How Can a Home Inspector Use Drones?

Like a private detective in a true crime novel, a home inspector searches for clues. Mildew, damp, creaky roofs — a good inspector has a knack for finding all the hidden evidence that could impact the price of a property – smart houses included. Now, these professionals are using aerial vehicles in their inspections. Drone technology provides them with airborne images and videos that they just couldn’t take with a regular camera. As a result, their inspections are far more thorough. You, too, can use drones, and other technology, to enhance your inspections. Here are three benefits of drones for home inspectors.

1. Inspect the Roof of a Property

Home inspectors find it difficult to assess any damage to the roof of a property. Climbing a roof is time-consuming, expensive and potentially dangerous. Using a drone, however, lets you inspect for any broken tiles or deterioration from the elements. Although you will need to pay for an aerial device, you could generate a return on your investment over time.

“[Inspections] without drones are slow, labor-intensive and put the people and roof material at risk,” says Drone Enthusiast. “The right drone for the job will do a complete, detailed inspection in no time at all with no risk to the roof or the people doing the inspections. Costs will be considerably lower than traditional inspections.”

2. Inspect Yards and Gardens

Drones let you inspect yards and gardens that surround a property and search for any damage that could impact the price of a home. You can inspect property features like siding, porches, balconies and driveways from above and discover damage to a property that’s invisible at ground level. Then, you can use this information to compile your inspection reports.

In 2016, The Federal Aviation Administration issued new regulations about the commercial use of drones. Now, if you want to use a drone to inspect a property, you need to register the drone and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate. However, these processes are a lot easier than you think, and using drones will provide you with unparalleled insights into a property.

3. Take High-Quality Photos

Inspection reports can take time to complete, and referring to your notes isn’t the most reliable of methods. Using a drone, on the other hand, will optimize your inspections and provide you with detailed images. You can look back on these photos as you compile your inspection reports and refer to them when buyers or sellers ask you any questions about the structural integrity of a building.

Drones can also capture high-quality video, which will provide you with a 360-degree overview of a property.

“Drones affixed with 4K Hi-Resolution cameras have become the norm,” says Home Value Leads. “Drones are capable of flying at a lower altitude than aircraft to really capture and highlight all angles of a property.”

Although drones are a relatively recent phenomenon, you can expect them to dominate the real estate sector in the future. Home inspectors use these aerial vehicles to identify structural problems, make quick decisions and report back to their customers. Check out other tools every home inspector needs.