Last updated on 12th December 2025 by Fitzgerald Surveying

Fitzgerald Surveying Services completed a Level 2 Home Survey for a prospective buyer, enhanced with drone inspection to assess roof areas that could not be safely viewed from ground level. This provided a clearer, evidence-based understanding of the property’s condition.

Overview

Fitzgerald Surveying was appointed to carry out a Level 2 Home Survey prior to exchange for a prospective homebuyer. Due to the age of the property and specific concerns regarding the roof, drone inspection was incorporated to strengthen the assessment and provide visibility of areas not accessible from ground level.

The addition of drone imagery enabled a more comprehensive and reliable overview of the building’s condition, supporting confident and informed decision-making for the purchase.

Our Response

Alongside the standard internal and external checks included within a Level 2 Home Survey, drone equipment was used to capture high-resolution imagery of upper-level elements. This allowed safe, non-invasive inspection of roof coverings, chimneys and guttering without the need for ladders or scaffolding.

Method in Brief

Aerial Roof Inspection: High-resolution drone photographs captured of roof coverings, chimneys and associated elements.

Hard-to-Reach Areas: Detailed inspection of locations not safely accessible from ground level.

Non-Invasive Surveying: Roof condition assessed without physical access or disruption.

Visual Evidence: Defects recorded from multiple angles to support clear reporting.

Key Findings

The drone imagery identified several issues that could not be reliably confirmed without aerial inspection.

Chimney Defects: Deterioration to flaunching and early mortar breakdown observed.

Gutter Blockages: Vegetation growth identified within rear gutters, increasing damp risk.

Roof Wear: General ageing of roof coverings noted and recommended for monitoring.

Water Retention: Evidence of minor ponding and debris accumulation along the rear roof slope.

Outcome & Deliverables

The client received a detailed Level 2 Home Survey report supported by annotated drone imagery. The findings enabled informed discussions prior to exchange and helped clarify future maintenance responsibilities.

Informed Decision-Making: Clear understanding of roof condition before purchase.

Cost Awareness: Potential future roofing costs identified early.

Negotiation Support: Evidence-based findings used to inform purchase discussions.

Why It Matters

Drone inspection significantly enhances traditional home surveys where visibility and access are restricted. By integrating aerial imagery, our surveyors can identify early defects, reduce uncertainty and provide a more complete assessment of a property’s condition.

This approach ensures homebuyers are better protected from unforeseen issues and unexpected repair costs following completion.

Fitzgerald Surveying Services provide Level 2 Home Surveys enhanced with drone inspection for safer, more comprehensive property assessments.

We operate across London and the Home Counties including Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and surrounding areas…