How to Photograph Your Ductwork for a Quote

A handful of clear photos lets me read most ventilation jobs without coming out first, which means a faster, more useful answer about whether I can help and what the work involves. Here is exactly what to shoot.

The shots that tell the story

• The appliance or fixture: the bathroom fan, range hood, dryer, or vent in question.
• The duct route: wherever you can see the existing ducting, behind the dryer, above the ceiling, along the crawlspace.
• The space it runs through: the attic, crawlspace, or mechanical room, including how much room there is to work.
• The exterior: the outside wall or roof area where the vent exits or could exit.
• Labels and model numbers: the rating plate on a hood or fan helps size the duct.
• A wide shot: one step-back photo of the whole room for context.

A few tips for useful photos

• Turn on the lights, or use your phone’s flash in the attic or crawlspace.
• Take a wide shot and a close-up of the same spot so I can place it.
• Include something for scale if a space looks tight.
• If it is a renovation, a photo of the framing or the drawings helps a lot.

Why it speeds things up

With these photos I can usually tell what is going on (where the duct goes, why it is not working, and what the fix involves) and give you a clear next step. It saves a trip for both of us and gets you an answer sooner.

When to send them

Send photos any time through the contact form. For a renovation, send them before the walls close up, while the ducting and framing are still visible.