Challenge

Manual measurements resulted in inaccurate bids, lengthy site visits, and inefficient subcontractor coordination. Additionally, the cost of stand-alone 3D scanners was prohibitive, and setup was impractical.

Solution

4M Construction utilizes Polycam to capture accurate 3D models, generate detailed floor plans, and extract precise measurements of homes, streamlining the estimating process, improving subcontractor coordination, and enhancing client communication.

The Limits of Manual Measurement

For Dustin Robbins, founder of 4M Construction, the traditional method of estimating and managing residential remodeling projects was fraught with challenges. Armed with a notepad and tape measure, he would meticulously document every detail and design element of a home, only to return to his office and face the daunting task of deciphering his notes and calculating accurate measurements. This manual process was time-consuming, error-prone, and often led to discrepancies between initial estimates and final bids, causing frustration for both 4M Construction and their clients.

Discovering a Digital Solution

The turning point came when Michael Horey, an experienced business consultant and woodworker, joined 4M Construction. Horey, with his keen eye for efficiency and technology, recognized the need for a more streamlined and accurate approach to project management. He discovered Polycam, a 3D capture technology that empowers users to digitize spaces using just their smartphones and extract floor plans and precise measurements, transforming the way they approach residential remodeling.

“I stumbled upon some videos showing how LiDAR was being used to capture home renovation job sites, and that sparked my interest,” Horey recalls. “So, I started testing every app I could find. When I tried Polycam, it was immediately clear that the scans were the cleanest and had the least amount of errors, making it a no-brainer for us.”

Simple, Mobile 3D Scanning

Polycam's Space Mode, a feature that combines LiDAR and photogrammetry to capture entire rooms in a single unified model, has streamlined 4M Construction's workflow. "Using Polycam is incredibly simple. You just place the app on Space Mode, point your phone, and move around the room. The 3D scan appears almost instantly, which is fantastic."

This ease of use stems largely from Polycam's mobile-first design. Robbins and his team utilize everyday iPhones and iPads for their 3D scans—a forward-thinking approach that bypasses the need for bulky, expensive traditional scanners. By embracing accessible technology, 4M makes advanced 3D capture highly practical for their residential projects and significantly speeds up the crucial on-site scanning process.

Reducing Estimate Time and Discrepancies

Polycam's 3D capture technology has drastically reduced on-site time and improved estimate accuracy, a stark contrast to manual measurements that often lead to estimation discrepancies due to the challenges of capturing the intricacies of home spaces.

“Before Polycam, my initial estimates were often 30-40% lower than my subcontractor bids,” says Robbins. “Now, we're consistently within a 10% margin of error when comparing my estimates to theirs.”

Robbins noted that the Polycam Floor Plans feature significantly streamlined the initial stages of projects. "It cut the measurement portion of our initial client meetings in half, and dramatically reduced estimate creation time. What used to take approximately an hour to determine square footage is now accomplished in just 10-15 minutes." Robbins also utilizes the enhanced measurement tools within Polycam to quickly calculate precise dimensions for window openings and confirm material quantities directly from the 3D scans.

On a recent project, 4M Construction demonstrated the practical impact of Polycam's precision, achieving a 10-20% reduction in material waste. While 4M Construction leverages iPhones and iPads for their 3D capture needs, Polycam's compatibility extends to a range of devices, including Android smartphones and tablets, ensuring accessibility for various users.

Boosting Subcontractor Efficiency with Shared 3D Data

Polycam's impact extends significantly to subcontractor collaboration. By sharing the detailed 3D scans and floor plans, 4M empowers subcontractors to thoroughly review job sites remotely, drastically reducing the need for preliminary on-site visits. "We've essentially cut our required site visits with subs in half," reports Robbins, noting a 50% reduction in time spent coordinating at the homeowner's location.

"Accessing detailed Polycam floorplans is invaluable," Robbins emphasizes. "It allows them to become familiar with the project before visiting, streamlining their preparation and questions."

This shared digital environment means subcontractors, regardless of their location, have instant access to the comprehensive spatial data they need. Within Polycam, they can explore the 3D scans, consult generated floor plans, and utilize integrated measurement tools to extract precise dimensions directly from the model. This single source of accurate information facilitates better planning, informed decision-making, efficient collaboration, and allows for easy data export to other design tools when necessary.

Empowering Clients with Clear Visualizations

For clients, the benefits are particularly clear during the project definition phase. Polycam's 3D capture transforms abstract plans or existing conditions into tangible, easy-to-understand visualizations. "Homeowners are impressed by the detailed Polycam scans we provide them,” says Horey, noting that this clarity significantly aids visualization. This level of detail empowers homeowners, fostering a deeper understanding of the proposed changes and leading to more confident decision-making before construction commences.

Future Potential and Industry Impact

Horey, with his woodworking background, sees the potential for using Polycam in restoration projects. "For historic restorations involving damaged woodwork, Polycam scans can be directly imported into Fusion design software, saving significant time in the replication process.”

Horey observed that Polycam levels the playing field, providing a practical and affordable 3D capture solution that rivals the capabilities of much more expensive, traditional equipment. He noted that the traditional scanners often involve cumbersome setups and lengthy processing, making them a poor fit for the real-world demands of residential remodeling. Ultimately, Polycam has enabled 4M Construction to deliver faster, more accurate projects, resulting in happier clients. By embracing Polycam, 4M construction is not only enhancing their operational efficiency but also setting a new standard for excellence in the residential remodeling industry.

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