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Level 3+ survey case study
Defective roof
exposed by drone imagery.
From the ground the roof looked reasonable. The drone inspection on a Level 3+ Building Survey revealed extensive roof defects, and the buyer renegotiated the price to cover the repairs instead of inheriting them.
Overview
Reasonable from the ground.
Defective from the air.
The property is a traditional semi-detached house with a pitched tile roof. From the ground, the roof appeared to be in reasonable condition.
As part of the Level 3+ Survey, a drone was used for a detailed aerial inspection. This revealed significant defects that could not be seen from ground level.
- Major defects uncovered before legal completion
- Drone inspection, so the whole roof was examined safely
- Complete clarity and confidence before exchange
Key findings
Five roof defects
invisible from the ground.
Drone imagery and an inspection of the loft exposed defects across the tiles, ridge, valleys, flashings and loft structure that could not be seen from ground level.
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Finding 01
Slipped and missing tiles
Multiple slipped and missing roof tiles across key elevations and the main roof slopes.
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Finding 02
Loose ridge tiles
Ridge tiles were loose, with failed, inadequate or deteriorated mortar bedding.
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Finding 03
Open valleys
Valleys showed open joints, accumulated debris and signs of water ingress.
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Finding 04
Failed lead flashing
Deteriorated lead flashing around the chimney and roof junctions.
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Finding 05
Signs of water ingress
Early signs of water penetration to the loft structure, with evidence of historic water ingress.
Outcome
£24,500 off the price,
backed by drone evidence.
Armed with the findings and drone evidence, the buyer successfully renegotiated the price by £24,500 to cover the cost of the necessary roof repairs.
Without the drone inspection, these defects would likely have remained hidden until costly damage occurred.
“We’re very glad we chose the Level 3+ survey. The drone photos clearly showed issues we would never have seen. It saved us thousands.”
“The drone imagery revealed serious roof defects that would have otherwise gone completely unnoticed.”
Don’t rely on
what you can’t see.
A Level 3+ Survey with drone inspection gives you the detail and evidence you need to protect your investment. Start with the address and see every suitable survey with its price.