Winning at Building: New Technology Gives Homeowners Tools to Love Construction
By: Corrie Spike Carter
Contributers: Dominick Caroselli, Lindsay Prichard-Fox, Daniel Fallon, and Jason Cudzillo
A renaissance in home building and renovation is happening in Rochester. New technology and a commitment to precision and collaboration are the driving forces.
DVC is a premier residential builder that has been building homes in Rochester for over 30 years. BuildHappy is one of a few companies in the U.S. offering 3D BIM (Building Information Modeling) services directly to homeowners and builders, are working together to champion an enhanced approach to home building.
The goals of DVC and BuildHappy are to support homeowners building beautiful homes and provide an organized process with integrity and attention to detail. With new tools, both companies aim for better visualization and platforms for collaboration. Simply put, they believe innovation can improve the homeowner's experience.
BUILDING BEAUTIFUL HOMES – IT'S ALL ABOUT BETTER VISUALIZATION.
"Lack of visualization is the biggest problem in the industry," said Dominick Caroselli, Owner of DVC. "Using blueprints pales in comparison to the 3D modeling technology that is now available. It is the only way to get better visualization on a project and clear up ambiguity. Typical 2D plans combined with imagination leaves room for subjectivity and error."
Caroselli acknowledges that the tech evolution in the residential construction market has been slow, but a game changer now that it’s here.
"With 3D modeling technology, everything you need to see is there—from the spaces available for home systems to anticipating clashes and issues. It is like coming out of the darkness," Caroselli added.
HOW DO WE GET BETTER VISUALS?
With BuildHappy, homeowners can have a replica of their home built in a digital environment before actual field construction takes place. For renovations, the team first laser scans the home to build a comprehensive and accurate digital model. For new build projects, BuildHappy works with architects to create a digital model. Everything from floorplans to renders, VR experiences, and construction documents are supported by the BuildHappy system. Accurate and ready for project estimating. Homeowners and their builder can make selections and see changes and updates instantly to understand the design better and aid in decision-making to help achieve their vision.
"Dominick is so passionate about building and loves this industry," said Lindsay Prichard Fox, Founder and CEO, BuildHappy. "His enthusiasm for continued evolution in construction is inspiring and encourages us to think bigger in terms of what's possible."
WINNING FOR THE WHOLE PROJECT TEAM
ARBR Studios, one of DVC's preferred partners, known for its custom millwork and luxury furniture, echoes the value of using 3D modeling technology to achieve greater precision and detail in their custom work.
"3D technology is awesome, but the true power of it is eliminating inefficiencies by bringing everyone together," said Daniel Fallon, Partner, ARBR Studios. "I have never seen this technology used on the general contracting side before or a business focused on bringing the entire project team together until now. This is a major leap in how projects are run."
With BuildHappy, the entire home can utilize 3D modeling technology on macro and micro scales.
"You can see the precision and accuracy of ARBR's work the moment you walk onto their projects," said Prichard Fox. "I love that we have an opportunity to work together to bring that same energy to home building."
During active construction, it's time to go. It is not the time to leave things out or up to the imagination; otherwise, project lag can occur.
"Information has been siloed for too long, but now, information can be centralized and shared in a friendly way with everyone involved. To have visuals on demand from the get-go and meet as a project team to strategize within one source file is a major change for the better," said Jason Cudzilo, Partner, ARBR Studios.
From plumbers to electricians, HVAC system integrators, fabricators, interior designers, and more, the entire project team can access accurate project information within the BuildHappy system.
"What's refreshing is that BuildHappy facilitates communication amongst all the parties, keeping everyone informed and on the same page as the project is planned and progresses through active construction," Cudzilo added.
TRUE STORY:
On a recent project, DVC was given 25-year-old drawings to work from. Knowing those documents were likely inaccurate, DVC used BuildHappy to laser scan the home and identify significant discrepancies and missing information. These issues would have created major delays, changes, and cost additional dollars if not discovered early.
"It's just an incredible benefit to get ahead of any issues. The complexities and intricacies of our projects require us to see how the home will be put together and have a greater understanding of each person's role. Modeling technology truly brings the whole thing to life. Lindsay has taken on the task of doing the heavy lifting to transform the home building industry and help us do our jobs even better," - Caroselli
