Using Drones in Your Home Inspections

by Kevin Hesterberg, The Drone Hanger, LLC

Drones have become an increasingly popular tool for home inspectors in recent years, offering a safer and more efficient way to inspect roofs and other areas of a property. With the rise in the adoption of drone technology among home inspectors, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest information and regulations related to their use in the industry.

According to a report by Research and Markets, the global market for drones in the construction industry, which includes home inspections, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 33.22% between 2021 and 2028. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for drones in construction and infrastructure inspection, as well as advancements in drone technology.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the use of drones for commercial purposes, including home inspections. Home inspectors are required to obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA before they can legally operate a drone for their business. The certificate requires passing a knowledge test and undergoing a background check. Home inspectors must also follow specific operational rules, such as flying below 400 feet, maintaining a visual line of sight, and avoiding flying over people.

In addition to FAA regulations, home inspectors must also be aware of local laws and regulations regarding drone use. For example, some states have laws that restrict drone use near certain locations, such as airports, schools, and government buildings. Inspectors should also keep in mind privacy laws and ensure they are not violating any individuals' privacy rights when using a drone for inspections.

The cost of drones and associated equipment, such as cameras and batteries, is a factor home inspectors consider when looking to integrate drones into their business. The good news is that the cost of drone technology has decreased significantly in recent years, making it more accessible for small businesses to adopt the new technology. According to a report by DroneDeploy, the average cost of a drone used for commercial purposes is around $2,200, with some models costing less than $1,500.

Kevin Hesterberg is a Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot with over 265 Hours of flight time. He has been working in the Home Inspection field since 2008. He founded The Drone Hangar, LLC in 2019 which specializes in drone sales, repairs, service, and consulting. He is very passionate about the safety and quality benefits that drones can provide the Inspection industry and to their businesses.

Why Use Drones?

One of the most significant benefits of using drones for home inspections is the improved safety of home inspectors. Traditional roof inspections can be dangerous and put inspectors at risk for falls and other injuries. Drones provide a safer way to inspect roofs and other areas of a property—reducing the risk of injury for the working inspector.

With the increased capability of high-quality cameras, drones also offer a higher level of accuracy and versatility when used properly, which can ultimately reduce liability for both the inspector and their clients. With a drone, inspectors can inspect every inch of a roof, including the most expensive areas to repair or replace. This is particularly important for areas that are difficult or impossible to access by foot, such as steeply pitched roofs or those with complex topography.

In addition to improving safety and accuracy, using drones in your home inspection can also save time and increase efficiency. Drones can quickly capture high-resolution imagery and footage of a property, allowing inspectors to identify potential defects and issues more quickly and with more detail than traditional methods. This can ultimately lead to faster inspections and more satisfied clients.

Safety

It is important, however, for home inspectors to ensure they are properly trained and equipped to use drones for their business. In addition to obtaining a Remote Pilot Certificate from the page 14 8

FAA, inspectors should also undergo training specific to using drones for home inspections. This includes learning about flight planning, camera operation, maintenance and troubleshooting.

Inspectors should always make sure their drone is in good working condition before each flight, including checking the battery life, propellers, and camera functionality. They should also perform a thorough pre-flight inspection of the area to identify any potential obstacles and hazards, such as power lines, trees, or other structures that could interfere with the drone's flight path.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of themselves and their clients, inspectors should follow a checklist for drone-assisted inspections. This includes developing a flight plan, conducting a visual inspection of the property from the ground, flying the drone to capture high-resolution imagery, and reviewing the captured imagery and footage.

Drones equipped with thermal cameras can detect temperature changes in the home, which can indicate issues such as heat loss, water damage, and electrical faults. This is particularly useful for inspecting roofs, where thermal imaging can identify areas where insulation may be lacking or where water has penetrated.

Despite the numerous benefits of using drones in home inspections, there are also some concerns that need to be addressed. One concern is the safety of the drone itself. Drones can pose a safety risk if they malfunction or crash into the home being inspected, potentially causing damage or injury. To mitigate this risk, home inspectors using drones should take appropriate safety measures, such as ensuring their drone is well-maintained, keeping it within their line of sight, and following all relevant regulations.

Other countries have their own regulations regarding the use of drones in commercial operations, including home inspections. In Canada, for example, home inspectors using drones must obtain a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC) from Transport Canada, which outlines the specific conditions under which the drone can be flown. This includes following strict safety guidelines, such as maintaining a minimum distance from people and property and avoiding flying over highways or other busy areas. As drone technology continues to evolve and become more widely adopted, it is likely that these regulations will continue to evolve as well.

Takeaway: the use of drones in home inspections offers numerous benefits, including improved efficiency, more accurate measurements, and the ability to detect issues that may be difficult to spot using traditional inspection methods. However, it is important for home inspectors to follow all relevant regulations and safety guidelines to ensure that the use of drones does not pose a risk to themselves or others. As the technology continues to develop, it will be interesting to see how drones will continue to transform the home inspection industry in the years to come.