What I’m thinking also, at the least I could fly candy over to the kids. Try it out and see if I might end up buying a professional drone this spring.
I got extra batteries also, another $15
Old thread, I sold the AR a few months ago and upgraded to the DJI FC40. Much more stable and usable in tight quarters. Down on the beaches and around here with mcmansions built straight up, there is no viewing the roofs without these or a spectoscope/Tall camera pole and I’m not carrying a 30 foot extandable on the vehicle. I’m an inspector not Nick Lawenda.
I am but a rookie, but this will be the main selling point of my inspections- coming soon to Virginia (specifically Northern!)
Now to research the legalities- as we have many “alphabet boys” in the area (FBI, CIA, etc.) and lots of restricted airspace as I live near Dulles…
I will keep reporting to you all as I go, I promise!
Best,
Tia (7Woods Management LLC)
Yes the Parrot AR 2.0 serves inspection purposes well enough. But if you are investing in a drone, you might as well go with DJI’s Phantom 2 Vision+.
It handles much better than the Parrot, and with its HD filming capabilities you can use this professional quality video to showcase your site to clients without hiring extra help. It costs more… but the benefits are there.
Although, the Parrot AR 2.0 can be used for roof inspection purpose, but it may not be the Best Quadcopter (Drone) for this task. It lacks HD filming capabilities for a detailed inspection prospective, limited remote distance and stability is a concern. If you are more likely to invest in a drone, why not consider Dji Phantom Fc40 over Parrot AR 2.0? While DJI’s Phantom 2 Vision+ may be also an ideal option, but it cost twice the amount of what Dji Phantom Fc40 cost on the market. One of my friend, a disable army veteran make use of Dji drone to make his life enhanced and better. Though it cost a bit more, but opportunities are there.
Are you spamming us? 
The $62 one takes a beating I’ve crashed my hundreds of times learning how to fly it. Not bad video and pics either. Doesn’t do well in windy conditions. I would get this one and learn how to fly and then upgrade to the better model after you get your training wheels off.
This is much cheaper: “ll portions of the roof could not be observed due to adjacent houses and the height of the roof and you may wish to have it evaluated. However, from within the attic, no leaks were observed.”
I practice with the $62 drone. Takes pretty good pictures and flies well.
Only when no wind (as was said by Samuel.)
I’ll be getting my DJI Phantom Vision+ today. After today, any inaccessible/steep rooftops will now be recorded by video and pictures taken. I can now alleviate that portion of my report where it states “___% of roof was not inspected due to access”.
I’ll keep you all updated.
Have you bought any of this drones?
How do you like it, David?
Better take a new one DJI Phantom 3 Standard. It’s the same price but a way better and much easier to fly.
Thank you for your time and experience. This is very important topic because not only is walking on roofs a hazard to the roof, but to my health as well… I’m for the drone. I have the Pole cam. But you have to be able to walk around the entire parameters of the house with it and if there are any funky hoops, you may not be able to see them. A drone will get it all. However, the wind could blow you away and cost you $$$. I’m still learning what to do. Thanks again!
A monopod and an Olympus camera with a 50/200mm zoom (100/400 in 35mm equiv)
Hmm is that an Oatey or an IPS/Water-Tight boot flashing? Easy enough to tell.
A modded painters pole sounds like a great idea for a mono-pod and a lot cheaper than the otherwise really nice camera pole in the tool section.
Thanks for the in-depth review and great idea to attach a line to it.
Please keep posting these great ideas
Really nice information I have found in this thread, many nice companies are coming in this AR inspection area. But aboutbasic components of drones. They are very much important while preferring any kind of drone whether it is for roof inspection or agriculture use
Bought the Phantom, used it till the new Mavic came out. LOVE IT. Use it a lot up in the hills. Temp to 32 degrees, wind to 20 mph, still stable. Great pics, easy to fly, save me a lot. Used it today.
Disclaimer: not trying to start an argument and not discrediting your valid opinion on the matter I just have a few questions and want to bring up a few concers:
Pete just out of curiosity why do you think iinspecting a roof with a drone is a waste of time? Also, why would you post your opinion on a subject someone reviewed without reading their review of it? Those of us “stuck in our way of doing things” will likely be left behind with our fast paced changing society. That includes inspectors. Technology that helps you do your job more efficiently, quicker and SAFER should not be brushed aside simply because we are too stubborn or afraid of change. Ya know, a lot of people thought computers were a waste of time and unnecessary when they were first invented and brought to the market. Just some food for thought from a 32 year old home inspector. And don’t be throwing the “Yeah he just hasnt been around long enough” line of thought at me you bunch of old timers. Maybe you will consider buying a drone when your knee gives out on you when your foot finds the one shingle that the nails sunk a little too far into!
Lane,
Pete Campbell passed away in 2016.
Dom.