What Does a Commercial Roof Inspection Actually Cost in the UK? (And What You're Really Paying For)

If you're responsible for a commercial building, you've probably asked yourself: "How much does a roof inspection cost – and is it worth it?"

The short answer: £750–£2,500+ depending on size, complexity, and what's included. But here's the thing – price alone doesn't tell you much. What matters is what you get for that money, and whether it saves you from a £50k emergency repair down the line.

Let's break it down.

Commercial Roof Inspection Cost UK

Typical Commercial Roof Inspection Costs in the UK

Here's what you can expect to pay:

• Small commercial roof (up to 5,000 sq ft): £750–£1,200

• Medium roof (5,000–20,000 sq ft): £1,200–£1,800

• Large/complex roof (20,000+ sq ft): £1,800–£2,500+

• Multi-site or portfolio inspections: Custom pricing (often with retainer discounts)

What affects the price?

Roof size and accessibility – larger or harder-to-reach roofs take longer

• Inspection method – drone vs. scaffolding vs. cherry picker

• Report detail – basic visual check vs. full RICS-aligned defect register

• Turnaround time – standard (48–72 hours) vs. emergency 24-hour service

• Add-ons – 3D modelling, video walkthroughs, turnaround times

What Should Be Included in a Commercial Roof Inspection?

A proper inspection isn't just someone flying a drone and sending you photos. You should get:

✅ High-resolution aerial images of the entire roof surface
✅ Annotated defect register – every issue tagged, categorised, and mapped
✅ PDF report aligned to industry standards (ideally RICS)
✅ Shareable digital link for your team, insurers, or contractors
✅ Recommendations – what needs fixing now vs. what to monitor

If you're not getting all of that, you're overpaying.

Drone Inspections vs. Traditional Methods: The Real Cost Comparison

• Scaffolding £3,000–£8,000+ 2–5 days setup Risk: High (work at height)

• Cherry picker £800–£1,500/day 1–2 days Risk: Medium

• Drone inspection £750–£2,500 Half-day on site Risk: Minimal

Drones don't just save money – they're faster, safer, and more thorough. You get full roof coverage without putting anyone at risk or shutting down operations.

When Does a Roof Inspection Pay for Itself?

Here's the ROI case:

• Catch a small leak early: £750 inspection vs. £15k+ water damage repair

• Avoid insurance disputes: Documented proof of maintenance = smoother claims

• Extend roof lifespan: Proactive fixes add 5–10 years to your roof

• Comply with regs: Avoid HSE fines and liability issues

What About Emergency Inspections?

Need a report in 24 hours? Most providers charge £200–£500 extra for fast-track service. It's worth it if:

• You've got an active leak and need evidence for insurers

• A contractor needs sign-off before starting work

• You're in the middle of a property transaction

At Ovrsite, we offer 24-hour turnaround for urgent cases – because sometimes waiting 3 days isn't an option.

How to Get the Best Value from Your Roof Inspection

Here's how to make sure you're not wasting money:

1. Ask what's included – don't assume "inspection" means a full report

2. Check qualifications – CAA-registered, insured, RICS-aligned reporting

3. Get a defect register – not just photos, but tagged and categorised issues

4. Think long-term – one-off inspections are fine, but retainers save you money if you've got multiple sites

Retainer Packages: The Smarter Option for Multi-Site Portfolios

If you're managing more than one property, a monthly or quarterly retainer makes more sense than paying per inspection.

Example pricing:

• Up to 10 roofs/month: from £1,250/month

• Up to 25 roofs/month: from £2,500/month

• 100+ roofs: custom pricing

You get predictable costs, priority scheduling, and ongoing defect tracking – no surprises.

FAQs: Commercial Roof Inspection Costs

• Is a drone inspection as accurate as a manual one?

  Yes – often more so. Drones capture every inch of the roof with 48MP cameras and AI defect detection. Manual inspections can miss hard-to-reach areas.

• Do I need an inspection if my roof looks fine?

  Most serious issues (membrane degradation, ponding water, seal failures) aren't visible from the ground. By the time you see a problem, it's usually expensive.

• How often should I inspect a commercial roof?

  At least once a year. High-risk or older roofs? Every 6 months. Retainer clients typically go quarterly.

• Can I use the report for insurance claims?

  Absolutely. A RICS-aligned report with timestamped images and defect tagging is credible evidence for insurers and disputes.

What You're Really Paying For

A roof inspection isn't an expense – it's insurance against expensive surprises.

You're paying for:

• Peace of mind – knowing exactly what's going on up there

• Evidence – documentation that protects you legally and financially

• Time saved – no scaffolding, no downtime, no disruption

• Expert analysis – AI + manual review to catch what others miss
  
  
  

Ready to Book Your Inspection?

At Ovrsite, we specialise in fast, accurate, RICS-aligned roof inspections across the UK. No upselling, no surprises – just clear reporting and actionable recommendations.