In the past few years, drones have taken America by storm. These unmanned aerial vehicles are legal for anyone to fly, so long as it’s for recreational purposes (and meets some restrictions). The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has started making changes, however, and it seems that businesses could soon see the commercial benefit of drones. Luxury Homes Designed and Built by Tony McClung is one company that has found some great benefits of using a drone.

How Drones are Useful

More industries than ever are seeking drones now. Surveyors can look at large swaths of land more quickly with less effort. News companies can offer birds-eye views of celebrations, traffic accidents, and construction zones. Insurance firms can survey damaged cars and homes to complete claims. Even security companies are taking advantage of the potential, using drones to keep an eye on neighborhoods and large pieces of property.

Home building is one industry where drones are especially useful. In fact, more than 20 percent of home construction companies have explored options and used drones on a working site. Another 30 percent said they were either likely or very likely to implement the machines in the next three years.

Why Drones Make Sense for Builders

Why do builders love drones so much? To put it simply, these little machines can do things humans cannot, such as:

• Checking roofs safely. Standing on a roof can be dangerous, especially if it’s finished with a slick material (like sheets of tin). Drones allow builders to view roofs in detail while their feet remain on the ground. This is groundbreaking, especially when you consider that roof-related falls account for more than 10 percent of construction deaths in the last 25 years. 
• Providing more information to homeowners. Drones can give special insight that even the best computer programs cannot. If the client wants to see the view from a not-yet-built third floor window, a drone you can hover at the proper altitude and location to give the client a true preview.
• Examining crawlspaces. Working under the foundation of a residence is uncomfortable at best—and downright dangerous at worst. Drones can enter these small zones and survey for damage, such as leaking pipes and exposed wires. This not only saves effort on the builder’s part, but it also keeps him or her much safer.

• Delivering supplies. Nothing’s worse for a construction employee than climbing a few stories on a ladder to realize he forgot his nails or hammer. Drones can make quick, efficient tool deliveries to anyone on site. A business could use them to offer water and snacks to workers, keeping dehydration and weakness in check. 

It might be hard to imagine, but drones could be the future of the construction industry. The best businesses are putting this technology to use and making safer, smarter, and more-efficient workplaces.

Tony McClung is one of the few builders using an unmanned aerial vehicle to improve his construction techniques. If you’d like to learn more about his innovative drone use and how it can get your project done faster than ever, contact him online or call (214) 668-7802.