Creating a Professional Inspection Report
A folder of organized images is good. A professional inspection report is what gets you hired again. The report packages your images into a document that roofing contractors, insurance adjusters, and homeowners can read, share, and archive.
Report Structure
Every inspection report should follow this structure:
Cover Page: Property address, date of inspection, your name and contact information, your Part 107 certificate number.
Executive Summary: One paragraph describing the general condition of the roof. Note the roof type (asphalt shingle, metal, tile, flat membrane), approximate age if visible, and overall condition (good, fair, poor).
Overview Section: 3-5 wide shots showing the full roof from above and from each direction. These give the viewer context before diving into details.
Section-by-Section Detail: Organized by roof area (north slope, south slope, etc.), with 3-5 images per section showing overall condition and any notable features.
Areas of Concern: Close-up images of anything that looks damaged, worn, or unusual. Each image should have a brief caption describing what is visible.
Summary of Findings: A numbered list of observations. No diagnoses, no recommendations for repair. Just what you saw.
Include this disclaimer on every report: “This is a visual aerial inspection only. It does not constitute a structural assessment, engineering evaluation, or professional roofing opinion. Consult a licensed roofing contractor for a comprehensive evaluation.” This protects you from liability for missed damage that was invisible from the air.
Annotations
Mark up your images with circles, arrows, or text callouts highlighting areas of interest. Most free image editors (Preview on Mac, Paint on Windows) handle basic annotations.
Keep annotations professional. Use red circles for areas of concern. Use clean, sans-serif text for labels. Avoid bright colors and flashy graphics that distract from the actual content.
Delivery
Export the report as a PDF. Include the full-resolution image folder as a separate download link for clients who want to zoom into specific photos.
Deliver within 24-48 hours of the inspection. Fast turnaround is a competitive advantage. Many clients need these reports urgently for insurance claims or repair quotes.
Report Template
Create a template once and reuse it for every inspection. Swap in the property-specific information, drop in the new images, and adjust the text. This cuts report creation time from hours to 30-45 minutes per job.