There are a couple of new technology innovations available for roofing contractors that are helping them save time and money and maximize profits too. As the housing industry has boomed so has the number of contracting companies who have sprung up to meet the demand of homeowners nationwide.
With so many roofing companies in every community it can be difficult to continually optimize operations so that the business is running smoothly and in the most efficient manner. Many companies have sprung up to develop tools to help roofers with running a more profitable business.
It used to be that the only way a roofer could give an estimate on a roof replacement would be to drive over to the home or commercial building, take measurements, climb on the roof to get a close look at the condition of the roof. This isn’t the only option anymore.
Yes, the “old school” way is still a viable option and one that many Chula Vista roofers employ, but many roofing companies are now using satellite imagery to provide accurate quotes without having to drive around town from appointment to appointment. Satellite images, used in conjunction with an app like Roofr, gives accurate measurements and so much of the information that a roofing contractor needs in order to provide a quote to a potential customer. The images can also provide information about what type of shingles are currently on the roof, which is great because so many homeowners would be unable to provide that information.
This type of technology makes it possible for roofers to provide multiple quotes a day, while still having time to finish a roofing job and tackle the other daily tasks of running a business. Not only this, but consumers are getting more accustomed to different industries adopting more and more tech tools and will view this as a sign that the roofing contractor is up to date with the latest industry standards and innovations.
Another technological tool that many roofing companies are adopting is drones. Drone technology has seen an increase in applications across multiple industries. In roofing, drones have made it possible for companies to conduct routine maintenance and inspections on large commercial buildings all through video. Drones are a great way to decrease the chance of injury, since roofers are not necessarily required to get on the roof to make the visual inspection. Not only this, aerial footage from the drone gives the roofing company a complete view of the entire rooftop in order to spot potential problems.
The footage and photos taken by the drone can also be used to enhance maintenance and inspection reports that roofers typically provide to their customers as part of this service.
It used to be that you would hire a company to either fly a small plane or helicopter in order to get these types of aerial vantage points, but drones have drastically reduced the price point for getting these images and drone technology has become much more mainstream in construction related niches.
There are some disadvantages to the integration of technology into the industry, though. For example, the use of estimate apps and satellite imagery has eliminated the need to drive to the customer’s home to provide an estimate, which is great for saving time, but it sacrifices that personal touch and connection that can help build trust. Often when homeowners are looking at investing in a large project such as a roof replacement, they use more than just the quoted price to make their decision. They go by who they felt the most comfortable with, who came off as more approachable or honest or who they connected with the most.
A solution that may counteract the loss of that personal touch is the addition of a quick video that is sent along via email with the digital quote. The video can be your opportunity to show who you are and build a sense of trust and connection with your prospective customer.
So, what does this mean to consumers?
As more technology gets integrated into home services niches, it allows information to be accessed by more people. It’s only a matter of time until these tools get modified for the consumer market as companies capitalize on consumers’ desires to have all of the most accurate information at their fingertips.