Subcontractor Documentation App: Proof of Work That GCs Can Verify (2026)

John Dutton

Manifold is a field documentation app for subcontractors. It captures GPS-tagged, timestamped photos automatically, supports photo-required proof-of-work checklists, works offline on iOS and Android, and exports PDF reports. It starts at $16/user/month with no seat minimums — meaning a solo subcontractor pays $16/month, not a 3-user minimum.

This guide covers what subcontractors need from a documentation app, how to document proof of work that GCs and project managers can verify, and how different specialty trades use it in practice.

The subcontractor documentation problem

Subcontractors face a documentation challenge that general contractors don’t: they need to prove what they did to someone who wasn’t there. The GC or project manager reviewing the subcontractor’s work wasn’t on site during installation. They review photos and reports. The quality of those photos and reports determines whether the work is accepted, questioned, or disputed.

The second challenge is that subcontractors often work at multiple sites per day or week under time pressure. Documentation that requires admin time doesn’t get done consistently.

What subcontractors need from a documentation app

Automatic project sorting. Photos taken at each job site sort to the correct project without manual tagging. If a subcontractor is visiting 3 sites in a day, photos from each site need to be in the right place automatically.
Proof-of-work photos at each stage. Photos that establish what was installed, where, and when — before anything is covered up. For electrical and plumbing subcontractors, pre-cover photos are the only record of what’s inside the wall.
Works offline. Subcontractors work in the same signal-limited environments as GCs.
Shareable with the GC. A link or PDF that the project manager can view without any app or account on their end.

How subcontractors use Manifold by trade

Electrical subcontractors

Document rough-in before drywall: panel location, conduit runs, junction box positions, circuit labelling. These pre-cover photos are the installation record. See the electrical contractor documentation guide.

Plumbing subcontractors

Document rough-in before closing: pipe routing, valve locations, penetration sealing. Photos taken before anything is covered establish what was installed and where. See the plumbing contractor documentation guide.

HVAC subcontractors

Equipment survey, ductwork routing, and equipment placement documentation. See the HVAC contractor documentation guide.

Specialty trades

Roofing, concrete coatings, waterproofing, and other specialty subcontractors use photo-required completion checklists to produce a sign-off record that the GC can verify without a site visit.

Pricing

Photo plan — $16/user/month: GPS photo timelines, photo-required checklists, PDF reports, client sharing. No seat minimums.
Photo+Scan plan — $24/user/month: Everything in Photo plus Orbit Measure 3D scanning.

Solo subcontractor: $16/month. Two-person sub team: $32/month. No seat minimums, free trial, no credit card required.

Start your free trial or book a 15-minute demo.

Frequently asked questions

What documentation should subcontractors keep on every job?

GPS-tagged photos at each stage — especially pre-cover photos before work is hidden by drywall, flooring, or cladding. A completion checklist with photos at sign-off. A shareable PDF or gallery for the GC. Timestamped photos that establish exactly when the work was done.

How do subcontractors share documentation with general contractors?

Manifold generates a shareable link to a photo gallery or PDF that any GC or project manager can view without downloading an app or creating an account. The PDF includes GPS coordinates and timestamps for each photo.

What is the best documentation app for solo subcontractors?

Manifold at $16/user/month with no seat minimums. A solo subcontractor pays $16/month. CompanyCam requires a $79/month minimum for 3 users. Manifold includes GPS auto-sorting, photo-required checklists, and PDF reports — everything needed for professional subcontractor documentation.