Checklists by trade

Job photo checklist by trade

Which photos to take on a job, before, during and after, for 30 trades. Built from the steps in the FIELDFOLIO trade checklists.

A job photo is only useful if it shows something you may need to prove later. Use the shots that apply to every job, then the list for your trade. Print this page for the truck, or keep it open on your phone.

Start a job Checklists by trade

Shots for every job

Before you start

  • The work area wide, so anyone can tell where it is
  • Problems and damage you found, close up, before you touch anything
  • Model and serial labels on anything you will replace or work on

During the job

  • Anything that gets covered: in the wall, under the floor, behind trim, in the trench
  • Labels, gauges and readings close enough to read
  • One photo per checklist step you may have to prove later

When you finish

  • The finished work wide, then close
  • Test results on the gauge, meter or screen
  • The site as you left it

Shoot in good light and keep the photo sharp. A wide shot first, then the close-up, makes the close-up easy to place. In the app, each job has before, during and after photo slots with up to 12 photos each, and the photos go in the job report next to your checklist.

Pick your trade

Plumbing Electrical HVAC Roofing General contractor Carpentry Painting Landscaping Fire alarm Low Voltage Concrete Flooring Appliance repair Cleaning Pest Control Pool and spa Welding Mobile auto Solar Window and door Drywall Insulation Masonry and tile Fence and deck Locksmith Garage Door Irrigation Septic and sewer Water Treatment Handyman

Plumbing job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Discharge run outside, away from foundation
  • Old unit drained and removed
  • Old fixture removed
  • Old toilet removed
  • Old unit removed
  • Old valve removed

During, before it is covered

  • Layout matches plan
  • Supply lines strapped
  • Stub-outs capped
  • Location and clearances
  • Data plate (model, serial)
  • Venting set per manufacturer and local code
  • T&P valve and discharge line

After and test results

  • Drain slope and vent connections checked
  • Filled, lit, temp set, no leaks
  • Leak check
  • Programmed to water hardness
  • No leaks
  • Outlet checked (GFCI where required)

All plumbing job checklists

Electrical job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Permit and inspection noted (if required)
  • Permit noted (if required)
  • Panel space noted
  • Old fixture removed
  • Box condition OK
  • Old panel removed

During, before it is covered

  • Device and cover installed
  • Charger mounted per manufacturer
  • Circuit labeled in panel
  • Fixture hung and wired
  • Layout marked
  • Wire run between cans
  • Trims installed

After and test results

  • Load and breaker size confirmed
  • Wire size matches breaker
  • Breaker landed, torque checked
  • Tested and labeled in panel
  • Panel capacity checked
  • Test charge

All electrical job checklists

HVAC job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Filter / bulb date noted
  • Gas off and old unit out
  • Old unit out
  • Old motor out
  • Old stat removed
  • Diagnosis documented

During, before it is covered

  • Equipment set
  • Lines and electric connected
  • Line set run and sealed
  • Condensate drain run
  • Valves opened
  • Layout to plan
  • Trunks & runs hung

After and test results

  • Load and size confirmed
  • Startup, charge and airflow readings
  • Vacuum held
  • Modes tested
  • C-wire confirmed
  • Heat & cool tested

All HVAC job checklists

Roofing job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Deck inspected, bad sheathing replaced
  • Interior trim noted
  • Old shingles removed
  • Old flashing removed
  • Old boot removed
  • Old gutters removed

During, before it is covered

  • Ice and water at eaves, valleys, penetrations
  • Flashings and vents
  • Ridge cap
  • Panels fastened per manufacturer
  • Trim and flashing
  • Ridge and vents
  • Flashings and edges

After and test results

  • Field shingles, nailing checked
  • Drains checked
  • Water test (if used)
  • Water test
  • Deck checked
  • Fascia checked

All roofing job checklists

General contractor job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Inspection result noted
  • Foundation and footings
  • Foundation
  • Old items removed
  • Damage documented
  • Damaged material removed

During, before it is covered

  • Permit & layout
  • Decking & rails
  • New items installed
  • Cabinets set level
  • Tops installed

After and test results

  • Site cleaned and secured
  • Walls & floor checked
  • Dry-out confirmed
  • Egress and smoke alarms checked
  • Dust barriers and site cleaned

All general contractor job checklists

Carpentry job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old door removed
  • Old trim removed
  • Old treads removed
  • Structure assessed
  • Damage found & cut out
  • Issue found

During, before it is covered

  • Cuts and joints tight
  • Fastened into studs
  • Hardware set
  • Layout marked
  • Supports / cleats set
  • Shelves installed
  • Jamb set plumb

After and test results

  • Area cleaned
  • Operate checked
  • Level checked
  • Opening checked
  • Swing and latch OK
  • Swing & latch OK

All carpentry job checklists

Painting job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Cracks filled
  • Older ceiling tested for asbestos before scraping
  • Surfaces noted

During, before it is covered

  • Doors labeled
  • Room sealed

After and test results

  • Floor ground and cleaned
  • Moisture checked per product sheet
  • Unmasked and cleaned
  • Site cleaned
  • Cleaned / brightened
  • Even coverage

All painting job checklists

Landscaping job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old turf removed
  • Old plants removed

During, before it is covered

  • Layout marked
  • Plants set
  • Pavers or stone set
  • Joints filled
  • First course level
  • Courses set
  • Cap stones

After and test results

  • Site restored
  • Site cleaned
  • Water test
  • Beds restored
  • Beds checked
  • Power lines and hazards checked

All landscaping job checklists

Fire alarm job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old device removed
  • Old panel documented
  • Old batteries out
  • Trouble noted
  • Fault found
  • Device found

During, before it is covered

  • Panel mounted
  • Cable pulled, penetrations firestopped
  • Devices set and addressed
  • Communicator mounted
  • Panel connected
  • Cable labeled
  • New panel mounted

After and test results

  • Pre-test, then acceptance test with AHJ
  • Alarm tested
  • Test signals sent and confirmed
  • Central station confirmed
  • Device tested
  • Panel restored to normal

All fire alarm job checklists

Low Voltage job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old device removed
  • Old unit out
  • Fault found
  • Existing cable mapped
  • Old cable removed
  • Issues found

During, before it is covered

  • Terminated
  • Ports labeled both ends
  • Mount points set
  • Readers and strikes set
  • Controller wired
  • APs mounted
  • Network set

After and test results

  • Tested, results saved
  • Views aimed and checked
  • Doors tested
  • Free exit and fire release checked
  • Coverage planned
  • Speed and coverage tested

All low voltage job checklists

Concrete job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old surface removed
  • Old section cut out
  • Old steps removed
  • Cracks cleaned
  • Void found
  • Existing edge cut

During, before it is covered

  • Forms set to grade and slope
  • Finish and control joints
  • Forms and rebar or mesh
  • Control joints cut
  • Layout & forms
  • Joints cut
  • Forms and rebar

After and test results

  • Excavation depth checked to plan
  • Color & pattern confirmed
  • Level checked
  • Surface cleaned

All concrete job checklists

Flooring job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old flooring out
  • Old floor removed
  • Damaged boards removed
  • Damaged area removed
  • Old floors removed

During, before it is covered

  • Layout racked
  • Tack strip set
  • Layout dry-fit
  • Set with thinset
  • Sealed (if needed)
  • Nosing set
  • Treads / risers installed

After and test results

  • Subfloor and wood moisture checked
  • Subfloor checked
  • Moisture checked and logged
  • Tack strip checked

All flooring job checklists

Appliance repair job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old unit out
  • Old units out

During, before it is covered

  • High loop or air gap set
  • Anti-tip bracket set
  • Dryer vent short, clear, metal
  • Water line run
  • Fridge set & level
  • Wall plate mounted
  • Vent direction set

After and test results

  • Model matches
  • Test cycle
  • Opening and utilities checked
  • Test cycle, no leaks
  • Gas or 240V checked
  • Burners and oven tested

All appliance repair job checklists

Cleaning job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Area assessed

During, before it is covered

  • Stickers / labels off

After and test results

  • Glass cleaned

All cleaning job checklists

Pest Control job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Entry points found
  • Activity logged
  • Entry points noted
  • Activity marked
  • Signs found
  • Activity found

During, before it is covered

  • Sealed / screened
  • Stations set
  • Traps set
  • Entry points sealed
  • Entry sealed
  • Form completed

After and test results

  • Stations checked
  • Local wildlife rules checked

All pest control job checklists

Pool and spa job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old pump out
  • Old filter out
  • Pressure noted
  • Leak found

During, before it is covered

  • Pad layout
  • Electrical bonded
  • Heater set
  • Controller mounted
  • Equipment wired
  • Timers set
  • Next visit set

After and test results

  • Pressure checked
  • Fired & tested
  • GFCI-protected power confirmed
  • Heated and chemistry balanced
  • No leaks
  • Leaks checked

All pool and spa job checklists

Welding job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old part removed
  • Damage assessed
  • Crack found and ground out

During, before it is covered

  • Ground & finished
  • Installed / delivered

After and test results

  • Drawing confirmed
  • Gate swing and latch tested
  • Welds visually checked

All welding job checklists

Mobile auto job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old battery out
  • Old glass removed
  • Safe drive-away time noted

During, before it is covered

  • Wired (if)
  • Panels back
  • Lug nuts torqued
  • Mounted and balanced
  • TPMS reset
  • New glass set
  • Checklist run

After and test results

  • Old battery tested
  • Terminals cleaned and tight
  • Charging checked
  • Caliper checked
  • Fluid checked
  • Pedal feel checked before driving

All mobile auto job checklists

Solar job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Site and roof assessed
  • Old inverter out
  • Bad module removed
  • Issue found
  • Penetration found
  • Array documented

During, before it is covered

  • Disconnects and labels placed
  • Location & clearances
  • Battery mounted
  • Wired to inverter / panel
  • Upgrades installed
  • New inverter mounted
  • New module set

After and test results

  • Backup tested
  • Before / after readings
  • Production verified
  • Panels / shade checked
  • Wiring checked
  • Array section checked

All solar job checklists

Window and door job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old unit out
  • Old door out
  • Problem found (sag, rub, gap)
  • Issue found
  • Leak found
  • Old units removed

During, before it is covered

  • Flashing lapped to shed water
  • Window set plumb
  • Shimmed and fastened
  • Weatherseal
  • Sill pan or flashing set
  • Frame set
  • Panels in

After and test results

  • Swing clear
  • Lock tested
  • Swing tested
  • Opening checked
  • Swing & lock tested
  • Weatherstrip checked

All window and door job checklists

Drywall job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Damaged sheet removed
  • Damaged cut out

During, before it is covered

  • Board hung, screws set below surface
  • Joints taped
  • Finish level set

After and test results

  • Framing checked flat
  • Framing checked
  • Dust cleaned
  • Moisture checked

All drywall job checklists

Insulation job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old insulation removed
  • Leaks found
  • Gaps noted

During, before it is covered

  • Access safe, walkways set
  • Air sealed first
  • Flue and can-light clearances kept
  • Depth measured
  • Batts / foam installed
  • Area ventilated per manufacturer
  • Insulation set

After and test results

  • Cavities checked
  • Thickness checked
  • Moisture checked
  • Attic cleaned
  • Depth checked
  • Before / after readings

All insulation job checklists

Masonry and tile job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Damaged tiles removed
  • Bad joints ground out
  • Old grout removed
  • Damage found
  • Cracks noted

During, before it is covered

  • Thinset or set
  • Seal (if needed)
  • Tile set
  • Grouted and sealed
  • Courses laid level
  • Joints tooled
  • Capped

After and test results

  • Slope to drain checked
  • Footing checked
  • Tested (if)
  • Substrate checked
  • Walls / chimney checked

All masonry and tile job checklists

Fence and deck job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Bad boards removed
  • Old fence removed
  • Damaged boards or rails replaced
  • Sag found
  • Existing checked

During, before it is covered

  • Property line and utilities marked
  • Posts set
  • Rails and pickets
  • Permit and layout
  • Ledger flashed and bolted
  • Rails and stairs
  • Beams and rafters

After and test results

  • Gate swings
  • Joists checked
  • Structure checked (ledger, posts, joists)
  • Rail and post tightness tested
  • Plumb checked
  • Swings clear

All fence and deck job checklists

Locksmith job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old lock removed
  • No damage
  • Weak points noted

During, before it is covered

  • Cylinders set
  • Deadbolts aligned
  • Lock mounted
  • Panel set
  • Anchored
  • Combination set
  • New lock installed

After and test results

  • All doors tested
  • Old keys tested, no longer work
  • Keys tested
  • Lock checked
  • Doors & windows checked

All locksmith job checklists

Garage Door job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old door removed
  • Bad panel removed

During, before it is covered

  • Tracks set
  • Panels hung
  • Springs set by trained tech
  • Opener mounted
  • Force set
  • New door set
  • New panel set

After and test results

  • Reverse tested with 2x4 flat on floor
  • Tracks checked
  • Operate test
  • Sensors checked
  • Balance checked

All garage door job checklists

Irrigation job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old controller documented
  • Head found
  • Old head out
  • Old valve out
  • Leak found

During, before it is covered

  • Backflow preventer installed
  • Lines trenched
  • Controller wired
  • Layout planned
  • Main line run
  • New controller mounted
  • Zones wired

After and test results

  • Coverage tested
  • Coverage checked
  • Turf restored
  • Controller checked
  • Coverage reviewed

All irrigation job checklists

Septic and sewer job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Old pump out
  • Problem area found
  • Old parts removed
  • Levels noted

During, before it is covered

  • Tank set
  • Lines connected
  • New pump set
  • Caps secured
  • Line cleared
  • New parts installed

After and test results

  • Soil test and permit on file
  • Float & alarm tested
  • Site restored
  • Flow tested
  • Baffles checked
  • Tank & field checked

All septic and sewer job checklists

Water Treatment job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Lamp date noted
  • Old cartridges out
  • Leak found
  • Old equipment removed

During, before it is covered

  • Drain & brine line
  • Faucet mounted
  • Unit set
  • Unit installed
  • Bypass set
  • Unit mounted
  • New equipment installed

After and test results

  • Hardness tested
  • TDS tested
  • Water tested
  • Retested
  • Hardness checked
  • Brine / valve checked

All water treatment job checklists

Handyman job photos

Before and tear-out

  • Studs found
  • Old item removed

During, before it is covered

  • Anchors rated for the load
  • Level set
  • Anchored (if)
  • Brackets level
  • Studs or rated anchors
  • New item installed
  • Caulk & seals

After and test results

  • Pulled hard by hand to test
  • Area cleaned
  • Parts checked
  • Location confirmed
  • List confirmed
  • Swing / latch OK

All handyman job checklists

These are suggestions taken from the steps in our checklists. Your inspector, insurer or customer may want different shots, so check what they ask for. See the Terms.