Your Central Coast pricing guide for safer, faster building assessments
If you manage a high‑rise, strata complex, or public asset on the Central Coast, you’ve likely asked, “How much does a drone façade inspection cost in The Entrance?” Most commercial and strata clients should budget A$3,500 – A$9,800 + GST for a standard aerial survey, while very large or intricate sites can exceed A$12,000. Below, we unpack each variable so you can forecast costs with confidence and keep your project lean.
Quick Snapshot: Typical Drone Façade Inspection Prices in NSW
| Building Type | Height / Complexity | Typical Cost Range (ex‑GST) |
| Low‑rise commercial (3–5 storeys) | Simple elevations | A$3,500 – A$5,000 |
| Mid‑rise strata (6–12 storeys) | Multiple façades | A$5,500 – A$8,000 |
| High‑rise mixed‑use (13–25 storeys) | Irregular geometry, balconies | A$7,800 – A$12,000 |
| Landmark / heritage asset | Ornate façades, compliance filming | A$10,000 – A$15,000+ |
Note: Figures are indicative and may vary with CASA approvals, site conditions, and travel to regional or remote locations.
Key Pricing Drivers at a Glance
Building Characteristics
- Height & Envelope Complexity – Tall towers demand higher‑altitude flights, extra batteries, and more data processing.
- Surface Area Captured – Full 360‑degree scans cost more than single‑elevation checks for DA compliance.
External Requirements & Deliverables
- Reporting Depth – Simple photo logs are cheaper than full SFS360® defect maps with costed remediation plans.
- Regulatory & Airspace Approvals – Controlled airspace near Williamtown RAAF can add A$300 – A$1,000 to approvals.
- Heritage / Environmental Constraints – Sensitive sites may need LiDAR, slower flights, and conservation protocols.
- Urgency & Mobilisation – Weekend or next‑day mobilisation attracts a 15 – 25 % surcharge.
Drone vs Traditional Access: The Savings Equation
| Method | Setup Time | Weekly Cost | Disruption | Data Quality |
| Scaffold inspection | 2–3 weeks | A$25k – A$60k | High | Moderate |
| Rope‑access audit | 2–3 days | A$8k – A$15k | Medium | High (spot) |
| Drone survey | Same day | A$3.5k – A$12k | Low | High (full‑envelope) |
Zero scaffold hire, minimal labour at height, and rapid data capture deliver immediate savings—especially on high‑rise projects.
CPR’s Three‑Tier Pricing Model for The Entrance
1. Essentials Package
Perfect for small commercial blocks needing a condition snapshot.
- Up to 1,000 m² façade area
- 4K imagery + summary memo
- Three‑day turnaround
From A$3,500 ex‑GST
2. Comprehensive SFS360® Audit
Ideal for strata committees planning remediation budgets.
- Up to 3,000 m² façade
- Grid defect mapping + cost matrix
- 4K orthomosaic & video
- Seven‑day turnaround
From A$6,800 ex‑GST
3. Advanced Engineering & Heritage Scan
For high‑rise, heritage, or government assets requiring engineering commentary.
- Unlimited façade area
- LiDAR or thermal add‑ons
- NCC compliance review
- Ten‑day turnaround
POA (typically A$10k – A$15k)
Case Study: Mariners Court, The Entrance
Asset: 14‑storey beachfront strata tower
Service: Full SFS360® drone audit
Total Cost: A$7,950 ex‑GST
Savings vs Scaffold: ≈ A$42,000
Projected Remediation Savings: ≈ A$150,000 (avoided concrete‑cancer repairs, balcony membrane replacement)
Additional ROI: Three‑month timeline reduction, saving ≈ A$60,000 in lost rent
Key Takeaway: Early drone data halved repair scope before corrosion reached structural steel.
FAQs
How much cheaper is a drone inspection than rope access? About 50 % for comparable coverage.
Are there hidden fees? No. CPR quotes include CASA permits, data hosting, and mobilisation; mileage applies beyond 50 km.
Can I bundle multiple sites? Yes—portfolio pricing lowers per‑building rates.
Why pick a local provider? Avoid travel costs and gain faster response times.
Our Quoting Process in Five Steps
- Desktop Review – Measure façade area via drawings/GIS.
- Risk & Compliance Check – Airspace, heritage, WHS.
- Define Deliverables – Photo log or full defect map.
- Resource Allocation – Drone type, pilot, analyst hours.
- Fixed‑Price Proposal – Delivered within 48 hours.
Money‑Saving Tips
- Bundle services with leak detection or anchor testing.
- Fly mid‑week for better CASA slots.
- Book before the wet season (May–August) to avoid weather delays.
- Provide rooftop access to cut site time.
- Stage reporting—scan now, deep analysis later.
Beyond the Price Tag: Why Drones Win
- Safety first – No scaffolds, no edge workers.
- Speed – Hours, not weeks.
- Full coverage – 100 % façade capture, orthomosaics.
- Digital twin ready – Plug into BIM/FM for predictive maintenance.
- Lifecycle savings – Early detection stops costly spread.
- Low impact – Whisper‑quiet, minimal carbon footprint.
Ready for a Precise Quote?
Get a tailored price in 48 hours.
Request Your Drone Inspection Quote Now »
Or explore our full service suite: Facade Remedial Consultancy
Conclusion: Balancing Cost and Value in The Entrance
Drone façade inspections slash access costs, compress timelines, and unlock comprehensive data that drives smarter capital works. With transparent pricing, local expertise, and Scaffold‑Free™ remediation pathways, CPR delivers the safest, fastest way to understand—and protect—your asset’s exterior.
