Stonewater is using Spotr’s AI image analysis platform to improve the speed and regularity of risk assessments of its properties using uploaded and open source images.
Spotr’s software has been developed and trained to assess photographs from in and around properties to identify potential risks. It can recognise damp, mould, cracks and other dangers and highlight them to recommend appropriate action. Spotr then collates the results from analysis into one system to support repair and maintenance planning.
Robert Panou, director of asset strategy for homes, Stonewater, said, “We have 40,000 homes across the UK so keeping in touch on full assessments can be a huge challenge. While our existing model is working to keep our homes safe, the reality of the process means that, like most other housing providers, we don’t carry out stock condition surveys to every home every year.
“This means that, while annual safety checks are happening much more regularly, it can sometimes be several years between full property assessments for each home. Although this is the sector standard, we knew we could do better.
“The wider Stonewater team, contractors and partners visit customers’ homes on a regular basis so we wanted to capitalise on that time. While it’s unfeasible to train everyone on identifying risks, they can snap a photo.
“With Spotr’s AI image assessment tool, we saw the opportunity to add an extra line of defence to act on potential risks faster. We’ve now spent a year working with Spotr to upload data, images and train the AI software specifically on UK homes, including their various idiosyncrasies and features. We’re now at a stage where we can take our property management to the next level.”
Dirk Huibers, CEO and co-founder, Spotr, said, “Most housing providers are heavily reliant on spreadsheets to manage their homes. With plans, schedules and records spread across multiple documents, it’s very time-consuming.
“Our software provides a single asset management system that uses AI to add an extra layer of support to operational capacity. While our AI image assessment tool will never replace the need for human eyes and knowledge, it does create the opportunity to do more without increasing the time investment.”
