How remote inspections could fill the gap
Remote Inspections
Introduction:
Remote Inspections, sometimes referred to as Remote Virtual Inspections (RVIs) or Remote Digitized Inspections (RDIs) have become increasingly popular in the construction industry as a way to streamline the inspection process and improve efficiency. With the rise of remote work and the need for social distancing, remote inspections have become even more prevalent. This paper will explore the use of remote virtual inspections in construction, their benefits, and their limitations.
Background:
The traditional inspection process in construction involves an inspector visiting the construction site in person to inspect the work as it is being completed. This process can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive. It would involve a vehicle, gas, and insurance in case of injury while on the jobsite. Remote inspections offer an alternative to this traditional process. RVIs involve the use of technology, such as video conferencing. to conduct inspections remotely. RDIs add another layer with digital documentation, recording and storing the inspection for future use.
Northeast Energy Efficiency Experts said:
Across the country, many state and municipal offices are facing challenges in their building construction divisions. Inadequate resources to support code enforcement and shortages of building code inspectors create a challenge to keep up with the demand for building construction inspections. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges, but also presented an unexpected opportunity to research the potential for remote virtual inspections (RVI) as a possible solution to these challenges.
https://neep.org/remote-virtual-inspections-rvi-challenges-and-opportunities
Benefits of Remote Virtual/Digitized Inspections:
Remote inspections offer several benefits to the construction industry.
First, they eliminate the need for inspectors to travel to the construction site, which can save time and money.
Second, remote inspections can be conducted more efficiently, as the inspector can review digital documentation and communicate with the contractor in real-time.
Third, inspections can be conducted more safely, as they eliminate the need for inspectors to enter potentially hazardous construction sites.
Fourth, inspections containing video, photos and inspector notes can digitized and securely stored for future use. (RDIs)
Fifth, they offer easy implementation of the latest technology. Ai is being used in manufacturing to find defects in boxes, can ai be used to find defects in construction? Snow loads, wind loads, seismic loads, and climate vary from region to region. So, the states amend the building code for their area. With the use of ai, defects could be located during the inspection particular to the region based on the local building codes and zoning requirements in each jurisdiction and/or municipality.
Remote Digitized Inspections are recorded and securely saved for other benefits,
1. Proof of inspection
2. Quality of the inspection
3. Future help when remodeling the home or office.
4. Peace of mind for the occupant, insurance company and lender.
As the number of trained and qualified inspectors becomes fewer, remote inspections prolong an inspector’s functional life. When inspections are performed from a computer; a well-trained and qualified inspector can still perform inspections even when he is unable or unwilling to attend a jobsite.
Eric Ortner, Senior IT Project Manager with CloudVisit said companies “provide remote video inspections specifically designed for the built environment. Remote inspection software can include advanced checklist functionality to ensure quality requirements are met and the seamless sharing of inspection evidence between construction managers, crew members, auditors and municipalities.” https://www.nibs.org/blog/resilience-2021-pandemics-impact-technology-built-environment
Limitations of Remote Virtual Inspections:
Despite the benefits of remote inspections, there are also limitations to their use. Remote inspection utilize Wi-Fi and/or cell connections.
First, even though connectivity technology is becoming increasingly robust, virtual inspections rely heavily on technology, which can be prone to technical difficulties and malfunctions. This can lead to some areas not being able to connect remotely.
Second, virtual inspections could be less thorough than in-person inspections, as the inspector may not be able to see certain details or aspects of the construction site. He would be able to “see” as good or better than in person, however if the inspection requires manual shaking or pulling, he would have to rely on the contractor or homeowner on the other end of the smart device to perform those acts.
Third, virtual inspections may not be suitable for all types of construction projects, as some projects may require more hands-on inspection.
Other Case Studies:
Several case studies have been conducted to explore the use of virtual inspections in construction. One study conducted by the City of Los Angeles found that virtual inspections could save up to $10,000 per project in travel and other costs. Another study conducted by the National Institute of Building Sciences found that virtual inspections could reduce inspection time by up to 50%.
These inspections have proven to be extremely useful and efficient, allowing inspections to be scheduled within as little as a 10-minute time frame, whereas before, the inspector may give a 2 to 4-hour time frame. This has allowed the contractor to use his workforce more efficiently instead of having to pay someone to wait for an inspector for a couple of hours. https://iaeimagazine.org/electrical-inspections/a-case-study-on-virtual-inspections/
With the median number of separate inspections conducted during the construction of a typical single-family home being eight, and 17% of builders using more than fifteen inspections (Emrath, 2013), delays to timely inspections can adversely impact a company’s profitability.
For the general contractor, there was less waiting time for the inspector to arrive on-site and, once on site, there was less trivial conversation with the inspector. One contractor elaborated on time savings when he said, “we don’t have to wait around for the inspector to show up. When an inspector comes, we usually need a body on site, and that employee is sitting around doing nothing while he waits.” Another participant agreed by saying, “I usually take pictures before I leave the jobsite, and it takes me five minutes tops. Inspectors talk your ear off, and the inspection can sometimes take close to an hour.” This efficiency provides not only times savings, but also cost savings for the contractor. One participant said, “There will definitely be cost savings. In the past, employees have waited for inspectors for hours, and that employee is on the clock. So, you’re going to save money from that perspective.” Furthermore, another homebuilder mentioned that the time savings made by the virtual inspections directly correlate to costs savings for both the general contractor and the county.
https://easychair.org/publications/open/sgWL
Conclusion:
Remote inspections offer many benefits to the construction industry, including cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved safety. However, there are also limitations to their use, including technical difficulties and the potential for less thorough inspections. As technology continues to evolve, virtual inspections are likely to become even more prevalent in the construction industry. However, it is important to carefully consider the benefits and limitations of virtual inspections before implementing them in a construction project.
To find out more, email me at Robin@NoahCertified.org