BTS How to Complete | Drone Photo Roofing Inspection for Insurance Companies

Here is a simple BTS of a drone roofing photo inspection job that I was contracted by a Farmers insurance agent to do for a property that needed images of a replaced roof.
This video goes through my experience and overall process from start to finish of this paid job. All drone footage, and drone maneuvering were captured and done by a part 107 certified drone pilot. Thank you to the @thedroningcompany which positions me to land potential clients and paid jobs.
This video was edited by @purposedvideo6014
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Follow me on Instagram: @timotbrazz & @purposedvideo

[@jcflying8763]

Nice job. I'm inn the business as well. If I may make a suggestion around chimneys, vents etc. I do a tight zoom of the base around them. I've found problems around those items at times. Keep up the good work Tim.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

This means a lot! Thank you for your feedback and I’ll definitely keep this in mind.👍🏾

[@TheDroneGeek]

Thank you for pulling back the curtain on this job for us, Tim! There are so many ways we can utilize UAV technology and this is a great show of how it goes beyond aesthetics and into the weeds of quality assurance and inspection! Love the content dude, keep pumping out videos!

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Bro I really appreciate the feedback and support bro! This is a great way for any commercial pilot to expand their business and the services they render, by working with local insurance companies that may need drone video or photography of a specific property.

[@jewel20lady64]

Great Job! Looking forward to your next video!

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Thank you!🙏🏾

[@JookiBeats]

Another awesome video man. Thanks for all the details. I’ve been looking for ideas and thought about roof inspections and this was very helpful to see it done, and done right. 💯

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I really appreciate your feedback on this. Of course we can be our biggest critics, and even I, as I looked back at, I realized that there were other things I could have done differently or incorporated into my process. I wish you the best on your journey!👍🏾🚁

[@dantheveganman]

very cool. would be cool to see a video on how you prepare for jobs like this.

[@eprohoda]

Timothy!breathtaking upload,

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I appreciate the support! Thank you!

[@QuadAir1]

Thanks for the job LEAD , going to check them out.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

You’re welcome 👍🏾

[@SkipFredrickstv]

Great Job!

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Thx Skip!👊🏾

[@TerryFJohnson]

Thank you. 😎

[@BartManDude]

Excellent video! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. You have a new fan bro 👍

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Thank you!

[@HinnantAerialImagesLLC]

Nice work thanks for sharing 👍👍

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I appreciate your support! Glad you enjoyed it!👍🏾 Thank you so much!🙏🏾

[@mikerivera7869]

Nice work. Thank you for sharing I'm considering this line of work.👍

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Thank you so much for your feedback, and you’re welcome! You got this!👍🏾

[@thomthorne7306]

That's good to go Sir.

[@djapollo1580]

Thank you

[@ArkleyBarnet]

Thanks for the insight Tim, as a Newbie, I appreciated it and like your presentation style, so I'm now a subscriber. The positive comments are good for you and also more information. Cheers from down here in New Zealand.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Welcome aboard!

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I’m glad that my video helped and inspired you! I feel deeply honored. One day hopefully I’ll be able to visit New Zealand.

[@friartist]

I use PTGUI Pro to go in closer, pull more detail and then stitch to cover more roof at the same time. It does a more perfect, and flexible job of stitching. It can stitch shots straight down,; where you move the drone sideways in between shots. Great video. Thank you.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Oh wow! Thanks for the sharing. I just checked it out and will be downloaded it!👍🏾

[@aircreed]

Great info! Just subscribed 🙏🏾

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I’m grateful for your support! Thank you!

[@pioneerdroneoperations]

Thanks for the video! New like subscriber.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I appreciate the support! Thank you!🙏🏾

[@dannyg8741]

Good job but..Need closer shots of the roof. From those distances you can't gauge much importantdetails.. You should have went in on key areas, penetration areas etc.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

💯 true! Thx for the feedback!👍🏾

[@AerialKnightsLV]

Great video. We are in the process of getting licensed also so we can do this type of work. Keep it up.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Thank you so much! I wish you much success! You got this!👍🏾

[@jackbuckleyauto]

Good luck!

[@jeffreypartridge7201]

I just started my llc and will be adding this as a service that will be offered. Hopefully not to many part 107’s near my area lol

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Congratulations 👏🏾 I know right! lol

[@pixeldawg]

Dude, you just blew through that 1st stop sign!

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Yup! I definitely can’t deny it! 🤦🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️

[@RickyL305]

Lolol

[@lambo_drives]

wish I new what BTS from just the title or description

[@Bradyvic]

Behind The Scene = BTS

[@stevenj2862]

Great video! Thank you for providing so much detail. Can you tell me which drones you own. I current own the DJI Air 2S. I am wondering if I should have one or more backups of different sizes or makes for commercial work.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Hey Steven, glad you liked the video and that it helped you! I think it’s great to have back ups if you can afford it. I currently own and use a Mavic 3, which I own two of them, just the standard versions, and also I have a mini 2 just in case but in reality I mostly use my M3. I even still have my original Mavic Pro lol, but of course I don’t use it for professional work these days. My advice would be to understand which drone works best for your workflow and go from there. Again thank you for your support and feedback, much appreciated!👍🏾🚁

[@MarcusFerro-oy2do]

aloft is great so far

[@KevinODonnelltelebanger]

Some close up shots of the slopes would have been helpful. Also all the roof vents and the flashing around the chimney

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Noted!👍🏾 Thx for the feedback Kevin

[@Bobi-ow6ou]

Great upcoming channel and content, just subscribed to your channel, nice work, can you please ale a video on how you edit and also pricing of the project thanks. Watching from UK 🇬🇧

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I’ll definitely provide a tutorial on my editing practices

[@edj5jb469]

Great video! Obtaining my Part 107 soon. Any tips on how to catch the eye of insurance companies to get work like this?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Fantastic!👏🏾 Can’t wait to hear your success! So you need to build a portfolio or online platform where companies can find you and see your work.

[@mrjayd]

Where did you get your vest with with the Text on the back? Nice and bright for safety.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Hey thank you for your patience. Here is the link to the website I purchased my vest from. I also purchased my anti collision lights from here as well. www.aerial-pixel.com/dronepilots/index.html

[@DoronBond]

Thanks for the experience. Which DJI are you using?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Hey bro, I’m using the Mavic 3 standard with tele lens

[@tqservices]

I came across your video and felt really inspired . Could you point me in the right direction in terms of what I'm looking for on a home or roofing inspection ?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Hey thank you so much for checking out my channel, I’m glad you were inspired!👍🏾 So when we think of roof inspections, we have to broaden our perspective because there are multiple ways to inspect a roof with a drone. When you’re working with say an insurance company of any kind, it is necessary that we ask the question: What are you looking for? And what are you trying to accomplish? Do you want still images of the roof? Do you want zoomed in shots? Video? Or 3D mapping replica. Basically what I’m getting at is the more you find out about what they are looking for then that lets you know how you go about doing the job! It becomes difficult when you don’t ask the questions necessary to be prepared. I hope this helps.

[@RickyL305]

I just passed my 2024 107 exam and am waiting for my license. I have made a very small list of jobs that I am willing to take on and this is one of them. Obviously you worked at this location a few hours south of my residence.i do not expect nor want to work full time at all as I am pretty much retired nowadays. But may I ask you what the going rates are for drone footage of roofs? Just subbed to your channel. With you being fairly local, periodically if you film the areas i am focusing on with my connections, maybe we can trade off leads later.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Congratulations on passing your part 107 exam. 👏🏾 I know the feeling and the excitement that comes with it. It’s been two years now since I’ve been certified and I recently renewed my certificate. When it comes to pricing, you have to know your market area when determining a price to charge, and also take into consideration your experience level, value of gear and equipment, skill set and deliverables, also your time. I made another video that touches on this topic. HOW TO PRICE DRONE JOBS kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6SrlJWMfs2Knrc

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I will definitely keep you in mind if I come across a job that maybe closer to you in your area. I believe in networking. Which county are you located in?

[@MrOGUN1811]

I see you were shooting in J-raw. I assume you are color grading before sending?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Yes sir 👍🏾 All I use is Adobe Lightroom

[@sshaw1015]

I catch my drone with my hand out the sky 😂…

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I do sometimes, but I learned my lesson on a windy day!😂

[@jonathanjones4189]

What drone are you using. Could I do this with a Mini pro 4, air 3, or Mavic 3 classic?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I use the Mavic 3 standard. But all the drones you just mentioned are more than capable of doing this job.👍🏾

[@MrOGUN1811]

I might have missed it but what model drone is that? thanks.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

No worries, I’m using the DJI Mavic 3 standard model with the telephoto lens.

[@RickyBatista]

I know its almost Taboo to speak about money in the photography KZbin world but do you mind sharing approximately how much you charge the insurance company for this kind of job. Great job in the video.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

No worries bro!👍🏾 remember, it always depends on your market area, but for this simple job I charged $200 an hour and all I did was take a few photos of the roof. No need to do any 3D mapping. Imagine if you had an additional 3 properties to go to on the same day! However, two things are very important to remember: 1) Know your market. 2) Know your worth!

[@SpenceClarkSR]

Im in detroit, and im still figuring out how do you guys approach these businesses to even get this type of work? What places do you contact? Real estate agencies? Local insurance agencies?… because a lot of ppl are doing this as an at home business now.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

@@SpenceClarkSR Hey thanks for your comment. So I I’ve seen other KZbinr’s attempt to create a call list and reach out to as many realtors and insurance companies trying to land a client. However, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t work. But I have another video that I’m working on, and I talk about how I linked up, and networked with another pilot who has connections. Joining a community of certified drone operators, and the benefits of doing so. I just completed another commercial property shoot in LA, CA that I didn’t even have to reach out to anyone to do because another pilot who was already connected with the project, called me for help. Remember, positioning yourself is key!

[@MaconDrones]

@@Inspirewithdrones3342 thank you for your great advice and openness. I’m new to flying drones and very interested in turning the hobby into a money making business.

[@jamesstewart2560]

@@Inspirewithdrones3342you’re full of shit lol. As an inspector I turn them down because I know they paid you max $70😂

[@5150yatesmusic]

What was the purpose that the ins co had inspect the roof and how much did you charge?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

The purpose was to capture photos of a replaced section of the roof. I charged $150 per hour.

[@zoemayne]

What's the point of the Hard hat? Glasses to protect from sun glare would be functional and professional if you are trying to go for that look.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Interesting question: Just recently I was leaving home, and as I was driving towards the end of the block, there was a truck alongside the dirt field, and there were two gentlemen standing in front of their truck, both with yellow vest, yellow hard hats, one wearing shades, and the other wearing glasses. the one wearing glasses was flying a drone. Immediately as I saw them, it was clear to me that they were doing something important, and from my observation, it looked as if they were inspecting the power lines, or the pole. With respect to both gentlemen, clearly seeing that they were doing something very important and looked very professional, I did not disturb them nor did I approach them, and I simply carried on with my day. I know many pilots who wer wears hard hat, and I know some pilots who don’t, so at the end of the day it’s all about your individual preference. And the real question should be did you complete the job successfully, professionally, and safely? Thanks for your feedback!👍🏾

[@dannyg8741]

It so people and cops will leave you the hell alone! Alot of Karen's and others who can't seem to mind their business, or think suspect. Cones, hard hat, vests is absolutely the best setup to get your work done in peace. Otherwise you standing around with some gadget in your hand in a place you don't live will bring unwanted attention.

[@supercaveman]

Did he say what drone he’s using? Sorry, I may have missed it. Thanks.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

No worries, I used the Mavic 3 standard.

[@gregvinci5201]

What method do you get the photos to the client? Thanks

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Hi Greg, so it’s really simple for me, of course I’m sure there are other methods you can use, but I simply take the edited images and upload them into a folder in my Google drive and email the link to my client for downloading. If our in the field, and the client or insurance agency needs the images soon, then I’ll use my mobile hotspot to connect to my laptop in order to send the deliverables. I hope this helps bro! 👍🏾

[@lylehaylett3153]

Quick question. You mentioned you were limited to 50 ft. Were you in "0 zone" airspace and get explicit permission for up to 50' or were you in a 100' zone and you just limited yourself to 50' to be cautious?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Great question! So I was in a “0 zone in the blue of class (Class D airspace) in which authorization is possible but if I was in a red grid area while in a “0 zone, I wouldn’t have been able to fly. 2nd, I chose 50ft as a precaution for myself, and as a result of using Google earth to estimate the height of the roof. I figured there was no height of flying any higher than 50 feet because my focus was specifically on the rooftop and nothing else.

[@jamarbellejambe5225]

Hey, i wanted to know how did you get insurance jobs i would like to get my FAA and start getting work as an independent drone pilot.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Hello Jamar, and that’s for watching my video. I was found by on my profile I have for the “The Droning Company.” Here’s the link if you want to check it out. www.thedroningcompany.com/

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I wish you the best of success as you navigate through the process to obtain your part 107. Take care!

[@mr.e.2001]

How do you bill for this service? By the still? By the total number of shots? By residential? I just found this channel and I'm going to be subscribing.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Hey I appreciate your response, so basically it’s based on knowing the market area in which understanding the residential area would come into play here. I understood what the agent desired which is always key. I only delivered at least 7 to 10 images, because the agent was specific with what he wanted. However, I bill on the hour in which based on the market area. I live in Southern California. I can charge anywhere from one $150-$200 an hour. Imagine if you have multiple homes on the same day. That’s not bad for only capturing photos and not having to worry about mapping. And lastly, know your worth! I hope this helps.

[@mr.e.2001]

@@Inspirewithdrones3342 brilliant! I'm new to the drone field and I'm in Modesto. Do you have any recommendations for the part 107? I'm considering a class I found on udemy, a little pricey but it looks very detailed and I want to pass on the first try.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

@@mr.e.2001 That’s fantastic! With so many options out their, it can be a bit overwhelming trying to decide which way to go. The first advice I would say would be to be honest with yourself and make sure that if you’re going to be serious and do this that you’re going to put your all into it so that you can pass on the first try. Pilate institute is a popular one which offers a lot of additional features. However, I used remote pilot 101. It was affordable, and enabled me to work at my own pace, and was pretty decent with the instruction videos that were created to explain all of the various concepts under part 107. There are many other ones out there but for the price point I don’t think it’s necessary.

[@QuadAir1]

Pilot institute, best course. Lots of free classes taught by a 20+year pilot and instructor. Very in-depth, real education . Their credentials are amazing. I purchased three different 107 classes and Pilot Institute has the best classes . Multi-copter and fixed wing education,, you will need both to pass your 107 . Life time access to all classes ! Pilot Institute is THE REAL DEAL !

[@RickyL305]

Keep in mind for renewal purposes that the brand new 2014 107 exam had just come out. Of course charts and maps remain similar and that's the main thing however there were only four or five questions from any of the older tests with all the new laws that came out and such. I have not seen it on KZbin or through a drone school just yet any of the newer study material for the exam . On the older exams , I was averaging 95% to 100% accuracy on the test no matter which one I taken and the 2024 107 really threw me off a bit. I did pass the test regardless however I was disgusted with my score as I always shoot high. It is something that I always did is all. The new exam I believe came out February 9th. and I was trying to get the older test done prior to the change but I underestimated the date and took it after. I encourage all for their renewal to monitor and look out for the new study materials.

[@Mr.Thinker-]

1:20 you should stop at stop signs though, just want you and others to be safe so keep a sharp eye if your making a video while driving.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I appreciate the feedback sir! Talk about a California roll. 😬🤦🏾‍♂️ Embarrassing as it was, I understand I need to be extra attentive while driving. I’m sure others who’ve viewed this felt the same way. Thanks again!👍🏾

[@alimamyconteh8678]

Hey buddy! I run a small Drone business and I want to approach insurance companies with my services in the DMV area. Can you help me with tips on how to get my services to them. I’m in the DMV area.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Hello sir, thanks for reaching out! Though I’m not familiar with your area, the first thing that comes to mind would be to prepare a visual presentation that you could contact and present to your local city hall officials. The reason for this is because by packaging your services, it will give them options and show them the different possibilities of what a drone business could do for the DMV area. Be as detailed and visual as possible. Use this same approach when reaching out to insurance companies as well. I hope this helps. Take care!👍🏾

[@jacobkatzev1936]

What type of drone do you recommend for these type of jobs?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

You can use the Mavic 2 pro, Air 2s, mini 3 pro, any Mavic 3 drone, Air 3, and also the latest mini 4 pro.

[@Garylhairston]

Nice. How do you find roof inspection jobs.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Gary thanks for watching and thank you for your question: I wish I had one simple answer for this but honestly job boards are a method. Websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Glassdoor. You can try freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and DroneBase. Networking, or direct outreach to roofing companies and or insurance companies. I will be covering this extensively in an upcoming blog post that I am working on. For me, it was networking, but also having an online platform through The Droning Company. I hope this helps.

[@reubenmarcus]

Thank you - great video. Can you please talk about how you obtained the gig?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Sir, you just inspired me with my next video!😁 but short answer, I have a $10.00 a month subscription to drone platform site called “The Droning Company.” This site allows you to have a custom platform to share your work, and as a result, it exposes you to other businesses and companies who may be looking for part 107 certified Drone pilot in the area check it out! www.thedroningcompany.com

[@reubenmarcus]

@@Inspirewithdrones3342 …and thank you again sir!

[@RubyRube10465]

Thank you again! I just joined and I checked out your profile pretty cool stuff continued good luck brother.

[@RickyL305]

​@@Inspirewithdrones3342.... Thank you for the website information, seems very helpful.

[@fameespinal2859]

How much did you charge

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I charged $150.00 per hour. However this can vary based on the market area.

[@GCHUSTLEHAWAII]

How did you get the job with the insurance company?

[@GCHUSTLEHAWAII]

Also did you get any training for this?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I’m apart of drone business site called the “Droning Company.” THE DRONING COMPANY | www.thedroningcompany.com/ For $10.00 a month you get a platform that allows business who are looking for certified drone pilots to find you and hire you for service. Check it out if you haven’t already done so.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

No Training whatsoever other then my experience with photography, understanding what the insurance agent wants and doing my research to be prepared the best way possible to complete the job.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I will say that having experience being around mentors who does work like this regularly is a benefit to your overall knowledge of how to do the job.

[@billabalos-inspectionpro]

are you a part 107 pilot?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Yes sir I’m part 107 certified

[@craigjackson1153]

Whats the drone please ?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

The drone I’m using in this video is the DJI Mavic 3. The first model.

[@DRONefuntoo]

Why no close up pics?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

You know, I addressed this in another video and I couldn’t believe that I didn’t capture any close ups! SMH 🤦🏾‍♂️ believe it or not, this was my first time doing this particular job. The way I see it, now I understand what I can do differently next time around.👍🏾

[@kevinschuurmans7738]

What is actually supposed to be wrong with this roof? The photos seem vague as was the description of this job.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

I simply had to show proof that the roof was repaired. That’s all Farmers insurance asked for. Of course other approaches could have been done in capturing the images, but I simply gave them what they asked for.

[@user-gb9nz9rr6t]

Lol hard hat to fly a drone? Are you scared the drones gna fall on ur head?

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Great question, allow me to help you understand. It’s important to prioritize safety when operating a drone, especially in environments where there might be potential hazards. Wearing a hard hat while flying a drone helps protect against any unforeseen accidents or falling objects. It’s a precautionary measure to ensure the well being of both the operator and those in the vicinity. Lastly, it keeps the Karen’s away. lol

[@RickyL305]

Many different types of drone operators are required to utilize hard hats.

[@EricCampbellUAV]

slow af

[@earthflute2248]

Wow you got paid for this? Poor pre planning. Maps would have located trees to determine best time onsite. It was too early, so there was tree shadow over the roof. Roof inspection.. no shadow!. Come later. Also, this is a roof inspection. Where are the tight shots of ridges penetrations guttering.. etc. Ooh good looking shots, are not what the client needs. Detail is required. This is the trouble sending someone w no building knowledge and not professional so no real system work practices. Gives a bad name for the rest of us who know what to do. Poor pre planning. Poor or no onsite planning to locate trees, shadows, roof hardware layout, etc.. and sequences of fly paths required to gather shots. Then, poor and basic far shot execution when detail is required.

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Thank for your feedback

[@LDrift]

Give it a rest Mr perfect

[@echelon-thepanamanian_papi6144]

This is awesome, I sent you a dm on instagram. Had a few questions

[@Inspirewithdrones3342]

Copy that, I’ll check it out. Thx for the support!