Short answer: To start a drone facade cleaning business you need a cleaning drone with a reliable water supply, a trained and, where required, licensed pilot, insurance, flight permission near buildings, and a price per job that covers all costs. A US equipment maker suggests about US$0.25–0.45 per square foot as a starting framework, and US trade blogs estimate start-up costs from tens of thousands up to roughly US$105,000. These are seller or blog figures from one market. Test prices against what local buildings pay for rope access, lifts or pressure washing today.
What the drone does well
Drones reach high, flat surfaces without scaffolding, ropes or a lift. They fit glass curtain walls, metal cladding, painted walls with light dirt, and roofs. They are weaker on heavy stains, graffiti, paint removal and delicate details. Plan to keep a hand-cleaning option for those, or refuse the job.
Equipment
- Drone and spray system. The FLYZOR FC30 takes off at 60 kg, folds to 830 × 830 × 800 mm, and flies 18–35 minutes per battery. It has a 30 L onboard tank and an option for a ground booster pump that feeds it through a hose. Spray angles are horizontal, straight down and tilted at 25° or 45°. It is rated IP67 with wind resistance level 6.
- Water and pump. Large facades need a ground pump and hose, since the onboard tank limits flight time. Plan hose length against building height.
- Batteries and charging. More battery sets means fewer pauses. Plan a generator or a vehicle power source.
- Vehicle and safety gear. A van or pickup, barriers, cones, signs, radios and a first-aid kit.
- Cleaning agents. Choose products that are safe for the facade, the plants and drains. Follow the facade maker’s advice.
A pricing framework
There are three common ways to quote a job.
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Per square meter or foot | Measure the facade, multiply by a rate | Large simple surfaces |
| Per window or per drop | Count panes or vertical drops | Buildings with many small panes |
| Per visit on contract | Fixed fee for the building, repeated each season | Facility managers who want one yearly budget |
A US equipment maker’s blog suggests US$0.25–0.45 per square foot and says traditional crew-based pressure washing on multi-story buildings can run US$0.15–0.75. Those numbers come from a seller and from the US. Do not copy them. Ask building managers what they pay for rope access, lift work or hand washing, and price against that.
Example (numbers are not a promise): a facade of 20,000 square feet quoted at US$0.25–0.45 gives US$5,000–9,000. Suppose a two-person crew finishes it in two days. Costs: labor US$800, water, detergent and power US$150, battery wear and drone depreciation US$400, insurance share and van US$250, travel and admin US$200. Total US$1,800. At a quote of US$5,000 the margin is US$3,200 before tax. Then check your own numbers: if jobs are rare, the fixed costs per job rise fast.
Safety, insurance and rules
Most problems come from not planning the site. Before the first paid job:
- Check rules for flights near buildings, roads and people with your aviation authority. Many countries need registration, a trained pilot and sometimes an operator approval.
- Get liability insurance that names drone work. Window-cleaning policies may not cover it. Ask a broker and read the exclusions.
- Close the ground area under the work with barriers and a spotter.
- Set wind limits. Do not fly in gusts. The FC30 is rated to level-6 wind, but a safe limit on a tall building is a decision for your pilot.
- Plan where wastewater goes. Check local rules on runoff.
- Keep batteries cool and charge in a safe place.
How to find the first customers
Facility managers, property managers, hotels, solar owners and industrial sites are the first targets. Offer a trial wash on one section. Show before and after photos and a clear cost comparison. Many agricultural dealers add cleaning drones as an off-season product, and the same aircraft cleans solar arrays.
To discuss the FC30, training or a distributor role, see the dealer page or ask for a quote. Prices and terms are by discussion.
