Video: Using a 4K Mavic Pro drone to diagnose roof damage

OK, OK. We get it. Drones are fun. You can use them to make pretty videos with jazzy music. That's nice. But what about using drones to do some real work? Welcome to the latest installment of ZDNet's DIY-IT Drone and Robotics Discovery Series. This article explores how to use a drone to help with building maintenance.

Read also: Westpac Little Ripper drone in 'world first' rescue operation[1]

If you use a drone for commercial work, the FAA requires you to earn a drone pilot's license. This is a lot of work requiring comprehensive knowledge of regulations and flight capabilities. On the other hand, if you don't get paid to fly your drone, all the FAA requires is that you register your aircraft[2].

I am not nearly skilled or knowledgeable enough to get a commercial license. I'm still getting comfortable flying, managing, and controlling drones. That said, I think it's important to share with you ways in which these devices can provide tangible value beyond pretty landscape videos.

Read also: How to register your drone (it's the law... again)[3]

Weird puddle on the stove

I recently had the opportunity to explore this when I found an odd puddle of water in my kitchen. I woke up like I do every morning: Coffee first. But then, what's this? There was a weird puddle on the stove.

The only place it could have come from was the vent at the top of the stove. This hood normally exhausts steam and cooking smoke through a vent atop the house.

We hadn't noticed leaks before, even though

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