Construction Daily Log Template (Guide & Free Download)

Making progress on a construction project isn’t just about finishing the work: It’s also about documenting that work and communicating updates with the people who need to know. Keeping a project on programme, on budget and as safe as possible requires workflows that capture and share important information on a daily basis.

Construction daily logs are a document that records all significant events, work completed, resources used and issues encountered on a construction site each day. Consistent, accurate and accessible daily reports can help construction teams improve communication, track progress and manage potential risks or delays.

This article explores how a standardised daily report template can improve communication and collaboration, provide valuable data and enhance final outcomes. A customisable, downloadable daily report template is included below.

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Construction Daily Log Template

Download this simple, customisable daily log template to record common on-site data.

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The Importance of a Daily Log Template

Daily reports can help track everything from overall progress, material and equipment status, safety concerns and important project milestones, such as inspections. They can also be used in supporting variation orders, resolving disputes between contractors and as evidence in case of legal action.

A daily report template standardises the process of documenting and sharing information about daily activities. This ensures the most important information is captured comprehensively and accurately every day.

Templates also make daily reports more useful to project stakeholders, by helping them quickly and more purposefully analyse data and access details and updates that might impact their work, including weather conditions, labour hours, equipment usage and any relevant training.

Of course, daily reports are most effective when captured using software that is built for managing quality and safety. Each item captured on a daily walk is a point of data that can be compiled and analysed across hundreds or even thousands of events. An analysis of daily log data over dozens of projects can yield powerful insights that help PMs predict and mitigate common causes of safety or quality issues. 

Information to Capture on Construction Daily Logs

An effective daily log template should include fields for all relevant information about activities on a construction site. At its most basic, the report should cover work completed, resources used and any issues or delays that come up. Project managers and site managers can include additional fields to capture more detailed information for each project. 

Below are some common elements found in a daily log template.

1. General Information

• Date, Project Name and Report Number: To help archive and reference reports
• Report Preparer: Include name and designation of the person who completed the report
• Headcount: Number of workers on site, trade partners present, consultants or vendors that visited and the hours they spent on site
• Location: In addition the city and county, specify the particular area of the project, such as a floor or section of a building
• Progress Photos: Highlights significant progress or issues to provide a clear picture of the status of work — this can also help with inspections or be included as part of closeout documents
• Weather Conditions: Documenting conditions, including temperature and moisture, can help understand and anticipate the impact of weather on work activities and the project’s timeline

2. Work Information

• Percentage completion: Where the project stands in relation to its completed state and target delivery date
• Daily activities: Tasks carried out on that day and those that still need to be done
• Work in progress (WIP): WIP reports ongoing tasks that might span multiple days
• Challenges: Issues faced in the field, which might include miscommunications, disputes between contractors or other observations
• Significant Milestones: Including inspections and the completion or beginning of major work phases, such as framing or exterior work

3. Material and Equipment

• Inventory: Including deliveries received and resources used
• Equipment: Types and quantities used, as well as status of equipment
• Damage or Other Issues: Descriptions and potential impact on future progress

4. Inspections

Inspection information can come from both planned and unplanned inspections. Planned inspections might include rough-in inspections, post-construction inspections, snag list inspection or the final inspection. Plus, most main contractors and trade partners conduct routine unplanned inspections.

5. Safety

Safety elements may include a PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) inventory — with items like hard hats, safety boots, gloves, goggles and respirators — as well as injury reports with descriptions and documentation of incidents and inspections.

6. Budget and Resource Impact

This section summarises how daily activities might impact the project’s budgets and finances, especially unexpected costs.

7. Report Conclusion

After the report is complete, review and sign off. Include the name and signature of the person who reviewed the report, such as a project executive, and a review can highlight communication between leadership and the project team. 

Finally, there is an action plan and recommended next steps. Outline a course of action to provide direction for subsequent days that will help keep the project on track and address any issues.

Using the Construction Daily Log Template

Here’s a typical process for using a daily log template.

• Preparation: The site manager or project manager prepares the report at the end of each workday. They fill in all relevant fields with clear and concise information about the day’s activities.
• Documentation: Attach any important documents or photos to provide further context.
• Review: The completed report should be reviewed for accuracy and completeness by a project leader, such as a project executive.
• Distribution: Share with relevant stakeholders, which might include the owner, senior management, trade partners or other team members.
• Filing: Organise and file reports in a centralised system of easy reference and future analysis.

Capturing Information: A Key to Project Success

Construction daily log templates ensure critical information is captured consistently and comprehensively throughout a construction project. Templates standardise the collection and sharing of important information that keeps stakeholders informed, provides data for decision making, resolves disputes and helps make long term improvements in workflows. 

One of the most effective ways to improve the quality and usefulness of daily logs is to use project management software. Many digital tools have specific features to record, track and analyse daily logs. Having a single central location for documents and information helps cultivate a quality of collaboration and communication that can simplify and improve all parts of project management.

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