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Bobby Shields, Director of Construction at Treehouse Builders, oversees the construction of Oxenfree, a new residential development in Princeton, Texas. This large-scale project includes 408 single-family units, townhomes, and a 10,000-square-foot amenity center. Oxenfree is one of four developments Treehouse Builders has underway in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Shields relies on TraceAir’s “trust, but verify” approach to maintain accuracy and transparency across all aspects of the project, boosting productivity while saving both time and money.
“Trust, But Verify” in Every Stage of Construction
Shields’ initial experience with TraceAir underscored its value. When his grading contractor reported 800 yards of haul-off, Shields was skeptical. “I used TraceAir to verify, and sure enough, it matched—right at 800 yards,” he recalls. This early validation set a new standard for Shields. From grading to material verification, he consistently uses TraceAir to hold contractors accountable and ensure accuracy across the board.
TraceAir has delivered real cost-saving results for Shields and his team by enabling timely verifications across projects. In one instance, TraceAir’s aerial imagery helped Shields catch an error with test balls left by a plumber, saving on costly rework. “That one correction alone covered the cost of a year of TraceAir,” he notes. TraceAir’s impact doesn’t stop there. It also helped Shields spot a billing discrepancy, where they were being charged for 14 dumpsters but only had 11 on-site. “With TraceAir, I zoomed in and checked, saving us significant unnecessary expenses.” These measurable cost savings make TraceAir essential for managing budget and efficiency.
The Value of Weekly Scans: Tracking Progress and Boosting Morale
For the Treehouse Builders team, TraceAir’s weekly scans are invaluable for tracking real progress on the job site. On a busy project, daily advancements can blur together, making it challenging to see how much is truly achieved week by week. But with TraceAir, the team gains more than just a snapshot—they receive precise, data-backed insights that quantify weekly advancements in real terms. “With TraceAir, we get a true measure of our weekly achievements,” they share. “It’s incredibly valuable for showing our corporate team and stakeholders just how much we’re moving forward, with clear metrics they can rely on.”
One of Shields’ favorite features is the ability to zoom in on specific areas and toggle between scans to see changes over time. “Being able to focus on one area and watch progress unfold is hugely valuable,” he notes.
TraceAir’s remote monitoring is also key. “I can track paving and earthwork remotely, so I might only need to visit once a week instead of five,” Shields explains. This combination of clear weekly snapshots, remote access, and detailed visualizations boosts team efficiency, morale, and transparency with stakeholders. “It’s great for morale when I can show our corporate team how much we’re accomplishing,” Shields adds. TraceAir’s visual reports make it easy to keep everyone informed and aligned.
A Tool for Company-Wide Collaboration
For Treehouse Builders, TraceAir has become indispensable for company-wide collaboration. With unlimited licenses, TraceAir ensures the entire team has access to the same up-to-date data, keeping everyone aligned and on the same page. The platform is straightforward for anyone to use, so everyone can easily access the information they need. Shields explains, “I rely on TraceAir every day for reliable information and fact-checking—it’s vital for my reports.”
This shared access also extends to Treehouse Builders’ investor partners, who appreciate the ability to remotely track project milestones. “TraceAir provides a clear view of weekly progress that our investors can understand and confidently share with their shareholders, adding a layer of transparency that strengthens trust,” Shields notes.
Our entire company benefits from having TraceAir—it’s a powerful tool that supports the entire homebuilding process from start to finish. My role is primarily focused on vertical construction, and TraceAir has been invaluable on that side. It provides our whole team—investors, contractors, purchasing, land development and vertical construction—with accurate insights, making collaboration seamless and ensuring everyone is aligned on real progress.”
– Bobby Shields, Director of Construction, Treehouse Builders
Transforming Project Management with Precision and Efficiency
For Treehouse Builders, TraceAir has become an indispensable tool, seamlessly streamlining workflows and empowering data-driven decisions across every project. Its precise tracking capabilities make TraceAir valuable not only for land developers but for the entire team. “TraceAir makes me better at my job,” Shields adds. “It allows me to fact-check the things I’m accountable for and make faster, smarter decisions. It’s an absolute necessity for me and our team.”
Ready to experience how TraceAir can elevate your project management? Schedule a demo to discover how precise tracking, streamlined collaboration, and data-driven decision-making can enhance efficiency and reduce costs.