How Long on Site?
Most cameras stay for the full project duration—from site prep through completion. Here's how to think about timing.
Which Phases to Document
Document starting conditions; valuable for before/after
Critical phases with dispute potential
Active progress; high documentation value
Ongoing progress; coordination important
Complete the timeline; marketing video potential
Usually not needed unless ongoing work
Typical Durations by Project Type
| Project Type | Typical Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (single home) | 8-18 months | Full project duration common |
| Commercial building | 12-36 months | May add/remove cameras by phase |
| Major renovation | 3-12 months | Active work period |
| Infrastructure | 1-5+ years | Cameras at key milestone locations |
Our Recommendation
Start early, stay until completion. The best time-lapses and most complete documentation come from full-project coverage. Month-to-month billing means you only pay for what you use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I install the camera before ground is broken?
Ideally yes. Pre-construction photos document the starting condition and make for a better time-lapse story. Even a few weeks before active construction adds value. That said, starting when construction begins is still valuable.
When should I remove the camera?
Typically at project completion or when the camera's view is no longer relevant (e.g., building complete, exterior landscaping done). Some clients keep cameras until final handover or even through the warranty period for documentation.
What if my project runs longer than expected?
No problem. Subscriptions are month-to-month. Keep the camera as long as the project runs. There's no penalty for extending—you just continue paying the monthly rate.
Can I pause the camera between phases?
Technically yes—you could cancel and restart. But you'd miss documentation of interim periods, and the time-lapse would have a gap. Generally, continuous coverage provides the best documentation value.
Related Topics
Document Your Full Project
Month-to-month billing. Start when you're ready, stop when you're done.
