Thinking about booking a drone survey but not sure what to expect? You’re not alone.
At SkyScan Solutions, we get questions every day from UK property owners, housing providers, facilities managers, and landlords who want to understand how drone inspections work, and how they compare to traditional methods.
This guide answers the most common questions we receive, so you can book your survey with confidence.
1. Are drone surveys legal in the UK?
Yes, when carried out by licensed, CAA-approved drone operators. At SkyScan Solutions, all our pilots are certified by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and follow strict safety and airspace regulations. We also ensure full insurance coverage and adhere to UK GDPR for any image data captured.
2. What can a drone survey actually inspect?
A drone roof inspection can visually assess:
- Roof tiles, slates, felt, and flashing
- Gutters and drainage channels
- Chimneys and aerials
- Skylights, vents, and roof-mounted equipment
- Exterior walls, cladding, and windows (facade surveys)
- Heat loss or leaks using thermal imaging (optional)
3. Is it safe to fly drones around buildings and people?
Absolutely, when done correctly. We carry out a full risk assessment before each flight, and we never operate in unsafe weather or near restricted airspace without permission. Our drones are equipped with GPS stabilisation, obstacle avoidance, and emergency landing features.
And because we operate from the ground, there’s no risk to your staff, tenants, or contractors.
4. Will the drone damage the property or roof?
No, our drones never touch the building. They fly at a safe distance and use high-resolution zoom lenses to capture detail without physical contact. This makes drone inspections ideal for fragile or ageing roofs where manual access could cause further damage.
5. What if it rains or the weather is bad?
Weather matters. We typically avoid flying in:
- Rain or snow
- High winds (above 20mph)
- Fog or low visibility
If the weather turns, we’ll simply reschedule the survey at no extra cost. We monitor the Met Office and local forecasts closely to pick safe, efficient flight windows.
6. How long does a drone survey take?
Most single-building inspections take 30–90 minutes from arrival to completion. For larger sites, like housing estates or commercial parks, surveys may take a few hours or span multiple days depending on scope.
You’ll receive your full report, including images and recommendations, typically within 24–48 hours.
7. Is it expensive to get a drone survey?
Not at all—especially compared to scaffolding or cherry picker hire. Most domestic drone inspections start from around £250, with commercial sites priced based on size and complexity.
You’ll also save on:
- Contractor access costs
- Equipment hire
- Potential damage from manual surveys
- Downtime or disruption
8. Can I use drone survey results for insurance or repairs?
Yes. Our reports are ideal for:
- Insurance claims (storm damage, leaks)
- Landlord or contractor reports
- FM and maintenance planning
- Compliance documentation
- Pre-sale or pre-purchase inspections
We provide downloadable, shareable PDFs with annotated visuals and clear summaries.
9. Do I need to be present during the survey?
It’s not required, but we do recommend someone is available to grant access or answer questions on-site. For property managers or commercial clients, we often work alongside maintenance teams or security staff during inspections.
10. How do I book a survey with SkyScan Solutions?
Easy! Just contact us or use our quote form. We’ll ask for some basic details (property address, type of survey needed, any known issues), and we’ll provide a tailored quote and available time slots.
Conclusion
Drone surveys are a safe, fast, and affordable way to inspect roofs and buildings, especially here in the UK, where weather and access issues are common.
If you still have questions, we’re happy to help. Just give us a call or drop us a message.
