360-Degree Pre-construction Planning

You probably know that construction cameras can save money on your project, put time back in your day, help mitigate risk, and give you deeper insight into what’s happening at your project — but have you considered the benefits of installing and using them during the preconstruction phase? 

Most general contractors and specialty contractors know that successful projects are usually built on strong planning during preconstruction, and with so much at stake at the jobsite, the more planning the better. Construction cameras can provide a watchful eye over preconstruction activities, such as inspections and materials deliveries, and improve site security before and after construction gets underway.

To that end, the process of selecting and installing construction cameras should be baked into the preconstruction phase, preferably toward the beginning, so that you’ll have visual documentation of all jobsite activities from the get-go.

We’ve developed a simple checklist that you can use during preconstruction to ensure your cameras are up and running when you break ground.

Consider how you will use your jobsite cameras

Most projects benefit from having time-stamped footage that shows where and when materials were dropped off, or when and how an injury occurred. Documenting these events with clear, Ultra HD 4K video footage protects you and project stakeholders by giving useful evidence of what actually happened. Knowing what objectives your cameras are intended for also helps you take advantage of important features, like motion alerts and time lapse videos.

Plan the cameras into the jobsite map

During the pre-construction phase, it’s worthwhile to consider where each construction camera will be installed. It’s much easier to factor the locations of your jobsite cameras when you’re planning the overall flow, like points of entry, staging zones, delivery areas and offices. By knowing in advance where you need your jobsite cameras, it’s far easier to install them where they will provide maximum benefit to your construction operation. 

Decide what types of cameras you need

Knowing where your jobsite cameras will go and why will make it easier navigating the different camera options available. Construction cameras come in a variety of different types. Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras allow you to see 360-degrees with the same camera. Fixed-position cameras focus on one area. Indoor cameras are often easier to move, making them perfect for the different stages of a tenant improvement project. Mobile camera trailers are easy to move and are solar-powered, making them great for scenarios that require you to move the camera. Evaluating your choices during preconstruction not only sets your project up for success on day one, but helps factor in those costs upfront. Check out our buyer’s guide for tons of useful info on types of cameras.

Find the right construction camera vendor and build a relationship

Strong relationships are fundamental to a successful construction project. A solid camera vendor will partner with your company to help it achieve its objectives with precision. Using a consultative approach developed from years of industry-leading experience, TrueLook can help you plan camera locations, select the best camera for each task and set up your system. A partnership with a vendor can also give you access to better pricing and/or flexible terms, which could even make it possible to purchase and install your camera system before the first payment arrives from your client. 

Decide who needs access

While the best construction camera systems will allow for unlimited users, unlimited data and unlimited storage, it makes sense during pre-construction to consider who on the project team, including stakeholders, might need access to the camera system. In an “unlimited” scenario such as this, it makes sense to think creatively about users, even if they aren’t on-site. Construction cameras allow authorized users to review footage or photos remotely, from anywhere. And, advanced construction cameras benefit project team members by integrating with their project management software, like AutoDesk or Procore.

Prepare for preconstruction project handoff

Before you hand the project off to Project Management, make sure the team knows who to call in the event of a question about the camera and what to do with the camera when the project wraps up. Having a quick reference makes things all that much smoother! 

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