There are numerous stories of how drones help with construction, yet this one is both shocking and relatable.

A few months ago in Nashville, my business partner and I crossed paths with Willie, a seasoned general contractor grappling with a significant problem. We were on a routine weekly site visit tracking construction progress for a separate contractor when Willie approached us between flights. Introducing himself, he said, “Those construction drones… any chance you can measure volume with them? If so, I think I could use some help.” 

His company was leading the full site preparation for the development and had been collaborating closely with an excavation and hauling contractor. One phase of the construction involved reshaping and moving not just a stockpile, but an entire section of the site. Lately, the numbers weren’t adding up. Despite Willie’s business receiving regular invoices for what seemed like an enormous amount of dirt removal, his years of experience told him they were being billed for more than they should be. Not wanting to make unfounded accusations, he needed answers—and fast.

A Simple Solution to a Big Question

He was clear about his needs: could we determine how much dirt was ACTUALLY being moved each month? Utilizing our expertise in drone mapping and construction monitoring, we devised a plan, and scheduled the initial site scan. Through centimeter-level precision mapping at the beginning and end of the month, it allowed us to compare both scans side by side, generate a report, and send it to Willie. By comparing the two scans, we accurately calculated the volume of dirt removed.

The results were… revealing.

The Truth Comes Out

The trucking company had billed Willie’s team for far more dirt than they’d actually moved—about $450,000 worth. Armed with our report, Willie wasted no time calling a meeting with his team and the trucking company.

During the meeting, there was no room for debate. The report told the entire story in black and white (or in this case, cubic yards). The trucking company was fired on the spot, and Willie threatened legal action.

But what came next was the silver lining. Willie brought in a new trucking crew that got the job done at four times the speed. The pile started disappearing as quickly as it should have in the first place, saving his team over a month of time and frustration.

Since then, Willie’s team has eagerly joined the conversation to ask for more ways drones can help with construction on their other sites.

A Common Problem Fixed by Using Drones in Construction

Willie’s story is more common than you might think. General contractors, developers, and construction teams often deal with miscommunications or logistical mishaps on projects. While outright deception is rare (and we doubt there was malicious intent by the trucking company in our story), mistakes or gaps in tracking happen on nearly every project, and they can lead to costly consequences.

This is how drones help with construction in a big way. By capturing detailed site data quickly and accurately, drones make it possible to monitor progress, verify work, and spot problems before they spiral out of control.

Why “Trust, But Verify” Matters

What made Willie’s situation manageable was catching the problem early. If it had gone unnoticed, his team might have lost far more than money—they could have lost even more valuable time, delayed schedules, and damaged professional relationships.

Here’s the key takeaway: Trust is important in construction, but verification is essential. And drones make it easier than ever to do both. Regular progress tracking—whether weekly, twice a month, or monthly—helps ensure:

• Costs stay under control (propeller).
• Schedules stay on track (The Drone Life).
• Relationships with clients and subcontractors remain positive and professional (The Drone Life).

Every construction site is unique, and challenges are inevitable. But by equipping team members with the knowledge of innovations and how drones help with construction, contractors have the ability to tackle those challenges head-on.

The Bigger Picture – How Drones Help With Construction

For Willie, two drone scans uncovered a $450,000 issue. For others, it might prevent delays, keep stakeholders aligned, or ensure safety standards are met. No matter the scenario, drones are changing the game for construction teams everywhere.

If you’ve ever wondered how drones help with construction, the answer is simple: They provide clarity in a chaotic industry. Whether you need to track progress, measure stockpiles, or confirm subcontractor performance, drones give you the confidence to trust and verify. We would love to help. Check out our construction drone services or start a conversation with one of our co-founders.