user182

Have any of you guys used that service that uses a satellite to estimate a roof? I think it’s called Eagleview.

How accurate is it?

Does it save you any time?

What are the benefits?

Grumpy

I wouldn't use it personally. Ok how many layers are there, can the eye in the sky tell me? How many pipes, white sizes? What condition is the decking? drip edge or not? What if something changed since the satellite photos were taken. Those images are often several years old.

I have considered it for re-measuring, since we remeasure every job but decided against it. It might work for some people, I can't see it working for us.

__________________
-Grumpy
Chicago Gutters Chicago Roofing

Ed the Roofer

I am testing out a free version, just to confirm my field measurements and to get a glance at the home before I go out to do the measure call.

Last nights example came up with 24 2/3rds squares. My field measurements were 24 1/3rd square.

But, by going there in person, I noted the 2 layers and missing gutter apron drip edge and rake edge drip edge and some loose aluminum fascia blown out from the wood fascia due to water and ice infiltration.

Now, if I had financing available, those home owners would have signed up last night, but the husband is seeking an advance from his employer on Monday and I may carry the final 1/3rd for 6 months, just to get the job signed.

Ed

__________________
Just Wait A Minute, I Will Be Right Back With A Link For That.
http://www.rightwayroofingcompany.com/ www.rightwayroofingcompany.com
Roof Estimates, Roof Repairs, Roofers, Roof Leak Help, Elgin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Algonquin, South Elgin, Huntley, Lake In The Hills, Illinois

ronbryanroofing

Is it common to carry money like 6 months? If so do you tack on any office charges?
Oh yeah, any issues with the charges?

user182

I would still go up on the roof for an inspection and look in the attic.

I was thinking about trying to save time by making just one trip.

If I had the measurements I could do the estimate on my computer before leaving the office. Than after doing the onsite evaluation I could figure out prices for add-ons.

Ed the Roofer

I drew up my own Installment Payment Agreement after doing quite a bit of Legal Research on all of the necessary terms and conditions that needed to be considered.

I try not to use it, but if that is what it takes, then it can seal a deal instantly.

I charge 2% per month as the finance charge and am considering adding a $450.00 automatic Mechanics Lien Fee added in for anyone getting carried beyond 90 days, with the Lien to be filed around the 60 day point, just to secure the debt.

There is also a universal escalation clause, whereas, if one payment is late, the entire sum becomes due instantly. If that clause were not in there, then one month late, then another month is late and I would have to file to enforce the terms of the installment agreement each and every month.

Ed

__________________
Just Wait A Minute, I Will Be Right Back With A Link For That.
http://www.rightwayroofingcompany.com/ www.rightwayroofingcompany.com
Roof Estimates, Roof Repairs, Roofers, Roof Leak Help, Elgin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Algonquin, South Elgin, Huntley, Lake In The Hills, Illinois

ronbryanroofing

Thank you, more information than I expected. I am still in the small town mode so I am yet to cross that road.
Going to need something for this website I am starting, the designer asked if I did financing or accepted credit cards. No call for it yet, but there is no telling if those guys that do offer are getting the calls and because I don't have it in any of my ads I may not even be getting the initial consideration.
Credit checks? Or do you get to size them up?

Ed the Roofer

Most of the time this comes into play, is when the job Extra Change Orders are all completed, especially when there is a substantial amount of plywood decking that needed to be replaced.

I usually have a side bar optioned price based on the total square footage used, listed in the contract, but the original contract amount does not include that possibility, so the ending invoice could be very substantialy over the originally budgeted amount.

At that point, where would a credit check come in and help?

You already have the job for a certain amount of money and now you have the roof ripped open and sheathing needs to be replaced.

I just go by my gut Feelings at that point, but they have already signed the Update To Specifications Change Order form, so they are now liable for coming up with the funds.

Since they may not have them readily available, then make it worth your while to spread out the payments.

Ed

__________________
Just Wait A Minute, I Will Be Right Back With A Link For That.
http://www.rightwayroofingcompany.com/ www.rightwayroofingcompany.com
Roof Estimates, Roof Repairs, Roofers, Roof Leak Help, Elgin, Carpentersville, East Dundee, West Dundee, Sleepy Hollow, Algonquin, South Elgin, Huntley, Lake In The Hills, Illinois

user182

The report that I received from Eagleview was very accurate.

It was for a roof that I had recently completed so I knew how many shingles I used on the project.

They gave me a Premium report as a free sample. It included the square footage for each side.

The home was a 2 story hip roof with about 25 sides. The total square footage that they came up was exactly what I used to do the job. I took the valley measurements and multiplied it by 3 for waste. When I added that to the square footage that they gave me it came out to exactly what I used 46.66 squares.

I am impressed by the accuracy of the information that they provided.

will@eagleview

Thanks for the feedback Jack, glad you liked it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

__________________
Taking the GUESStimating out of Estimating since January 2008.

www.eagleview.com