Set & forget! Automating the inspection headache

by Measure Australia

Organising and operating dilapidation inspections of buildings are one of the less exciting chores in asset management, but that doesn't make them any less vital to the smooth, ongoing operation of a company. They are particularly important if you are a developer about to embark on any new project. High-impact works such as construction, demolitions, road works, and excavations can all have an adverse effect on buildings, particularly if they are old. High-impact construction projects can sometimes result in damage and defects appearing in nearby structures. It is often difficult to prove how the damage occurred, and who is at fault. They can also be expensive, and time-consuming to repair.

If the building assets being managed are exposed to this sort of high impact, potentially damaging environment then the quality and frequency of inspections become even more important than usual. Uncovering flaws, and potential damage to the structure at the earliest possible stage means less cost of repair, and a higher likelihood of establishing cause.

If anything, this means more physical inspections, which in turn means more time and cost. What if there was a way of doing this chore for less money and more efficiently, without even having to think about it at all? As it happens, there is a solution that provides all these benefits:- Independent, automated drone inspections.

Reasons to use Measure Australia and drones for inspections

1. Independent precaution

The initial survey sets up the pattern by providing a schematic of the structure. It provides a 'snapshot' of the current condition of the structure. This means exposing any existing structural damage, along with any areas that may be prone to damage in the future. It also includes water damage, cracks, flaws and stresses to all areas of the structure, as well as adjacent surfaces, fixtures, or features. This means floors, walls, ceilings, rooves, guttering, brickwork, gutters, footpaths, and road surfaces.

MA will provide a report including photographs. The independence of the report is vital in the event of a dispute between your company, and any contractor or construction company liable for causing damage to your asset.

2. Know the condition of your building BEFORE construction.

If the survey and inspection of your building is done prior to any construction projects you are aware of the condition of the structure at the outset. A direct A/B comparison can then be made to show damage over time that may have been caused. Actions can then be taken to minimise such factors as vibration, movement, construction site debris, or water damage that may be a direct result of the high impact work being done near, or adjacent to, the structure. Once the work has been finished, the inspection records can then be used to restore the site and return it to its original state.

3. Provide evidence for claims or liabilities.

Contractors often get blamed for damage to third parties or adjoining properties. With regular automated inspections a complete record, over time, is kept which can then be used to avoid dispute and/or drawn-out litigation.

it is important to maintain asset/building value, but it's also incredibly monotonous, and costly, for inspection teams to routinely explore brickwork and facades, but it is also one of the most important things you should do to maintain asset value. Solve both parts of that by setting up a cyclical cadence of remote inspections by MA, like 'set and forget' so you always get the inspections and don't have to think about it. The benefits are many, the costs are few, and you can, more-or-less forget about having to think about them once MA have set up the inspection cycle. You can even use MA's remote inspection calculator to customise the estimate for your potential asset inspection plan.

How much can you save? REMOTE BUILDING INSPECTION CALCULATOR