The photos you send with a concrete coating estimate do a lot of work before you ever talk to an installer. A few well-chosen shots give them a clear read on your space, and they’re easy to capture with a phone. Here’s what to photograph and why.
Start with wide shots of the whole floor
Take a photo from each doorway or corner that shows the entire floor and room layout. You want the full shape of the space — the walls, cabinets, doors and any large objects — so the installer can see how much floor there is and how it sits in the room. Wide shots also make it clear where the floor meets the wall and where edging will run. A few angles from different spots capture this better than one.
Add close-ups of visible damage
Go in close on anything that looks damaged or already coated. Cracks, chips, stains, old paint, flaking or peeling product, and any prior coating all belong here. Get close enough that the texture is visible, and take a wider shot of the whole crack or stain as well as a detail of it. These close-ups tell the installer about surface condition in a way a wide shot can’t.
Photograph edges and access points
The floor isn’t the only thing worth capturing. Take photos of walls, doorways, transitions, and anything that may need to be moved or that limits access to the floor. If a workbench, shelving, car or appliance sits in the way, show it. These images help the installer understand what the work will involve and whether the space can be cleared.
Label each photo
A photo is only useful if the installer knows what it shows. Label each image with a location — "north corner," "back by the door" — and a short note on what you’re pointing out. Your phone’s built-in markup, or a notes app, is enough. Labels turn a pile of pictures into a reference someone can actually use.
None of this is a diagnosis, and photos never replace an on-site inspection. They’re simply information that makes the estimate conversation easier and helps both sides cover the right ground.
Share photos as part of your estimate
If you’re planning a coating project, these shots pair well with understanding your concrete surface profile and with a realistic sense of what the job costs. Share the labeled photos with your installer so you can discuss the floor and any questions before an on-site assessment.
