The short version
- Angi lists $75 to $195 for a physical roof inspection in Columbus.
- Many roofers inspect for free; pay an independent inspector when buying a home or for a second opinion.
- A good inspection checks shingles, flashing, vents, decking, gutters and the attic, with photos.
- Only need a replacement price? You don't need an inspection; we estimate by satellite.
Typical cost in Columbus
Angi's Columbus data (updated July 2026) lists these typical prices for a paid roof inspection:
| Type | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Physical inspection | $75 to $195 |
| Drone inspection | $145 to $385 |
| Infrared inspection | $385 to $575 |
Size and steepness move the price. Across all inspection types, Angi lists roughly $145 to $405 for a 2,000 square foot roof and $215 to $605 for 3,000 square feet.
Why many roofers inspect for free
Roofing companies usually inspect for free because it's how they find and price work. That's a fair deal for you as long as the inspection is thorough and honest. A good roofer will tell you when you don't need anything yet.
Paying for an independent inspection makes sense when you want an opinion from someone with nothing to sell, such as when you're buying a home or want a second opinion on a big repair.
What a good inspection covers
- Shingles: hail hits, creases, missing or curling shingles and granule loss
- Flashing at chimneys, walls, valleys and skylights
- Pipe boots, vents and other roof penetrations
- Soft spots that point to rotted decking
- Gutters, downspouts and siding, especially after a storm
- The attic where it can be reached: leaks, moisture and ventilation
Ask for photos. You should see what the inspector saw, whether or not you hire them.
Do you need an inspection at all?
If you already know you want a new roof and just need a price, you don't. We measure roofs from satellite images and email a written estimate within one business day. An in-person inspection matters most after a storm, when you have a leak, or when you're buying a home.
We inspect for free after storms and for leaks. See what's included.