FCL Builders, LLC, a nationally recognized ENR 400 level company, specializes in massive e-commerce, warehousing, and manufacturing facilities. With deep roots in customer service, the organization is always looking for ways to streamline decision-making and integrate clients, owners, and other key stakeholders into the construction lifecycle.
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One such investor, EQT Exeter, similarly develops high-quality properties focused on tenant well-being and environmental sustainability. With over 30 years of experience in the space, EQT Exeter seeks to future-proof its real estate in accordance with leading ESG practices. As both companies are proponents of new technology for improving efficiency, FCL Builders contracted The Drone Life to document the construction of a joint-effort project – a 371,000 square foot tilt-up warehouse in Carney’s Point Township, New Jersey.
As a LEED-certified building, all design and build efforts had to be meticulously prepared and documented pre- and post-inspection. Not only was the industrial space massive in and of itself, but it also incorporated 3,535 square feet of office space into the building. With 60’ speed bays, a 135’ truck court, and 40’ clear height, one can quickly imagine the scope of work.
To implement an optimal record-keeping system for this extensive project, The Drone Life conducted biweekly aerial progress photo captures spanning from September 2022 to June 2023.
“Partnering with The Drone Life has been a worry-free experience. They’re responsive, professional, and dependable even under tight deadlines. I’ve recommended their drone services to all my colleagues and friends in the industry.”
Zack Bernhard, Project Manager, FCL Builders
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
Tracking Jobsite Progress with Drone Imagery
Drone imagery adds color to cut-and-dry records, and an accurate view of when, where, and how jobs are completed. Owners, unable to physically reach the site, loved the drone material they received from this project as it was more interactive and detailed than phone pictures or handwritten notes — still widely considered the industry norm.
While documenting site progress is undoubtedly valuable for clients, it is truly helpful for on-site workers. Regardless of job function — project managers, subcontractors, and tradesmen included — everybody benefits from clear, objective proof of work done (or to be completed). Drone technology is a transparency tool, in that it allows verified users to “go back in time” to see when work was completed, and by whom. If tasks were not done to spec, project managers now have recorded, time-stamped evidence that may be used to settle future workplace disputes or litigation.
Related Article – Top 5 Challenges Facing General Contractors & How Drones Will Solve Them
For subcontractors or other laborers who aren’t visiting the site each day, drone photos acted as online information hubs. Whether through management software or straightforward email correspondence, drone imagery was utilized to observe current conditions and assess the job’s status without physically being present on-site. This in turn can reduce costly billable hours wasted by unforeseen weather events, rework, or incorrect schedules.
“Incorporating the job site photos into our weekly reports allowed the client to visualize the existing progress and upcoming phases.”
Zack Bernhard, Project Manager, FCL Builders
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Enhancing Project Closeout With As-Built Documentation
The Drone Life also prepared a full-scale orthomosaic map of the finished site, creating a referenceable, high-resolution “super image” to explore. Here, the general contractor could zoom in or enhance building sections, view surrounding vegetation or on-site equipment, and remotely inspect work. Perhaps the most valuable deliverable, these maps can be used to overlay site drawings for as-built surveys, verify work completed, and check building specs. When a drawing or map is laid over the top of one another, GC’s can see a near 1:1 comparison of every inch of build space, or leverage this data to build 3D models or digital twins.
To commemorate the project’s conclusion, The Drone Life also crafted an extensive site video to present the final building to company executives. This personalized approach thanks owners for their business, and provides them with extra sales and marketing materials for future use.
“We’ve now introduced drone flights on numerous other projects within our service region. The valuable insights from an aerial viewpoint cannot be understated.”
Zack Bernhard, Project Manager, FCL Builders
Getting Started with Construction Drone Services
The Drone Life’s professional, reliable service prompted FCL Builders to send out weekly reports to their customers every Friday, complete with drone imagery. It’s this kind of reliable service that builds long-term partnerships with builders and developers.
At The Drone Life, our team of highly-experienced, licensed drone professionals work one-on-one with your organization to develop turnkey aerial data solutions for each construction project. No matter the industry or size of the job, our clients receive custom, tailored service that fits their unique needs. If you’re interested in learning more about drone documentation or aerial progress tracking, schedule a free consultation with one of our drone experts.
What's included in YOUR GUIDE...
A Proven Roadmap of Success for Implementing Drones in Construction.
A List of Red Flags to Avoid When Hiring Drone Service Providers.
How to Persuade Your Leadership Team to Leverage Drones on Every Jobsite.
