“Greg Batista here once again to answer your online questions.
ShutterBugSam asks: Why do engineers take so many photos during inspections?
Photos aren’t just for memory — they’re evidence. They record conditions at a specific moment and protect owners and engineers in case of disputes. Miami-Dade requires photos in recertification reports, and courts often rely on them in lawsuits. A NIST study found photo documentation reduces disputes and errors by up to 25%. With today’s cloud tools, engineers can catalog thousands of images, tracking how cracks grow or repairs hold up over years. It might feel excessive to owners, but those photos provide accountability, transparency, and safety. They’re one of the cheapest risk management tools available.
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Authoritative references: Miami-Dade Recertification Program; NIST documentation studies.
The author, Greg Batista, PE, CGC, SI is owner of G. Batista Engineering & Construction and is a nationally-recognized engineer and contractor with more than 35 years of experience and offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
