This guest post about preconstruction comes to you from TrueLook Sales Representative, Joe Norris. Joe is passionate about learning the needs of his customers and helping them come up with the perfect solution to manage their jobsites.
Getting ready to break ground? Frank Lloyd Wright used to reference “an eraser on the drafting table or a wrecking bar on the site.” He was talking about setting things up properly up front so you don’t have to go back and fix things when the solution comes at a higher cost. And preconstruction is very much like that: a critical phase packed with activities that, done right, can set your construction project up for success…sans wrecking bar.
Between scoping out the site, securing financing, estimating costs, forecasting completion dates and all the other essential tasks, you may forget to incorporate an essential tool to ensure your jobsite is safe and secure, and that all activities are documented from day one: construction cameras.
You may have never even considered construction cameras as part of this phase, but as TrueLook clients have discovered, having them installed and operating prior to work starting on the jobsite offers numerous benefits — and can save time and money. Here are three good reasons you should incorporate construction cameras into the preconstruction phase, and some tips on how to do it.
1. Protect Machinery, Tools and Materials
Before work ever begins on your jobsite, the machinery and tools you’ll need to do the work will be stored for some period of time onsite, and the materials you’ve ordered will be delivered ahead of time, as well. Everything will sit there unattended until the project starts, which can be days or weeks, depending on your schedule. People come and go as they complete other pre-construction tasks, and at night, tools and materials are vulnerable to theft. Without cameras providing that watchful eye, you’ll have no way of recovering stolen goods.
If you have construction cameras installed and operational before construction begins, you can rest easy knowing your materials and equipment will be there when workers arrive. What’s more, they’ll provide a deterrent to anyone attempting to steal your property.
2. Document Everything from Day 1
Compliance is a pressing concern for construction firms, and increasingly strict regulations necessitate reliable documentation. Since the onset of Covid-19, even more safety measures must be implemented and enforced. For example, you may have to install sanitation stations and signage explaining social distancing requirements — and this happens during preconstruction. Failing to meet requirements for worker health and safety, even during the planning phase, can result in fines.
Once turned on, construction cameras automatically document all jobsite activities and provide visual proof you’re compiling with necessary regulations. It also keeps a visual record of everything that goes on in case there’s a security incident or someone gets injured.
3. Improve Preconstruction Collaboration
Construction cameras are well-known for their ability to facilitate collaboration and faster decision making, and this is especially true with a high percentage of the workforce now working remotely due to the pandemic. With construction cameras on site and operational during the preconstruction phase, you can easily loop in remote stakeholders by sharing photos, videos and live-streams from the site. This cuts down time wasted on travel, potentially accelerating planning and enabling your team to begin construction earlier.
Prepare with a Checklist!
Construction cameras are an essential tool for any construction site, as they enable you to drastically reduce time spent project documentation and compliance while helping to keep everyone engaged and informed throughout the entire construction process, no matter where they’re located. Of course, they’re an essential security tool, and photos and footage can be reused for promotional materials, too. With so many benefits, why wouldn’t you incorporate construction cameras into your preconstruction process?
There are several steps to planning for and choosing construction cameras for your site. Here’s a simple checklist to get you started.
