Tech that Makes a Difference: Key Tools for Restoration Contractors
Restoration
3 min read
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Let’s start with the obvious: Technology will continue to transform the restoration industry. In our digital age, accelerated by the pandemic, smart tech tools drive efficiency and alleviate common pain points. Adopting the right kind of contractor technology for your business is now at the core of securing a profitable future. Next to standard equipment like air movers, cavity dryers, dehumidifiers or vehicles for water, mold or fire damage restoration work, there is a range of tech available to not just make your life easier as a contractor but, crucially, meet increased customer standards. This article provides information on the key technologies for restoration business owners to help them make the right choice and avoid over-purchasing.
Moisture meters for damage assessment
The thermal imaging camera for more accuracy
3D cameras for a 360-degree walkthrough
LiDAR for fast room mapping
In March 2020, Apple introduced LiDAR technology on the new iPhone 12 Pro and the latest iPad Pro. LiDAR room scanning uses the pulse from a laser to collect measurements to be turned into 3D models of objects and environments and makes scanning rooms extremely easy and fast. The LiDAR sensor is optimized for room scanning measuring distance to surrounding objects up to 5 meters away. Used with corresponding software that combines the power of AR (Augmented Reality) with artificial intelligence for automatic object detection and realistic classification, LiDAR is more precise in detecting depth or object collision and increases accuracy, all of which matter for water, mold or fire damage restoration work. Going beyond recognizing basic features such as a floor or wall, the whole geometry of a scene can be realistically captured. Room scans become vessels of data with a long-term value as information can always be accessed and used.
Software for productivity, planning and reporting
If it was just the restoration work… but it’s just as much about managing communication and workflows with clients, sub-contractors, insurance companies and other stakeholders. Business management software is the glue that holds your operations together and specific restoration management software offers functionalities to streamline communication with clients, supervise construction restoration projects, generate schedules, and manage budgets and resources.
Keeping calendars, lists and timelines in one central place that is accessible from anywhere and offers real-time information, can prevent a multitude of mistakes and delays, all of which can be detrimental for client relations. So, if you want to safeguard your bottom line, software tools are a vital component, be it for simple job costing functionalities or a more comprehensive CRM software. Particularly for residential restoration contractors just starting out or running smaller operations, applications such as magicplan which cover the key functionalities of measuring, reporting and estimating, are a smart option that saves time and cost, with potential for valued adding integrations.
Be clever and use smart technology for better quality work
There’s a multitude of tech tools out there and ongoing technological advancements add ever more features and options. It’s therefore important not to get carried away by “cool gadgetry” but really focus on your specific business purposes, and most importantly, what benefits the delivery of a quality job and customer satisfaction. Smart technology provides exciting opportunities to enable better workflows. Using them with the needs of property owners in mind can support profitability and future proof your business.
