A drone roof inspection costs between $150 and $400 depending on a number of factors. Some companies will charge by flight time or per square foot.

Many perks come with homeownership but also a lot of responsibilities, including getting your roof inspected annually to make sure it can handle those harsh seasonal storms. Roof repairs costs can run anywhere from $150 to $7,000 or more for major repairs. A drone inspection can help you identify areas of concern before they become a major problem, but in some states, you’ll also be required to get your roof inspected if you want to sell your home.

Thankfully, a drone inspection won’t always break the bank and it’s much cheaper than the potential major roof repairs.

Jerry

, the trustworthy broker app and

home insurance

expert is here to help you estimate the cost of a drone roof inspection so you won’t be blindsided by a quote.

How much does a drone roof inspection cost?

The national average cost of a drone roof inspection can range between $150 and $400, but your bill could be lower or higher than that depending on several factors. Here’s what affects the cost of your drone roof inspection:

Size of the roof: Some roof inspectors will charge an additional fee for larger roofs and other’s will charge by the square foot.

Roofing material: You’ll pay more for an inspection if you’re roof is made of a less common material, like slate tile or wood shingles, instead of the typical asphalt.

Certification: If you're selling your home or getting homeowners insurance, you’ll need an inspection and roof certification. Most roof inspectors will charge a $75 to $200 certification fee in an addition to the inspection cost.

Inclement weather: Because drones are so expensive, roof inspectors may charge you more if the weather is unfavorable (think rain or wind!) to mitigate the cost of potential drone damage. Be sure to schedule your drone inspection for a dry, sunny day.

If you are preparing to sell or purchase a home and need a roof inspection, there are a few additional costs to consider:

Type of inspection	Description	Average cost
Drone roof inspection for home purchase		$150 to $400
Roof certification	Roof certification is a report that determines a roof’s overall condition, repair costs, and remaining life. A roof must be leak free and have 2-5 years of remaining life to be certified.	$75 to $200
VA or FHA loan	Both VA and FHA loans require a roof inspection and certification before a home sale can be finalized.	$75 to $200

Let Jerry find you the best homeowners insurance policy for your needs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Shop Now

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Whether you’re selling or purchasing a home, getting a drone roof inspection can save you money! Certifying your roof with a drone inspection can increase the value of your home in a sale and homebuyers can use the roof's condition to make a counter offer.

Do I need a drone roof inspection?

A drone roof inspection is always a good idea before any type of real estate transaction, drone roof inspections are not required in a purchasing contract. However, some states and lenders require a roof certification before finalizing a home sale.

That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with local roof inspection regulations and mortgage lender agreements when you sell or buy a home. Your real estate agent will cover the state guidelines and we’ll walk you through the national requirements for VA and FHA loans.

Roof inspection for VA and FHA loan

When you purchase a home using a VA or FHA loan, the roof must be free of any leaks and have at least two years of remaining life. If the roof is old or in visible disrepair, there is a good chance you’ll be asked to get a roof inspection.

You’ll be required to get a roof inspection and certification if the appraiser notices the following:

Water stains on the ceiling

Sagging roof

Missing shingles

Warped attic rafters

Popped shingle nails

Damaged gutters

If your roof does not pass inspection and receive a certification, your loan process could be derailed and receive higher home insurance premiums.

MORE: When to walk away after a home inspection

Signs of roof damage

An annual roof inspection is a great way to avoid expensive roof repairs down the line. It’s recommended you get a roof inspection once a year during the fall or spring, depending on where you live to prepare for severe seasonal storms.

Here are some early signs of roof damage to look out for:

Damaged or missing shingles: Keep an eye out for cracked, curled, or missing shingles. Just one damaged or missing shingle can lead to a leak.

Stained ceilings: If you notice water stains on your ceilings, your roof could be letting in moisture.

Rusted or damaged flashing: Flashing overlaps with shingles, keeping your roof watertight. If you notice rusted or damaged flashing, water can creep in.

Peeling paint near the roofline: This indicates the damage your roof has sustained after a storm and is a sign you need a roof inspection to avoid a major leak.

If you notice the above signs, you should get a roof inspection sooner rather than later to avoid costly repairs.

MORE: How to find a roof leak quickly

Roof repair costs

Roof repair costs between $364 to $1,556 on average, but depending on the extent of the damage and the size of your roof, major repairs could run over $7,000! If you catch roof deterioration early on, your repair costs will be on the lower end. But deterioration that affects the roof's structural integrity or ability to keep out moisture, like roof sagging, tail, or eaves repairs, will be much more costly. That’s why annual roof inspections and regular roof maintenance are so important.

You can prevent roof damage by regularly:

Cleaning and repairing your gutters

Removing debris (think leaves and branches) from the roof

Patching and replacing broken or missing shingles

Treating mold or mildew

Roof maintenance may feel like a burdensome and expensive chore, but inspection fees and maintenance costs are considerably less than what you would pay to repair major roof damages.

MORE: How to clean gutters from the ground, the easy way

How to hire a roof inspector

Whether you need a roof inspection certification for a home sale or are preparing for seasonal storms, you’ll want to hire a licensed and certified roof inspector to provide you with a comprehensive report that identifies damages and tools for long term maintenance.

Here are a few tips to help you narrow down which licensed roof inspector to hire:

Ask your real estate agent, friends, and family for roof inspector recommendations.

Make sure they have a residential roof inspector certification. Residential certified roof inspectors will have the training to assess how residential roofs interact with the weather and how roof materials and ventilation systems affect the integrity of your home.

Check their licensure. Licensing rules vary by state but your roof inspector should have a National Roof Certification and Inspection Association (NRCIA) license or another roofing agency license.

Read reviews. Companies can boast they offer the best services in town on their website, but you’ll need to read customer reviews to confirm. Maybe they really are the best roof inspectors in town!

Call and get a quote. Narrow your roof inspector list to three options and request quotes from each.

Hiring a certified roof inspector you can trust and rely on will offer you valuable insights to negotiate with roof repair services and when you are buying or selling a home.

MORE:

How to prepare for a home inspection

How to save on homeowners insurance

A drone roof inspection can be costly, but it's well worth your while to have peace of mind knowing your roof will withstand another few years of wear and tear. Saving on homeowners insurance with

Jerry

is another easy way to keep your mind at ease.

Jerry is the easiest way to save on a

home insurance

policy that is customized for you. You can even bundle your policy with your car insurance for the most savings.

After providing you with a comprehensive cross-analysis of the best policies across providers, Jerry will handle the phone calls, paperwork, and renewals for your top pick so that you don’t have to. They even help cancel your old policy!

“
Jerry
had a super simple app that was easy to navigate. And their terrific customer service made everything even easier. Plus I saved $700 in a single year.” —Lucia M.

RECOMMENDED