Every day on a jobsite matters—whether you’re framing a new house or finishing a kitchen remodel. But if you're not keeping track of what actually happens out there each day, you're leaving too much too memory (and that can cost you).
That’s why a construction daily report is so important. It’s like your jobsite’s daily journal: simple to fill out, but powerful for keeping your project on track and your crew accountable.
In this post, we’ll show you what a good daily report looks like, what to include, and how to make it a useful part of your routine without adding more paperwork headaches.
A construction daily report (also called a daily site report for construction) is a written log that tracks what happens on your jobsite each day. Think of it as a job diary—it includes info like:
Daily reports keep everyone, from the PM to the subs, on the same page. They’re your go-to record when you need to clear up a dispute, check how the crew’s performing, or update a client who wants to know what’s going on. It’s all there, in writing, day by day.
If you’ve ever been in a “he said, she said” situation about a delay or damage, this is the report that has your back.
Not sure what to write down? Here are the five must-have sections to include in every construction daily report:
Who showed up—and when?
List all workers on site, along with their start/end times and roles. This helps track labor hours, monitor subcontractor performance, and verify payroll accuracy. If you're using time tracking software, you can pull this data in automatically.
Pro tip: Capture crew attendance per project or phase for easier job costing later.
Summarize the day’s progress. Be specific:
Avoid vague phrases like “general labor” or “framing work.” Clear documentation makes it easier to track timelines and prove progress if a delay claim arises.
Rain, wind, heat, snow—it all affects the jobsite.
Note weather conditions at the start and end of the workday. Many construction delays are tied to weather, and clients or inspectors may request proof. Even better: add a photo.
Track what materials arrived (and didn’t), including quantity, time, and condition.
Also log major equipment used on site—what was used, for how long, and whether there were any breakdowns or idle time.
Why it matters: This info helps you avoid disputes with suppliers and track equipment productivity.
Any delays? Document the cause and impact.
Also record any safety issues, near misses, or jobsite incidents. These logs protect you legally and show that your team follows OSHA and internal safety protocols.
Don’t let paperwork slow you down. Here are some best practices for creating daily reports that are useful (and don’t take hours):
Use a standardized construction daily report template across your jobs. It ensures nothing gets missed and makes it easier to train new team members.
Photos = proof. Attach jobsite pictures to highlight completed work, weather conditions, or issues.
Use mobile-friendly apps or tools so field teams can submit reports from their phones—no more chasing paperwork.
If you're using Ontraq.ai, your expenses and job costs can link directly to these reports. That means real-time project tracking and no double entry.
The whole point of a daily report is that it's daily. Set reminders, assign responsibility, and make it part of your close-out process each day.
Want a plug-and-play report you can start using today?
This template includes:
It’s formatted to be printed or filled out digitally—whatever works best for your crew.
So, daily reports can feel like just another chore. But here’s the truth—they’re a lifesaver when things go sideways. A well-done report gives you a clear view of how the job’s really going, helps you dodge costly disputes, and keeps your projects running on schedule. It’s a little effort each day that can save you a ton of trouble down the road.
At Ontraq.ai, we believe financial clarity starts with strong field data. That’s why our AI-powered bookkeeping system integrates with jobsite workflows like daily reports, receipts, and time tracking—so you can stop guessing and start knowing your numbers.
👉 Ready to simplify your financials and stay on top of every job? Book you free call now!
It creates a reliable record of progress, helps track delays, and improves communication across teams. It’s your jobsite’s paper trail.
Start with a consistent template. Include key info like crew, work done, weather, deliveries, and any issues. Use clear language and photos when possible.
It’s a written summary of what happened on a jobsite that day—from labor hours to material usage and any incidents.
Usually the site supervisor, foreman, or project manager. But it depends on your team size and structure.
As the name suggests—daily. End-of-day submissions keep info accurate and actionable.
