Before-and-after photos for a contractor job or home project

Disagreements on a job are rarely about the work itself. They're about the scuffed floor in the hallway, the cracked tile next to the new vanity, or whether the mess was there before. Photos from both ends of the job settle those quickly.

Before work starts

• The whole work area from two opposite corners
• Close-ups of anything already worn, cracked, or broken
• Finishes next to the work area: floors, walls, cabinets, and fixtures that could get damaged
• The path workers will use through the home, including stairs and doorways
• Shut-off valves, electrical panels, and access points

After the job

• The finished work from several angles, in good light
• The same nearby finishes and the work path, after cleanup
• Any leftover issues to fix, with a close-up and a wider shot

Put changes in writing

Photos show condition; they don't replace a written scope. Agree on changes and extra costs in writing, and keep them with the photos.

This is general information, not legal advice. Licensing, permits, and contract rules vary by state and city.