Ready. Set. Submit! Your Entry Success Checklist

Before you upload your project, make sure you're good to go:

☐ Read the Rules & Information Guide – Know the requirements before you begin.

☐ Picked the Right Category – Review the remodeling categories and enter your project where it fits best.

☐ Signed Photographer Release Form(s) – Complete and sign one for each entry, if required.

☐ Signed Homeowner/Contractor Agreement – Complete and sign one for each entry.

☐ Created Your Entry PDF – Save your submission as a PDF (maximum 30 pages and 20 MB).

☐ Prepared Your Upload Files

• Company logo

• Project plans (if applicable)

• Photo Requirements:

  • Include 1 "Before" and 1 "After" photo of the same view showcasing your project's best transformation (up to 20 MB each).

  • Include 10–18 additional project photos (up to 12 MB each).

  • Your first 5 photos should be your strongest images—they'll be used for marketing and promotional materials if your project wins an award.

  • Landscape (horizontal) photos are preferred.

  • All images should be high-resolution (minimum 300 dpi and 4" × 6" / 1200 × 1800 pixels).

☐ Need a Little Help? – If needed, have the OpenWater Awards Portal Navigation Guide handy to walk you through the submission process step by step.

💡 Pro Tip: You don't need to have every piece of your entry ready before you begin in the Awards Portal. Start your entry, upload materials as they become available, and save your progress as a draft. Just remember to review, complete, and officially submit your entry before the deadline—saved Incompletes (found in the Applications folder) are not automatically submitted.