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In today’s fast-paced construction environment, builders, contractors, and homeowners are leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline projects, increase efficiency, and mitigate risks. One standout tool making waves in residential and commercial construction is the Matterport 3D camera system. Traditionally used for real estate marketing and virtual tours, Matterport is now transforming how we document and inspect under-construction homes. Specifically, it’s offering a revolutionary way to capture detailed, visual records of pipes, wiring, and structural components before drywall goes up.
This blog post explores how using Matterport technology during the pre-drywall phase can provide critical benefits, from improving transparency to simplifying future renovations. Whether you’re a builder, project manager, home inspector, or homeowner, this insight can save you time, money, and headaches down the road.
Matterport is a 3D scanning and spatial data platform that creates immersive digital twins of physical spaces. Using a Matterport camera or compatible mobile device, you can capture high-resolution, interactive 3D models of any environment. These models can be explored in a virtual walkthrough format, allowing users to see and interact with every angle of a space from anywhere in the world.
In the construction industry, this technology is increasingly being used at various project stages: from initial site assessments and design validation to final inspections and client handoffs. But one of its most impactful uses is during the framing stage, when walls are open, and all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) elements are exposed.
Why Use Matterport Before Drywall Goes Up?
1. Comprehensive Documentation
Capturing a 3D model before drywall is installed provides a detailed visual record of all internal components. This includes:
Plumbing layouts
Electrical wiring paths
HVAC ductwork
Structural framing
Smart home device pre-wiring
This comprehensive record is invaluable when it comes time to troubleshoot issues, plan upgrades, or perform maintenance.
2. Improved Coordination Between Trades
With Matterport models available online, subcontractors and trades can virtually walk through the home to review layout and installation details. This helps identify potential conflicts before they become costly rework problems.
3. Faster Issue Resolution
If a pipe leaks or a wire shorts after the walls are closed, having a 3D model allows maintenance teams to quickly locate the issue without unnecessary wall demolition.
4. Client Communication & Transparency
Providing clients with a digital twin of their under-construction home builds trust and adds a premium service touch. Clients can see exactly what was installed and where, which helps with everything from future renovations to insurance claims.
5. Insurance and Legal Protection
Detailed 3D scans serve as a record that can protect builders and contractors in case of disputes, claims, or inspections. This documentation can demonstrate code compliance and verify that all systems were installed properly.
Digital Marketing Advantages of Matterport for Builders
Incorporating Matterport into your construction process isn’t just a smart move on the jobsite—it can also elevate your digital marketing strategy. Here’s how builders can leverage Matterport to attract more leads and stand out in a competitive market:
1. Boost Online Visibility with Unique Content
Matterport scans provide highly engaging, original content that can be embedded into your website, blog posts, or service pages. These interactive 3D tours enhance user experience, encourage longer page visits, and reduce bounce rates—all of which signal value to search engines.
2. Differentiate Your Brand in Local Markets
By showcasing your use of cutting-edge technology like Matterport, you position your company as an innovative and trustworthy builder. Featuring local projects in your Matterport portfolio can also help you rank better for localized searches like “custom home builder with 3D tours in [city].”
3. Generate Shareable Media for Social & Email Campaigns
Matterport tours make excellent shareable assets. Use them in social media posts, client newsletters, and email campaigns to demonstrate your process and professionalism visually. These assets can attract shares, increase your digital reach, and drive more traffic to your website.
4. Strengthen Lead Nurturing
Interactive 3D walkthroughs give prospective clients a clear sense of your craftsmanship and attention to detail. Including Matterport models in lead-nurturing emails or follow-ups helps potential buyers or clients visualize their own projects and builds confidence in your work.
5. Enhance Portfolio and Project Pages
Adding Matterport links to individual project pages creates immersive case studies. These can help prospective clients better understand your capabilities, style, and quality before reaching out.
Using Matterport in your builds not only enhances efficiency and transparency—it can also be a cornerstone of a smart, modern digital marketing plan.
Best Practices for Using Matterport in Under-Construction Homes
To get the most out of Matterport during the framing phase, follow these expert tips:
1. Scan After Rough-In But Before Insulation
The ideal time to scan is once all MEP systems are in place but before insulation or drywall is installed. This ensures maximum visibility of internal components.
2. Label Key Systems in the Digital Model
Use Matterport’s tagging feature to label key components such as junction boxes, shut-off valves, or Ethernet cables. These annotations will be useful for future service and upgrades.
3. Use High-Resolution Settings
Ensure your Matterport scans are high quality for precise detail, especially in complex mechanical rooms or high-tech installations.
4. Maintain Secure Cloud Storage
Store all 3D models securely in the cloud and organize them by project or address. This makes them easy to access and share with clients or team members at any time.
Real-World Applications & Case Studies
Home Builders
National and custom home builders are increasingly using Matterport to document homes at various stages. Pre-drywall scans help reduce warranty claims and support smoother handoffs to homeowners.
Renovation Contractors
Remodelers can use pre-existing Matterport scans to understand what’s behind walls before beginning demo work, reducing guesswork and minimizing surprises.
Homeowners
Savvy homeowners who build custom homes or undergo major renovations can request Matterport scans during construction to create a lasting digital blueprint.
Inspectors & Insurance Agents
Pre-drywall scans provide a baseline for inspections and can be used to verify workmanship, code compliance, and claim accuracy.
Future-Proofing the Home With Matterport
As smart home systems and green technologies become more integrated, having an accurate, visual as-built record of your home is a valuable asset. A Matterport scan taken before drywall installation serves as a time capsule that ensures future improvements, diagnostics, or repairs can be made with minimal disruption.
This digital asset remains useful long after the build is complete, providing a return on investment for years to come.
Final Thoughts
Using Matterport to scan under-construction homes before drywall goes up is a smart, forward-thinking move for anyone involved in the building process. The benefits of visual documentation, reduced risk, improved communication, and SEO potential make it a tool well worth integrating into your workflow.
By capturing what’s behind the walls today, you protect and enhance the value of the home for tomorrow.
For more information on home tours check out: https://soldinasnap.com/matterport-3d-tour-vs-zillow-3d-home/
