What Photos and Details Should I Send Before Booking a Contractor?

Short answer: Send a clear description of the problem, the property address, access information and safe, well-lit photos showing both the wider area and relevant detail. Include equipment information only if you can obtain it safely. WinkScope booking forms collect trade questions and photos, helping contractors review a request before a visit without treating photos as a complete diagnosis.

What information helps with almost every request?

Describe what you noticed, when it started, which part of the property is affected and whether the issue is intermittent. State the address and any access constraints, such as a locked gate, managed building or limited parking. Explain the result you want: a fault assessment, a repair estimate, a replacement discussion or a planned remodel. Those are different visits.

Useful details reduce ambiguity. “The kitchen tap leaks at the base when used” tells the contractor more than “plumbing problem.” A short factual description is better than guessing a technical diagnosis. If you have already had work done in the affected area, mention it without assuming it caused the fault.

Which photos are useful?

• A wider view: show where the issue is and the surrounding access.
• A closer view: show the visible symptom without hiding the context.
• Equipment identification: include a safely accessible model label if relevant.
• Existing conditions: show finishes, dimensions or obstructions relevant to the proposed work.

Use adequate light and avoid heavy filters or blurry zoomed images. Do not include personal documents, unrelated people or information the contractor does not need. Never climb onto a roof, open an electrical panel or dismantle equipment simply to improve a booking photo. For immediate danger, follow local emergency guidance rather than waiting for an online form response.

What should I include for each trade?

Plumbing

Identify the fixture or area, whether water appears continuously or only during use, and any visible damage. Include a wider view and a safe close-up. Do not enter unsafe flooded spaces to collect details.

Electrical

Explain what stops working, when it happens and which rooms or circuits appear affected. Share visible external details only. Do not remove covers or touch damaged wiring for a photo.

Roofing

Show the affected interior area and a ground-level view where safe. Describe when the leak appears and any known previous work. Roof access and concealed conditions may still require an on-site inspection.

HVAC

Describe heating or cooling symptoms, which areas are affected and any safely visible display message. Include the equipment model information if accessible without opening it.

Remodeling

Show the current room, approximate dimensions if known, the changes you want and access constraints. Distinguish an inspiration image from the existing property so the contractor does not confuse the proposed finish with current conditions.

How does WinkScope use booking questions and photos?

The contractor configures services and trade questions for the public booking form. Customers can answer those questions and attach photos. The contractor then reviews the request in Bookings. AI analysis, where the account's plan and rollout permit it, can help summarise the information; it is not a substitute for professional inspection.

Booking files are not copied everywhere automatically. The contractor chooses whether to copy them to a client or project. The booking-to-estimate workflow can carry photos and relevant information into the estimate wizard, where the contractor still reviews and saves the result.

Frequently asked questions

Can photos give me a guaranteed repair price?

No. Photos cannot reliably show concealed conditions, measurements or every cause of a fault. Ask whether any price is preliminary or a final quote after assessment.

Should I answer a question if I do not know?

Say that you do not know rather than guessing. A contractor can confirm equipment details or conditions during the visit.

What if the issue is urgent?

Do not rely on a booking request for immediate emergency response. Use appropriate local emergency guidance and the contractor's stated emergency contact process.

Next step: Prepare safe photos and factual details before opening the booking form. See the online booking process and Bookings features.