How a £300 Drone Survey saved £1,000s on property purchase
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make in their lifetime. So when a client recently contacted Manchester Drone Surveys for a second opinion on a property in Marple Bridge, Stockport, they made a decision that ultimately saved them thousands.
For just a few hundred pounds, we carried out a full drone roof inspection - and what we found provided the clarity and leverage they needed to move forward with confidence.
The Problem with Standard Surveys
The client had already commissioned a traditional HomeBuyers Report, which did raise general concerns about the roof. However, like many such reports, it lacked the specific detail needed to truly understand the scale of the issue. That’s where we came in.
Using our high-resolution drone equipment and surveying expertise, we captured a detailed aerial view of the entire roof structure. The result? Clear, annotated photographs and a professionally written report that highlighted several serious concerns.
What We Found During the Drone Inspection
Our drone inspection survey revealed:
⚠️ Failing mortar on ridge tiles: Many were fatigued and likely needed full re-bedding.
⚠️ Gaps in chimney flashing: Poor leadwork leaving areas vulnerable to moisture ingress.
⚠️ Uneven and patchy slatework: Particularly to the rear, where thinner, mismatched slates had been used in previous repairs, plus other potentially hidden costs and issues.
⚠️ Dislodged guttering: Sloped in the wrong direction, reversing water flow and putting walls at risk of damp.
⚠️ Signs of past patch repairs: Inconsistent material and workmanship that didn’t align with the rest of the roof’s condition.
All these issues were clearly documented in our visual report - without ever stepping foot on the roof.
(Note: The images used on our website are cropped to protect the privacy of the homeowner.)
The Outcome: Informed Decisions = Financial Savings
With our report in hand, the buyer was able to:
- Re-negotiate the asking price based on the repair costs
- Request specific works be completed before exchange
- Understand the true condition of the property before committing
That initial investment not only saved them unexpected costs but gave them the peace of mind to move forward wisely.
In many cases like this, we find that a few hundred pounds spent early on can prevent thousands in repair bills later. It’s a small price to pay for confidence, transparency, and leverage.
The Benefits of Drone Roof Inspections
At Manchester Drone Surveys, our inspections offer:
- Safe, non-invasive aerial inspections
- High-quality, annotated photographic reports
- Suitable for buyers, sellers, landlords and property managers
- Early detection of costly repair issues
Whether you're buying, selling or just want to check the health of your property, a drone roof inspection offers powerful insights, and serious value.
Get in touch today to arrange your drone roof survey in Marple Bridge, Stockport or across Greater Manchester.