BlockquoteJust wanted to get a few opinions on whether it truly is a legitimate tool for inspectors or more of a novelty.
They are absolutely not a novelty! For a tall home and / or wet conditions the drone is an invaluable tool. Needles to say, nothing ever beats walking a roof. I thought I’d get way more use out of my drone but truthfully I’ve used it on about 30% of the homes that I have inspected in my short career. In that smaller percentage I was still able to provide quality images for my clients. I currently use the Mavic Air.
The Nachi course and FAA requirements are not that much of a hassle compared to the beauty of drones IMO. I’m very happy with using mine for inspections and have caught multiple issues using mine with greatly reduced potential for accidents. I use a DJI Phantom 4 Pro. Whatever drone you get I would suggest the most important thing is a very good camera so you can zoom in a lot with good quality for inspection purposes. I love my DJI but I’ve seen a lot of people using Mavic’s and I’m sure those are great as well!
I did a lot of research on drones before I invested. Overall consensus was DJI was the way to go. I didn’t want to drop loads of money into something I may or may not use, I took to eBay to find a used one. After much following and many none winning bids, I bought my Mavic Pro on a “buy now” for $650.00. Great condition, rarely used and came with 3 batteries, multi charger for all batteries and the controller. Hard case and 2 extra sets of props also included. If I ever decide to use it more during inspections, I’ll look at the newer upgraded models.
I have been considering looking for a gently used drone. Seems like a prudent decision in the beginning of a learning curve. I have a few small ones that I have crashed several times inside my house.
I also considered a drone - signed up for the InterNACHI course - then they mentioned “no fly zones”. That crashed my drone idea. In the counties I cover there are so many no fly zones it wasn’t worth it. Defense related plants, State Government properties, R&D Centers, Nuke facilities, Arsenal, several colleges due to their research programs, major “Chip” manufacturer, air fields, airports and Military Bases. So what am I saying? RESEARCH your area before making the investment of time and equipment.
Use of a drone can be a phenomenal tool when used correctly. One has to know what they are looking at and looking for. The “bird’s eye” view can tell you a great deal more in some regards and a bit less in other regards. One thing I have noticed in instructing inspectors in the use of drone technology is the tendency for inspectors to rush through the use of a drone and not utilize its full potential. It most definitely is NOT a novelty when utilized correctly.
Just like most things… depends on where you are, and a number of other factors. In Nevada, our state licensing board prohibits home inspectors from climbing ladders over 12’ high. As you might imagine, that somewhat limits your ability for structures over 1-story. Yes, there are those who choose to climb as high as it takes to get to a roof, but with employees, for many reasons it is a non-starter for us. Preference is to walk, but having the drone for those we can’t, is a big assist (I never did like the… “it looks good from the ground”. Some inspectors say we are “cheating” by using a drone, making others who don’t, look bad. The option is there, I paid for them, so…
I was looking around and found that there are companies who make skins for drones. Some even do custom skins. Might be cool to get a skin with your company logo. Just wanted to pass it along in case anyone is interested or didn’t know.
Not to hijack the thread away from drones, but some of you said you use poles. What kind of poles do you use, and the cost? Would it just be better to invest that money in a drone rather than a pole? I’ve looked at some poles for $400, and see where some used good “starter” basic drones are in the $600 range. Thoughts?
Weight is a discriminator as to whether you need to ‘register’ a drone or not… If you are using it commercially (i.e.-an home inspector using it to inspect a home’s roof, for which you are being compensated), you need a license to do it legally. The license is for operating a drone commercially, not because a drone weighs more or less than a certain amount. If an inspector has an accident with a drone while conducting an inspection and isn’t licensed, hopefully that inspector has quite a bit of cash in the bank, because an insurer won’t pay when the unlicensed inspector gets sued.
I use my drone on just about every inspection. 3 knee surgeries and a bad back. I use a DJI Mavic 2 Zoom. I have zoomed in on a fly on the roof and feel I can take better shots than when I walked them. I will still inspect from drip edge with a ladder and ground. I have caught many hailed out roofs as I am in the Texas panhandle. The zoom is a must in my opinion. Plus the heavier drone is better in windy conditions. I have flown in 50 mph gusts. I used to use a Mavic Air and I didn’t like the lack of zoom and it bounces around in wind more. The other great thing about drones is you can see the tops of chimneys and roofs that you would not be able to access. Hope this helps!
