Drone façade inspection has become the benchmark way to assess the exterior condition of buildings in Switzerland, whether apartment blocks, historic buildings, towers or commercial premises. With no scaffolding or lift platform, the drone reaches the entire building envelope in minutes and delivers 4K images with millimetre-level detail.
Why inspect your façade by drone?
In Switzerland, cantonal legislation places a duty of maintenance on owners to keep their façades in good condition. A deteriorated façade that goes undetected can engage the owner’s civil liability if materials fall. Insurers are also increasingly asking for regular inspection reports to maintain cover on older buildings.
Traditional methods — scaffolding, lift platform, rope access — are costly, slow and put technicians at risk. The drone removes these constraints while providing better documentation.
Which types of façade can be inspected?
- Render and plaster façades: cracks, delamination, crumbling
- Natural or artificial stone façades: chipping, deteriorated joints, efflorescence
- Glass façades and curtain walls: cracks, failed seals, water ingress
- Metal façades (aluminium, zinc): corrosion, deformation, loose fixings
- Timber façades: rot, cracking, peeling paint
- External thermal insulation (ETICS): delamination, cracks in the finishing render
Defects detected during a drone façade inspection
| Type of defect | Description | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Cracks | Hairline, structural or shrinkage | Water ingress, structural weakening |
| Render delamination | Hollow areas behind the surface | Falling materials (public hazard) |
| Moss and lichen | Biological growth on porous surfaces | Accelerated deterioration |
| Failed joints | Cracked silicone, missing sealant | Water and moisture ingress |
| Stains and dirt | Runs, rust marks, blackening | Unsightly, underlying corrosion |
| Balcony deterioration | Railing, slab, waterproofing | Occupant safety |
| Drip edge and drip moulding problems | Poor rainwater drainage | Run-off down the façade |
Inspection process: from mission to report
1. Preparatory analysis
Before the mission, our FOCA-certified pilot (Federal Office of Civil Aviation) studies the building: height, materials, urban configuration and obstacles (power lines, trees, neighbouring buildings).
2. Inspection flight
The drone systematically flies along each face of the building, starting from the top. It captures 4K images a few metres from the surface, with zooms on any visible anomaly:
- High-resolution photos of all façades
- 4K video of each face
- Close-ups of suspected areas
- Oblique views of balconies, cornices and window sills
3. Inspection report
Within 48 hours you receive a structured PDF report with:
- Map of defects by face and by floor
- Annotated photos with precise location
- Classification by urgency
- Costed maintenance recommendations
Drone vs traditional methods
| Criterion | Drone | Scaffolding | Rope access | Lift platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (5-storey building) | CHF 390–990 | approx. CHF 22–35 per m² of façade (indicative) | CHF 1,500–3,000 | CHF 990–2,500 |
| Lead time | 24–48h | 1–3 weeks | 3–5 days | 3–7 days |
| Risk to people | None | High | Very high | Moderate |
| Disruption to occupants | None | Heavy | Moderate | Moderate |
| Quality of documentation | Excellent (4K) | Variable | Limited | Variable |
Indicative prices for a drone façade inspection
| Building type | Indicative price |
|---|---|
| Villa / detached house (1–2 floors) | CHF 390–650 |
| Apartment building (3–6 floors) | CHF 650–990 |
| Tower or high-rise building | CHF 990–2,500 |
| Industrial / commercial building | On quote |
For an exact quote tailored to your building, see our guide to drone inspection prices or contact us directly.
Areas we serve in French-speaking Switzerland
Inspection Drone works throughout French-speaking Switzerland (Romandy):
- Lausanne and the canton of Vaud
- Geneva
- Fribourg
- Neuchâtel
- Valais
- Jura
Read also: bridge and engineering structure inspection by drone.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a drone façade inspection cost?
From CHF 390 to 990 for an apartment-block façade, compared with approx. CHF 22 to 35 per m² of façade for scaffolding (hire and erection, indicative) and CHF 800 to 2,000 per day for a lift platform.
What types of façade can be inspected?
Render and plaster, natural or artificial stone, glass façades and curtain walls, metal façades, timber, and external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS).
What defects does the drone detect?
Cracks, delaminating render, moss and lichen, failed joints, balcony deterioration, and problems with drip edges and drip mouldings.
What does the report contain, and how soon do I get it?
Within 48 hours: a structured PDF with a map of defects by face and by floor, annotated and located photos, a ranking by urgency and costed maintenance recommendations.
Request your free quote
Owner, property manager or building administrator: our team replies within 24h with a personalised offer. FOCA A1/A2/A3 certified pilots, professional liability insurance, report delivered in 48h.