In the ever-evolving world of home inspections, staying ahead means embracing innovative technology. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a significant enhancement to our toolkit: the integration of a drone for home inspections.
While nothing replaces the trained eye of an experienced inspector, drones allow us to go above and beyond. We can now provide a level of detail and safety that was once impossible, especially when traditional roof access isn’t an option.
Safety First: When Climbing Isn’t an Option
The safety of our team and the integrity of your potential new home are our top priorities. There are several situations where walking on a roof simply isn’t advisable:
Hazardous Weather: Rain, snow, or high winds can make roofs dangerously slippery.
Challenging Structures: Some roofs are too steep, too high, or too brittle (like older clay tiles or wood shakes) to access without risking injury or damage.
Liability Concerns: Sometimes, homeowner associations request that inspectors stay off the shingles to avoid any potential wear or liability.
In these cases, our drone can capture high-resolution images and video while keeping both the property and the inspector out of harm’s way.
Unparalleled Detail for Hard-to-Reach Areas
Even on roofs we can climb, some spots are notoriously difficult to see. We’re talking about chimneys, deep valleys, flashing, dormers, and upper-level ridges.
Using a drone, we can zoom in for incredibly detailed photos of these hard-to-access areas. This helps to ensure we don’t miss potential “hidden” issues like:
Damaged or missing shingles.
Improper flashing or debris buildup.
Ponding water or deterioration around vents.
Respecting Des Moines Builder Requests
Additionally, many local Des Moines area new construction builders have asked recently that inspectors refrain from walking on brand-new roofs. By utilizing a drone, we can honor the builder’s rules while still providing the level of detail our clients expect and deserve.
FAA-Certified and Ready to Fly
Of course, operating a drone for commercial inspections isn’t just a hobby—it requires professional licensing. Our inspector, Ben DeReus, is officially FAA-certified and trained to operate drone technology safely and legally.
All drone imagery—including high-definition photos and videos—can be integrated directly into your digital home inspection report. This gives you a clear visual understanding of any concerns we identify.
As home inspectors, our goal is to always give you the most accurate information possible so you can make confident decisions about your home purchase. We believe this technology will be a great asset to our process. While drones won’t be used for every inspection, we trust Ben to utilize them whenever the situation calls for it.