Drones used to survey nearly 1,000 residential blocks

Completed in just four months, the drone programme covered 969 blocks across Stonewater’s portfolio, helping to safeguard thousands of homes.

Delivered in partnership with aerial inspection specialist Vantage UAV, the programme focused on housing blocks more than five years old.

Using drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging technology, surveyors were able to carry out detailed inspections of roofs quickly, safely and accurately.

By removing the need for traditional access methods, such as scaffolding, the surveys were completed with minimal disruption to customers while also reducing health and safety risks.

The range of maintenance issues uncovered included missing and broken roof tiles, guttering defects, vegetation growth and other maintenance concerns that could lead to more significant problems if left unaddressed.

It has meant Stonewater has been able to prioritise repairs, reduce the risk of more complex works and better protect customers' homes, while reducing repair costs.

Survey data can now be securely stored and revisited over time, providing a detailed digital record that supports future maintenance planning, investment decisions and longer-term asset management.

Robert Panou, Director of Asset Strategy, Homes at Stonewater, said:

"Completing this programme marks an important milestone in how we manage and maintain customers’ homes.

"The surveys have given us detailed insight into the condition of nearly thousand blocks across our portfolio, allowing us to identify issues much earlier than would often be possible through traditional inspection methods.

"By taking a proactive approach, we can plan maintenance more effectively, minimise disruption for customers and help prevent smaller issues from developing into more complex repairs.

“The data will also help inform future investment decisions, ensuring we're targeting resources where they're needed most while continuing to provide safe, well-maintained homes."

Grace Hammond, Head of Services - Built Environment at Vantage UAV, added: "It is great to have completed this project with Stonewater, surveying 969 residential buildings over a relatively short period.

"The technology has enabled us to capture high-quality imagery safely and efficiently, identifying a range of maintenance issues that can now be addressed before they become more serious. Having this level of detailed information gives housing providers greater confidence when planning repairs and maintaining their homes over the long term."

The programme will be repeated every few years as part of Stonewater's wider asset management strategy. By using technology and data, the initiative aims to improve decision-making, target investment and maintain safe, high-quality homes for customers.