- More Detailed and Comprehensive Reports: Inspection companies with drones can provide far more detailed and complete reports because they can access parts of the building that inspectors without drones cannot.
- Access to Inaccessible Areas: Drones can easily reach and inspect parts of a building that are otherwise inaccessible, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive evaluation.
Building inspections in Perth have always been crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of structures. However, traditional inspection methods are evolving with the advent of drone technology. In Perth, drone building inspections are becoming increasingly popular, especially for new construction inspections and pre-purchase building and pest inspections. But why are drones the new gold standard in building inspections? Let’s explore this innovative approach and its significant impact on the industry.
What is a Drone Building Inspection?
Definition and Overview
Drone building inspection involves using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to assess the condition of buildings. These drones are equipped with high-resolution cameras and advanced sensors, providing a detailed and comprehensive view of the property. This method allows for efficient and thorough inspections without the need for scaffolding or ladders.
Key Features of Drone Inspections
Drones offer unique features such as real-time video streaming, thermal imaging, and 3D mapping. These capabilities enable inspectors to gather extensive data quickly and safely, making the inspection process more efficient and accurate.
Benefits of Using Drones for Building Inspections
More Thorough Inspection
There are many parts of a building that a human simply can not access. Some roof areas and faades are simply not accessible for various reasons such as the construction style, height etc. Using commercial drones to inspect these parts of the building means the inspection report will be more comprehensive and will give you a far clearer indication of the condition of the property. I always notice that other building inspection companies use the lazy route in their reports and simply say “could not access” a certain area. This adds a huge amount of risk to the home buyer. We have drones on hand at all times to inspect these areas so your inspection report is complete.
Enhanced Safety
Traditional inspections often require risky maneuvers like climbing ladders or scaffolding. Drones eliminate these risks by performing imposible to reach areas such as certain parts of roof’s or facades remotely, ensuring the safety of inspectors. As Russell McCarthy, lead building inspector and founder of WA Building Inspections Perth, often says, “Safety is our top priority, and drones allow us to conduct thorough inspections without putting anyone at risk.”
Increased Efficiency
Drones can cover large areas in a fraction of the time it takes for manual inspections. This efficiency translates to faster results and less disruption for property owners. “With drone technology, we can provide a far more detailed inspection, providing timely and accurate reports to our clients,” explains McCarthy.
Cost-Effectiveness
While the initial cost of drones might be high for us to purchase, the customer wins everytime because our reports simply tell a more complete picture. “Investing in drone technology has allowed us to offer competitive pricing without compromising on the quality of our inspections,” notes McCarthy.
Comprehensive Data Collection
Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors can capture intricate details, enabling thorough inspections and accurate reporting. “The data we collect with drones is incredibly detailed, helping us identify issues that might be missed with traditional methods,” says McCarthy.
Applications of Drone Building Inspections in New Construction and Pre-Purchase Inspections
Pre-Purchase Building and Pest Inspections
When buying a property, it’s crucial to know its condition thoroughly. Drones can inspect hard-to-reach areas like roofs and facades, providing detailed information about potential issues. “Pre-purchase inspections are essential for making informed decisions. Drones help us provide a comprehensive overview of the property’s condition,” explains McCarthy.
For example, during todays building and pest inspection in Picton Perth, our drones have detected blockages in gutters, incorrectly sized gutters, bricks placed on top of capping, incorrect fixings, deteriorated silicone joints in roof covers, and improperly installed flashings. All these defects would have simply gone undetected and not reported on by other building and pest inspection companies.
Older Homes
For older homes, roof tiles are particularly prone to issues. Drones can inspect these tiles closely for damage or wear. “Older homes often have hidden issues, especially with roof tiles. Our drones can get really close, thanks to their 25x zoom, to identify any problems accurately,” explains McCarthy.
New Construction Inspections
For new builds, construction drone inspections are invaluable during the Practical Completion Inspection (PCI) stage. Drones can ensure that all construction work complies with standards and identify any issues before finalising the project and paying the builder. “PCI inspections are crucial for new constructions. Drones allow us to thoroughly inspect the roof covers, ensuring everything is up to standard,” says McCarthy.
Commercial Building Inspections
Drone inspections for commercial buildings are particularly beneficial due to the complex structures and significant heights involved. Drones can easily navigate around tall facades and intricate architectural features, capturing detailed images and videos of hard-to-reach areas. This technology allows our inspectors to identify potential issues such as facade damage, HVAC system faults, and structural concerns efficiently and accurately. By providing a comprehensive overview of the building’s condition without the need for scaffolding or lifts, drones significantly reduce inspection time and cost while enhancing safety and data quality. As Russell McCarthy of WA Building Inspections Perth states, “Drone technology has made it possible to conduct thorough inspections of commercial buildings quickly and safely, ensuring that all aspects of the structure are properly assessed.”
Technological Advancements in Drone Inspections
High-Resolution Imaging
Our Modern drones are equipped with cameras capable of capturing high-resolution images, allowing our inspectors to zoom in on specific areas and identify potential issues. This technology ensures that no detail is overlooked during the inspection process.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging technology helps detect temperature variations, which can indicate problems like water leaks, water ingress, poor insulation, and electrical faults. “Thermal imaging has been a game-changer for us, allowing us to see issues that are invisible to the naked eye,” explains McCarthy.
3D Mapping and Modeling
Some drones can create detailed 3D maps and models of buildings, providing a comprehensive view of the structure. This technology is particularly useful for planning repairs and renovations. “3D mapping allows us to provide our clients with a visual representation of their building’s condition, making it easier to understand and address any issues,” says McCarthy.
AI and Machine Learning Integration
Advanced drones use AI and machine learning algorithms to analyse the collected data. These technologies can identify patterns and anomalies, providing insights that might be missed by human inspectors. “AI and machine learning enhance our ability to detect potential problems early, improving the overall effectiveness of our inspections,” notes McCarthy.
Regulations and Safety Standards to Use Drones
Regulatory Bodies in Australia
In Australia, drone operations are regulated by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). CASA sets the rules and guidelines for safe drone use, ensuring that inspections are conducted without endangering people or property.
Compliance Requirements for Drone Inspections
Our inspectors/drone operators must comply with various regulations, including maintaining line-of-sight with the drone, not flying above certain altitudes, and avoiding restricted areas. Compliance ensures safety and legality. “Compliance with CASA regulations is non-negotiable for us. It ensures the safety of our operations and the quality of our inspections,” emphasises McCarthy.
Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in drone operations. Protocols include pre-flight checks, ensuring the drone is in good working condition, and having emergency procedures in place in case of technical failures. “We follow strict safety protocols to ensure that every inspection is conducted safely and efficiently,” says McCarthy.
Drone Building Inspection Process
Pre-Inspection Planning
Before the inspection, a detailed plan is created. This includes identifying the areas to be inspected, setting flight paths, and coordinating with property owners. “Proper planning is key to a successful drone inspection. It allows us to cover all necessary areas and ensures a smooth operation,” explains McCarthy.
Drone Flight and Data Collection
During the inspection, the drone is flown around the building, capturing images and videos. The collected data is then stored for analysis. “Our drones are equipped with state-of-the-art cameras and sensors, allowing us to collect high-quality data efficiently,” says McCarthy.
Data Analysis and Reporting
Post-inspection, the data is analysed to identify any issues. A detailed report is generated, highlighting areas of concern and recommending necessary actions. “Our reports are comprehensive and easy to understand, helping our clients make informed decisions about their property,” notes McCarthy.
Choosing the Right Drone Inspection Service in Perth
What to Look for in a Service Provider
When choosing a drone inspection company in Perth, consider their experience, certifications, and the technology they use. A reputable service drone building inspection perth provider should have a track record of successful inspections. “Experience and technology are key factors to consider when choosing a drone inspection service. It’s essential to ensure you’re working with professionals who have the expertise to provide accurate and reliable inspections,” says McCarthy.
My Final Say
Drone building inspections are revolutionising the way we conduct new construction and pre-purchase building and pest inspections in Perth. By providing more comprehensive reports, enhancing safety, increasing efficiency, and providing detailed data, drones are the extra arm that has enabled our customers to get the best inspections possible. As technology continues to advance, the capabilities and applications of drone inspections will only expand, providing even greater value to property owners and buyers.
For anyone looking to ensure the integrity and safety of their property, hiring a building inspection company like WA Building Inspections Perth who use drones every day is simply a smart move.
FAQs
What types of buildings can be inspected using drones?
Drones can inspect a wide range of buildings, including residential properties, commercial buildings, and industrial sites. They are particularly useful for inspecting hard-to-reach areas such as roofs and tall facades, providing comprehensive data quickly and safely.
Do drone inspections completely replace traditional physical building inspections?
No. There is no subsitute for feeling and touching a building to assess it’s true condition. We never substitute drones for human inspections where we don’t need to. Drones should only be used to inspect parts of a building that a human simply can not physically access. For example, we recently used a drone to inspect a 90 year old home in in Subiaco where the roof was in accessible. What did we find? Asbestos!
How long does a typical drone building inspection take?
The duration of a drone building inspection varies depending on the size and complexity of the property. However, most inspections can be completed within a few hours.
Are drone inspections safe and reliable?
Yes, drone inspections are safe and reliable. Drones can capture detailed data that often goes completely undetected due to part of a building which are inaccessible.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the inspection?
Weather conditions can impact drone operations. If the weather is unsuitable, the inspection will be rescheduled to ensure optimal conditions for accurate data collection.
How do I book a drone building inspection in Perth?
To book a drone building inspection Perth, contact a reputable inspection service provider like WA Building Inspections Perth. They will guide you through the process and schedule an inspection at a convenient time for you. Contact Us Now.