Precision Above All.
We are an engineering-driven drone inspection firm based in Winston-Salem, providing commercial, industrial, and agricultural clients across North Carolina with undeniable, actionable aerial data.
The Holmes and Watson Standard
The drone industry is flooded with photographers masquerading as inspectors. A beautiful 4K image is useless to a structural engineer or facility manager if it lacks scale, context, radiometric calibration, or proper metadata.
Holmes and Watson Inspection Agency was founded to bridge the gap between aviation technology and engineering rigor. We are licensed Building Class Contractors — residential, commercial, industrial, and sports fields — which means we don't just photograph a structure, we understand how it was built. We know what's behind the cladding, where moisture intrusion typically starts, and how a roof assembly is supposed to perform.
When we inspect a $40M facility, we don't just fly around and take pictures. We execute standardized, repeatable, safe drone data acquisition missions that yield defensible thermographic and visual reporting — backed by over 20 active construction and inspection certifications.
Credentials & Certifications
A short list from our credentials. We hold over 20 active industry certifications across construction, inspection, and aviation disciplines.
FAA Part 107 Certified
Licensed remote pilots authorized for commercial unmanned aerial operations.
NACHI Thermal Certified
InterNACHI-certified infrared thermographers trained in radiometric building diagnostics.
Certified Water Intrusion Specialist
Trained to identify, trace, and document moisture pathways in building envelopes.
Building Class Contractors License
Licensed to build residential, commercial, industrial, and sports field structures in NC.
20+ Industry Certifications
Active credentials spanning construction, roofing, thermography, and inspection disciplines.
Fully Insured
Specialized aviation liability and commercial general liability for high-value asset environments.
Builders Who Inspect
Most drone inspectors learned to fly first and now claim to inspect. We learned to build first. That single fact changes what we see in the imagery, how we describe defects, and how confidently we can speak to remediation. When you hire us, you're hiring a contractor with a drone — not a pilot with a camera.
About Holmes and Watson
Our Values
Data Integrity
If the data isn't accurate, repeatable, and calibrated, it's useless. We adhere strictly to inspection standards.
Absolute Safety
Safety is never compromised for speed. We follow strict pre-flight protocols and integrate with site safety teams.
Operational Discretion
We respect the confidentiality of our clients' assets and anomalies, operating with minimal footprint.