Using Drones for Building Inspections - Cost effective aerial Imagery!

Using a Drone for Roof Inspection

What is a drone?

A UAV or drone is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle that is piloted remotely. You’ve likely heard of drones being used for military purposes, but they are finding many other uses. As a licensed Florida home inspector and Licensed UAS(Unmanned Aircraft Systems) pilot, Commendable Inspection is using drones for Roof and other inaccessible area inspections. We can get to places that were too high, inaccessible or just too expensive to observe with lifts, scaffolds or piloted helicopters.

There are many buildings and structures that are difficult to gain access to. There may also be obstructions or building features that make access difficult or dangerous. Using a drone can help minimize costs associated with accessing these areas. They can also keep individuals safely away from sources of danger during the inspection process.

An example of a difficult to access area would be a church steeple. Typically, older structures have a much steeper roof structure which makes accessing these types of building features difficult.  Using a drone to complete steeple inspection allows quick access to these areas without setting up scaffolding. This results in a faster assessment with a reduced cost.

There are many times where buildings are connected to the power grid at an external exposed point on the building. These areas can present waterproofing issues and require closer inspection. By using drones, the operator can remain at a safe distance away from the power supply but still be able to assess the area for waterproofing problems that require attention.

·       Cost Effective Aerial Imagery

For many reasons building owners and managers like to have aerial images of their buildings. They may use these images for documenting the condition of the existing building for insurance coverage. The images may be used for planning and development of the property. Aerial images allow building owners and managers to be able to gain a better oversight of their property.

A primary factor in the long-term performance of roofing systems is the drainage of the roof system. Roof systems that provide better drainage and limit the ponding water on the roof system perform better long-term. Aerial imagery provides a better opportunity to assess the overall drainage patterns of the building.

Aerial imagery services can be costly. Building owners and property managers are forced to wait for the aerial imagery company’s schedule which may take several months before they are in the area of the building.

In addition, the aerial image company is not capable of interpreting the images to help determine the current drainage patterns for the building or other features of the roof system. Using a professional roofing contractor who deploys drone technology can be a quicker and more cost effective solution for building owners and property managers.

·       Aerial Infrared

New UAVs or drones are now able to carry an infrared camera as a payload. There are benefits to using a drone affixed with an infrared camera. Drones can be a more cost effective solution as the technology can be deployed locally at the site instead of flying from a remote airport. The drone can be flown for a fraction of the cost of a manned plane.  In addition, the drone can hover over the target and capture more images when compared to a flyover taking place.

Downside to Drones?

As with any other technology, drones are not the answer in all situations. There is no substitute for a professional roofing contractor being able to step on your roof system and complete an hands-on assessment of your building.

Drones are like any other tool that a professional inspector uses.  They are an extension of the individual. UAVs enhance the reach of an inspector and provide quality services to their clients.

Do you have a building or structure that can benefit from implementing drone technology?  Or needs any other type of inspection services?

Contact Terry at CommendableHome.com today! 

Understanding your Home Energy use and score

Understanding the Home Energy Score

Department of Energy is the author of this article 

Like a miles-per-gallon rating for a car, the Home Energy Score is an easy-to-produce rating designed to help homeowners and homebuyers gain useful information about a home’s energy performance. Based on an in-home assessment that can be completed in less than an hour, the Home Energy Score not only lets a homeowner understand how efficient the home is and how it compares to others, but also provides recommendations on how to cost-effectively improve the home’s energy efficiency.

The Home Energy Score uses a simple 1-to-10 scale where a 10 represents the most energy efficient homes. Mouse over the Home Energy Score graphic above to learn what specific parts of the label mean. Click on the “Show All Hotspots” button to see all places information is hidden in the graphic or click on the button below to request a score.

Sell Faster, Buy Smarter

REALTORS and Real Estate Agents Benefit from Home Energy Scores.

Homes Sell Faster with Energy Disclosure

Homebuyers appreciate having as much information as possible when comparing homes, and the Home Energy Score helps convey this information. One study found that homes disclosing energy costs – even when those costs were high – closed at a higher percentage of the asking price and spent less time on the market than comparable homes that did not disclose energy costs.

Customers Want to Know More About Home Energy Costs

Multiple Listing Services (MLSs) provide the Home Energy Score to buyers. States across the country are adopting the Score to ensure energy efficiency information is consistent and credible.

“We’re helping change the conversation,” said Hilary Bourasa, a principal broker with Meadows Group Inc. Realtors. “It’s taking the focus away from granite counter tops and stainless-steel appliances and putting it on housing affordability.”

Financial Incentives Make the Score Attractive for Home Improvements

With Fannie Mae’s Home Style Energy mortgage, borrowers can finance up to 15% of a home’s “as completed” appraised value for energy efficiency improvements by receiving a Home Energy Score. Borrowers in this program can also qualify for a stretch on their debt-to-income ratios for homes that score a 6 or higher, or for making improvements to a less efficient home. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has a similar policy that allows larger debt-to-income ratios for high scoring homes. These policies reflect the fact that more efficient homes have lower operating costs.

Interested in more? Contact Terry, your Commendable Home Inspector, and certified D.O E. Energy Assessor,  to have your listing scored for energy usage.