Cutting-Edge Tools Can Save Owner Headaches…And Money

Construction lawyers throughout the country have long preached the importance of proper construction documentation to owners and developers alike. Comprehensive documentation of a project is essential to protect owners; especially in the quick-build environment we are experiencing now.

Fortunately, there are several companies providing powerful tools that are invaluable to the mitigation of claims and overall protection of the owner and/or developer. One example is Multivista, a leader in photographic construction documentation. Multivista offers state-of-the-art construction photography and video documentation. Their products include interactive visual as-built documentation, construction webcams, and inspection-grade photos of the project.

Other core competencies include “Facility Management Information,” which is the process of converting documentation manuals and warranty information into an indexed, integrated system that is accessible via computer. Put more simply, imagine if a building manager could scan building components such as doors and windows to immediately pull up installation and warranty information. The result is a fully integrated “virtual building” that allows workers to access a visual model of the facility and all available facility information.

This level of project documentation is supportive during construction disputes and assists the attorneys and experts reach a speedy resolution. The technologies, although costly, marry construction and information in a time when some owners are even mounting webcams on top of hard hats to tell if a worker is lying down or taking a nap. They present a more practical approach to necessary construction documentation and also include real-time components. Owners using these tools are able log into an online interface remotely and monitor actual job site conditions anytime, anywhere. This is priceless.