Drone inspections and site surveys
Inspect roofs, solar farms and building sites by drone and deliver clear reports and maps.
- A$4k-20k
- Part-time
- Out and about
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
Using drones to inspect roofs, gutters, towers, solar panels and farm or construction sites, and producing photo reports or simple maps and progress images.
Your first three steps
- Check CASA requirements for commercial operations and consider an operator accreditation or training course
- Choose a drone with a good zoom or survey camera and learn mapping or reporting software
- Approach local roofers, builders and property managers and offer a trial inspection report
Who pays
Building inspectors, insurers, roofing and solar companies, construction firms, farmers and property managers.
How it makes money
Price per inspection or survey, plus regular monthly progress-capture contracts with construction or land clients.
Skills that help
- Precise, safe drone flying
- Reporting and mapping software
- Technical knowledge of buildings, sites or land
Watch out for
- CASA rules for commercial flying, including any extra approvals for flying near structures or people
- Professional indemnity and public liability insurance that covers drone work
- Site safety inductions and permission from site owners before flying
- Accuracy of reports, clients may rely on them, so be clear about what you can and cannot assess
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: drone inspections and site surveys
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a drone inspection business?
Startup costs are typically around $4,000 to $20,000, depending on your drone and sensors, reporting and mapping software, and insurance. These are estimates only. Higher-spec equipment sits at the top of the range.
What rules apply to commercial drone inspections?
Check CASA rules for commercial flying, including any extra approvals for flying near structures or people. Also check professional indemnity and public liability cover for drone work, site safety inductions, permission from site owners, and what your reports can and cannot assess.
How much can a drone inspection business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your clients, such as building inspectors, insurers or solar companies, and how many jobs you take. This is an estimate only. Allow at least 10 hours a week.
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