How to Hire a Construction Drone Provider
A practical guide to choosing the right drone partner for progress monitoring, earthworks, BIM comparison and inspections.
Buying drone security works best with a clear brief: the site, the threat, the hours and the response you expect — then send every provider the same brief.
1. Describe the site and threat
State the site type and size, the main risks (theft, trespass, vandalism, crowd safety), blind spots and when incidents happen.
2. Choose an operating model
Scheduled patrols, alarm response, event overwatch, a drone-in-a-box system, tethered persistent surveillance or drone detection — or a mix.
3. Set requirements
List night operations, thermal, spotlight or loudspeaker needs, integration with your alarm or video system, reporting and footage retention.
4. Check evidence
Ask for Part 107 certificates, relevant FAA waivers, state security licence numbers, insurance certificates and references from similar sites.
5. Compare on the same brief
Use our request form so every provider receives identical requirements, then compare coverage, response time, reporting and monthly cost. There is no commission on direct enquiries.
Questions to Ask Every Provider
- • Are your pilots Part 107 certified, and do you hold night, over-people or BVLOS waivers that cover our site?
- • Do you hold a state security or patrol licence where one is required?
- • What sensors will you use (thermal, zoom, spotlight, loudspeaker)?
- • Who responds on the ground when the drone finds an incident?
- • How is footage stored, who can access it and how long is it kept?
- • What insurance do you carry, and can we be named as additional insured?
Red Flags to Watch For
- • No portfolio or sample deliverables available
- • Cannot specify the accuracy of their outputs
- • No professional processing software mentioned
- • Quoting significantly below market rates
- • No insurance documentation available
- • No site safety documentation or experience on active job sites