Shortly before the pour, many components that will later be concealed are still lying open. You do not have to judge their execution yourself. Document the state and request sign-offs from the site management in writing. Good photos and records make clarification easier later, without having to unnecessarily open up the foundation slab.
After the pour, the reinforcement is invisible and can hardly be checked on photos. Therefore, request the test record of the reinforcement check. The only thing visible to you: the bars must not rest on the substrate, but must be secured by spacers.
After the pour, the earthing system can hardly be checked anymore. A photo proves little here — request the test record and photograph visible connection flags. With insulated or waterproofed foundations, the execution often deviates from the standard.
A pipe that is ten centimetres out now will be in the middle of the room later. What counts is the position in the building, not a loose measuring tape in the picture. Check whether service entries are fixed against floating up. If cast-in parts are missing, all that is left later are special solutions.
Joints and pipe penetrations are critical weak points for water ingress. Have it confirmed before the pour that all sealing elements have been installed according to the detail drawing for the project.
Compacted substrate, blinding layer, insulation and waterproofing are partly already concealed by the reinforcement. Resolving damage and open spots is mandatory before the pour. Afterwards, these layers are inaccessible.
Ask the site management in advance via email for written confirmation: have the reinforcement, earthing, cast-in parts and waterproofing been checked and signed off? Specifically request the test records — these are worth more later than verbal assurances.
Photograph overviews first, then details: corners, spacers, earth electrodes, construction joints and pipe penetrations. Break large areas down into sections. For concealed layers, request photos of the preparatory work. Only step onto the reinforcement by arrangement.
Wastewater, water, power, conduits and service connections: document two right-angled measurements each to reference points that can still be found later — for example to outer edges or building axes. Note the diameter and purpose alongside. Label the photos straight away, as later on all grey pipes look the same.
Check the formwork shortly before the pour: mud, timber offcuts, standing water or ice have to come out — report this to the site management immediately. Save all drawings and test records in your building documentation afterwards. Your photos are only worth as much as your ability to match them to a drawing later on.
Upload your photos. You receive an assessment of which points you should raise with the site management before the pour — as preparation for your conversation, not as site supervision or a sign-off.
