detailing things like the location, the number of personnel, who was managing the personnel, tests and inspections that were performed, important meetings and conversations that occurred between key players in the construction process (owners, engineers, subcontractors, etc), and of course, the work that was actually completed that day.
Keeping track of all of this information every day may seem daunting, but you will be grateful that you have all of this information on record when a legal challenge inevitably arises.
Field Reports
You may be thinking, “You already said I have to fill out extensive daily logs, and now you want reports on top of that?” Unfortunately, field reports are nearly as important as daily logs. While the daily log is your big picture record of the work being conducted, your field reports are detailed records of specific things that require more in depth record-keeping than a daily log would include. For example, any time an accident occurs you should create an incident report. You should maintain periodic progress reports that help keep the property owner informed of how things are proceeding without all the superfluous extra information included in the daily logs. You will also want to write up inspection reports to record the results of any tests or inspections that were performed.
Force Account Records
If you have to procure parts and materials outside of the scope of costs included in the prime contract, you may need to utilize a force account. It is vital that you keep meticulous field documentation of all information relevant to your force account costs such as labor, parts, overhead, etc.
Change Orders
As a construction contractor, if you need to propose a change order you will likely need solid documentation to back up you claim that the contract should be amended. You cannot obtain a change order without the agreement of the other party to the contract which you wish to change. Keep field records identifying the exact change you are requesting, why you are requesting the change, and relevant details such as the impact on costs or deadlines. These records will be important in order to have a chance of succeeding in achieving a change order.
Proper field documentation can help you mitigate your risk and hopefully avoid legal challenges as a construction contractor. Our firm can help you with the necessities of risk management such as contract drafting and review. However, if you’re facing legal challenges relating to any construction or real estate matter, we are here to help. Contact the Florida Construction Law Group today.