Small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones

Over the course of many years the home inspection process have evolved by enhancing the inspections with new tools, foundation elevations surveys, thermal imaging and now with drone inspections.

There are many benefits to using a small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones. They allow us to see areas that are normally inaccessible or not safe to access. Full two story roofs no visible from the ground and roofs with steep slopes that are unsafe to access and walk on.  Flying over the property can improve the vantage point of high walls, windows, and exterior veneers and the ability to see over of the house and lot.

So with allow of these sidewalls, valleys and transitions there are more potential areas for water leaks when flashing details are not properly installed. Walking on the roof is usually the best way to inspect it but changing your vantage point can also allow to see things that may have not otherwise been visible.

That's were drone inspections come in, as an inspector this is great but, it’s not as easy as buying a drone online, opening the package, and flying it over any property. Although the FAA has updated the regulations to make it possible for companies to legally use drones, there are still processes and procedures to follow. The FAA has put into effect Part 107 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, which defines the rules for any drone usage that is not recreational or hobby-flying This means if you’re using a drone in coordination with any work, you must adhere to FAA rules and regulations.

The availability of Drone inspections will vary on each property based on the type of airspace your house is in and weather conditions. 

With a 4K video and a high resolution still camera drone technology offers advantages for making inspections more accessible and safer.