Drone Survey Services
C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors provide professional drone survey services for residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties. Our drone surveys are conducted by qualified operators and provide a safe, accurate, and efficient method for inspecting buildings and structures that are difficult to access. All surveys are carried out in compliance with relevant safety regulations and RICS professional standards.
Roof and Building Envelope Inspections
Drone surveys allow detailed inspection of roofs, chimneys, gutters, and facades without the need for scaffolding or disruptive access equipment. We can identify defects such as:
Damaged or missing roof tiles
Water ingress and ponding
Structural movement or cracking
Flashings, gutters, and drainage issues
Large or Difficult-to-Access Sites
For industrial, commercial, or large residential properties, drones provide rapid, safe access to hard-to-reach areas, including:
High-rise buildings and towers
Warehouses and industrial units
Mixed-use developments
Large estates and complexes
Pre-Purchase and Condition Surveys
Drone imagery can support property condition reports and pre-purchase surveys by providing high-resolution visuals of the building envelope and roof structures, highlighting potential issues for further investigation.
Defect Identification and Monitoring
We use drones to identify defects and track changes over time, providing:
Baseline condition surveys
Periodic inspections for asset management
Documentation of progressive movement, deterioration, or damage
ReportING
Drone surveys are accompanied by detailed, professionally presented reports with annotated imagery and videos, providing a clear record of findings. These reports are suitable for property owners, managing agents, insurers, and professional advisers.
Safety and Compliance
All drone surveys are carried out by trained, licensed operators in compliance with civil aviation regulations and RICS guidance. Safety is our priority, ensuring minimal risk to people and property.
Planning
Aerial imagery of a site and the surrounding landscape can provide an added dimension to a planning application offering a better interpretation of the area in question.
Estate Agency and Property Sales
C W Johnson Limited work closely with Estate Agents to offer drone imagery for sale particulars. A fly over video can also be a useful addition to make a sale stand out from the crowd. Whether selling via an Estate Agent or privately, why not consider improving your chances of finding the ideal purchaser.
Private Events
Outside of surveying, our drone can also be used for recreational uses including special events, weddings, sporting events, filmography projects, advertisements, weddings and bespoke commissions.
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What is a drone survey?
A drone survey uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to inspect buildings and structures from the air, providing high-resolution images and videos of roofs, facades, and other hard-to-access areas. Drone surveys are safe, efficient, and minimise the need for scaffolding or other disruptive access methods.
What types of properties can you survey?
We provide drone surveys for residential, commercial, and mixed-use properties, including:
Houses, flats, and apartment blocks
Offices, retail premises, and industrial units
High-rise or difficult-to-access structures
Large estates or complex sites
What can a drone survey detect?
Drone surveys are used to identify visible defects and potential risks, including:
Damaged or missing roof tiles
Cracking or structural movement
Water ingress and ponding
Faulty flashings, gutters, and drainage issues
Building envelope deterioration
Are drone surveys safe?
Yes. All surveys are carried out by trained, licensed operators in compliance with civil aviation regulations and RICS guidance. Safety of people and property is our top priority.
Do drone surveys replace a traditional inspection?
Drone surveys complement traditional inspections. They provide high-quality imagery for hard-to-reach areas and can reduce the need for scaffolding, but some defects may require closer inspection or specialist testing to confirm.
Can drone surveys be used for pre-purchase or asset management?
Yes. Drone imagery is ideal for property condition reports, pre-purchase surveys, and ongoing asset management, providing a clear record of the building’s condition for owners, landlords, tenants, insurers, and professional advisers.
How are drone survey results delivered?
We provide detailed, professionally presented reports with annotated photographs and videos. Reports clearly highlight defects, risks, and areas requiring further attention.
How quickly can a drone survey be completed?
Timescales depend on the size and complexity of the property, weather conditions, and access requirements. Typically, surveys are carried out efficiently, with minimal disruption to occupants or operations.
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C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors is a RICS-regulated practice. All services are provided in accordance with the RICS Global Professional and Ethical Standards, relevant RICS professional statements, and applicable guidance notes ensuring that our services are delivered with integrity, independence, and a commitment to best practice. Clients can be confident that our advice is professional, transparent, and compliant with current RICS guidance.
The information provided on this website is for general guidance only and does not constitute specific professional advice. Formal advice will only be provided following receipt of written instructions and confirmation of agreed terms of engagement.
Any opinions expressed are based on information available at the time of instruction and may be subject to change as further information becomes available or circumstances alter.
No responsibility is accepted to third parties who rely on information contained on this website without our prior written consent.
C W Johnson Limited Chartered Surveyors operates a formal Complaints Handling Procedure in accordance with RICS requirements. Details are available on request.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is maintained in accordance with RICS regulations.