How do I get a sense of a jobsite if I can’t physically visit it in person?
June 9, 2022
Welcome to our advice column where our estimators offer thoughtful answers to your questions on estimating. Go here to this form to submit an anonymous question.
Sometimes you just can’t drive to the sitewalk. Here’s some easy ideas:
- Ask the owner/GC for site photos. They often have a download link ready to share; if not, they’ll typically text them to you.
- Google Maps. If a jobsite hasn’t changed substantially in a few months, then the Google Maps will be roughly accurate. Try street view as well as aerial view.
- Hire a drone for sitework/exterior based projects. Use Multivista or a similar drone company to take some aerial photos for you. You can use an ongoing professional contract or a local freelancer. Make sure to get the owner’s approval before doing this.
- For interior renovation projects, hire a walkthrough with a 360° camera. Use Matterport to hire a professional to walk the project with a 360° camera and stitch it together. These are surprisingly affordable!
Ask an estimator your question
1build provides an easy-to-use integration with construction supplier catalogs and purchasing systems. Get access to millions of construction materials with our API today
