INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM
May 30, 2024 -- The First Nations National Building Officers Association (FNNBOA) in partnership with AECO Innovation Lab are pleased to announce a pilot project funded by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) under the Housing Supply Challenge (HSC). This project will utilize virtual 3-D inspections to enhance housing conditions in remote First Nations communities.
The National Building Code requires a minimum of 5 stages of construction and inspection. Many communities do not have building code inspectors living in their communities requiring costly travel for inspections, with expenses potentially reaching $25,000 per house. As a result, mandatory code inspections during key stages of construction are often omitted or are delayed and can result in unsafe housing or major repairs required within five years.
The Platform for Remote Construction Inspections transforms physical sites into virtual 3D environments, enabling efficient and detailed construction reviews from any location.
Scans create a virtual 3D environment where construction reviewers can remotely "walk "through" sites. This allows them to identify issues that may affect the safety and longevity of buildings. The platform makes comprehensive construction reviews accessible and cost-effective, reducing costs by up to 90%.
“This will transform how building inspections are conducted for new construction and renovations. There will be cost savings for travel, and the technology will reduce construction delays,” said Keith Maracle, President of FNNBOA
“Not only will this help First Nations communities, but this groundbreaking inspection program can help towns and municipalities who are struggling to hire building code inspectors resulting in delays in construction projects,” said John Kiedrowski, Project Manager FNNBOA.
“The development of 3D inspections will advance the efficiency of inspections for all types of buildings. Inspectors can conduct thorough reviews without being physically present, saving both time and resources, and increasing the number of reviews an inspector can do,” said Mark Anderson, Chief Commercial Officer, AECO Innovation Lab
Inspection is a key part of the construction process ensuring that buildings follow local codes, regulations, and other standards that are meant to promote safety, comfort, and resilience
There is a shortage of building officials to provide building code compliance review in First Nations communities as well as in municipalities and towns throughout Canada. The shortage delays mandatory inspections and increases the costs of construction projects.
The Platform for Remote Construction Inspections supports remote inspections using 3D Reality Capture (3DRC) tools to facilitate the construction inspection process between inspection providers and builders.
Inspections can occur on existing buildings too, ensuring that they meet their performance goals, identify needed repairs, and inform renovations. This solution will result in housing that is built faster, lasts longer, and can be built and maintained at less cost.
FNNBOA and AECO Innovation Lab are launching a pilot in remote First Nations communities using 3DRC. See how3D reality capture works:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4JGiEaufa4
The pilot project is financed through CMHC’s Housing Supply Challenge, specifically under Round 4: Building for the Future – Innovative Construction for Housing Affordability. This challenge is designed to identify and support innovative construction processes, techniques, systems, or materials that enhance the supply of housing. The goal is to make housing more affordable, climate-compatible, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of communities.
Associated Links
https://www.fnnboa.ca/
https://www.aecoinnovationlab.com/