Why Drone Technology Is Changing Building Surveys And Why It Matters to You
When you’re investing in a property, whether buying, selling, or managing one, a thorough Level 3 building survey is essential. It’s your line of defence against hidden issues, future repair costs, and nasty surprises.
But here’s something many people don’t realise: not all building surveys are created equal. And one of the biggest advances in recent years? The use of drones.
At Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors, we combine traditional expertise with modern aerial technology to deliver surveys that are more detailed, safer, and better value. If you’re comparing firms, here’s why using a surveyor with drone capability makes all the difference.
The Problem with Traditional Roof Inspections
When a roof is difficult to access, like on a two or three storey building, or where there’s a rear extension, a hidden flat roof, chimney, or valley gutter, traditional surveyors are often limited. They may:
– Use binoculars or cameras from ground level
– Rely on pole-mounted cameras (which still have blind spots)
– Simply describe roof areas as “not visible” or “not accessible” in the report
The result? You could miss critical defects like:
– Slipped, broken or missing tiles
– Lead flashing failures
– Parapet wall decay
– Blocked or overflowing gutters
– Early signs of roof sag or structural movement
These are often costly problems, but easily missed without the right access.
Enter Drone Surveys and A Game-Changer
By using drones, we can quickly and safely inspect hard-to-reach parts of a property and capture high-resolution aerial images, giving us a bird’s eye view of exactly what’s going on.
Here’s what drones allow us to do:
– Access the Inaccessible
Chimneys, flat roofs, dormers, valley gutters, and high gable ends are often inaccessible without scaffolding or ladders. Drones eliminate this issue, capturing images from virtually every angle. without physical risk or disruption to the property.
– Identify Defects Earlier
Aerial inspections let us spot signs of damage, wear, or poor workmanship that are simply invisible from the ground. From minor cracks in render to sagging rooflines, we can flag issues long before they become expensive repairs.
– Improve Accuracy in Reporting
There’s a big difference between writing “roof not fully visible” and showing a clear, annotated photo of a cracked hip tile or leaking flat roof. Drone footage gives visual evidence that makes our reports more precise and more actionable.
– Enhance Client Understanding
Most clients aren’t surveyors and a photo speaks a thousand words. Including drone images in your report helps you see exactly what we’re talking about, making it easier to understand any risks or necessary work.
Why It Sets Dunham Hale Surveyors Apart
Not every surveying firm uses drones. Many large companies work to volume processing dozens of surveys a week with strict time slots and remote admin teams. They don’t have the time for the use of drones. It’s a get it booked, get it surveyed and get the report out the door.
At Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors, I take a different approach.
As an MRICS Chartered Surveyor, I believe in offering bespoke, thorough surveys where the quality of inspection comes first. I carry out every survey myself not a trainee or third-party contractor and drone use is included at no extra cost where appropriate and allowed under regulations.
Here’s what sets us apart:
– No rushed appointments – I spend the time needed to fully inspect the property
– One point of contact — You deal directly with the surveyor from start to finish
– Integrated drone photography — Included where useful, not charged as an extra
– Local expertise — I understand the quirks of local property types, from stone-built cottages to complex 1930s roofs
– Practical advice, not panic — I explain what matters, what doesn’t, and what to do next
Ideal for a Range of Properties
Drone surveys are particularly useful for:
– Older homes with fragile or unsafe access (e.g., period terraces, barns, and cottages)
– Large properties with multiple roof sections or outbuildings
– Loft conversions and rear extensions with flat or hidden roofs
– Commercial or mixed-use buildings
– Listed properties where physical access could damage the building
Safer for You, the Property, and the Surveyor
Traditional roof inspections can involve working at height, climbing onto fragile coverings, or hiring temporary access equipment. With drones, we eliminate those risks entirely — no ladders, no scaffolding, no damage to roof tiles.
We’re fully insured and follow Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines on drone use — including maintaining safe distances, flying only when conditions are appropriate, and never using drones where privacy or safety could be compromised.
A Smarter Survey From Start to Finish
Our clients often tell us the photo-led reports we provide helped them feel more confident in their decision. Whether you’re:
– Buying and want reassurance before exchanging
– Selling and need to understand what might come up in a buyer’s survey
– Maintaining an older home and want to catch issues early
…a drone-assisted survey offers a smarter, more complete picture of the property’s condition.
What Clients Are Saying
“The drone images helped us see exactly what needed repairing before we made an offer without them, we would’ve missed a major issue with the rear valley gutter.”
– J. Morrison, Bowdon, Manchester
“No one else even mentioned using a drone. Neil gave us the most thorough and helpful report we’ve ever had and we’ve bought five properties.”
– S. Green, Chelsea, London
