MODULE 1: DOCUMENTATION FUNDAMENTALS

Dry Log Systems

Lesson 1.3 - The Billing Blueprint

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The Billing Blueprint

The Most Important Process Documentation

Dry logs are the most important piece of
process documentation for water mitigation.

            Missing or incomplete dry logs is one of the

            most expensive mistakes contractors make.

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The Billing Blueprint

What Dry Logs Prove

Your equipment was necessary
The drying progress over time
Every single day of equipment rental charges

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The Billing Blueprint

A Real Example

Equipment on site for 7 days

Documented moisture readings on days 1, 2, and 7 only
Figured: show starting, mid-point, and final readings
Insurance response: "We can only verify 3 days of equipment operation"

$8,000

Lost in equipment rental charges

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The Billing Blueprint

The Cost of Skipping

$8,000 lost

because he didn't spend
15 minutes a day
taking readings.

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The Billing Blueprint

The Purpose of Dry Logs

Create a daily record that proves:

The structure was wet
Your equipment was working
It took a specific number of days to achieve dry standard

Trust doesn't get paid. Documentation gets paid.

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The Billing Blueprint

What to Capture at Each Reading

1. Specific Location

Not just "kitchen" but "kitchen, north wall, 36" from corner, 12" above floor"

2. Material Type

Drywall, plywood subfloor, concrete, hardwood - different dry standards

3. Actual Reading

The moisture percentage or reading from your meter - exact number

4. Time

What time did you take this reading? Consistent timing shows process

5. Dry Standard Target

What reading indicates this material is dry? (Usually below 15% for most materials)

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The Billing Blueprint

Dry Standards

Wood Materials

6-12% depending on regional ambient conditions

Drywall

Less than 1% (pin meter) or green range (non-penetrating)

                Key: Document your dry standard at the beginning of the job and stick to it.

                If your log shows "target: <15%" and final readings show 12%, you've proven the job is done.

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Common Mistakes That Cost Thousands

Mistake #1: Gaps in Documentation

Readings on days 1-4, then nothing until day 7. Insurance doesn't pay for days 5-6.

Mistake #2: Inconsistent Locations

Day 1 from kitchen, day 2 from bathroom, day 3 from bedroom. Not showing progress.

Mistake #3: Missing Initial Readings

Without high initial readings, you can't justify extended drying time.

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Common Mistakes (continued)

Mistake #4: No Photos of Meter Readings

Written numbers can be questioned.

A photo of your meter showing 42% on day 1 and 11% on day 7 is visual proof that can't be disputed.

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The Billing Blueprint

The System That Works

Set a daily alarm - Same time every day, no exceptions
Use a consistent route - Same sequence of locations each time
Photograph key readings - Especially the highest readings each day
Note any changes - Added equipment, homeowner interference, new discoveries

15 minutes a day. Worth thousands of dollars.

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Your Dry Log Template

In the resources section, you'll find the
dry log template

A structured format to capture all this information.

Use it on every job.

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The Billing Blueprint

Coming Up Next

Lesson 1.4: Photo Documentation

The four phases of photo documentation
How to take photos that get you paid
Why you should take 200+ photos per job

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The Billing Blueprint

MODULE 1: DOCUMENTATION FUNDAMENTALS

End of Lesson 1.3

Dry Log Systems

See you in the next lesson!

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The Billing Blueprint