No…it’s a drone. The home inspection process is getting a high-tech upgrade. Some insurance companies are using this relatively new trend to inspect properties. You may have seen them buzzing around capturing stunning aerial footage for marketing homes. Now they are being employed by home inspectors to gain new perspectives on properties. This innovation is changing the game for both inspectors and homeowners.
While the traditional home inspector meticulously examines a property there are some areas, like steep roofs or tall chimneys, that can be tricky or even dangerous to access. Drones solve this problem by providing a bird's-eye view. As a benefit, they can:
- Safely inspect hard-to-reach areas: Drones can closely examine roofs, chimneys,and gutters, capturing high-resolution images and videos for detailed analysis.
- Gain a comprehensive overview: Drones offer a complete picture of the property, including the roofline,landscaping, and potential drainage issues that might be missed from the ground.
- Improve inspection efficiency: They can cover a lot of ground quickly, saving time and allowing inspectors to schedule more appointments.
The advantages extend beyond streamlining the inspection process. Homeowners can expect:
- More thorough inspections: Drones can identify potential problems that might be missed during a traditional inspection, leading to a more accurate assessment of the property's condition.
- Enhanced reports: High-quality drone footage can be included in inspection reports, providing homeowners with a clear visual representation of any issues found.
- Peace of mind: A comprehensive inspection conducted with the help of drones can give homeowners greater confidence in the condition of their potential new home.
While drone technology offers exciting possibilities, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Privacy regulations: Drone use for inspections needs to comply with state and federal privacy laws. Homeowners in some states may have the right to opt-out of drone inspections if they feel it’s an invasion of privacy. In many cases, insurance companies will likely ask for your permission before sending a drone for inspection. This builds trust and avoids potential privacy concerns.
- Weather limitations: Wind, rain, and other weather conditions can affect the safe operation of drones, potentially impacting inspections.
- Limitations in detail or inaccuracy: Drones will not likely be able to replace a complete hands-on inspection. Inspectors may still need to access certain areas for a closer look and to assess things like material quality with touch. Drone images may not always be clear or accurate, and they may not capture everything that an inspector would see on the ground.
- Unfair denials: There have been cases where homeowners have had their insurance canceled or denied based on drone imagery that was outdated or inaccurate.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you think your insurance company might use a drone to inspect your property:
- You may have the right to opt out of a drone inspection: Check with your insurance company or your state's insurance regulations.
- If you do allow a drone inspection, be sure to ask the inspector how the images will be used.
- If you have any concerns about the drone inspection, be sure to contact your insurance company.
