The Guide to Virtual Roof Estimates

Are you in need of a roof replacement, but concerned about having contractors come to your home, or simply lacking the time to devote to an in-person inspection? Well, we have some great news for you! With the increasing availability of virtual communication channels, it's now possible to get a roofing estimate without having a contractor physically come to your property. That’s right folks, it’s a little something called a virtual roofing estimate, which is a convenient and safe way to get an estimate for roofing work without having to worry about face-to-face interactions. The process involves using technology such as email, video conferencing, and specialized software platforms to send and receive information and images of your roof. It’s really that simple.

While you may be thinking, “Hm, a virtual roofing estimate doesn’t sound like it’d be as accurate as the real deal”, they can still provide a reasonable idea of the cost and scope of the work to be done. So, it is the real deal, just in a 21st-century-progression-of-technolgy sort of way. That being said, it's important to provide detailed information and images of your roof to the contractor to ensure the accuracy of the estimate.

Woah, let’s pump the breaks for a minute. Look, we get it. Having a virtual roofing estimate can be unnerving for several reasons. First and foremost, it's natural to have concerns about the accuracy of the estimate. Without an in-person inspection, you may be worried that the contractor won’t be able to identify all the issues with your roof and may miss important details that could impact the final cost. Not to mention, RoofCrafters' virtual estimate is only available for roof replacements, so if you're in need of a repair, this service is not for you.

If you’re known for keeping it old school, a virtual inspection may not provide you with the same level of reassurance and confidence that a face-to-face meeting with a contractor can provide. Some homeowners may feel more comfortable discussing their concerns and asking questions in person, rather than through a digital communication channel, and that’s okay! If you're someone who’s looking for a hassle-free and safe way to get a roofing estimate, a virtual estimate might be just the answer you’ve been looking for. If that cramps your style, we recommend scheduling an in-person inspection by clicking the button below.

However, if you’re a gung-ho-technology-pro, we’re glad you’re here. In this guide, we'll walk you through an overview of the virtual estimation process as well as the steps involved in receiving a virtual roofing estimate, and provide you with some tips and tricks to help you get the most accurate estimate possible. Let’s get started, shall we?

Virtual roof estimates are a modern alternative to traditional roof estimates. They allow you to get an accurate quote for your roof replacement without the need for a salesperson to come to your home. Instead, virtual estimates rely on advanced imaging technology such as satellite imagery or drone footage to provide an accurate measurement of your roof. 

One of the biggest benefits of virtual roof estimates is convenience. You can get an accurate roof replacement estimate without the need for small talk with a salesperson who’s asking questions and looking to get you to sign a contract on the spot. Which, let’s be honest, can be downright uncomfortable.

Information You Must Provide

To move forward with ordering a satellite report for your home, the roofing experts will need the following information:

• Your first and last name
• Your home adresss
• Cell phone number
• Email address

If you’re not interested in asphalt shingles and you haven’t chosen the type of material you’d like for your new roof, we recommend you take a peek at our cost guide for all roof types. Of course for the folks that are interested in a sleek metal roof design, we recommend you check out our comprehensive comparison of metal roofing. Now that you’ve got the process overview under your belt, let’s move on to technology requirements!

To get a virtual roof estimate, all you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection, it’s that simple. We will ask you to provide some basic information about your roof, such as its age, the type of material it's made from, and any existing issues or damage. We may also ask for some photos of your roof to help get a better idea of its condition.

Once we have this information, we'll use satellite imagery to get a report of your roof's size and shape. The report provides accurate measurements, as well as the roof slope and the category of roof your trusty defender falls under. From there, we’ll provide you with an accurate estimate for your upcoming roof replacement. Bada bing, bada boom! As I’m sure you’re picking up on, virtual roof estimates are a convenient and time-saving alternative to traditional in-person estimates, and with advancements in technology, they're more accurate and reliable than ever before. As a homeowner, you have the option of receiving your estimate via video format within a preferred email, or a personalized Zoom meeting with your virtual estimator.

Satellite imagery has been used by roofers for quite some time, although the specific adoption of satellite imagery in the roofing industry can vary depending on factors such as technological advancements, availability, and affordability. While it’s not new technology, it's a new service that RoofCrafters is eager to offer to homeowners in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

With the advancements in satellite technology, particularly in the 2000s, satellite imagery became more accessible and affordable for the roofing industry to offer. Higher-resolution satellites, such as those used for mapping and remote sensing (which RoofCrafters uses), provide detailed imagery that allows our estimators to assess roofs more accurately.

In recent years, satellite imagery has become increasingly integrated with mapping and measurement software, enabling roofers to extract accurate measurements, identify potential issues, and generate detailed roof reports remotely. This integration has streamlined the roofing process, improved efficiency, and reduced the need for physical site visits. It’s all about convenience, folks!

How Do You Plan to Pay?

A roof replacement is a large investment, so it’s important to decide if you’re planning on financing or paying out of pocket. Like most large purchases (homes, cars, pools, furniture, etc), financing may be the right option. There are some fees associated with financing a roof replacement, so, we’ll need to know if you’d like to finance your new roof before we provide you with the virtual estimate. 

If you’re interested in financing, you can speed up the process by clicking the “get financing” button for prequalification.

If you have a little spare cash in your piggy bank and you plan to pay out of pocket for your roof replacement, all the power to you! You’ll simply let the contractor know you’ll be paying in full for your upcoming roofing project, and they’ll be in touch with you about important details such as payment rates, amounts, dates, etc. 

Once you have these 3 items ready, you can get started with your virtual estimate!

Virtual estimates provide flexibility, especially in situations where in-person interactions may be limited or inconvenient due to a busy work schedule or family life. They save time and effort by allowing you to communicate with contractors remotely and share information and images of your roof to get an estimate from the comfort of your own home.

Remember, it's important to provide accurate and detailed information to the contractor to ensure a more accurate estimate. Clear photographs and a description of your roof's condition help the contractor make a more informed assessment. Be sure to communicate openly with the contractor and address any concerns or questions you may have. The contractor will be eager and willing to guide you through the virtual estimate process and provide the necessary information to help you make an informed decision about your roofing project.