At this point, it is time to initiate contact to all the Roofing Companies that service your area.
It is difficult to say which method is the best, between an email or a phone call. Both methods will give you you a gauge on responsiveness, so pick your preference and roll with it.
I am going to again mention the same warning as in the previous step: Do not sign a single document yet. Not ANYTHING.
Using the list created in the prior step, using your preferred method of phone vs email, contact all the companies.
If you do use email, I’d recommend using the contact email listed on the companies website first, before using the contact form. This gives you a clear record in your sent email of what you sent, and when.
Before you start contacting, organize so you aren’t rambling.
You don’t need to share a lot of information at this point.
Prepare a text document with the needed information.
Expect if calling, that you will get the option to leave a voicemail.
If you are emailing, you don’t need to leave your life story.
You don’t need to leave an address, even.
So here is an example of a message to leave on voicemail – edit for your information.
VOICEMAIL MESSAGE TO LEAVE EXAMPLE
“Hello, this is John Smith, I live in CITYNAME, and I would like to discuss a possible roof replacement. My phone number is: 867-5309”
CONTACT FORM MESSAGE TO LEAVE EXAMPLE
A contact form will usually ask a few questions, including your name and number. So enter those pieces of information where appropriate.
And in the main text area of the form where you can free form type what you need, simply enter the same thing as for your voicemail:
“Hello, this is John Smith, I live in CITYNAME, and I would like to discuss a possible roof replacement. My phone number is: 867-5309”
Some company websites might not have a form, and you can only call.
If you actually email, NOT using a contact form, then do similar.
DIRECT EMAIL EXAMPLE
Sending to: Enter the company provided email address.
Subject: I would like to discuss a possible roof replacement in CITYNAME
Body of email: “Hello, this is John Smith, I live in CITYNAME, and I would like to discuss a possible roof replacement. My phone number is: 867-5309”
Do this for all the companies that service your area.
If calling direct, some companies will answer and process you right away.
If leaving voicemail, sending email, or filling out contact form, the response time for the company getting back with you could be quite quick, to slow, to never.
The response time is an additional data point for consideration. If you contact early in the day, you should hear back the same day. Perhaps not, but certainly by next morning. If you contact close to closing, or after close, give all of the following day for the company to respond.
If you haven’t heard back after a day, send a follow up request. But I reiterate, response time is an important consideration. Don’t make the mistake of thinking a fast response time means the company will serve you well, as this is just one single data point.
When the various companies start calling back, DO NOT ANSWER. Let the call roll over to voicemail. You want to take a measured approach. You want to evaluate everything.
How professional does the voice message sound? Does it sound like a bubba? Does it sound like someone trustworthy? Someone that will respect you?
The evaluation in any email responses need to also be professional, respectful, trustworthy.
In your list of companies, make notes of the quality of the initial responses.
CALLING DIRECT AND GETTING A LIVE RESPONSE
Many companies use an answering service. The job of the answering service is to simply get your information.
You might be told that you will get a call back. You might also be transferred immediately.
You might make the phone call, and be speaking with the salesperson that would come out to your home. And that’s OK, too. Just be prepared.
Remember, you aren’t the expert. And there is no need for a long conversation here. Let’s just take it one step at a time.
Tell the person you would like to have your roof evaluated. They will want your name, phone number, email address, and physical address.
They might ask you if you are experiencing any issues at this time. Tell them of any known issues, as they obviously want the best information possible.
You are not obligated to set up an appointment at this time if you are not feeling it.
Read more about the company selection process next.
Next: Select Roofing Companies For Quote