Paul Hedgepath, Director, MJ Harris Construction

At MJ Harris Construction, precision drives everything we do. Several years ago, we added Trimble X7 laser scanning and Trimble robotic total stations to our technology toolkit. Since then, they have completely changed how we capture, verify and integrate project data. The reason was simple: when working on complex renovations and additions, accuracy and speed are the difference between meeting deadlines and missing them.

CAPTURING EXISTING CONDITIONS OUR BIGGEST WIN

Laser scanning has quickly become our most valuable tool for documenting existing conditions. Whether capturing mechanical systems, architectural features or structural components, the Trimble X7 delivers a highly accurate point cloud that drops directly into our BIM workflow. This allows us to make informed decisions about what stays, what goes and how new designs will integrate with the existing structure.

For addition projects, scanning the interface points between old and new construction eliminates guesswork. We can model the connection points with millimeter precision, preventing clashes and ensuring a seamless fit.

EXPANDED USE CASES ACROSS PROJECT TYPES

While documenting existing conditions is a major benefit, these tools have proven useful in many other areas, including:

• Structural steel verification: Ensuring beams, columns and bracing are installed exactly as designed before subsequent trades begin.
• MEP coordination: Scanning overhead mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to confirm alignment with BIM coordination models before ceilings are closed.
• Facade documentation: Capturing detailed geometry of existing building facades for restoration or integration with new design elements.
• Site logistics planning: Using scans to model site constraints, crane placement and material laydown areas for better sequencing.
• Pre-pour slab checks: Confirming rebar placement, embeds and blockouts are correct before concrete placement.
• Post-pour verification: Checking slab elevations and flatness immediately after placement to catch deviations early.
• As-built documentation: Providing owners with precise records of what was built, down to the millimeter.
• Historic preservation: Digitally preserving ornate or aging features before restoration work begins.

FLATNESS ANALYSIS FLOORS, SLABS AND ROOFS

Flatness scanning has proven its worth time and again:

• Concrete floors: Verifying new and existing slabs meet tolerance requirements before finishes are installed—or even during the pour for real-time adjustments.
• Roof renovations: Confirming slope and levelness to ensure drainage and long-term performance.

Scanning entire surfaces instead of relying on spot measurements provides documented proof, speeds decision-making and eliminates costly rework.

BEYOND MEASURING VERIFICATION AND QUALITY CONTROL

Laser scanning offers speed, accuracy and detail far beyond traditional methods. Measuring with tape or total stations alone could take weeks and still miss the mark. With the X7’s in-field registration, scans can be processed on-site and the data turned around quickly.

Using the X7’s precision together with Trimble robotic total stations allows us to oversee both broad area scans and pinpoint layout checks with confidence. Whether it’s verifying steel placement, confirming MEP systems, checking concrete work or performing full scan-to-check comparisons against design tolerances, we know exactly where we stand before the next phase begins.

RETURN ON INVESTMENT WHY IT MATTERS

Laser scanning and robotic total stations have delivered measurable ROI across our projects:

• Speed: Rapid capture and verification without multiple site visits
• Accuracy: Consistent millimeter-level precision
• Confidence: Clear visual proof that builds trust with owners and design teams
• Reduced rework: Catching discrepancies early before they become costly
• Better coordination: Sharing scan data directly with all project stakeholders

BE THE DIFFERENCE

By embracing advanced scanning and layout technologies, we’ve raised the bar for project certainty, quality and efficiency. At MJ Harris Construction, it’s not just about using cutting-edge tools, it’s about ensuring every project starts and ends with precision.