Drone Surveys and Roof Inspections
Safe, detailed inspection of roofs, chimneys and elevations that are difficult to reach from the ground. High-resolution imagery is captured by drone and interpreted by an RICS-qualified surveyor, often avoiding the need for scaffolding or a cherry-picker for the initial inspection.
We aim to respond the same day.
- RICS Regulated Firm since 2020
- 4.9 on Google and Trustist
- We aim to respond the same day
Drone inspections and surveys
Drone technology lets us safely inspect roofs, chimneys and elevations that would otherwise be difficult, costly or hazardous to reach on residential, commercial, industrial and heritage buildings.
- Across London, the South East and throughout the UK
- High-resolution imagery of roofs, chimneys, gutters and high-level defects
- Often avoids the need for scaffolding, cherry-pickers or ladders for the initial high-level inspection
- Relevant imagery is reviewed and interpreted by an RICS-qualified surveyor in an annotated report
- Flown in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority regulations
What we inspect by drone
- Roof coverings, flashings, valleys and ridges
- Chimneys, parapets and high-level masonry
- Gutters, downpipes and rainwater goods
- High-level external defects and building façades
- Commercial, industrial and heritage buildings
- Storm damage and insurance-claim inspections
- Investigation of potential sources of water ingress at high level
- Photographic condition records for party wall and neighbouring properties
- Aerial photographic construction progress monitoring
- Land, boundary, access and development-site overviews
- Pole-mounted camera inspection where it is not possible or appropriate to fly
When a drone survey helps
- A roof or chimney that cannot be seen properly from the ground or a ladder
- Large, tall or complex buildings where access equipment would be costly or disruptive
- Churches, listed and heritage buildings where scaffolding is impractical
- Storm damage or an insurance claim that needs clear photographic evidence quickly
- Recording the condition of neighbouring roofs before building works begin
- Owners and buyers who want a drone inspection alongside a Level 2 or Level 3 survey
Drone Surveys explained
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How it works
- Brief: you tell us what concerns you or what needs recording; we confirm the site can be flown safely and lawfully
- Flight: high-resolution stills (and video where useful) of the roof, chimneys, elevations or site, from angles not visible from the ground
- Interpretation: an RICS-qualified surveyor examines the imagery for slipped or cracked tiles, failed flashings, defective pointing, blocked gutters, cracked stacks, vegetation and ponding on flat roofs
- Report: annotated photographs with findings, priorities and recommendations; where a defect needs closer or invasive investigation we say so
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Drone survey or full survey?
- A drone inspection is a focused look at the parts of a building you cannot otherwise see
- It complements rather than replaces a RICS Home Survey Level 2 or Level 3, which inspect the whole property inside and out
- Add one to a pre-purchase survey where the roof is large, steep or complex
- Or commission one alone to investigate a leak, assess storm damage or record condition before works
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Where we cannot fly
- Locations near airfields, in restricted airspace or over crowds may need additional permission, and some cannot be flown at all
- Where it is not possible or appropriate to fly the drone, we may be able to undertake the inspection using a pole-mounted camera instead
- We check the site before we quote, so you know what is possible before you commit
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Safety and compliance
- All drone operations are carried out in accordance with applicable Civil Aviation Authority regulations and flight safety requirements
- Locations near airfields, in restricted airspace or over crowds may need additional permission or cannot be flown
- We check the site before we quote
Drone Surveys: your questions answered
What can a drone survey see that a normal survey cannot?
Roof coverings, chimneys, parapets, valleys, flashings, gutters and high-level elevations that cannot be inspected safely or at all from the ground or a ladder. Drone imagery gives a close, clear view of these elements and often avoids the need for scaffolding, cherry-pickers or ladders for the initial high-level inspection. The surveyor can revisit the images when writing the report.
Is a drone survey a replacement for a Level 2 or Level 3 survey?
No. It is a focused inspection of the parts of the building you cannot otherwise see. A RICS Home Survey Level 2 or Level 3 inspects the whole property inside and out. Many clients add a drone inspection to a pre-purchase survey where the roof is large, complex or a known concern; others commission a drone inspection alone to investigate a leak or storm damage.
Who reviews the images?
Relevant imagery is reviewed and interpreted by an RICS-qualified surveyor, who writes the report. You receive annotated photographs with findings, priorities and recommendations rather than a folder of pictures.
Can you fly anywhere?
Most residential and commercial sites can be flown, but locations near airfields, in restricted airspace or over crowds may need additional permission or cannot be flown. Where it is not possible or appropriate to fly, we may be able to undertake the inspection using a pole-mounted camera instead. All drone operations are carried out in accordance with applicable Civil Aviation Authority regulations and flight safety requirements, and we check the site before we quote.
How quickly can you inspect and report?
We aim to respond to enquiries the same day and can usually schedule a flight promptly, weather permitting (high winds and rain ground the drone). Findings are typically reported within a few working days of the flight, sooner where an insurance claim or an active leak makes it urgent.
What clients say
From clients across our surveying and building consultancy work.
4.9 from Google and Trustist reviews
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My experience with Huxley Surveyors more than met expectations. Mathew did our Level 3 pre-purchase survey of a flat in a Grade II listed property in Hove. His very extensive report was well presented, and upon receipt Mat proactively suggested a follow up phone call to clarify any points in the report and to answer any questions. All in all, a good experience. I can highly recommend Huxley Surveyors.
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The survey itself was exceptionally detailed and comprehensive, leaving no stone unturned. The report was clear, well-structured, and easy to understand, highlighting both major concerns and smaller issues that could have easily been overlooked.
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Fabulous service from Chris. We have used Huxley surveyors twice and would recommend without doubt. The service was professional, informed and really efficient. Following a survey, Chris offered follow- up calls to help with anything that wasn’t clear. A fantastic service.
Ready for a detailed, thorough survey?
Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys are priced instantly online. We aim to respond the same day.
RICS regulated · 4.9 from Google and Trustist reviews · No obligation