Typical prices for walk-on, drone, and infrared inspections, what changes the price, and how to avoid paying for the same inspection twice.
Find a Roofer →A roof inspection is a professional check of your shingles, flashing, gutters, and (often) the attic for damage and early leaks. People usually pay for one after a storm, before buying or selling a home, or when the roof is getting old. The price depends mostly on how the inspection is done and how hard the roof is to reach.
| Type of inspection | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Walk-on (physical) | $75 – $200 | Low-slope, easy-to-reach roofs |
| Drone | $150 – $400 | Steep, tall, or unsafe-to-walk roofs |
| Infrared / thermal | Often higher, around $400 – $700 in one contractor guide | Finding hidden moisture |
| Roof certification (add-on) | $75 – $200 (HomeGuide), $150 – $200 (Angi) | Home sales and some insurers |
| Attic inspection (add-on) | $200 – $500 (Angi) | Checking decking and insulation for leaks |
The sources don’t agree exactly, because they draw on different projects and time periods. Angi reports a national average of about $252 across thousands of projects, with a full range of $75 to $1,150. HomeGuide reports about $280 with a typical range of $100 to $400. Use these as ballparks, not quotes.
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Denver Roofers Austin RoofersMost homeowners pay roughly $100 to $400. Angi reports a national average of about $252 (range $75 to $1,150) and HomeGuide reports about $280 (range $100 to $400). A basic walk-on inspection is at the low end, and drone, infrared, or steep, large roofs cost more.
Many roofing companies include a look at your roof in a free repair or replacement estimate, but that visit is also a sales visit. A standalone inspection from an independent inspector, with a written report, is usually a paid service. Ask which one you are getting before you book.
Sometimes. Angi notes that your insurer may cover some inspections, especially after storm damage. Call your insurance company before you pay, and ask what documentation they need.
It can be, when the roof is steep, tall, or unsafe to walk on. Angi puts drone inspections at about $150 to $400. A drone captures photos from the ground, but it cannot test the materials by touch, so some inspectors combine both.
Many roofers suggest a check at least once a year and after any severe storm, and before buying or selling a home. Older roofs benefit most from regular checks.
Price ranges are national figures from the guides below, checked on September 29, 2026. Local prices vary, and BestRoofersIn does not set prices or provide quotes.