Company History
In 2003, David Blackburn (a San Diego real estate developer for over 30 years) found himself feeling discouraged and frustrated by his exposure from construction defect litigation. In an attempt to reduce or eliminate future exposure, David decided to hire a photographer before the construction of his next retro-fit project to document the entire process of deconstruction and reconstruction.

Prior to the start of construction on the project, David combined his extensive knowledge of construction to create a new methodology for capturing and documenting images based on AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergence Response Act) standards already approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. David’s methodology for capturing images coincided with critical path methodology ensuring a 97% confidence level in all field samples taken.

By merely taking photographs, David was able to increase the quality of work as well as the attention to detail when subcontractors realized that they would be held accountable for their work done on the project. For example, David had all deck drains video scoped using camera snakes to see if any of the building's pipes were clogged. After reviewing the video images it was determined that the majority of the drains were in fact clogged with construction debris. These video images were shared with the general contractor who then corrected the mistakes at their expense. Documenting the deck drains saved David thousands of dollars and allowed the correct party to be held responsible for their negligence.

Approximately three months after completion, a leak on the 10th floor flooded over ten units resulting in $750,000 worth of damages. The leak was caused from a screw puncturing a water pipe. As usual, the insurance company immediately paid for the damages and the General Contractor contacted the plumbing and drywall subcontractors to fix the problem at their expense. The drywall contractor requested photos of the drywall work done in that specific location for their own records. David allowed the Drywall Contractor to use the archived images as proof to the General Contractor that neither the plumbing nor the drywall contractors were at fault for the water damages. The images combined with the project schedule concluded that the leak was caused when the mechanical contractor built a frame to house an air duct and accidentally put a screw into the water pipe. The General Contractor was able to go after the mechanical contractor for damages caused by the screw. David’s images saved the drywall and plumbing contractor from exposure to $750,000 in damages and allowed them to bill the General Contractor for the subsequent repairs.

Approximately five months after the completion, one condo owner complained about a clanking noise coming from inside the wall that separates the tub/shower and a closet. David was able to retrieve the digital archive, pull up the exact image of the closet (pre-drywall) and isolate the exact origin of the noise. The photos determined that this specific vibration was caused from a subcontractor failing to place a separator clamp for a copper pipe and an electrical line. For less than $200, the drywall was surgically cut in the exact location where the clamp was missing. This precise correction saved thousands of dollars in potential legal claims.

Throughout the construction process, David was able to document and/or correct inferior and defective craftsmanship before the completion of the building. By using this new methodology for capturing images, David was able to help increase the quality of construction while saving millions of dollars in potential lawsuits. Upon reflection, he realized the importance of what he had accomplished. David immediately established and incorporated Construction Imaging & Archiving Inc. on September 22, 2005 to allow other Contractors and Insurance Companies to enjoy the peace of mind that comes with a job done right the first time. In 2008 Forensic Imaging and Archiving was formed to house the multiple divisions that have been created to serve the needs of multiple industries including Construction Imaging and Archiving.