Roofing contractors and owners know that the roofing industry has never been more competitive. In 2023, the U.S. roofing industry was valued at $23.35 billion and this figure is projected to increase by 6.6% over the next five years. From solar panels to green roofing, there’s a huge desire from clients to look at more sustainable contracting, as well as a rise in renovation projects, meaning that most roofers are busier than ever. However, with new projects come new challenges for roofers to manage.
Here are five of the most common roofing problems and how to tackle them.
Not taking note of the competition
While there’s often a shortage of skilled roofers, demand from clients is only on the increase and meaning that more and more people are exploring the trade. So, it’s essential that you’ve looked at what your competitors are offering, from prices to more complex jobs. This could mean upskilling your team to tackle more green roofing projects or offering deals to multi-project jobs. It can also help to ask your clients for feedback and explore what they want out of a roofing contractor and if there’s something you can do to make the experience better for them.
Most importantly though, make sure that your team is fully trained and ready for the job. If you’ve hired new staff then make sure that they’ve been thoroughly trained and can deliver the service that you’ve promised the client.
You’re not prioritizing customer service
Roofing is, at the heart of it, a people business. Whether you’re repairing a family home or tackling a workplace, clients are always at the center of a project. For busy roofing contractors, it can be easy to let the service side of the business slide when you’ve got multiple projects on the go. The solution? Put yourself in your customer’s shoes and take a look at your FAQs – could you add more detail? Who is available to manage customer service calls during the day? If you’re struggling, exploring a roofing call answering service to take care of client questions and bookings can be a great option to improve service and give your clients the opportunity to ask more questions.
You’ve underestimating (or overestimating) a job
With equipment and materials costs on the rise, it’s easy to price a job incorrectly. However, it can be a costly mistake. If you’ve overestimated, it can lead a client to go with the competition or become unhappy with the service. While underestimating a job can saddle you with labor and material bills that you have no way of managing.
So, what’s the solution? Consider the following when you’re pricing a job:
- Labor costs, including how many of your team need to be on-site and what overtime they might need
- Materials and tools – will you need to rent anything specific for this project?
- Deadlines – will you need to consider weekends to complete this project?
- Competition – are your prices in line with the competition?
- Weather and time of year – how likely is it that a storm might be approaching? What weather conditions do you need to consider?
You’re not marketing your business
According to GlobalWebIndex, 54% of social media users use social media to research products before making a purchase and as around 81% of small and medium-sized construction businesses have an account, it’s clear that social marketing is essential for roofers. But, with so many platforms and a lack of time to create content, it can be tricky to know where to start. Firstly, you should pick the platform where your customers are. For many that’s Facebook, Instagram or X (formally Twitter). Clients love to see completed projects, works in progress, and even images of the team. You can also use this for talent acquisition, highlighting what your roofing business looks for in a new team member.
Not embracing new technologies
One of the most common problems that roofers face is not adapting to the ever-changing industry. Especially new technology when it comes to delivering projects. From using drones to reduce labor costs and complete roofing inspections to predictive analytics to prevent damage and preempt issues, there’s never been more tech to help roofing contractors complete a project.
While this technology can present a few challenges, such as the cost to implement them and the time it takes to train staff, investing in new tech has huge benefits. It can set your business aside from the competition, offer your business something new to market, and even champion talent acquisition.
As the roofing industry continues to grow, you’ll inevitably face new challenges. But with this guide, you’ll be prepared to face those challenges head-on.
Still, you could always benefit from additional support. If you’re looking to future-proof your business, get in touch with our team. As roofing call answering specialists, we can help your business take new bookings, schedule appointments and grow your brand in 2024.