Give each observation a location
Use a simple label such as “living room, north window, upper left.” Keep a wide photograph that shows the location and a closer photograph of the detail. Record the date and note whether the observation is new to you or known to be newly formed. Those are different statements.
Make repeat photos comparable
Use approximately the same view, lighting and distance. Where safe and practical, include a ruler in the photograph without disturbing the area. Record measurements consistently and note the method; do not treat a photograph as a precision instrument. Never chip away material, remove supports or enter unsafe areas to obtain a better image.
Add context without assigning blame
Record sticking doors, visible gaps, recent work, water incidents and changes you can actually observe. A drought map can be included as regional context, but a coincident date is not proof of cause. This website deliberately provides no crack-width threshold that declares every house safe or unsafe.
Know when a log is not enough
Do not postpone an assessment just to collect a longer timeline when changes are sudden, pronounced or accompanied by visible instability. Keep people away from an area that appears unsafe and seek appropriate local emergency or professional assistance. For less urgent concerns, the log can make an inspection more focused and help distinguish observations from assumptions.
Sources and interpretation
Explanations and workflow are our own. This is educational screening, not a site investigation or engineering recommendation.