A Higher Ceiling For Drones In Real Estate

The contribution of drones to the real estate industry continues to grow even though not enough people within the industry have embraced it as of now. You might say there is no ceiling on how much of a difference maker they are becoming.

What the University of Michigan has just unveiled is nothing short of amazing. Using what it terms “autonomous drone software”, they have demonstrated a drone add-on which appears capable of finding where to nail shingles on a roof (or comparable surface) with or without a human presence.

This does not mean that drones will be replacing humans on construction sites within a matter of months, if at all. Based on the progress to this point, these drones only operate for short period of time. While the skill or skills demonstrated are incredible, there are operational and time restrictions which may or may not be able to reach higher limits as the technology grows.

Consequently, the role of drones in real estate is more likely to be helping with short term projects and solutions. Examples might be using in situations where it is a higher level of challenge for a human to reach or access a corner or higher point due to wind, weather, or slope conditions.

Additional challenges include drones needing to comply with FAA guidelines above a specified height and on larger construction projects. These considerations are in addition to technical challenges.

I’m already seeing drones being used in conjunction with “Virtual Reality For Real Estate”. Residential and commercial builders working on high rises or projects where a view of the waterfront, skyline, or other consideratios important to the price and the sales process. For example, a drone is sent to the exact point of where a 30^th floor ocean front condo will be built to photograph the specific view which will be available upon completion of construction.

By doing so, a potential buyer has the ability to see exactly what the view will be from the living room looking out toward the ocean before the building has reached the 30^th floor. This provides the builder with an advantage toward getting the property sold well before the ready date.

Like with the nailing on the roof, it involves utilizing a drone for a short period of time for a purpose which greatly benefits execution of a real estate project.

There is a long way to with developing this technology. Yet, it is a huge positive that we have these uses available within our industry.

Check out the video:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA445Flxkjo