Matterport: The Key to a Successful Property Restoration

After a fire, storm, or water loss, there’s considerable damage to a home or building that must be documented. Reports are written, photos are taken, and estimates are calculated based on the extent of the damage. Once the documentation phase is completed, demolition begins. But what if an area of a room was skipped during the photo session? What if the insurance company needs proof that you had an 85-inch television versus a 65-inch television in your living room? Photos, or the lack of photos, now become an issue. And disputes arise. But this never happens when Matterport technology is used during the restoration process.

The word, “Matterport,” is the name of the brand responsible for creating the 3D imaging camera system and viewing platform. However, there’s so much more than just the name when it comes to Matterport.

A Matterport combines advanced 3D scanning technology with high-resolution imagery to create a virtual tour of the inside of a building. When a Matterport is conducted, three sensors and six directional cameras scan an area and create three different views: a 3D model, a floor plan, and a Dollhouse View, which is a 3D view of the entire building. These scans can later be used to view the damage within the building, take measurements, calculate room dimensions, inventory contents, and much more.

Matterport cameras use LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and depth-sensing technologies to scan and measure a space. During the scan, the camera is placed at various points inside the building and the rotating camera captures high-resolution photos. Once the scan is complete, the scans are uploaded to the Matterport Cloud, where they are processed into a virtual tour of the property.

Once this 3D model is created, the final product is fully interactive, allowing the viewer to “walk through” the building using navigational hotspots. This is especially useful for restoration companies to evaluate the full extent of the damage, take measurements and calculate various dimensions to accurately estimate the cost of repairs.

Phase Three—Post-reconstruction: This final scan verifies the completion of the rebuild and can be shared with the insurance adjuster to document the work was completed.

Whether you own a residential property or are responsible for commercial properties, it’s best to use a restoration company that incorporates Matterport technology into its restoration process. Getting a Matterport scan conducted during various states of a property after fire damage, storm damage, or a water loss provides tremendous benefits in two areas:

Matterport Technology for Property Restoration

• Documentation of Damage: After a loss, a 3D scan captures everything and ensures nothing is overlooked. Everyone involved in the project has a clear view of the extent of the damage.
• Supports Restoration Plans: Architects, contractors, and subcontractors can access the scans to provide bids, plan repairs and sketch designs, even when the building is inaccessible.

Matterport for Insurance Claims

• Proof of Loss: A Matterport scan provides indisputable evidence of the extent of the damage, which reduces the risk of underestimating the extent of the loss.
• Inventory of Contents: Homeowners and property managers can use the virtual tours to walk through the building and document its content for insurance purposes. This can not only expedite a claim, but it can also more accurately document specifics such as brand, size, and quantity. This is extremely helpful if disputes arise over the value of certain items.
• Easier to Navigate Unsafe Environments: After certain natural disasters, a building can become unsafe to enter. Both the owner and the insurance adjuster can view the property remotely, which can speed up the claims process.

Matterport is a game-changer for the restorations business. This 3D scanning technology goes far beyond traditional photography in the way it creates a detailed, interactive model of a building. Contact us if you live in the Twin Cities and experience damage to a home or building. We offer 24/7 emergency restoration services and can more accurately estimate the damage and quickly return your building to its former state using Matterport technology.