Why Contractor Disputes Are Hard to Win
Contractors know most homeowners don't document properly. They rely on the fact that by the time you realize the work is bad, evidence is hard to capture. Walls are closed up. Finishes cover sloppy framing. Plumbing is behind drywall. The window to document is narrow: and most people miss it.
What to Document
✓Before work begins: original condition of everything they'll touch
✓During the project: progress at each stage, especially before things get covered up
✓Completed work: every area, every detail, wide shots and close-ups
✓Defects: cracks, gaps, uneven surfaces, leaks, code violations
✓Communication: contracts, texts, emails, change orders, payment receipts
✓Permits and inspections: or lack thereof
How to Build a Timeline
The most powerful evidence is a chronological timeline showing what was promised vs. delivered. For every photo and video: an independent timestamp when certified, the location recorded by your phone, and original unedited files.
Before
In Progress
Completed
Defects Found
Mistakes Homeowners Make
⚠Paying in full before documenting completed work
⚠Not photographing work in progress: only after problems appear
⚠Letting the contractor "fix" issues without documenting the original problem
⚠Using only before/after photos without independent dates
⚠Not saving all texts and emails
What Small Claims Court Needs
Judges usually look for the signed contract, a dated timeline of the work, photos showing defects, all communication, and payment receipts.
