Six practical tips for small roofing businesses
Build smarter, not harder: Practical strategies to help small roofing businesses save time, retain clients, and grow with confidence
Running a small roofing business demands a level of physicality and administrative know-how. In short, it can take a lot of hard work.
Between delivering project quotes, ordering materials, actually getting the work done, managing payroll and permits, marketing, and client relations, the process of doing business in the roofing field can be long and complex.
Fear not, brave contractor - we’ve provided some practical tips to help streamline your operations so you can focus on building your roofing business.
1. Rely on the experts
Roofers aren’t typically drawn to the gig because of the paperwork, but when you’re an entrepreneurial business owner or manager, completing administrative tasks is just as important as the physical ones.
Partner with local service providers to lighten your load, whether that’s an accountant who can assist with payroll or a fellow roofer who can provide specialized skills.
Suppliers like QXO have dedicated reps on hand who can help you identify the best materials for a project and ensure you secure the best prices.
2. Follow up of soft leads
Many clients will only reach out to a roofer once there’s a leak or other damage, but once you’ve made contact, there are some simple and effective ways to stay on their radar.
One of the easiest ways to reach out to potential repeat customers without being intrusive is to send seasonal reminders for services, like eavestrough clear‑outs in spring or snow-load inspections in early winter. This can be done through social media, by phone, or with mailers sent to homes and businesses.
Taking the initiative to offer annual roof check‑ups positions serves two purposes: to retain clients and to position your company as a trusted authority. As your reputation grows, this could lead to new business through word of mouth from satisfied property owners and managers.
3. Take advantage of evolving tech
Digital tools are becoming the norm in the construction industry as companies switch from hard-copy documentation to online, cloud-based project tracking systems.
For example, you can use programs like QXO's online features to drive new leads, save time by tracking material deliveries, providing homeowner financing and keeping tabs on order history.
4. Work with a call service
Constantly making yourself available to answer questions and respond to emergency calls can burn out even the hardest workers.
In the age of the cellphones, it may feel outdated to use a phone-answering service. However, doing so can ensure your business is available without sacrificing work-life balance.
Ideally, you should choose a service that can take detailed messages and can triage roofing requests, ensuring that off-hours calls are reserved for only the most important emergencies.
5. Quote roofing projects accordingly
Roofers, especially those more junior workers, can unintentionally under-quote roofing projects for numerous reasons, like underestimating material costs, taxes, labour needs and permit costs.
Providing fair, market-aligned quotes is essential, and not just to make sure your books are balanced. Appropriately costing a job off the bat signals confidence in the quality of your work and builds trust with your clients - who may even become repeat clients.
Work smarter, not harder on roofing projects
Small roofing companies can get ahead by leaning on local experts, finding ways to retain clients, adopting streamlined tech, outsourcing communications support and quoting fairly.
Additionally, building a company in the trades requires taking calculated risks backed by data-driven decisions, from marketing strategies to investments.
Benchmarking figures like current lead counts, close rates and production numbers will allow you to track figures and set measurable goals for your roofing business so you can literally take satisfaction in watching it grow.