Drone Building Surveys in Kent and the South East
Professional building surveys using advanced drone technology, combining over 15 years of estates management experience with HHSRS certification and cutting-edge aerial inspection capabilities.
Based in Maidstone, we provide comprehensive building surveys for residential and commercial properties across Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and the South East.
What is a drone building survey?
A drone building survey uses unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with high-resolution cameras to inspect and document the condition of a building’s exterior, roof, and difficult-to-access areas.
Unlike traditional surveys that may require scaffolding, cherry pickers, or rope access, drone surveys provide:
- Safer inspections without putting surveyors at risk
- Faster turnaround with surveys completed in hours, not days
- More comprehensive coverage including areas that are difficult or impossible to access
- Detailed visual evidence with 4K imagery and video
- Cost-effective alternative to traditional access methods
Our building survey services
Residential building surveys
Comprehensive property condition assessments for homebuyers, sellers, and homeowners:
- Pre-purchase building surveys
- Homebuyer reports and inspections
- Condition assessments for insurance or remortgage
- Period property and listed building surveys
- New build snagging inspections
- Property maintenance planning
Typical findings:
- Roof damage or deterioration
- Missing or damaged tiles and slates
- Chimney defects and damage
- Gutter and drainage issues
- Fascia and soffit damage
- Brickwork and rendering defects
- Structural concerns
Commercial building surveys
Detailed inspections for commercial property owners, facility managers, and investors:
- Commercial property condition surveys
- Pre-acquisition due diligence inspections
- Dilapidation surveys
- Planned maintenance surveys
- Portfolio property inspections
- Asset condition assessments
Benefits for commercial clients:
- Multi-storey building inspections without expensive access equipment
- Minimal disruption to building occupants
- Rapid deployment for urgent inspections
- Professional reports for stakeholders and investors
- Cost-effective regular monitoring programmes
What we inspect
Our building surveys provide detailed inspection and documentation of:
Roof structure and coverings:
- Tiles, slates, and roof coverings
- Ridge lines and hip tiles
- Lead work and flashing
- Flat roof membranes
- Roof lights and dormers
Chimney stacks:
- Chimney condition and stability
- Pointing and brickwork
- Chimney pots and flaunching
- Lead work and weathering
Rainwater systems:
- Gutters and downpipes
- Gutter brackets and fixings
- Blockages and debris
- Leaks and overflows
External walls:
- Brickwork and masonry condition
- Rendering and cladding
- Windows and doors (upper levels)
- Structural movement or cracking
Building services and installations:
- Solar panels and mountings
- Satellite dishes and aerials
- Ventilation systems
- External lighting
Why choose Four Winds for building surveys?
HHSRS-certified property inspectors
Our team includes Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) certified property inspectors, bringing specialist knowledge to residential property surveys.
This certification ensures we understand:
- Building defects and their implications
- Health and safety risks in properties
- Regulatory compliance requirements
- Property maintenance priorities
Over 15 years estates management experience
We’re not just drone operators. Our over 15 years of estates management experience means we understand:
- What to look for and where
- How defects develop and their likely causes
- Maintenance planning and priorities
- The real-world challenges of property management
PDRA01 operational authorisation
Our PDRA01 certification enables us to survey properties in restricted airspace zones where most drone operators cannot fly. This is particularly valuable for properties:
- Near airports (Gatwick, London City, etc.)
- In urban flight restriction zones
- Near military airspace
- Requiring special permissions
If your property is in a restricted area, we can usually help when others cannot.
Professional reporting
Every building survey includes:
- Comprehensive PDF report
- High-resolution 4K imagery
- Video documentation
- Clear identification of defects and concerns
- Recommendations for further action
- Follow-up support and clarification
Who needs a building survey?
Homebuyers:
- Identify defects before purchasing
- Negotiate price reductions or repairs
- Plan future maintenance costs
- Make informed buying decisions
Homeowners:
- Regular property condition monitoring
- Identify maintenance requirements
- Insurance claims documentation
- Pre-sale property assessment
Estate agents and surveyors:
- Pre-listing property assessments
- Supporting traditional surveys
- Marketing photography and inspection combined
Property investors and landlords:
- Portfolio property assessments
- Tenant dispute documentation
- Maintenance planning
- Due diligence inspections
Commercial property owners:
- Asset condition monitoring
- Dilapidation surveys
- Insurance requirements
- Health and safety compliance
Pricing
Building survey pricing starts from £180 for standard residential properties.
Cost depends on:
- Property size and complexity
- Location and accessibility
- Report detail level required
- Urgency and turnaround time
- Additional services (laser measurement, 3D modelling)
All quotations include:
- Fully insured operations
- HHSRS-certified inspector (where applicable)
- High-resolution imagery and video
- Comprehensive PDF report
- Professional analysis and recommendations
Get your building survey quote today
📞 +44 7577 291467
📍 Based in Maidstone, Kent
What happens next:
- Free quote provided within 24 hours
- Most surveys completed within 48 hours of booking
- Reports delivered within 48 hours of survey
Four Winds Drones – Professional building surveys in Kent and the South East