The Hidden Costs of Scaffolding: Why Drones Are the Smarter Alternative
17 Jul 2025
Published in: Member News
Erecting and using scaffolding introduces its own safety challenges.
When it comes to inspecting roofs, chimneys, or building facades, scaffolding has long been the go-to method.
But what many UK property owners and facilities managers don’t realise is how much it really costs not just in money, but in time, disruption, and safety risk. That’s where drone inspections come in.
At SkyScan Solutions, we help clients across the UK cut unnecessary costs and streamline building maintenance with drone technology. In this post, we break down the true cost of scaffolding and explain why drones are now the smarter choice.
1. The direct financial cost of scaffolding isn’t cheap.
Even a basic setup for a small roof can run into £1,000 - £2,000, while larger commercial setups may exceed £10,000, depending on height, access, and complexity. And the kicker? You’re often paying that just to inspect the issue before any repairs are even carried out.
2. The time delay booking scaffolding can take days or even weeks, especially during busy periods.
That’s valuable time lost especially if you’re dealing with an urgent issue like a leak or suspected structural damage. Drone inspections, on the other hand, can often be completed within 24–48 hours, with instant visual access to the entire area.
3. Disruption to occupants or business scaffolding isn’t just an eyesore it can block entrances, reduce access, increase noise, and cause anxiety for tenants or customers.
In schools, hospitals, or housing blocks, this can create serious issues. Drone surveys cause no disruption we can operate around business hours or school holidays, often without anyone needing to leave the building.
4. Health and safety risks: erecting and using scaffolding introduces its own safety challenges.
Despite regulation, falls from height still account for a high proportion of UK workplace injuries. With drone inspections, no one leaves the ground. It’s a safer, more compliant way to get the data you need—especially for fragile or awkward structures.
5. The environmental cost of scaffolding often requires trucks, fuel, materials, and labour all contributing to a larger carbon footprint.
For organisations working towards net-zero or ESG goals, drone inspections offer a much greener alternative. Drones are battery-powered, require minimal equipment, and create virtually no emissions during operation.
When scaffolding is still necessary
We’re not saying scaffolding is obsolete it’s essential for hands-on repairs or restoration work. But for inspections, surveys, and pre-works assessments, drones often give you all the information you need without the upfront cost or delay.
A retail landlord was quoted £7,800 for scaffolding to investigate a suspected roof leak. We completed a drone survey within 2 days, identifying two cracked tiles and blocked valley gutters at a fraction of the cost. Scaffolding was never needed, and repairs were done in under a week.
Why clients are switching to SkyScan Solution
Fixed, transparent pricing UK-wide coverage Detailed image & video reports CAA-certified, insured pilots Fast booking, minimal disruption Whether it’s a residential block or commercial warehouse, we help you see the problem clearly before spending unnecessarily.
Scaffolding still has its place but for inspections, it’s often more of a burden than a benefit. Drone surveys are faster, cheaper, safer, and more efficient especially for UK property professionals trying to stay ahead of repairs and budgets.
If you want smarter property maintenance, skip the scaffolding start with a drone.
Spending too much on access costs? Get in touch with SkyScan Solutions and discover how drone inspections can save you time, money, and hassle.
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