How Much Does a Roof Survey Cost in London? Roof Inspection Prices Near Me

Drone roof survey in London

Updated 8th July 2024, by Jack

Introduction to Roof Survey Prices

When considering a roof survey, it's important to understand the factors that influence the cost. The average price for a roof survey in London is £250, but depending on your needs and circumstances, prices can vary significantly but. In this article, we'll explore the costs associated with both commercial and residential roof surveys, and why it's essential to only pay for what you need.

What Do You Need from Your Roof Survey?

The cost of a roof survey largely depends on what services you require, if you're still unsure whether you need a roof inspection, check out our Do I Need a Roof Survey? article. If you simply need photos and videos, it will be cheaper than a comprehensive report. If you have already assigned a roofer or surveyor or know that you need work done on your roof, chances are you only need drone photos and videos of the roof. These can be passed on to your roofer or surveyor, who will be able to interpret them for you.

However, if you need a detailed report for insurance purposes, third-party wall schedule of condition, maintenance planning, or to diagnose issues like leaks or poor workmanship, you will need to pay for a more thorough survey. At Vidda, our photos-only roof inspections start from £150, while roof surveys that include a detailed report start from £300. The next sections will explore additional costs that might arise.

Size of the Roof

The size of your roof is a major determinant of the survey cost. For a small roof on a terraced house, you can expect to pay around £150. A larger detached property might cost around £200, and large commercial roofs, such as those on warehouses, can be £250 or more, depending on the surface area.

Location of the Property

If your property is located in a drone flight restricted area, the cost of a drone roof survey will be higher due to the application and admin fees associated with obtaining the necessary approvals. The cost varies depending on the restricted zone. Some areas only incur admin fees, but areas like the London Heliport have a £180 charge. Approval can also take time, so you may need to wait two weeks or more. To find out where restricted areas are, check out our London Drone Restrictions Guide.

Additionally, if your property is in a remote location, travel costs may be added. At Vidda, we charge travel costs for any jobs outside the M25.

Internal Inspections

While this article focuses on drone roof surveys that analyse the exterior of the roof, there may be situations where an internal inspection of the loft is necessary. A good example is when dampness inside the house helps point in the right direction to find the source of water ingress. Extra costs starting from £50 may be incurred if access to the loft is difficult. These inspections can help identify issues from the inside, complementing the exterior drone survey findings.

Thermal Drone Surveys

For a water channeling problem or heat loss that is difficult to identify, thermal drone surveys can be very effective in locating the source. However, this type of survey is more expensive due to the costly and heavier drone equipment required and the expertise needed from the drone operator to identify leaks and know the optimal conditions for flying. At Vidda, prices for thermal drone surveys start from £1250. The advanced technology used in thermal surveys can provide precise insights, making it a valuable investment for complex issues.

Summarising the Costs of Roof Surveys in London

Adding up all the factors, the cost of a roof survey in London can start from £150 but can exceed £500 for larger properties in restricted zones. Despite the initial cost, this can be a worthwhile investment, as scaffolding can cost thousands of pounds. A thorough roof survey ensures that all necessary work is identified and quoted accurately before proceeding, potentially saving you from unexpected expenses down the line.

At Vidda, we are experts in drone flying and have extensive roofing experience. So if you're based in London and are searching for a "roof survey near me" then check out our Roof Survey page to learn more about the types of inspection we offer or to get a quote.