Drone services are common during a home inspection. The FAA requires that anyone using a drone for profit, or anything related to income, is no longer classified as a “hobby” according to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 107. Our inspectors have been through this rigorous months-long training and know the rules and regulations and limitations.
There may be some situations, such as a home that is adjoined or near an airport or military base, where limitations will apply. But most locations will be open to a 107 certified drone pilot.
The reason drones become necessary is that home inspectors are not roof inspectors and do not have the appropriate gear to climb very high or very steep (sometimes both) roofs. That requires special skill and equipment. But our inspectors will always climb the roof whenever possible, usually limited to a ranch-style or mobile-style home that is only one story high.
The video and/or areal roof photos are 4k quality. That is as good as any iPhone or camera on the market.
There may be times when the inspector can neither climb the roof due to height, inclination or weather … AND the drone cannot operate due to
federal restrictions OR rain or heavy snow. In such cases, the inspector will do his best to climb on a ladder, a fence, a rock, whatever it takes, and view the roof with binoculars, which are standard issue for any inspector.
Georgia Visage Home Inspections 