The site log book – your tool for taming chaos on the building site
Picture the scene: you are building a house, renovating an apartment or putting up a summerhouse, and everyone around you is showering you with advice that sounds more like spells from “Harry Potter” than reliable guidance. The concrete is supposed to “set with a wave of the hand”, the bricks “have to sit straight” and the roof “must hold whatever happens”. And that is exactly when the site log book steps in – your best friend in all this commotion.
But what exactly is this legendary site log book that everyone has heard of, yet few know how to keep properly? Is it really just a boring pile of stamped pages, or a treasure trove of knowledge that will save you from a construction Armageddon? Get ready for a solid dose of information with a slightly light-hearted touch, because today the site log book is the star of this article!
The site log book – what is it, and does it hurt?
First, let’s clear things up: the site log book is an official document. Yes, you read that right – it is not an ordinary squared notebook in which you can sketch plans for your dream home or jot down quotes from the building crew (although, who knows, they may one day end up in a book of builders’ sayings).
Officially, the site log book is a document you keep during construction or renovation work that requires a building permit. It is required by law, and its main purpose is to record the progress of the work, events on site and any technical or official decisions.
The Electronic Site Log Book – a modern solution for investors and site managers
The Electronic Site Log Book (EDB) application, launched by the Polish General Office of Building Control (GUNB), has recently become available. At e-dziennikbudowy.gunb.gov.pl, everyone involved in the construction process can conveniently manage site documentation online. The EDB lets you apply for a site log book to be issued, assign responsibilities to participants in the project, make entries, and filter and search for information. The log book is available in browser and mobile versions, so you can work from anywhere at any time. It is a step towards the digitalisation of construction that makes managing the building process much easier.
Why is the site log book important?
You may be wondering: “What if I just remember everything, or make notes on my phone?” Unfortunately, building law is not that forgiving. Keeping a site log book is the investor’s obligation (that is, yours, if you are the one building). The document is needed in case of an inspection by the building control authority, and also as evidence in any legal disputes.
But that’s not all! The site log book is also your “golden book”, which allows you to:
- Monitor progress – because sometimes it may seem that nothing is moving, when in fact the crew has already laid five kilometres of cable.
- Avoid mistakes – you have all the arrangements in writing, so no one can tell you that “it wasn’t in the plans”.
- Gain credibility – if you ever decide to sell the house, a complete site log book is proof that everything was done in line with the regulations.
See also:
Formalities when building a house
What does a site log book look like and who keeps it?
A site log book is usually an A4 notebook with numbered pages and the relevant columns. However, you cannot buy one at just any stationery shop – it is issued by the authority (or authorised institutions) once the building permit has been obtained.
Keeping the site log book is mainly the responsibility of the site manager, but you, as the investor, are responsible for ensuring it is kept accurately. Entries may also be made by building inspectors, designers or officials. Remember, though – a jokey entry like “We laid the first brick, hooray!” is unlikely to go down well.
What should be in the site log book?
Every entry in the site log book must include:
- The date of the entry – this is absolutely essential.
- A description of the work carried out – e.g. “Foundation pour completed” or “Ground-floor windows installed”.
- The signature of the person making the entry – because anonymous entries are less credible than a building crew’s promise of breakfast.
- Notes on working conditions – e.g. “Work stopped due to heavy rain”.
- Confirmation of partial acceptances – the points at which the building inspector checks that everything has been done in line with the design.
The site log book and surprises on site
Every building project is a mix of adventures, challenges and… strange situations that can crop up at the least expected moment. Here are a few examples of what might end up in the site log book:
- The site manager’s sudden flashes of inspiration – “How about moving that wall by 10 cm?”
- Unplanned weather attractions – “Foundations flooded… by the rain this time.”
- Delivery problems – “The roof tiles ordered will arrive in a week. Roof temporarily covered with a tarpaulin.”
Although such entries may seem anecdotal, they make it possible to track progress and the reasons for unplanned delays.
Fitako – experts in construction chaos
If the thought of keeping a site log book sends shivers down your spine… relax, we have the answer! Fitako will not only take care of your project from A to Z, but also make sure the documentation, including the site log book, is kept properly. We will “finish off” your house (in the positive sense, of course), and you can sleep soundly knowing that everything is under control.
Why us? Because construction is our passion, and for us the site log book is more than an obligation – it is a tool that lets us run a building project in an organised way, in line with the regulations and… with a touch of humour when needed.
Do you already have your site log book? Or are you planning to start a project and wondering how to handle all those formalities? Fitako is here to help. With us, building becomes less stressful and more… inspiring! Get in touch and find out how we can make your building life easier.
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