A home inspection is a vital step in the home-buying process. It allows you to get a closer look at the property you’re interested in and identify any potential problems that may need to be addressed.
If you’re a seller, on the other hand, it’s an invaluable opportunity to increase your home’s value. Getting angles that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to access is a great way to make sure your property looks its best for potential buyers. And that’s where drones come in!
In the past, home inspections were conducted by physically walking through the property and taking note of any issues. This is still a thing today – but why not take advantage of modern technology and use a drone? Home inspectors can now get a bird’s-eye view of the property and quickly identify any areas that need more attention.
Drones have become such a popular choice for home inspections – they provide unparalleled visibility, ease of use, and convenience. It can also save you quite a bit of time and money, not to mention it gives you a chance to inspect hard-to-reach areas such as gutters and chimneys.
Comparison Table of our Top 5 Picks [Ranked]
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The 5 Best Drones for Home Inspections [Listed]
Considering all the benefits of using drones for home inspections, the next question is, which one should you purchase. Investing in a drone for home inspection can sometimes get expensive. You’d want to make sure you get the right one that will be suitable for your needs.
To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled a list for your reference. Without further ado, here are our top picks for the best drones for home inspections this year:
1. DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone [Best Choice]
- 【UP YOUR GAME】: The Mavic Air 2 camera drone takes power and portability to the next level. It combines a powerful camera with intelligent shooting modes for stunning results. Push your imagination to its limits because aerial photography has never been this easy.
- 【NEXT-LEVEL CONTENT】: Capture impressive 48MP photos with a 1/2-inch CMOS sensor while the 3-axis gimbal provides 4K/60fps video. The secret to incredible HDR video is a high-performance Quad Bayer image sensor. OcuSync 2.0 has a video transmission distance of up to 6.2mi / 10 km and can also deliver 1080p FHD resolution livestream directly from the drone’s camera.
- 【IMPROVED FLIGHT】: An impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes allows you to pull off epic, fast-paced shots. Obstacle sensing in three directions makes it extra convenient for beginners and improves safety for your Mavic Air 2.
By far, the DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone is our top choice for home inspections. It’s incredibly lightweight and portable, so it can be carried around easily and deployed quickly. The drone boasts a powerful camera that offers stunning 48-megapixel photos and 4K/60fps videos with advanced HDR technology. This HDR technology is powered by a Quad Bayer image sensor – this means you can get even more detail from your shots.
Its intuitive shooting features allow for easier aerial photography. With its ActiveTrack 3.0 feature, the drone can follow subjects automatically while keeping them in focus. The drone also has a new FocusTrack system that lets you choose how the drone tracks your subject. You can either have it lock on to a specific subject or have it track multiple objects at once.
As mentioned earlier, drone inspections would never be complete without taking photos. The Mavic Air 2 offers a multitude of photo modes to help you capture the best shots possible, such as Hyperlapse, QuickShot, and even 8K Hyperlapse.
Don’t underestimate this drone’s power. Although portable, it also has an impressive flight time of up to 34 minutes, so you won’t have to worry about running out of battery during your home inspections.
The Mavic Air 2 also has a number of intelligent flight modes and obstacle avoidance sensors, making it great for navigating tight spaces and avoiding obstacles in the process. Not only does this keep your drone safe from collisions, but it also ensures that your inspection is as accurate and efficient as possible.
The reason why the Mavic Air 2 Drone is our best choice for home inspections is because it’s an all-in-one drone that offers high performance along with portability. With its powerful camera and intuitive features, this drone will have you taking stunning aerial photos in no time. Plus, its long flight time ensures your inspection won’t be interrupted due to low battery life.
Pros:
- Portable and lightweight
- Impressive 48MP photos with advanced HDR technology
- Intuitive shooting features, such as ActiveTrack 3.0 and FocusTrack system
- QuickShots, Hyperlapse, and 8K Hyperlapse modes for aerial photography
- Long flight time of up to 34 minutes
Cons:
- On the pricier side
2. RUKO F11 Pro Drone [Best Value]
- 【𝐅𝐀𝐀 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞】The Ruko F11PRO drone comes with a built-in Remote ID module and is certified compliant with FAA regulations, ensuring its continued operation after FAA policies take effect. No need extra remote ID module.
- 【6𝟎 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞】F11PRO 4K drone equipped with 2 powerful 11.1V 2500mAh intelligent batteries provides up to 60 minutes flight time in total, giving you more fun!
- 【𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬】This 4K drone is an excellent gift for beginners, especially if you want to get your kids/ friends/ wife/ neighbors introduced to drones. It is great for someone who wants to get into the Hobby and learn how to fly drones.
For the best value drone for home inspections, the RUKO F11 Pro Drone is our top choice. It’s an affordable yet powerful drone that boasts an impressive 60-minute flight time. This is thanks to the two powerful 2500mAh batteries that come included with the drone. Plus, it has an advanced brushless motor that helps the drone stay stable in the air even when there’s wind.
The F11 Pro also has a powerful 4K camera and 2.9k resolution for videos. Budget-wise, this is a great choice as it offers stunning 4K footage without breaking the bank. It may not be the cheapest on our list, but this definitely has the best value as it offers both performance and affordability.
The drone also has an impressive maximum transmission range of 4km, so you can take shots from far away and still get accurate results. If you’re a beginner, you can start with the beginner settings to help you get familiar with the controls. Once you’re used to it, you can switch to the advanced settings and fly this drone like a pro.
Not only that, but it also has an auto return home feature as well as collision avoidance sensors, so you don’t have to worry about losing your drone during inspections.
Pros:
- Affordable yet powerful drone
- Impressive 60-minute flight time
- 4K camera with 2.9k resolution for videos
- Maximum transmission range of 4km
- Auto return home feature and collision avoidance sensors
- Perfect for novice and experienced pilots alike
Cons:
- Small field of view (FOV) in the camera’s lens compared to other drones on our list.
3. Holy Stone HS700E Drone [Best Price]
- FAA CETIFICATED COMPLETED: Holy Stone HS700E drone has completed remote ID certification and complies with the FAA Declaration of Compliance. Get Holy Stone HS700E drone, and fly unhindered. Any questions about FAA Remote ID, please get in touch with us via the contact information on the back cover of the manual or the Holy Stone drone APP.
- 4K EIS Anti-Shake Camera: The EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization) technology reduces video blurring and makes video transmission more stable. It uses pixels outside the border of the visible frame to provide a buffer for changes in direction. The 5GHz FPV transmission allows you to pull off epic, fast-paced shots. A 90° adjustable camera with a 130°FOV lens can capture a wide view of every precious moment. It lets you have almost unlimited viewing!
- GPS & GLONASS Navigation Satellite System: Since it is equipped with these two navigation modules, the drone can hover with more stability, reducing the risk of loss. When the drone loses signal or power, it will trigger the return to home function.
If you’re looking for the best drone within the $200-$300 price range, the Holy Stone HS700E Drone is the perfect choice. We understand that not everyone has the budget to buy a high-end drone, and that’s where this one comes in. Don’t be fooled by its price tag, though. It still packs a punch with features like 4K resolution, a 90-degree adjustable camera, and intelligent flight modes.
The HS700E also has an impressive 23-minute maximum flight time, so you can take your drone up and inspect for longer. It’s not the longest, but it’s enough to get the job done. Plus, it also has features like anti-shake image stabilization, which helps keep your images and videos blur-free.
It may not be as feature-packed as our other drones on this list, but it still offers great performance at a fraction of the price.
If you’re not too technical and don’t want all the other complicated bells and whistles, you’ll be glad to know that this drone is fairly easy to fly. With its one key takeoff and landing, you’ll be able to get your drone in the air with just a press of a button.
Similar to the RUKO, it also has an easy return home feature and collision avoidance sensors to make sure your drone stays safe.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price tag
- 4K resolution, 90-degree adjustable camera, and intelligent flight modes
- Anti-shake image stabilization
- One key takeoff and landing
- Easy return home feature and collision avoidance sensors
Cons:
- Shorter flight time of 23 minutes compared to other drones on our list.
4. DJI Phantom 4 PRO Drone [Runner-Up]
- Camera with 1-inch 20MP sensor the onboard camera has been redesigned to use a 1-inch Megapixel CMOS sensor.
- Five-directions of obstacle sensing. Please refer the Instructional Video and the User Manual before use.
- More powerful video processing supports H.264 4K videos at 60fps or H.265 4K at 30fps, both with a 100Mbps bitrate
If you want the best of the best when it comes to drones, then the DJI Phantom 4 PRO Drone is our top recommendation. It may not be cheap, but its features and performance make up for its price tag.
The DJI Phantom 4 is popular for its advanced features, like its Active Track technology, that allows it to autonomously follow and capture a subject or object. In terms of camera specs, this drone offers 4K resolution with 60 fps, as well as 20 megapixels still photos.
Not only is this amazing for home inspections, but its long-range transmission distance is perfect for real estate photography as well. You can take images and videos from a safe distance without sacrificing on the quality.
It also has an impressive flight time of 30 minutes. For a home inspection, 30 minutes is more than enough to get the job done. A top of the line drone like this also comes with features like obstacle avoidance and automatic return home, so you don’t have to worry too much about losing your drone.
Pros:
- Advanced features like Active Track technology
- 4K resolution with 60 fps and 20 megapixel still images
- Long-range transmission distance
- Impressive flight time of 30 minutes
- Obstacle avoidance and automatic return home.
Cons:
- Extremely expensive compared to other drones on our list.
5. DJI Mavic Pro Drone [Runner-Up]
- What's in this combo: Mavic Pro [US Version], 2 Extra batteries, 2 Extra propellers, 1 charging hub, 1 car charger, 1 battery to power bank adaptor and a shoulder bag
- The DJI Mavic Pro folds down as small as a bottle of water, making it small enough to bring with you everywhere.New OcuSync transmission system offers up to 4.3 miles (7km) of transmission range.
- Fly at up to 40mph (64kmh) or for as long as 27-minutes.True 4K, fully stabilized ensures smooth footageActive Track, Tap Fly and other smart features make professional looking video effortless.
Another top-of-the-line drone for home inspections is the DJI Mavic Pro. It may not be as advanced as the Phantom 4 PRO, but it is still a great choice if you have the budget for it.
The Mavic Pro has a lightweight and foldable design, making it easy to transport and deploy anytime, anywhere. When it’s folded, it’s size can be as small (or big) as a water bottle, allowing you to bring it along with you during inspections.
It has an impressive 4.3 miles transmission system – which is pretty shocking for its size. In terms of image and video quality, the Mavic Pro has 4K resolution with up to 30fps and 12 megapixel still photos. So you can be sure that your images will look great even from a distance.
Plus, this drone also has an impressive flight time of 27 minutes so you won’t have to worry about running out of battery during an inspection.
Pros:
- Lightweight and foldable design for easy transport
- 4.3 mile transmission system
- 4K resolution with up to 30fps and 12 megapixel still photos
- Impressive flight time of 27 minutes.
Cons:
- Pricey
Can You Use a Drone for Home Inspection?
Absolutely! As mentioned earlier, an increasing number of home inspectors are now using drones for their work. It’s an incredibly efficient way to get a better overview of the property and can help you spot any potential problems from up high.
Here are some reasons why drones are perfect for home inspections:
1. Cover a Lot of Ground Quickly
When you’re inspecting a smaller property, this might not be a major issue – but if you have to assess a larger space, it can take a while. With drones, you can cover more ground in less time and get an overview of the entire property from one sweep. The amount of time it takes to inspect an entire property will be drastically reduced when you use a drone.
2. Capture High-Quality Photos and Video
Drones can capture high-resolution photos and videos, which means you can get a detailed look at the property from different angles. You can store these photos digitally for further reference or show them to potential home buyers for a better understanding of the property.
Don’t underestimate drone shots – they really do make a difference, not just in terms of home inspection but also for marketing purposes. For example, this can be a valuable asset for real estate agents.
3. Identify Structural Issues
It’s hard to tell if there are any structural issues with a house just by walking around it. With a drone, however, you can get a good idea of the state of the property by examining its walls and roof from different heights. Sometimes, this can be the difference between spotting a potential issue and missing it entirely.
4. Have a Unique Perspective
Sometimes, it’s helpful to see the property from above to spot potential problems that you wouldn’t be able to identify from ground level. Drones allow you to get this unique perspective, which can help when it comes to making a more informed decision about the property.
5. Easily Check Hard-to-Reach Areas
There are some areas that the naked eye just can’t reach, such as gutters, chimneys, and other hard-to-access spots. With a drone, you can quickly get an overview of these areas without having to climb ladders or enter dangerous spaces.
6. Minimizes Accidents
Although home inspections are generally a safe process, there are certain risks that come with it. By using drones, you can minimize the risk of accidents and injury as you won’t have to physically enter any dangerous areas.
7. Avoid Getting on Roofs
Similar to number 6, getting up on the roof of a structure can be risky. Having to perform a roof inspection would have to be one of the main reasons to get a drone.
With advancements in drone technology, drones can be programmed to fly over the entire roof and capture high-resolution images and videos without any human intervention. This eliminates the traditional methods of having a person climb up on the roof, reducing the risk of injury and improving safety.
Additionally, drones can cover a large area quickly and efficiently, providing accurate and detailed information about the roof’s condition. This information can be used to identify potential issues early, preventing small problems from becoming larger and more expensive.
In summary, drones can perform roof inspections, providing enhanced safety, improved accuracy, time and lower cost, and versatility for all the different types of challenging or inaccessible roofs out there.
Do I Need a License to Fly a Drone?
Yes, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations here in the United States, all commercial drone pilots must register and obtain a Remote Pilot Certificate before they can fly unmanned aircraft. There are certain requirements you have to meet in order to become a certified drone plot.
Whether it’s for a commercial purpose or not, it’s always a good idea to ensure you are following proper drone regulations.
These drone regulations are put in place to ensure safety and promote responsible flying. So make sure to comply with the rules before flying your drone, whether it be for recreation, part of a home inspection, or any other purpose.
Things to Consider When Buying a Drone
If you’re still confused and don’t know which among the five (or countless of models) of drones are the best for home inspections, here are a few things to consider:
1. Flight Time
This is a crucial factor when you’re looking for a drone to use, particularly for home inspections. The longer the flight time, the less you’ll need to charge and replace the batteries. Home inspections can take a while, so having a drone that can remain in the air for at least 20 minutes is ideal.
Take note, however, that despite the flight time indicated in the product details, you should still factor in the time it takes to charge. The battery also drains faster based on the speed, distance, and altitude at which you fly the drone.
2. Camera Quality
When it comes to home inspection, having a high resolution camera is important. A drone with a 4K resolution video camera and up to 30fps can capture high-resolution images and videos. This will be useful if you’re doing aerial shots of properties or residential areas.
During home inspections, the clarity and quality of the images can make a big difference in your assessment. So choose a drone with good camera quality for professional results.
3. Price Tag
The price tag can also be an important factor when you’re choosing a drone for home inspections. Drones range from less than $100 to upwards of $1,000. This can depend on the features you need for your project.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can always opt for a good-priced drone with basic features but still offers quality performance. You can always upgrade to a more expensive drone when you have the budget for it.
What is the Best Drone for Home Inspections?
Among all the drones on our list, the best option would be the DJI Mavic Air 2 Drone. It may be pricey, but it offers the best features for home inspections – like its 4K resolution, one key takeoff and landing, easy return home feature and collision avoidance sensors.
However, your choice of drone may also differ depending on your budget or the type of home inspection you are doing. All these drones offer great features and performance, so carefully comparing the features, price tag, and the kind of inspection you are doing will help you choose the best drone for your needs.
Final Thoughts
Home inspections require the use of aerial shots or photos to have a better view of the property. If you have a home inspection business, you can minimize and completely get rid of having people climb up ladders by investing in a good drone. A good drone can help provide a visual inspection in places that might not be so easy to access.
Our list of the best drones for home inspections has presented you with five great options that are reliable, feature-rich, and suitable for capturing aerial shots of residential properties or real estate. Weigh your choices according to your needs, budget, and other factors before deciding which drone is the best one for you.