We fly the drone. We know what to look for and what the data means.
FAA-certified drone inspection combined with expert building envelope analysis — from condition documentation to actionable findings.
Drone inspection is only as useful as the expertise behind it. BEPG's drone pilots are building envelope consultants — when we're in the air, we're not just capturing footage. We're conducting an inspection and initial assessment. We know what deterioration looks like on a limestone facade, where roofing systems fail, and what thermal anomalies signal about moisture or energy loss. The drone changes how we access a structure. It doesn't change what we're looking for.
Building Systems We Inspect
BEPG conducts drone inspections across a range of building systems and assets, applying the appropriate documentation and diagnostic methods to each.
Facade & Exterior Wall Inspections
Facade conditions are often difficult to assess from grade — deterioration, joint failures, and cladding movement can be subtle at height and easy to miss without close access. Drone inspection allows BEPG's consultants to systematically document facade conditions at any elevation, capturing high-resolution imagery and thermal data to identify moisture intrusion, air leakage, and material deterioration. The result is a thorough condition assessment without the cost and logistics of scaffolding or aerial lifts.
Drone facade inspections are also well-suited for post-storm assessments and meeting municipal inspection requirements, which in many jurisdictions require exterior facade evaluations every three to five years.
Roof Inspections
Roof conditions are difficult to assess thoroughly without direct access — and access equipment is expensive, time-consuming, and not always practical. Drone inspection allows BEPG's consultants to document roof conditions systematically from above, capturing high-resolution imagery of membrane conditions, flashing details, drainage patterns, and penetration areas. For projects requiring precise spatial documentation, photogrammetric modeling provides a detailed record of existing conditions that supports repair scoping, contractor coordination, and long-term maintenance planning.
Solar Panel System Inspections
Manually inspecting solar panel arrays is time-consuming and often requires access equipment that risks damaging the panels themselves. Drone inspection allows BEPG's consultants to examine panel arrays quickly and safely, documenting conditions across the entire system without physical contact. Findings are delivered as a detailed 3D photogrammetric model, giving owners and facility managers a precise visual record to support maintenance decisions and repair planning.
Communication Tower & Roof Mounted Equipment Inspections
Inspecting communication towers and roof-mounted equipment traditionally requires sending personnel to height — a time-consuming and inherently risky process. Drone inspection allows BEPG's consultants to conduct close-range visual assessment of towers, antennae, and roof-mounted systems without putting anyone on a ladder or scaffold, capturing high-resolution imagery for condition documentation and analysis.
What You Receive
Every BEPG drone inspection produces two categories of deliverables: technical deliverables and expert analysis.
3D Modeling (Photogrammetry)
The primary technical deliverable is a detailed photogrammetric 3D model of the inspected structure — built from high-resolution imagery captured at multiple angles and elevations. Processing thousands of images into a precise 3D mesh is skilled technical work that produces a deliverable far more useful than a photo library. The model is accessible through a standard web browser, allowing owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to explore conditions, make precise measurements, and reference existing conditions without sifting through hundreds of individual photographs. For projects requiring integration with design software, models are also available in formats compatible with Revit and AutoCAD.
The Thordarson Rock Island Boathouse model below illustrates what a completed photogrammetric deliverable looks like in practice.
Thordarson's Rock Island Boathouse 3D Mesh Model
Assessment Report and Documentation
The analysis is where BEPG's building envelope expertise comes in. Alongside the 3D model, clients receive a written assessment report and marked-up imagery identifying conditions of concern, their likely causes, and recommended next steps. The 3D model is typically delivered within 3-5 business days of the inspection. Written assessment reports and marked-up imagery follow as analysis is completed.
Credentials and Compliance
FAA Part 107 Certified
All BEPG drone pilots hold FAA Part 107 sUAS certification for commercial drone operations.
Certified Thermographers
Our pilots are certified thermographers, qualified to interpret thermal imaging data — not just capture it.
NDAA-Compliant Equipment
BEPG uses NDAA-compliant autonomous drones on every engagement.
Fully Insured
BEPG carries full drone liability insurance.
Ready to See What Drone Inspection Can Tell You About Your Building?
How Drone Inspection Fits Into a Larger Engagement
Drone inspection and assessment can stand alone as a one-time condition documentation engagement, or serve as the front end of a broader scope of work. When combined with 3D laser scanning, it produces a comprehensive existing conditions record that supports everything from repair design to historic preservation documentation. The deliverables — 3D models, assessment reports, and marked-up imagery — are useful inputs for any subsequent engagement, whether that's Design and Construction Administration or Historic Preservation.
When a drone inspection reveals conditions that warrant further action, BEPG provides a proposal for next steps. The inspection informs the recommendation, not the other way around.
Real-World Results: Drone Inspection in Action
Drone Inspection and Assessment has helped our clients streamline building evaluations with unparalleled efficiency and safety. By accessing hard-to-reach areas and gathering high-resolution data quickly, our drones have simplified decision-making, reduced expenses, and minimized risks. From detailed facade inspections to solar panel assessments, this technology has delivered critical insights with precision and speed. Below are a few examples of how Drone Inspection and Assessment made a measurable impact.
FAQ
Are your drone pilots licensed?
Yes, all of our drone pilots are FAA sUAS certified drone operators. In addition, our drone pilot consultants are certified thermographers.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, we carry full drone liability insurance.
What types of equipment do you use?
BEPG uses NDAA-compliant autonomous drones for inspection and mapping.
What weather can you fly in? How windy can it be to fly?
We cannot fly in fog or precipitation. We routinely fly in temperatures between 10 degrees F and 95 degrees F. Depending on the mission, building, flight parameters, etc., we can usually fly in winds up to 20 MPH.
How long does a drone inspection take?
Inspection time varies based on the size and scope of the project. Typically, BEPG will be on site for one to two days.
Can my drone pilot friend fly missions for you? Can I fly my own drone?
Unfortunately, no. We often need to fly very close to buildings we are assessing and use specific flight procedures and equipment to ensure we collect the imagery we need.
Can the drone see through windows or walls?
Sometimes, the drone can see through windows and glass, although in most cases, the reflective nature of glass restricts the drone from seeing into the window. Neither our standard drones nor Infrared drones can see through walls.
Can you fly over people or cars?
Short answer â no. The FAA has very strict requirements regarding flying over people and vehicles. Our team uses visual observers and signage to ensure the area is secure from pedestrian traffic. Pilots keep the drones in sight to anticipate and respond to any potential issues.
Can you fly anywhere?
No. There are FAA-restricted air spaces that control if a drone can be flown and / or to what altitude and other conditions. However, if your project is not close to an airport, stadium, or similar location, we can probably fly your project. BEPG reviews the FAA regulations for each property area and applies for authorizations or approvals.
Can you fly around trees?
Sometimes, the images won't be very good if a tree or other landscaping is between the drone and the building.
What is the difference between an aerial survey and a drone inspection?
An aerial survey presents a birds-eye view of the property, giving the user a good view of the roof and overall site conditions. The drone inspection is a 3D scan of the building that builds a detailed 3D mesh model of the property. The detailed photogrammetric mesh of the property is an excellent tool to communicate and assess existing conditions.
How quickly can I expect results after a property inspection?
Typical turnaround time is 3-5 days, depending on the property size. Larger structures may require additional time to process and prepare.
Can I see more 3D sample models?
Yes, here are some models we created for other clients.
