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REPORT ON A SITE VISIT

Profile image of Thabang Motlanthe

2016, REPORT ON A SITE VISIT

THIS IS A REPORT I HAVE DONE FOR A PARTICULAR SUBJECT AT UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA(TUKS), IT GIVES AN OUTLAY OF SIMPLE INFORMATION HOW A TYPICAL HOUSE CAN BE ERECTED. IT COMPARES THE STANDARD BUILDING PROCESSES FOLLOWED NATIONALLY IN SOUTH AFRICA AND SOME INTERNATIONAL NORMS.

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This qualitative study argues that occupant involvement in housing design and construction process should lead to more appropriate buildings that can sustain their usefulness with minimal changes. It documents the design of a house in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa that uses Open Building (OB) principles so that the house adapts to the changing needs of the family and maintains its intergenerational value. This project centres the occupant in the design and construction process and considers the house flexible and conceived by many authors. Based on this worldview, we use the following tools: a literature review on OB, an OB analysis of low-cost housing, and analysis of the design project. We compare low-cost housing projects using four OB principles: how the project involves the occupant’s agency to build; how the project separates its elements to facilitate this agency; whether the project focuses on providing a housing product, or a housing process; and, how sustainably ...

site visit report on residential building

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This is the written form of my final year project that i did for my masters degree in the university of algiers department of architecture. I hope it's going to be helpful to everyone that comes across it.

: t South Africa has come a long way in addressing the housing backlog for the poor and has even taken further steps by providing a regulatory environment for energy efficient houses. The benefits of including energy efficiency are increasingly becoming realized, not only due to reduction in pollution but due to the additional electricity crisis affecting most South Africans. Many challenges, however, lie ahead with finding a balance between eradicating informal settlements and providing energy efficiency measures, taking into account the escalating cost of building materials. The South African regulatory environment provides for the implementation of innovative building technologies (IBT). However, the uptake of these IBTs to assist in fast delivery of houses and social infrastructure is very slow. The aim of this paper is to report on an investigation carried out on a few case studies where IBTs have been used in housing developments, by collating the data from the projects, analy...

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Site Visit Report Template (PDF For Business)

Free site visit reports templates are hard to come by. Intelligent, well-thought-out site visit report templates are a rarity online. Most of the time, you’re stuck with either a) not enough information about a download someone wants you to pay for or b) something so bleak, so bland, that you will need to change half of it to make it reasonably worth its salt.

To lend a mower to this proverbial thicket, we thought we’d do what no one else seems to endeavor to deliver a free site visit report template you can download and start using today . And you won’t get sent to some screen asking for a credit card either. This one is on us.

Before you dive into the download, let’s take a few points and unravel their mystery to ensure we’re on the same page. After all, we were hoping you could make the best use of your site visit reports templates, so it makes sense to communicate how best you might utilize this site reporting tool. Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Included In The Site Visit Report Template

The watermarked Site Visit Report by 1stReporting.com

Site visits are a common practice in many industries. Some of these industries include:

  • Construction
  • Project Management
  • Property Management

We’ve done our research to set the template, so you’ll find the template valuable and efficient no matter the function. It should work great in Construction, site project management, and also property management endeavors.

Diving into the template, you may notice three primary sections:

  • Administrative
  • On-Site Report Information

These sections are all very standard and should require no further explanation, save for the central data collection section.

The on-site report information or central data collection section of the site visit report template has five areas:

  • Site Conditions – From safety to functionality, the site conditions section allows notation of your findings of the site.
  • Current Work In Progress – It holds the details about the work taking place at the time of the site visit, whether on temporary shut down to accommodate for the visit or not.
  • Scheduled Work Preparation – It includes the details and information about the following stages and the pre-development on-site to accommodate upcoming steps and processes.
  • Observations – Your reporters will include any overall observations, points requiring notes, or other information.
  • Additional Report Details – An information overflow section allows you or the reporter to include any other pertinent details about the site visit that were not included in the report. The section can also be used as a supplemental data capture section.

How To Use The Site Visit Report Template

The Site Visit Report Template is an organized slate for your site reporting needs. It is purposefully organized, with room to write observations and details for each of the vital fundamental metrics you’re likely to explore on your site visit.

Step 1 – Download the template.

Step 2 – Print the template.

Step 3 – Complete your report.

It doesn’t get much simpler than that. However, you know that your site visit report will be complex in comparison. We thought sharing six essential tips for a successful site visit process would be of use to aid you in your quest. And without further ado, here are the tips to use with your Site Visit Reports Templates.

6 Essential Tips For Site Visiting and Reporting Success

  • Get Tooled Up

One of the best things you can do pre-inspection is to ensure you have the best tools to aid you in your site visit reporting. Now, you could easily download and print the Site Visit Reports Template we’ve provided here; or you could look at using a fully digital solution.

At the very least, you or your appointed reporting staff will likely carry a smartphone with them. Using a digital solution, you can use this device we all carry regardless for the reporting process itself. With digital solutions like what you’re going to find with 1st Incident Reporting’s mobile and customizable app, you can do a lot more than fill out a report on your phone or tablet. We’ll get more to that later. 

  • Plan It Out

One of the most essential lessons to learn in business management is that appropriate planning saves time, money, and headaches. Preventing disaster is wise by having a well-thought-out plan of attack for your site visit inspection and subsequent reporting.

Break down your site visit into notable segments, and you’ll find you can quickly investigate a segment at a time, then cross it off your list. Segmentation for inspections tends to allow for a more straightforward determination of process faults at the micro-level rather than the macro. It’s also a great way to formulate your plan to complete the site visit efficiently and effectively.

  • Watch The Weather

If your operations or those of the site you or your reporter will attend are outside, watching the weather might be as crucial as it would on a day run to take the family to the beach. The weather might play an even more critical role if the site visit itself will hamper outdoor operations.

Similarly, if you are in Canada or one of the Northern United States, where harsh winters are an annual reality, accounting for weather in your plans is something every intelligent manager will do.

  • Communicate Intent

Depending on the nature of your site visit, it’s typically a wise and polite idea to communicate your intent to perform a site inspection. It’s essential when you’re looking at a sudden shutdown of operations to accommodate for reporting staff to perform their site visit.

Whether you’re letting the team lead for building materials coordination know or the foundation construction foreman, communicating your intent to perform a site visit is a professional way to move forward. It’s also a great way to build up the people around you by including them instead of excluding them. ( source )

  • Coordinate With Teams

You need to coordinate with relevant teams rather than just communicating that you’ll have an on-site inspection site visit completed on a particular date and time. It’s one thing to drop an email or a phone call to let someone know; it’s another thing to invite their active support.

When you coordinate with teams on-site for your site visit, you communicate a powerful message – that teams are stronger when they work together. Consider the ramifications of an unannounced site visit. Staff would be paranoid, on edge, and looking over their shoulder. Although you might increase specific workforce metrics by instilling a culture of fear, you likely won’t get anyone’s best work.

The moral of this short thought was that it usually pays more significant dividends to work with people than against them.

In order to look at things from another perspective, there are cases where you need to communicate your intent to do a site visit for your own safety. Here’s an interesting fact: In 2019, 33% of worker fatalities in road construction sites involved a commercial motor vehicle. There were 250 such deaths that year. ( source )

Sometimes coordinating to shut down a busy vehicular area to allow pedestrian inspectors or management to do a site visit is for everyone’s best interest and safety.

  • Don’t Be Afraid

Okay, we aren’t saying you’re a child in a dark room at night during a thunderstorm, not at all. This last tip is perhaps the most essential tip of all because it challenges you to step outside your comfort zone. When we say don’t be afraid, we mean don’t be afraid to ask for help.

The best leaders are those who recognize the limitations of not only the team but of themselves. In placing limitations on our workloads, we limit stress from pushing us to a breaking point. 

Given the complexity of many construction projects and other projects that might incur a need for regular site visits and reports, it’s obvious why some companies utilize entire teams for their site and project management. 

Never feel afraid to ask for the help of another professional. Managing big projects isn’t easy. It’s okay to ask someone for assistance to help you complete a big or prolonged site visit.

Next Steps: Digitizing Your Site Visit

Okay, so you’ve got your template printed and ready to go, a viable solution to documenting a site visit report. However, would it be easier to carry a tablet you could complete the report on directly, including photos or even video? Or perhaps customizing a report to include a checklist you can check off right on your smartphone as you walk around the site?

With a digital, mobile solution, you have the freedom to come and go into the report as you please. And when the report is complete, the custom notifications can let the right people know the report is complete and ready for sharing.

Automated processes take the guesswork out of remembering to hand in a report. They allow management to immediately take action rather than wait to see a paper report to determine what happened.

Like the 1st Reporting app, a digital solution allows for instant collaboration, so if you need to have one, two, or even several other staff assist in a group site visit, each could contribute on their own device.

Saving you time and money while offering you a secure platform for customizable site reporting is the name of the game here. Find out how turning your site visit reports templates digital can move your business forward.

site visit report on residential building

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site visit report on residential building

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Work with our team of experts to customize our templates to your exact business needs.

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Free Site Analysis Checklist

Every design project begins with site analysis … start it with confidence for free!

Architecture Site Analysis: An introduction

  • Updated: March 25, 2024

site analysis architecture an introduction

Architecture site analysis meticulously evaluates a location’s physical, cultural, and environmental characteristics to guide architectural designs that seamlessly integrate with their surroundings.

This crucial step determines design elements such as placement, form, and materials, considering factors like topography, climate, and social context, laying the groundwork for informed, sustainable architectural decisions

Understanding Architecture Site Analysis

Every site is unique and will consist of many complex elements such as: varying topography, watercourses, trees, plants, habitats, and weather patterns to name a few. All of which will and should influence an architect’s design process and decision-making.

The appropriate analysis of these elements will initially help determine the buildings placement, orientation, form and materiality, but then later go on to influence its structure, sustainability and procurement route.

…providing a very vital foundation and crucial starting point for not just architectural projects, but also landscape architecture.

Key aspects of this include:

  • Location and Context: Geographical location, urban or rural setting, neighborhood context.
  • Topography: Landform, slopes, elevation, and contours of the site.
  • Climate: Local weather patterns, sun path, wind direction, precipitation levels.
  • Vegetation: Types of plants, trees, and natural features present on the site.
  • Soil Type: Composition, stability, and bearing capacity of the soil.
  • Hydrology: Presence of water bodies, drainage patterns, flood risk areas.
  • Access and Circulation: Availability of roads, pedestrian paths, and public transport.
  • Existing Structures: Buildings or other structures already on the site.
  • Utilities and Services: Availability of electricity, water, sewage, internet, and other services.
  • Regulatory Factors: Zoning laws, building codes, environmental regulations.
  • Cultural and Historical Factors: Historical significance, cultural landmarks, or heritage sites.
  • Views and Vistas: Scenic views or important sightlines from and to the site.
  • Noise and Air Quality: Levels of ambient noise, air pollution, and other environmental factors.
  • Sunlight and Shade: Patterns of sunlight and shade throughout the day and year.
  • Wind Patterns: Prevailing wind directions and strength, impact on the site.

The outcome of site analysis is typically a comprehensive report that guides the design process, ensuring that the proposed structure harmoniously integrates with its surroundings, adheres to regulatory requirements, and meets the needs of its intended use.

The process of researching, observing, and analyzing the physical, cultural, social, historical, environmental, and infrastructural characteristics of a site inform the design of a building or space.

The information gathered during both a virtual and physical analysis process, is used to develop a comprehensive understanding of the site, including its opportunities, constraints, and potential, and to guide decision-making throughout the design process.

Site analysis is an essential step in the pre-design phase of any architectural project, and is used to develop a strong conceptual basis for the design proposal.

Architecture Site Analysis, site analysis example, site analysis diagram, site analysis architecture, architecture analysis, what is site analysis, how to do site analysis

Who’s involved in the site analysis process?

Collaboration is essential for site analysis, but the approach may vary depending on factors such as the type of project and whether it is a group or singular exercise, as well as site proximity.

For live projects, given that site analysis encompasses various data types beyond design, technical research is often outsourced. This typically involves engaging land surveying services and engineers (both geotechnical and civil) to address questions related to topography, soils, hydrology, utilities, zoning, and land use.

(Obviously at a student level this isn’t required, and will often be provided with the project brief if relevant.)

…Successful site analysis is often greatly benefited by also considering and incorporating input from the community members who will be most impacted by the project.

Why do we carry out an architectural site analysis?

As already touched on, a projects success is built on its relationship to its site and surroundings, and therefore by default should always be bespoke to and based on its location and local characteristics.

Every site has very specific solar orientations, views (good and bad) and often a very explicit character and atmosphere. Each one of these areas is an opportunity to generate a meaningful conceptual approach and a way to devise a buildings shape, layout, form and materiality.

Once established, further analyse of access, wind direction, site levels, vegetation, local context, privacy, services (electrical lines, drainage, telephone lines) will help cement any early conclusions made.

…This is the purpose of site analysis, and why it more than simply ticking boxes to meet a criteria, everything needs to relate back to the foundations established early on during the investigatory period. So that when required it can help provide the answers to future questions.

“Good design is generated from strong, simple and well-established concepts.”

Architecture Site Analysis, site analysis example, site analysis diagram, site analysis architecture, architecture analysis, what is site analysis, how to do site analysis

How is site analysis used to plan and develop projects?

When considering local weather patterns, the aim should be to always provide a building with the best possible access to solar gains, daylight and shelter. This can be achieved through calculated control of the effects of the sun path, wind and rainfall, through good positioning of openings and rooflines to provide natural light, warmth and shelter throughout the year.

To cool a building, its orientation can pull and circulate cool summer air though its plan by aligning its long axis with the prevailing wind direction and by providing deep over hangs for shade. During the winter months, its built volumes can provide shelter and create protected external spaces via courtyards.

When using the context to influence materiality, look towards the local vernacular of the surrounding buildings. For example, dry stonewalls and corten steel can be used as a modern interpretation of agricultural buildings without mimicking.

Rammed earth walls for example can be used to represent an extension of the site and if the local soil type is right could even be built from the land.

Weathering timber creates a nice narrative of changing and growing old with a site.

When the site has prominent views, buildings can address the landscape with large framed apertures and pick key views and features to specifically draw attention to. Moving between rooms can generate different views and therefore experiences at different times of day, depending on how and when the spaces are used .

These ideas are site specific and only have meaning through being relevant, and this relevancy is generated through knowing your site.

Architecture Site Analysis Symbols

Document your site analysis recordings!

This site analysis symbols kit includes the key and most used attributes required to successfully document and present Architectural site analysis.

Architecture Site Analysis Diagrams and Process … Examples of the information to look for

Architectural site analysis diagrams are visual representations that synthesize a site’s physical, environmental, and socio-cultural data, providing architects with essential insights for informed design decisions. These diagrams highlight key elements such as topography, climate, vegetation, and usage patterns, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the site’s characteristics and constraints

Referred and referenced to throughout the design and construction process, the below list highlights some of the key areas that should be investigated, along with diagram examples of how site analysis recordings can be presented.

These examples were created using our site analysis drawing symbols kit in Adobe Photoshop .

01 – General

  • Geographic location
  • Site boundary
  • Entrance locations and types
  • Site security
  • Existing buildings

Site Analysis Architecture overview

02 – Buildings analysis

  • Rights to light
  • Legal restrictions
  • Noise levels

Site Analysis Architecture sample Neighboring buildings

03 – Legal Restrictions

  • Conservation areas
  • Covenants and easements
  • Rights of way
  • SSSI ( Site of Special Scientific Interest)
  • Listings (Grade II, II*, I)
  • TPO’s (Tree preservation orders)
  • Previous planning permissions and applications

Site Analysis Architecture example Legal Restrictions

04 – Access and circulation

  • Public routes
  • Private routes
  • Vehicle access
  • Pedestrian access
  • Existing site circulation routes within

Site Analysis Architecture diagram for access

05 – Topography

  • Key features/restrictions

Site Analysis Architecture typography sample

06 – Views

  • Private views out
  • Public views in

Site Analysis Architecture diagram example for views

07 – Sun paths

  • Solar gains

Site Analysis Architecture sun path diagram

08 – Site wind analysis architecture

  • Prevailing direction

Site Analysis Architecture wind diagram

09 – Public Transport Links

  • Bus’s
  • Train’s
  • Taxi’s

Site Analysis Architecture public transport example diagram

010 – Trees and vegetation

  • TPO’s and protected species
  • Root protection areas
  • Items for removal
  • Items to maintain

Site Analysis Architecture diagram for trees

011 – Ecology

  • Protected species
  • Protected zones

Site Analysis Architecture example for site ecology

012 – Site restrictions

  • Neighbors / adjacent conditions
  • Land slides

Site Analysis Architecture restrictions sample

013 – Features

  • Areas to expose/use
  • Areas to improve
  • Areas to hide

Site Analysis Architecture features example

014 – Hazards

  • (Electricity lines, Drainage, Telephone lines, Sub-stations)
  • Derelict Buildings
  • Unfinished building works

Site Analysis Architecture landscape hazards

Breaking down your site analysis data

When conducting site analysis, it’s important to take a strategic approach by considering both objective and subjective data at three different scales: Global, Macro, and Micro.

  • Global refers to the very large context of the site, including its relationship to the suburb, city, and even larger geographical area.
  • Macro encompasses the full site and its immediate surroundings on all sides
  • Micro focuses on the individual elements and characteristics within the site itself.

It’s important to remember that the site and project do not exist in isolation but are part of a larger and constantly changing context.

They have connections and relationships with the immediate surroundings, the wider site, the suburb and city, as well as the local community and the people living within it.

Objective – Objective or hard data pertains to the conditions that exist on a site, irrespective of human interaction. These factors are objective because they exist regardless of our observation or experience, and they are what they are.

For example, the above:

  • and typography

…are all objective elements.

Subjective – Subjective or soft data encompasses the conditions or situations on a site that arise due to human interaction. These factors are subjective as they are subject to change over time and exist only because humans create, interact with, or experience them.

They are primarily sensory in nature and relate to what humans can see, hear, smell, taste, and touch, and how they experience the site.

…are all subjective elements.

site analysis diagram example

How To Carry Out Your First Site Analysis

The analysis of a site goes beyond its property lines, and includes an assessment and feasibility of its physical state and surroundings, along with relevant historical information. Conducting a desk based study prior to visiting the site can provide valuable information and help identify specific areas to focus on during your visit.

01 – Site research

To prepare for a site visit, it may be helpful to obtain an OS map or location plan of the area and review client information to determine the location of site boundaries. This information can inform the site analysis and facilitate a more informed assessment of the site.

To fully understand a site, it’s important to assess any significant changes to the physical and architectural landscape, as well as the site’s neighboring context, adjacent sites, and its significance to the community.

Fortunately, there are several sources of information available to aid in site analysis. Google Street View and aerial photographs offer a recent history of a site, and can be used for site plans and mapping information . Tools such as CadMapper and CadEarth provide 3D maps for volumetric references.

Local government websites often have property records and maps that provide information on zoning, land ownership, school districts, transportation, and utilities.

Additionally, community centers, neighborhood associations, local historical societies, and newspapers can be resources for accessing archives or documented histories of a site and its greater context.

By utilizing these resources, a more comprehensive understanding of the site can be gained. We have a full article on how to conduct a successful desktop study here .

Architecture Site Analysis, site analysis example, site analysis diagram, site analysis architecture, architecture analysis, what is site analysis, how to do site analysis

02 – Visiting the site

Upon arriving at the site, it’s good practice to verify any information, documents, and research obtained during the above desktop analysis, and identify any incorrect or conflicting information or conditions. Additionally, record all other existing conditions present on the site.

This will ensure accurate and up-to-date information is used in the design process, and any issues or discrepancies can be addressed promptly.

First impressions of the site are crucial, so pay attention to initial responses and collect sensory data, including points of entry. Asking questions about accessibility, parking, nearby traffic or transit, and noise levels can provide valuable information.

Observing existing spatial relationships can also be really helpful. Take note of how people move about the space and what they naturally gravitate towards. Consider any relationship between movement and sunlight or shade. Measurements may need to be taken, if not already provided via a site plan.

Visual documentation such as photographs, sketches, and videos can also be useful. Take photos of the site itself as well as views from the site, which can be used for annotations or context in later perspectives and renderings. By bringing these items and conducting a thorough analysis, a more informed and comprehensive design approach can be taken.

The below site analysis checklist can greatly aid with this, and we have a full article on what to do and take when visiting your site for first time here .

03 – Evaluation

After visiting the site and collecting information, the next step is to examine the findings. This involves reviewing the gathered data, putting the findings alongside one another, and exploring their relationships.

It’s important to remember that the design process is not linear. By this stage, a good understanding of the brief , users, activities, and program for the project should be developed.

It’s also a good time to start developing preliminary concept ideas in parallel with finalizing your analysis. By considering these factors, a more informed and comprehensive design approach can be taken.

We again have a dedicated article breaking down this process here

site analysis example

04 – Presentation

While not always required, presenting site analysis information can be helpful in many cases.

The presentation of collected information and conclusions drawn from the site analysis stages provides context for each project. While data collection is crucial, it’s pointless without transcribing the information into relevant and easily understandable content.

During analysis, certain site conditions may have a greater influence on design parameters and decision-making.

By combining research, observations, and newfound limitations, we can apply our findings to the schematic design and programming phase . This is where the information collected during site analysis is used to create a design concept that meets the project’s goals and requirements.

The most important aspect of presenting site analysis is ensuring the information is clear and easily digestible.

Avoid spending excessive time on fancy graphics if the information is difficult to understand. By following these tips, site analysis can be effectively presented to communicate the necessary information.

We have a full article on site analysis presentation here , and another discussing site analysis symbols here .

site analysis example

05 – Tools and resources

Below is a selection of useful resources for finding examples of site analysis in architecture, showcasing how architects have used this process to inform their design decisions and create a successful project plan.

From urban public spaces to rural residential projects, these examples demonstrate how site analysis is an essential step in creating thoughtful and contextually responsive architecture:

  • RIBA Present medals
  • Visualizing architecture
  • I Made That
  • Pamphlet architecture
  • The Bartlett Summer Show Book
  • Architecture Infographics
  • Knowledge is Beautiful
  • Architecture competitions entries
  • End of year shows
  • Exhibitions

Also check out our own Architecture site analysis diagram and presentation examples on  Pinterest

Architecture Site Analysis, site analysis example, site analysis diagram, site analysis architecture, architecture analysis, what is site analysis, how to do site analysis

06 – Architecture site analysis checklist

Lastly, we get a lot of questions regarding site analysis checklists and where they can be found, and so we’ve created our own …two in-fact! Scroll down to download the free checklists in PDF format.

Trying to recall tasks that need to be completed not only wastes time, but mostly results in them being lost or forgotten. A good checklist helps to stop this and frees up your mind to actually work on the items, instead of trying to remember them .

Architecture Site Analysis Checklist

Site analysis checklist free download (pdf)

Following on from the above, here we have provided two site analysis checklists that firstly cover all of the primary areas of the site analysis process and secondly, provide a checklist outlining what to assess during your first site visit.

To download our free checklists, simply sign up with your email below and follow the download link provided:

Free checklist

Sign up to our mailing list to receive our free Site Analysis and Site Visit Checklists

Image credits: Cover image – Beatriz Caon Amenta

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Every design project begins with site analysis … start it with confidence for free!.

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site visit report on residential building

Providing a general introduction and overview into the subject, and life as a student and professional.

Study aid for both students and young architects, offering tutorials, tips, guides and resources.

Information and resources addressing the professional architectural environment and industry.

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Residential As-Built Survey Site Visit: How to Prepare

Preparing for your residential as-built survey site visit.

If you’re preparing for your residential As-Built Survey site visit, you’re more than likely preparing your home for a remodel or addition. Congratulations on this special endeavor to enhance the space you’re living in! As your architect or designer likely told you, accurate and up-to-date As-Built plans are incredibly important to the success of your remodel or addition. Our team of expert surveyors, drafters, and modelers take them very seriously. Ensuring your plans are precise and every contractor is working with correct dimensions helps keep your budget in place and your project on time. PPM’s goal is to set you and your architect up for success and it all starts with a site visit to gather up-to-date measurements.

How we Capture Data During a Site Visit

Today’s technology helps us move through your home quickly. We use a 3D laser scanner to ensure we provide the most accurate As-Built plans while taking up far less of your time to acquire the data we need. Our laser scanners capture millions of data points in the form of a point cloud – used by our drafting team to prepare your As-Built drawings off site, so we can minimize our time in your home and give you back your space as quickly as possible!

Preparing your Home for the Surveying Process

We know your home is your sanctuary and our goal is to help you feel comfortable and at ease while we’re in it. There are a few things we’d like you to know before we arrive that will help your surveyor work quickly and efficiently through the surveying process.

1. Our Time on Site

It’s typical for a building survey project to take 3 to 4 hours. The laser scanning portion of our survey usually lasts about 30 minutes. You can expect the rest of the time to account for preparation of the space for scanning, photos (still photos, 3D photos, and those needed for 3D tours), processing of the data on site to ensure we’ve captured all necessary info, and tear down. We may need to take a few manual measurements in hard-to-reach places.

2. Furniture and Boxes

We know this is a living space. Don’t worry about boxes and furniture. Rooms do not need to be cleared, however, it is helpful if our surveyors are able to walk into each room and reach all walls and windows.

3. Site Contact and Access

Whether we’ve set up this appointment with you or a family member, it’s important to ensure your Project Manager has the full name, phone number, and email of the site contact for the day of our scan. Please be sure your site contact has a full set of keys and that all keys have been tested to ensure full access to every room and door in the home or building. Any doors that we are unable to access will have to be excluded from the scan. In residential homes, this isn’t typically an issue, but we want to let you know.

4. Doors and Gates

Ideally, doors and gates will remain open throughout the scanning process including the entrance and exit to the home. As-Built scans yield the best results when our surveyor can perform them in one swift movement without having to pause and open entryways. Please let us know if this is not possible. Upon completion, the surveyor will be sure to close cabinets, doors, and gates and return the property to its original condition.

5. Cabinets and Doors

The surveyor may need to prop open some cabinet doors prior to scanning to capture the wall behind them. If this is necessary, doors will need to remain open in the same position during the scan to avoid any issues. Your surveyor will ensure everything is closed up once they are finished.

Mirrors can cause a “reflection” challenge for laser scanners. The surveyor will assess the mirrors in the building before they scan and may need to cover them with paper or turn them to ensure the laser scan data renders accurately. If your surveyor covers up mirrors with butcher paper, please leave them covered until the scan portion of the visit is complete.

7. Small Children and Pets

Please let your surveyor know if there are small children or pets in the home, so we can ensure their safety while all doors are open. In some situations, it may be best to put pets in a small bedroom and close the door. The surveyor may be able to manually measure or do a second scan to capture this area separately.

8. Minimizing Movement

Please ensure no other work will be performed on the day of our site visit (i.e. cleaning, moving, painting). It is necessary to minimize movement during the scan as much as possible. In the case that our surveyor enters the room you are in during the scan, the best thing to do is stand in place. Avoid scurrying to another room or any movement as this can confuse our scanner in the process.

9. Sprinkler Systems

In most cases, we will need to scan the perimeter of the building. Please ensure any sprinkler systems will be turned off for the duration of the site visit.

10. Roof and Foundation Access

Our surveyors are equipped with a 15-foot ladder. If we are providing exterior elevations or a roof plan, it is key for our site contact to communicate if we’ll need a taller ladder. If foundation or framing plans are included in your request, please ensure there is access to those spaces.

11. Manual Measurements and Photographs

Our surveyors may take some manual measurements in hard-to-reach places as well. We also snap lots of photos which are used by our team as well as your architect. Our drafters and quality assurance team use them in the drafting and review process. They are then sent to your architect as part of the deliverable package and are used for design and production purposes. Once the scan is complete and we’ve ensured we have all of the data we need, we’ll be on our way.

Thank you for learning more about our residential As-Built Survey site visit process!

Now, you’re ready for your site visit! We look forward to kicking off your remodel project with Worry-Free As-Built surveys your architecture, design, and construction teams can trust to start your project off great. We appreciate your assistance, cooperation, and consideration in this process and look forward to meeting you. Please let us know if you have any further questions. You can email or call your project manager directly or contact us at [email protected] or 855-272-8458 . Thank you for allowing PPM to be a part of your remodel project.

At PPM, our goal is to help set you and your project up for success from the start. While we are dedicated to tried-and-true process and deliver consistently accurate plans, success is not just in the numbers – it’s a feeling of trust, confidence, ownership and teamwork. Our team is committed to Core Values that drive our business and our clients’ success. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

You’ve Scheduled your Residential As-Built Survey Site Visit. What’s Next?!

Learn more about our process and how we ensure accuracy, on time, every time.

Haven’t Scheduled Your Site Visit Just Yet?

Let’s get started. We’d love to help.

Case Study: As-Built Surveys for a Nationwide Quick Service Restaurant Chain

About as-built surveys.

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JJDPA Site Visit Report - Residential Program

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ArCHspec is the world's only Residential Specification system, created by Architects for Architects. ArCH is the exclusive source for this product (see the ArCHstore). If you design homes and you need specs, ArCHspec is what you need. ArCH is a professional global organization that provides Licensed Architects benefits specifically focused on residential architecture. Join ArCH and see for yourself. Professional friendship is unrivaled in ArCH. You'll discover that ArCHmembers are responsive and knowledgeable. There's always someone who will help you. Enjoy unsurpassed peer advice & counsel in ArCH, all focused on the marketing, design, documentation and management of residential architecture. Value of detailed Architect documents = less problems and fewer change orders during construction, which can save hundreds of thousands of dollars. “As an nationwide Architect of custom Single Family Homes, I have found ArCH to be the only professional organization that helps me, my practice and also improves the whole of Residential Architecture.” ArCH= constructive action taken by Licensed Architects globally to improve residential architecture "I feel so grateful to have found ArCH, knowing there is a group of Architects out there who share the same passion and want to elevate who we are and what we offer!" Join ArCH and enjoy sharing ideas with the best residential Architects around the world. "ArCH members do not work to minimum standards set by the government. We set the bar higher. We make our life's work helping families create a place in which to live well." "Before anything else, preparation is the key to success" ArCHmembers discover new knowledge about residential architecture and share it with other members. ArCH improves residential architecture, in all its aspects. ArCH gets things done. It doesn't just talk about them. "Do the math: Better Design= Better Built" "YES! You can meet with an Architect to discuss your house project! Just phone or email them" ArCHmembers can buy discounted electronic files in the ArCHstore, tailor-made to help their residential architectural practice. You can't find these products anywhere else. The characteristics displayed by ArCH do not come quickly, or cheaply, or without a ton of very hard work from lots of Architects, Attorneys, website programmers & other consultants, led with unwavering dedication toward improving residential architecture. "To an ArCH member, the Client's dream is not just another project. We take our responsibility to the Client to a much higher level of concern for outcome..." "Thank you for being such great partners on this huge endeavor of building our home. Not only do we love your plans, we appreciate your attention to detail..." "IF YOU THINK IT'S EXPENSIVE TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL, WAIT UNTIL YOU HIRE AN AMATEUR." "Building a new home is one of the biggest investments a family will ever make. You deserve only the best! Do it right with an Architect!" "I feel more comfortable, knowing that my Architect belongs to ArCH. Their mission is to Improve Residential Architecture." "We are ArCH because we care more about our profession. And thus provide a better choice for the Clients in the marketplace." "Definitely helps when the Client feels your excitement...I am excited for them because it is their home and will make it more functional & happy for them." "Improving Residential Architecture" is their Mission Statement. I agree completely. They do that." “For my firm, ArCH was the ONLY professional architectural society that we considered and joined.” "Designing a brand new home for me is like being a kid in a candy store!" "I was searching for a professional organization that truly represented Licensed Architects who design homes. ArCH is it. No other organization has this focus." “Recently started using this (ArCH) form and could have saved me thousands in Attorney’s fees had I used this a few years ago!”

ArCH is the international organization of Licensed Architects focused on residential architecture, professional excellence, member assistance, friendship & success, Client value & service.

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CA-SV Site Visit Report Form

$ 45.00

The ArCH-CA-SV Site Visit form allows you to properly and professionally document your site visits with your digital photos (jpgs) and text and pointing arrows and other features, many of which already come with MS Excel.  This spreadsheet file takes advantage of Excel’s power in this pro format.  Makes documenting your Site Visits a snap.

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This website page is for the ArCH-CA-SV Construction Administration Site Visit report form.

ArCH-CA-SV  Construction Administration Site Visit report form © Copyright 2015-2023, ArCH: Architects Creating Homes, LLC.

ArCH-CA-SV $25 ArCH Members , $45 non-members .  (join ArCH and reduce your cost). Available now.  File download in MS Excel 2013 for 64-bit PCs running Windows 7-10.  You can enter your ArCH discount coupon code in the Shopping Cart during the ordering process to reduce your cost (if you are an ArCH member).  If you don’t have the coupon code for this product, click here–> ContactArCH and ask for it (you must be a member to obtain the code).

Click on the Add To Cart button above to order, pay online & download.

This part of the ArCHsuite of products that all coordinate together.  However, this webpage will allow you to only purchase this one product.  NOTICE: the CA-SV form is the Construction Administration Site Visit form file ONLY .  To obtain ArCHsuite™ as a bundled product including many of the the other coordinated products mentioned above, click here: ArCHsuite™

The ArCH-CA-SV is the professional way to document your Construction Administration Site Visits.  The CA-SV allows you to have a professional polish to your Site Visits.  The format allows for you to easily insert your company logo and make it your own.  All you need to do is to type in the report number and the list of items in the report automatically number themselves with that report prefix number.

You can easily indicate the Project Name, your company name, address, email and your State license numbers.  You can type in the date of your site visit in the proper blank.  There is an up-front section allowing you to easily enter the Purpose of your Site Visit, the Weather (with multiple fill-in boxes), On-Site Activities in General and Conditions in General.

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Then there are 3 main report groupings (all with a wide left columns for your digital photos): List of Item Requiring Adjustment Looking Ahead Near Term Items General Comments

Each CA-SV report has your paragraph numbered with the latest visit number being the prefix of each paragraph.  This keeps your paragraph items easy to reference throughout the entire project, even weeks, months or years into the future.

See the Terms associated with all Arch purchases during check out, to which you must agree to complete the buying process.

1 review for CA-SV Site Visit Report Form

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rand – May 25, 2015

The ArCH-CA-SV form is deceptively simple. Once you have it, you say to yourself: “Well, of course! This is how all Site Visits should be organized!” However, until you have it in your hands (well, on your computer) you probably won’t understand. The organization is very well thought-out. Basic information is at the top, like project name, Site Visit #, date, and related items. Then the form has a very well organized selection of checkboxes to describe the weather and related topics. Then under that, there are several categories for first: items that the Contractor needs to adjust, along with a healthy left margin for digital photos. This continues with some other categories. And the line items are pre-numbered with automated prefixes in formulas using the Site Visit Report number, so that any line item from any report can be easily referenced at anytime and be pinpointed on the reports.

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How To Do A Residential Solar Site Survey

Solar Panel on roof

Once your sales rep has shared preliminary designs with the homeowner and closed the deal (nice job!), it’s time to conduct a solar site survey. This ensures that the preliminary design is feasible by confirming measurements and obtaining other relevant information required to plan the project.

The majority of a site visit is performed externally, meaning on the outside of the property, and can be done manually or remotely. If you’re doing manual site visits, this is when you’ll send an inspector up on the roof to double-check everything.

But if you (or your company) uses remote technology to perform site surveys, you may have the option to  pull roof data based on high-res aerial imagery. And this method can be particularly effective at reducing the time from sale to installation.

So, we’re going to walk through the entire process of performing a residential site survey, whether you’re doing it manually or remotely. Here’s an overview of the steps involved:

  • Gather information
  • Pull satellite or aerial imagery
  • Get prepared
  • Assess the condition of the roof
  • Take measurements and note obstructions
  • Perform a shade analysis
  • Take photos
  • Assess the electrical system
  • Gather information for structural analysis
  • Upload info and photos to your system

What’s a solar site survey?

A solar site survey is an inspection of a property where solar panels are going to be installed, typically occurring after a sale has been closed. The crux of doing a site survey is to ensure that the preliminary design is feasible in order to create a permit-ready plan.

As we mentioned above, the external site survey can be done by either physically inspecting the property or by using remote technology. Other parts of the survey may need to be done in-person, depending on available property information.

What information do you need to gather from a site survey?

The information you collect during a typical site survey is what you’ll use to take your preliminary design and turn it into a permit-ready plan. Usually, here’s what contractors need to gather from the survey:

  • Roof measurements and data including pitch and azimuth
  • Solar exposure through shading analysis
  • Visual inspection of roof conditions and obstructions
  • Information about the electrical system to determine interconnection methods
  • Structural information like rafter size and spacing

10 steps to do a solar site survey

Now we’ll go over the most important steps in a solar site survey — covering everything you need to know to get the job done right, even if you’re doing it for the first time.

Step 1: Gather information

First things first, you need to gather all the pertinent information about the property. This includes basic things like the street address along with local utility and permitting details.

You’ll also want to have the preliminary design and contact on hand. This helps to understand the details and limitations of the proposed project along with wants and needs specific to the homeowner.

If you’re doing the survey in-person, you’ll then need to coordinate with the homeowner to schedule a time to come out to the property. Depending on how your business works, you may also need to coordinate this time with project engineers, designers, roofing contractors, or other contributors. If you’re doing the site survey remotely, you can share the report with all of these team members to collaborate and work as efficiently as possible. And, unlike external on-site surveys, remote surveys are not dependent on daylight hours.

Step 2: Pull satellite or aerial imagery of the property

The next step in a solar site survey is to pull satellite or aerial imagery of the property to make some preliminary assessments and determine roof access points and limitations.

As far as satellite vs aerial imagery, it depends on what you’re looking for and how you conduct your site surveys. If you just want to take a quick look at the roof before heading out to the site, satellite imagery is going to be fine. And you can access satellite imagery for most properties for free using Google Earth.

However, if you want to see the roof in detail and use the imagery to get accurate measurements, aerial photography is the better option. EagleView’s high-resolution aerial imagery, for example, provides up to 70x the detail of satellites .

Step 3: Get prepared

If you do need to head out to the site, make sure to gather all the necessary supplies and tools so you don’t have to make another trip. Here’s a quick checklist to go over each time you load up: 

  • The solar project contract or preliminary design
  • Measurement tools – tape measures, laser distance meters, and open-reel fiberglass tape. 
  • Shade assessment tool
  • Phone or camera
  • Appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment)
  • Brochures or sales material
  • Laptop or tablet
  • Business cards
  • Pencil and clipboard

Step 4: Assess the condition of the roof

Whether you’re on site or using aerial imagery, the first thing to do is assess the condition of the roof, including how many layers of asphalt shingles are there. This is critical because the roof needs to be in good enough shape to support the installation of the solar system.

It also needs to be new enough so it will last a while — like for the next 25 to 30 years (the average lifespan of solar panels).

Otherwise, the panels will have to be removed when it’s time for a new roof and then replaced. With that in mind, a general guideline is asphalt shingle roofs should be 10 years old or less and in good condition before beginning solar panel installation.

Author’s note: As you can see, roofing and solar panel installation go hand in hand. So if you’re in the solar business already, it makes sense to offer roofing along with it (and vice versa). Once you add roofing to your business offerings, you can then cross-sell new roofs to solar customers. This profit-driving strategy also adds convenience for the customer who won’t have to find two separate contractors to get the job done, often leading to delays and cancellations. EagleView’s Inform Essentials+ and Advanced include all of the information needed to quote, plan, and order materials for a roofing project alongside the solar installation.

Step 5: Take roof measurements and note obstructions

Once you’ve evaluated the condition of the roof, the next step is to get precise measurements. If you’re doing this manually, you’ll need to climb up on the roof and measure everything on the roof surface to determine the allowable solar module area.

You’ll also need to calculate the roof area and pitch, as well as note any obstructions like chimneys and skylights. When doing so, it’s generally a good idea to pick one corner or edge of the building as your reference point and measure all obstructions relative to that spot. This makes it easier for engineers and drafters down the road to accurately translate the information into their CAD program. Author’s note: If you want to perform your external site survey remotely (maybe using a product like EagleView’s Inform Essentials+ or Advanced ) you can skip this step entirely. Accurate roof data like measurements and calculations will be delivered straight to your desk.

Step 6: Perform a shade analysis

The next step is to perform a shade analysis. If you’re on site, take note of any nearby trees or buildings that are taller than the roof. Next, use a hand-held device such as the Solmetric Sun Eye or Solar Pathfinder tool to collect data points across the roof.  Readings should at least be taken on every roof facet; at least one in each corner and one in the middle. 

When recording the data from the readings, be careful to label the location of the reading correctly. Also be sure that the device is level when you’re using it — as either of these factors can substantially affect the results. 

(Note: For many geographies, shade analysis taken in the winter can vastly differ from the summer in the same location given the lack of foliage in the surrounding shade scene.)

If you’re doing the survey remotely, you can use a product like EagleView’s Inform Advanced to acquire solar access value (SAV) calculations. Unlike handheld devices that collect a handful of data points on a roof and can vary based on the user, EagleView’s technology consistently captures thousands of data points.  

“EagleView is enabling us to significantly reduce time spent completing exterior site assessments, which means we can shorten project lifecycles and streamline our existing operational processes,” said Robert Bessler , Executive Director of Solar Operations at Semper Solaris.

“And with accurate 3D models and solar access values, we can also design systems that maximize energy production for our customers. We see the EagleView Inform™ Advanced report as being a key component to help us continue growing our business.”

Step 7: Take photos of everything

If you’re doing your survey in-person, it’s important to take photos of everything. This will help the engineers and planners get a better idea of the project during the final design phase.

When doing so, take care to get pictures from both close-up and far-away. Close-up pictures are essential for noting details, especially of things like the electrical system. But pictures from far away are also important because they show the designers the layout and other constraints they may be working with.

Here’s a general list of photos you’ll need. (And remember, it’s always better to have too many pictures rather than not enough.)

  • Front of the building, including house number
  • South side of house (from south looking north)
  • South yard (From north looking south)
  • Roof or array location
  • Areas of roof that need repair or present concern
  • Any obstructions on the roof
  • Roof pitch (get profile for pitch angle)
  • Electric meter (be sure to get the meter number clearly in the picture)
  • Main electrical panel, from far away and up close with door open to see the breakers and equipment label
  • The transfer switch if one is present (typically used with whole home generators)
  • Interior walls where equipment will be located (like inverters or batteries)
  • Roof structural members in the attic, be sure to take a complete view in the attic to capture any knee walls or other members which would effect the structural analysis
  • Any potential problems or issues
  • Any other photo requirements from your specific organization

Step 8: Assess the electrical system

Another important area that needs to be assessed during a site survey is the home’s electrical system. This will determine how the solar system will be interconnected to the home’s electrical system and may inform equipment selection and/or required upgrades.

When inspecting the electrical system in person, make detailed notes and take clear photos. You’ll want to get close-up photos that show the nameplates and specifications. And also some from a distance to show the designers the space that’s available. Here’s a checklist of electrical items to assess:

  • Electric meter close-up (include utility meter number)
  • Main disconnect location
  • Electrical panel location and sub-panels (if applicable)
  • Electrical panel circuit breakers
  • Transfer switch if one is present
  • Proposed inverter and battery location 
  • Possible locations for running conduit
  • General locations of proposed electrical equipment

Step 9: Gather info for structural analysis

The next step in the site survey process is to gather information required for the structural analysis. The structural analysis will identify if the existing structure can bear the load and counter the potential uplift of a retrofit solar system.

For this step you’ll need to note the type of structure and whether the roof uses traditional framing with rafters or a truss. You’ll also need to note the structural member size, along with the spacing and span for each roof facet that will be used for solar.

Authors Note: EagleView’s Inform Essentials+ and Advanced products provide the maximum rafter span per roof facet which can eliminate some of the information that has to be gathered on site

Step 10: Upload information and photos to your system

If you’re doing the survey manually, the final step is to take all the information and photos you gathered at the property and upload it into whatever system your company uses.

Typically this gives the other members of your  team access to the site survey information so they can move ahead with the design and permitting process.

If you’re using remote technology to complete your external site survey, this is another step that can be skipped.

As you can see, there’s quite a bit of information gathered during the site survey. Here’s a quick roundup of the 10 steps in a solar site survey:

  • Gather information and schedule the appointment
  • Pull satellite or aerial imagery of the property
  • Take roof measurements and note obstructions
  • Take photos of everything
  • Upload information and photos to your system

Want to eliminate exterior site surveys? EagleView can help

EagleView’s solar products like Inform Essentials+ and Advanced help contractors go from sale to install faster by eliminating the typical exterior site survey process.

A representative at SunPower explains that “EagleView reports help us to eliminate in-person site surveys and shorten project lifecycles by up to two weeks. Everyone wins: homeowners go solar faster, our dealers avoid an additional site visit, and we reduce project overhead.”

What EagleView does to help

EagleView compliments or eliminates your site survey process, delivering the external roof data you need to plan a solar project quickly. We help contractors with the following:

  • Comprehensive remote measurement solutions, including pitch, azimuth, and remote shade analysis.
  • Design solutions that allow you to create precise digital models instead of drawing over 2D images and estimating the size and location of obstructions.
  • Determine optimal panel placement for solar energy production based on solar access values derived from sophisticated shade analysis.
  • Create proposals, permit sets, and project plans faster with digital file exports for popular design programs.

Try EagleView’s aerial imagery tool to get fast, accurate roof measurements — no ladder required. Learn more about EagleView’s imagery tool.

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© 2024 EagleView Technologies, Inc. and Pictometry International Corp. All rights reserved. Reports issued by EagleView Technologies are covered by one or more international and U.S. patents and pending applications, including U.S. Patent Nos. 8,078,436; 8,145,578; 8,170,840; 8,209,152; 8,515,125; 8,825,454; 9,135,737; 8,670,961; 9,514,568; 8,818,770; 8,542,880; 9,244,589; 9,329,749; 8,938,090 and 9,183,538. Other patents pending.

Commercial – Construction site observation report

Construction site observation report

Construction site observation report: What's required (and a sample)

What is a site observation report used for in construction.

A site observation report is the report which documents the general and detailed observations a worker or inspector makes on site - on a particular day and at a particular time.

The idea behind conducting observations and creating observation reports is to step back and make a conscious and objective assessment of project progress, as well as general site activity, safety or environmental findings and evidence of anything out of the ordinary.

The 'reporting' part of the report is obviously the first step, with the point of reporting being that the findings will be made actionable, either by the observing party or other workers and teams.

A sample construction site observation report

The observing part of the observation is done by a human; either an inspector or select employee, while the reporting part is conduced with a site observation report template - which can be created with efficient commercial management software, word, excel or other paper and doc builders.

The site observation report template should serve as the observation framework, and should guide but not constrain the observers movements and actions.

Depending on the level of detail and purpose of the observation, the person conducting the report may document more or less findings. If your daily reporting processes and records are strong, the inspector may be looking for outlying details. If you daily reporting is hit and miss or non-existent, then the report should cover more of the general progress as well as those outlying details.

As you can see in the sample report below, there are a few requisite details which need to be on every report, as well as some template sections for unique findings. The necessary reporting fields include:

  • The observation date and time
  • The project or job being inspeted
  • The conditions (weather etc.)
  • Inspector signoff once the report is completed

Outside of these details, the report will cover any new or observed findings:

  • Party, description of work completed and supporting photos
  • Checkbox safety questions which will focus on the unique elements of your site and safety efforts
  • Discussion notes from site which provide more context around what was found as well as what was already partially covered and known about on site

Obviously the more detail provided in the site activity table the better, with detailed descriptions and detailed photos providing a heap of value for other parties who did not do the walkaround, as well as context for looking back at the records later on down the road.

Sitemate templates

Use and customise this site observation report template for free.

Why are site observation reports important.

The site report serves as an important project document which helps companies and workers understand:

  • What were the activities which took place on day 'X', and were these activities expected and in accordance with good work practices
  • How things are going overall (are we on track, behind schedule etc.)
  • In the day-to-day execution of work, have we been sloppy with safety or environmental actions
  • Is there anything we have missed?

It also serves to help inform multiple stakeholders of progress. A site observation report may be shared with subcontractors and contractors scheduled for work to help them understand what's happening, and will certainly be shared internally to keep functions and teams on the same page.

While site diaries and daily progress report forms help keep commercial and production teams in the loop on progress, deliveries and other work related items, they don't typically look at the project holistically (from a birds eye view).

It's important to do both the daily reporting at job and execution level, as well as to maintain a solid and regular cadence of observations.

Together, these forms and practices create an accurate view of what's happening and help companies and people mitigate mistakes and make more informed decisions - which results in better outcomes overall.

The quality of your observation efforts and reports are also extremely important. These reports are the reports which which are sent to important project parties, and they should be created, completed and formatted to represent this fact.

Poorly structured and fuzzy reports create misunderstanding, unnecessary back and forth and can create wasted time and resentment between parties.

Projects get delayed and end up over budget because people don't have the information they need to make informed decisions. Good observation reports help fill this void with useful and timely information of what's actually happening on the ground.

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About Lance Hodgson

Lance is VP of Marketing at Sitemate. His aim is to bring awareness to a brighter future for the Built World where industrial workers and companies work smarter.

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