Site Visit Checklist
Civil Geo Tools

Purpose
Use this checklist to capture field observations consistently during preliminary geotechnical reconnaissance, homeowner drainage reviews, retaining wall observations, or construction support visits.

Before The Visit
[ ] Confirm address, access, safety constraints, weather, recent rainfall, and purpose of visit
[ ] Review available plans, prior geotechnical reports, grading, utilities, and known problem areas
[ ] Prepare a photo log format, measuring tape, level, hand tools where allowed, and marked base plan
[ ] Identify what decisions the site visit is expected to support

Field Observations
[ ] Surface drainage, ponding, erosion, seepage, downspouts, swales, and outlet conditions
[ ] Foundation cracks, wall movement, settlement signs, slope distress, pavement distress, and repair history
[ ] Visible soil, fill, organics, soft areas, rock outcrops, excavations, and groundwater indicators
[ ] Photographs with scale, direction, location, and a note tying each photo to an observation

Engineering notes
- A site visit does not replace subsurface exploration when design parameters are needed.
- Photographs are much more useful when they include a scale and location reference.
- Document what could not be observed, especially covered slopes, inaccessible walls, or recent grading.

Project:
Prepared by:
Date:
Revision:

Engineering note: This resource is for educational and preliminary reference only. Adapt it to project requirements and obtain professional review where needed.