Smarter Inspections, Faster Repairs: How Drone Technology is Revolutionizing Building Assessments

By Brian Glover

When your building needs repairs, you need more than just quick fixes—you need expert guidance to ensure long-lasting solutions. Whether it’s structural integrity, architectural enhancements, or building enclosure performance, that expertise might come from an engineer, architect, or building enclosure specialist.

As part of their initial condition survey, a professional may suggest using a drone to assess your building. But is this truly necessary, or are they just eager to test their latest gadget? The answer isn’t always straightforward—it depends on various factors, including:

• building’s type and configuration
• nature of the repairs
• repair-related information
• level of detail required
• costs involved
• time available to gather information
• building’s location

In many cases, drone technology allows for safer, more efficient inspections, providing invaluable insights without the need for costly scaffolding or risky manual surveys. That said, not every building is drone-friendly. Some structures are located in restricted airspace, including schools, police stations, federal buildings, public infrastructure facilities, and buildings near airports. While waivers can be obtained to use a drone for inspection in these areas, the approval process takes time and should be factored into a project schedule.

The size and shape of your building also play a key role. Structures with setbacks, courtyards, or other hard-to-reach areas—where conventional inspection structures (scaffolding) or mechanical apprentices (manlifts) struggle to provide access—are ideal candidates for small maneuverable drone inspections. Likewise, tall buildings benefit tremendously from drone surveys, as they allow for a seamless, ground-to-roof visual assessment without the added expense of specialized equipment.

The benefits don’t stop there. Drones capture high-resolution images and video, pinpointing issues like cracked masonry, broken concrete, failing sealant, or deteriorating flashings and glazing. This data serves as a precise roadmap for repairs, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Beyond accuracy, drone inspections can be more cost-effective and time-efficient than traditional methods. They eliminate the need for expensive scaffolding, manlifts, or bucket cranes, and don’t require sidewalk closure permits or building shutdowns. The result? Faster inspections, quicker project turnarounds, and reduced costs.

Safety is another key advantage. With a drone, there’s no need for workers to climb structures or navigate difficult terrain—everything is done from the ground, minimizing risk while maximizing efficiency. Plus, drones provide access to areas that simply aren’t visible from the street or accessible by traditional inspection methods.

In the right hands, a drone isn’t just a convenience—it’s a game-changing tool that enhances safety, saves money, and delivers the detailed insights needed to get your building back in top condition. While a drone cannot do everything and additional inspection may be necessary, when used strategically, it’s not just a toy—it’s a powerful tool that can lead to better repair decisions.