There is no doubt that technology has changed the way we work, with roofing professionals also taking advantage of technology to simplify their work. The technology could be an app that helps with roofing estimations or a customer relationship management software that helps with managing invoices, customer contacts, and details, materials or contracts. The verdict is that using the right technology makes their business more efficient. So, what technology and tools are roofing professionals and businesses using to make their work and businesses more efficient and productive?
Roof Measuring Tools
Roof measurements and estimates are an integral part of a roofer’s job and these professionals have several tools at their disposal to make this part of their work easier. Various roof measurement tools allow for aerial photography, for example. Some examples include Skyview Estimator, EagleView Reports with Pictometry, and RoofSnap Max. The developers of these tools often offer some incentives such as special pricing to entice roofers to use their tools.
Visualization Tools
It can be difficult for homeowners to decide on the type of shingles they would want on their homes if they cannot visualize the shingles. In the past, homeowners had to use their imagination and rely on the assurance provided by their roofer. Today, roofers can use shingle visualization tools to help homeowners see how different shingles will look on their homes. They can show different shingle types, colors and designs, and contractors can then get an opportunity to upsell the homeowners on different options.
Augmented reality is also seeing broader adoption in the industry, with contractors using the technology to show homeowners what their homes would look like after a remodel. This way, homeowners can know easily what they are getting way before the project even starts.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
Even though most of what a roofer does surrounds completing projects and providing the solutions their customers need, it is important to remember that it is still a business. To this end, roofing companies are adopting the use of CRM software to streamline their businesses.
Roofing companies are using CRM software to manage their customer base, automate customer proposals and manage project estimates. Roofers routinely carry mobile devices to the field so they have access to their companies’ customer base wherever they may be.
By having a CRM system that can be accessed anywhere, roofers can streamline their workflows from lead capture to the completion of their projects. They can also manage customer quotes, schedule when they will be working on certain projects, provide progress photos and videos, and so much more.
Mobile Technology
In addition to helping roofers have access to customer bases, mobile technology has become an indispensable tool, especially when talking about surveying and scoping out sites for new projects. Roofers who have access to the internet can use Google Earth to evaluate the surrounding landscape as well as the roof structures of the building they will be working on. Both of these can be shared with the customer on-site and have become an important step in the estimation process.
In cases where a roofing company finds it difficult to have someone at a job site assessing everything or where their customers are located in remote areas, these technologies come in very handy.
Having access to the internet in the field is also useful when a customer asks for proof of general liability insurance coverage. You will need general liability insurance in addition to a roofing license to complete projects depending on where you live. The good news is that you can get the right insurance coverage designed for your needs within a few minutes by partnering with the right roofing contractor insurance provider.
Fleet Management
Technology has also made it possible for roofing companies to manage their fleets. Managers and business owners can know where all their vehicles are at a given time. They can also know the condition of these vehicles so they can take them in for preventative maintenance and avoid the larger bills that come with letting work vehicles get run down.
Roofing companies that want to make their work easier should take advantage of the technology available to them. From estimation and site scoping to customer relationship management in the field, technology has enabled so much functionality that roofers can take advantage of.