How Drones Are Revolutionising Residential Surveying
The Evolution of Surveying: From Traditional Tools to Drones
In the not‑so‑distant past, surveyors had limited tools for inspecting elevated parts of a property. Binoculars, cameras on poles, and cherry pickers were the go‑to methods. While these tools were better than nothing, they often left surveyors and homeowners with blind spots—particularly when it came to assessing roofs and chimney stacks, which are critical but hard‑to‑reach components of any building.
Why Drones Have Become a Game‑Changer
Fast forward to today, and drones have transformed the surveying landscape. At Hogbens Chartered Surveyors, we’ve incorporated drones into our Level 3 building surveys as standard. For Level 1 and Level 2 surveys, clients can opt to include drone inspections for a reasonable extra fee. Here’s how drones are making a difference:
- Unmatched Roof and Chimney Inspections: With drones, we get top‑down views of chimney stacks and close‑up imagery of roof coverings that were previously impossible to achieve. This allows us to identify defects without relying solely on a roofing contractor’s opinion.
- Increased Transparency and Accuracy: Clients can actually see the issues for themselves. While drones can’t lift slates or tiles, they do provide a clear visual record of any visible problems, ensuring that no one can “pull the wool over your eyes.”
- Identfication of Surrounding Features and Development Potential: High‑level drone photos reveal not just roof conditions, but also what’s around the property. We’ve identified hidden plots of land and potential development sites this way, providing clients with opportunities they might otherwise have missed.
Professionalism and Safety: Doing Drones the Right Way
It’s essential to operate drones legally and safely. All our surveyors are CAA‑qualified and fully insured. We always ask the property owner’s permission before flying and stay alert to potential hazards like cables, aerials, and trees.
