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Drone Home Inspections in Calgary

by | Mar 1, 2023

With advances in technology, drone home inspections are becoming increasingly popular. Traditionally, home inspections have been conducted by a person on foot, inspecting the property from the ground up. In this article, we will explore the benefits of using a drone for a home inspection and how it can make the process more efficient and accurate.

Drone Roof Inspection

Traditional Home Inspections

  • Traditionally, home inspections have been conducted by a person walking around the property and visually inspecting it. This method can be time-consuming and may not provide a complete picture of the property’s condition.

Limitations of traditional home inspections

  • Traditional home inspections have several limitations. For one, they may not be able to access certain areas of the property, such as the roof or upper floors of a multi-story building. Additionally, traditional inspections may not be able to detect certain issues, such as hidden water damage or structural defects.

Concerns with traditional inspection practices

  • Traditionally, inspectors would climb onto the roof to inspect it for damage or wear and tear. However, this method can be dangerous and can also cause damage to the roof surface.

    Walking on the roof can cause shingles or tiles to crack or break, which can lead to water damage or leaks. Additionally, walking on the roof can be hazardous, particularly for inspectors who are not experienced in climbing or who do not have the proper safety equipment.

    Some types of roof finishes should not be walked on, even by experienced inspectors. These roof finishes include:

    1. Clay tiles: Clay tiles are brittle and can crack easily under the weight of a person walking on them. Inspectors should avoid walking on clay tiles to prevent damage and potential injury.
    2. Slate tiles: Like clay tiles, slate tiles are brittle and can crack or break when weight is applied to them. Walking on slate tiles can also cause the tiles to become dislodged, which can create a hazard for anyone walking below.
    3. Metal roofs: While metal roofs are more durable than clay or slate tiles, they can still be damaged if walked on improperly. Inspectors should avoid walking on metal roofs that have a painted finish, as the finish can be scratched or marred.
    4. Flat roofs: Flat roofs can be particularly hazardous to walk on, as they may not be designed to support the weight of a person. Additionally, flat roofs can be slippery, particularly if they are wet or covered in debris.

    Using a drone for a roof inspection can help inspectors identify potential issues with these types of roof finishes without risking damage or injury. The drone can capture high-resolution images and videos of the roof surface, allowing inspectors to identify any issues without putting themselves or the roof at risk.

Drone Home Inspection

Benefits of using a drone for a home inspection

  • Using a drone for a home inspection offers several benefits over traditional inspections. Drones can provide a more comprehensive view of the property, including areas that are difficult or impossible to access by foot. Drones are equipped with high-resolution onboard cameras that capture images and videos that can be used to identify issues and assess the property’s condition more accurately.

    However, by the far the greatest benefit is safety. By no longer needing to climb on the roof a home inspector can remain safely planted on the ground during a home inspection while still delivering a high quality service. Traditionally, home inspectors have often opted to walk the roof, typically without tie-offs, as a value add service. This provides a competitive advantage versus inspectors who only use binoculars on the ground, or view the roof from the eave line. It’s also not uncommon for a real estate agent, or homeowner to climb onto the roof themselves. While Drone inspections primarily keep home inspectors safe they are effective at adding a safety precaution for everyone present during the inspection.

     

    Drone inspection process

    • The process for a drone home inspection typically involves the following steps:

      1. A home inspector will pilot the drone around the property and capture high-resolution images and videos.
      2. The images and videos are then analyzed by the home inspector to identify any issues or potential problems.
      3. The home inspector will then include in the report details of their findings and any recommendations for repairs or maintenance.

    Drones used for home inspections

    • There are several types of drones that can be used for home inspections, including quadcopters, hexacopters, and octocopters. Quadcopters are the most commonly used type of drone for home inspections, as they are lightweight and easy to maneuver. These drones use specialized equipment, including high-resolution cameras and video equipment, as well as software for analyzing the images.
      Drone Home Inspection
      Calgary Home Inspection

      Drones used for home inspections

      • There are several types of drones that can be used for home inspections, including quadcopters, hexacopters, and octocopters. Quadcopters are the most commonly used type of drone for home inspections, as they are lightweight and easy to maneuver. These drones use specialized equipment, including high-resolution cameras and video equipment, as well as software for analyzing the images.

        Does a drone inspection cost more?

        • There are no additional costs associated with using a drone for a roof inspection. Many roofing companies and inspectors now offer drone inspections as part of their standard services, meaning that there are no additional fees or charges for using a drone.

          Overall, using a drone for a roof inspection can be a cost-effective and efficient way to identify potential issues and ensure that a roof is in good condition.

        Advancements in drone technology

        • As drone technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more advancements in the field of home inspections. Perhaps in the future drones utilizing thermal imaging cameras will be the next common practice home inspectors deploy for detecting issues such as energy loss and water leaks.Additionally, drones may become even more autonomous in the future, with the ability to fly and inspect properties without the need for human pilots.
        Home Roof Drone Inspections

        • Using a drone for a home inspection offers many benefits over traditional inspections. Drones can provide a more comprehensive view of the property, and they can capture high-resolution images and videos that can be used to identify issues and assess the property’s condition more accurately.

          This also allows homeowners to view their homes from different angles and get a better perspective on potential issues that might otherwise be difficult to detect. Drones are also much faster than traditional methods, reducing the amount of time devoted to inspecting the roof. Finally, drone inspections are generally much safer since inspectors don’t have to climb onto roofs or other dangerous areas in order to get a good view of potential problems. An inspector falling from the roof spells a bad day for everyone!