- Totally with you on the photo chaos—I've lost count of how many times I've scrolled for that "one shot" to prove a point.
- For me, keeping separate folders per project helps, but even then, it gets overwhelming fast if I'm not strict about naming files.
- Checklists are a lifesaver, but I still jot down quick notes on my phone when I'm out in the field. Sometimes old-school pen and paper ends up being faster, honestly.
- One thing I learned the hard way: if I don't document storm damage right away, it's almost impossible to convince folks later.
- Guess we're all finding our own mix of tech and habits... whatever keeps the underbids (and headaches) in check.
Sometimes old-school pen and paper ends up being faster, honestly.
Funny, I'm on the other side of that debate. I used to carry a notebook everywhere, but half the time I couldn't find it when I needed it—or I'd forget what those scribbles meant later. Switching to snapping photos and using voice memos on my phone has actually saved me from missing key details (especially with insurance folks). It’s not perfect, but at least everything’s in one spot and time-stamped. Paper just got buried under receipts and coffee stains for me... digital’s messy, but at least it’s searchable.
I get the appeal of digital—searching for stuff is a lifesaver when you’re knee-deep in paperwork. But for me, jotting things down by hand actually helps me remember the details better, especially when I’m walking a site or talking through changes with a contractor. There’s something about physically writing out measurements or quick sketches that makes it stick in my brain.
That said, I’ve definitely lost my fair share of notes to spilled coffee or the backseat of my truck. Now I try to snap a photo of anything important before I leave the site. Kind of a hybrid approach, I guess. Keeps me from losing track, but I still get the benefits of slowing down and thinking things through on paper first.
I will say, when it comes to avoiding underbids, having a clear written record—digital or paper—has saved me more than once. It’s less about the tool and more about making sure you actually capture everything, especially those little details that always seem to get missed in the rush.
I’m the same way—if I don’t write it down, it’s gone. My trick is to use a cheap spiral notebook for site notes, then once I’m home, I transfer anything important into a spreadsheet. That way, if my notebook ends up under a pile of lumber (again), I’ve still got the info. It’s a bit of extra work, but it’s saved me from missing those weird little details that always pop up later. Plus, spreadsheets do the math for me, which is a win since I’ve definitely misread my own chicken scratch more than once...
- I’m big on spreadsheets too, but I keep losing track of which version is the most up-to-date when things get busy.
- Tried using note-taking apps on my phone, but sometimes it’s just easier to scribble something down on paper in the middle of a messy project.
- Anyone have a good system for tracking change orders or those last-minute scope tweaks? That’s where I always seem to miss costs and end up underestimating.
- Curious if anyone’s found a way to catch those “hidden” expenses before they blow up the budget...
