We’ve come a long way from drafting floorplans by hand and making construction copies on blue print machines. While many people are familiar with the 3D digital design tools we use to design buildings these days, you may not be familiar with some of the newer technology that works behind the scenes during the design process.
LiDAR technology uses lasers and cameras to accurately map a space in 3D, generating a digital version that can be navigated remotely. We recently purchased a LiDAR camera so we can produce these scans in house. Taking a LiDAR scan is the first step in any addition/remodel project to help us create an accurate 3D model of the existing building. This is much more precise and efficient than using a tape measure. Once we generate the scan, we can go back and digitally take any measurements we need. This not only helps in our design process, it is also useful for the structural engineer and general contractor. This accuracy helps minimize surprises and discrepancies during construction, saving time and money! Here is an example of a scan we did for an addition/remodel project in Summit Cove.
During construction, a LiDAR scan provides a valuable record for the owner showing plumbing and wiring locations. We recommend a scan right before insulation to document everything inside the walls. How often have you wished you could see what’s behind the drywall in your home? This is useful in the event of a system failure, repair, or future renovation/addition. We have found that it can even be helpful during construction to coordinate among the trades. Sometimes drywall gets installed fast and electrical boxes get covered up, or a plumbing issue needs to be resolved. Now there is no more guesswork on where to open up the wall to access the problem area. The platform we use, Matterport, makes it easy for anyone to navigate through the space to visually confirm a location or take accurate measurements. The owner gets to keep this record through an online account to use as needed in the future.
Another new technology we use in the office is thermal imaging. Our thermal camera is a great tool for investigating the existing conditions for an addition or renovation project. The sensor on the camera picks up even subtle surface temperature differences to identify areas where insulation may be insufficient or where air infiltration is affecting the thermal performance of a home. This allows us to identity up front the potential scope of work needed to deliver the final product our clients expect instead of being hit with surprises in the middle of construction that impact the budget.
If you are planning to renovate your existing home and are interested in how these technologies can be implemented for your project, contact us!