How we began using drone roof surveys to reduce costs

This case study was originally published in 2022, when using drone roof surveys was a novel idea to the Block & Estate Management Industry.

Since the publication, drone roof surveys have had a remarkable effect in

Reducing survey costs for roofs and chimneys.
Quickly and efficiently identifying defects and hazards.
Ensuring that developments are appropriately insured.
Assisting with fast development of Planned Maintenance Plans (PMPs) by surveyors, making it more efficient for our Property Managers to prioritise and action contents of the plans.
Ensuring that repairs can be properly planned and costed, as surveys are in-depth and works can be appropriately budgeted.

Drone Roof Surveys With Jennings & Barrett

Since our first drone roof survey was performed in 2022, we’ve grown our portfolio of managed developments by almost 30% – and our utility of this efficient approach to surveying has ballooned. Analysis reveals that …

Drone roof surveys were performed across our portfolio in 2025

Average cost of a drone roof survey, 2023 – 2025, inclusive of VAT

Estimated savings per roof survey by using drones

Continue reading our original case study about our first ever use of drone roof surveys below!

Use of drone to reduce survey costs

7 months ago

We were instructed to manage this Victorian block, which was a listed building made up of 17 apartments. Directors were looking to bring the condition of the building back to an acceptable standard. Our dedicated block management team used their expertise to come up with a suitable approach.

What challenges did we face with this block?

An ageing Victorian roof

The aging roof of this 19^th century property had been experiencing frequent leaks and, with roof access proving difficult due to the design of the building, repairs would not be straightforward.

Traditional roof structures are difficult to survey

The Directors of the RMC had commissioned their own report to get to the bottom of the issues, but this was unable to be completed due to the structure of the roof and its multiple slopes and voids.

A new approach was required.

Rooftop of the development shows multiple different slops and a chimney block

How did we resolve these challenges?

We carried out a Section 20 consultation to inform lessees of the repairs required, collecting their share of the costs and providing them with an opportunity to give their input.

Due to the difficult access, we commissioned Dronescope, a licensed drone operator to examine the roof in detail and fully understand the works required.

We commissioned fully qualified surveyors to manage the project, keeping the Directors and residents fully informed throughout.

What was the final result?

The roof restoration was completed within two years of our appointment

After choosing Jennings and Barrett to manage and restore the block, from the process of carrying out consultations to the completion of the works and all related admin, the restoration project was completed within 2 years.

Works were completed within budget

Using the drones for an in-depth initial survey meant that the repairs could be properly planned and costed, ensuring that the work was able to be carried out within budget.

Secure homes and reduced insurance claims

We are confident that leaseholders were given peace of mind that the roof was restored to a sound condition and, as a result, insurance claims for water damage were reduced.