2026-09-02
How to Write a Daily Construction Log That Holds Up in a Dispute
TL;DR: The ten fields every superintendent should record, and why consistency matters more than length.
A daily log is a contemporaneous record. Courts and arbitrators give it weight because it was written the same day, by someone on site.
Record weather, manpower by trade, equipment, work performed by area, deliveries, inspections, delays, safety incidents, visitors and photos.
Be factual, not editorial. 'Electrical crew of 4 idle 2 hrs awaiting RFI-014 response' is far more useful than 'electricians slow again.'
Write it every day, even on days nothing happens. Gaps are what opposing counsel looks for.
Free templates for this
Daily Construction Log Template
A one-page daily field report for weather, manpower, equipment, work completed, delays and site visitors.
RFI (Request for Information) Template
A numbered RFI form and log to request clarifications from architects and engineers and track response times.