What to Look for When Hiring a Team for a Drone Building Inspection
At Xizmo 
Media, we’ve worked with building owners, HOA boards, and engineering consultants who are exploring drone building inspections for the first time. Many clients know what they need—clear images of façades, roofs, or hard-to-reach features—but aren’t sure what to look for in a drone team.
We will walk you through the most important things to consider when hiring a drone provider for building inspection work. The right team doesn’t just fly drones. They deliver useful data safely, clearly, and on time.
Start with Certification and Licensing
The first step is checking whether the drone operator holds FAA certification. Commercial drone pilots must have a Part 107 license to operate legally in the U.S. Without it, the flight may not meet federal regulations, which can create liability for the property owner.
Also, ask if the team has experience flying in complex or restricted airspace. If your building is in a city or near an airport, the crew may need to work with local or federal airspace authorities. Xizmo Media handles these steps on behalf of our clients. We’ve worked in some of the most challenging areas—including dense parts of New York City—and understand the rules that apply.
Look at the Equipment and Final Deliverables
Not all drones are built for inspection work. A hobby drone may take decent pictures from a distance, but it won’t provide the kind of detailed visuals needed for reviewing structural conditions.
Ask what kind of cameras the team uses and what resolution you can expect. Look for options with stabilized 4K video and high-resolution photo capability.
Also clarify what files you’ll receive. Will the team provide still images, video clips, or a combination? Will the footage be labeled, organized, or formatted for reports? Some clients just need raw footage, while others want ready-to-use files. Xizmo Media works with each client to provide what fits best—whether that means color-coded stills, side-by-side comparisons, or custom exports for engineering reviews.
Clear Communication Matters
Good inspection results come from clear communication before the flight even starts. That means discussing what areas of the building need to be covered, what types of features are most important, and how the client plans to use the data afterward.
Timeline matters too. A professional team should explain how long the drone building inspection will take, when they plan to fly, and when deliverables will be ready.
At Xizmo Media, we keep clients informed at each step. We go over the site plan ahead of time, confirm safety requirements, and make sure the scope is realistic for the conditions. On the day of the inspection, we provide live feedback and work around tenant schedules if needed.
Be Ready for Local Rules and Access Issues
Some areas require special permits to fly drones near buildings. Others may have local laws that restrict drone activity on weekends or near certain types of properties.
If your building is in a city or near landmarks, parks, or government facilities, talk with the drone team about whether special permits are needed. This is an area where experience really makes a difference.
Xizmo Media has deep experience navigating NYC’s airspace regulations and working with the right agencies to secure permission. We also know how to launch and land drones safely in tight or crowded spaces, often without interrupting traffic or access.
How Xizmo Media Handles Drone Inspections
Xizmo Media takes a practical, safety-first approach to every project. Before the flight, we confirm FAA compliance, plan the flight path, and review what the client wants to see. Our licensed pilots and camera operators work as a team to capture steady, high-resolution visuals from every angle.
After the inspection, we deliver files based on your preference—whether that’s raw video, edited clips, individual images, or complete inspection sets. We’re also available to support engineering teams that want to review specific frames or create documentation.
We’ve supported everything from basic roof checks to full façade scans on high-rises. Our experience across residential, commercial, and mixed-use buildings means we can adjust to any job size.
A Good Team Helps You Avoid Costly Surprises
If you’re managing a building, you don’t want to discover a structural issue months after a surface-level check. Drone building inspections make it possible to review full elevations, rooftops, and mechanical features with speed and accuracy.
But only if the team doing the work is prepared. You need clear communication, good visuals, and full compliance with flight laws. That’s why it’s important to hire a team with the right skills and track record.
At Xizmo Media, we’ve spent years helping clients see their buildings from a new perspective—safely, clearly, and without added hassle. Whether you manage a single structure or multiple properties, we’re ready to help you plan and complete your next drone inspection the right way.