FAQ

Drone Survey FAQ

Everything you need to know about our drone inspection service. Can't find your answer? Give us a call.

Before Your Survey

Call us on 01392 964094 or fill in the quote form on our website. We'll discuss what you need, give you a price, and schedule a convenient time. Most surveys can be booked within a few days.

We don't fly in heavy rain, fog, or winds above Force 5. If we need to reschedule due to weather, we'll rebook at no extra cost and aim for the next available slot. We monitor forecasts and will let you know in advance if there's a risk.

Not much. Just make sure we can access the area around your property. If you have any specific concerns (a particular area of the roof, a suspected leak), let us know beforehand so we can pay extra attention.

We always notify immediate neighbours as a courtesy before flying. The DJI Matrice 4 is quieter than most people expect, and surveys typically take 15-30 minutes of actual flight time.

As a CAA-registered commercial operator, we're authorised to fly for work purposes. We follow all CAA drone regulations, including maintaining safe distances from people and buildings. We'll handle all the flight planning.

During the Survey

Most residential surveys take 15-30 minutes of flight time, plus setup and pack-down. A typical visit is about an hour in total. Larger properties or full thermal surveys may take a bit longer.

The DJI Matrice 4 is designed for professional use and is relatively quiet - similar in volume to a conversation. Most neighbours barely notice it. We keep flight time efficient to minimise any disturbance.

Absolutely. You're welcome to be present and we can show you the live camera feed on our screen. Many clients find it interesting to see their property from above for the first time.

Not necessarily - we mainly need access to fly near the property. However, it's useful if you're available so we can discuss any specific concerns and point out anything we notice during the flight.

If we see something that needs immediate attention (like a seriously damaged tile about to fall), we'll let you know straight away. We won't wait for the formal report on genuine safety concerns.

After Your Survey

Standard turnaround is 48 hours. For urgent cases (storm damage, time-sensitive purchases), we can often do same-day. The report includes HD photos, thermal images (if applicable), and a written assessment.

You'll receive a professional PDF report plus full-resolution image files. Easy to email, print, or share with tradespeople, estate agents, or insurers.

Yes. Our reports include timestamped, GPS-tagged photos and detailed written assessments - exactly what insurers need. We can also provide specific insurance documentation packages with additional detail.

We're always happy to talk through the findings over the phone. If something in the report isn't clear, just call us and we'll explain it in plain English.

Of course. Many clients book annual roof checks or follow-up surveys after repairs. We keep your previous images on file so we can compare condition over time.

Technical

We fly a professional dual-drone fleet. The DJI Matrice 4 Thermal is our inspection workhorse - an enterprise platform used by fire services, search & rescue, and professional inspection companies. It carries both a 4K HD visual camera and a radiometric thermal camera. We also have the DJI Mavic 4 Pro Creators Edition with a 100MP Hasselblad camera and 6K video for stunning aerial photography and detailed visual documentation.

Our Mavic 4 Pro captures 100MP stills via its Hasselblad camera - that's more detail than most professional photographers use. The Matrice 4 Thermal captures 4K HD imagery plus radiometric thermal at 640×512 with ±2°C accuracy. Combined, it's a level of documentation most clients have never seen before.

The radiometric thermal camera measures temperature to within ±2°C at every pixel. It doesn't just show colours - it records actual temperature data that can be analysed precisely. This is a professional-grade sensor, not a consumer gimmick.

We can fly in light rain and moderate wind (up to Force 5, roughly 30mph). We don't fly in heavy rain, fog, snow, or strong winds as it affects both safety and image quality. We always prioritise getting you the best possible data.

We cover Exeter and a 30-mile radius across Devon, including Exmouth, Topsham, Crediton, Tiverton, Honiton, Sidmouth, Newton Abbot, and surrounding areas.

Legal & Safety

Yes. We're registered with the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) as a commercial drone operator. This is a legal requirement for anyone flying drones for work in the UK. We carry our operator ID on every flight.

Yes. We carry full commercial drone insurance as required for professional operations. This covers third-party liability and equipment damage. We can provide proof of insurance on request.

We focus exclusively on the property being surveyed. Our cameras are pointed at roofs and structures, not into windows or gardens. We follow strict data protection guidelines and delete any incidental footage of neighbouring properties.

The DJI Matrice 4 has multiple redundancy systems including GPS, obstacle avoidance sensors, and automatic return-to-home. Combined with an experienced operator, the safety record of modern commercial drones is excellent.

Pricing

Prices start from £250 for a chimney inspection and from £395 for a full roof survey. Thermal surveys start from £595. Every quote is tailored to your property and needs. Visit our pricing page for full details.

No. The quoted price includes travel to your property within our 30-mile coverage area, the survey itself, and the full report. No hidden extras.

We're not VAT registered, so the price you're quoted is the price you pay. No extra 20% on top.

If we need to cancel due to weather, we'll reschedule at no extra cost. You won't be charged anything until the survey is completed.

Yes. We offer discounted rates for estate agents, surveyors, and insurance companies who instruct us regularly. Get in touch to discuss a partnership.

Still Have Questions?

We're happy to chat through anything. No hard sell, just honest answers.

Ready to See Your Property From Above?

Whether it's a leaky roof, high energy bills, storm damage, or just wanting to know what state things are in - get in touch for a free quote.