The GutterBrush Blog

No matter the size of your  business the costs involved in the preparation of estimates for prospective clients are significant. They can also take up a considerable amount of time and effort adding even more to your cost of doing business. While charging for an estimate as a means of getting back some of the initial outlay in resources is not a best practice, eliminating the inefficiencies and waste by utilizing available technology can result in less expenditures of finite resources.

This is where utilizing Google Street View may be very beneficial. How so? That is an excellent question.

First,  you can usually see what the street was like and if parking was available. This allows for proper planing to assure an on time arrival which is a great way to start off the relationship with the potential client. Second, it often allows visibility into the type of property where the estimate is going to be made. This also allows for some strategic planning prior to arrival on scene. Third, if you are in the roofing industry this technology often allows you to see exactly which type of roof is present on the property as well as other important roofing variables needed to make a sound estimate. This information can allow you to be prepared to offer a customized estimate to the potential client without having to take unnecessary time to do so due to already having knowledge of the roof type. Fourth,  you can often determine obvious structural defects from the photos available. Again, this type of due diligence saves you time on site but also helps you to project a very professional image. Fifth, using this technology allows you to be completely prepared in terms of what equipment you will need to make the best estimate possible. For example, Google Street View may allow you to determine what size ladder(s) may be needed to make an inspection/estmate. Finally, this technology allows you to capture an image of the property for any client files you may be keeping for the estimate and any subsequent work.

I suggest you give this technology a look to see if you can implement it to make a very positive impression on your prospective clients.

According to recent survey results gleaned from the National Governors Association the already fragile conditions of states’ economies are set to further weaken. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas suggests that,“The situation is fairly poor for a lot of states around the country. In fact, most states. What we’re finding out from a fiscal standpoint is that the worst is yet to come”. “Economists have declared the national recession over. But for those who are still unemployed, for those who have lost their homes, it’s clear that as a nation we have a long way to go.”

This recent survey suggests that the states have $18.8 billion of budget gaps yet to be closed in fiscal 2010. This comes after they have already imposed measures to eliminate budget imbalances totaling $87 billion in the fiscal year, which for most started during the summer of 2009. All the while the budgets currently being drafted for fiscal 2011, states foresee shortfalls of $53.6 billion and for fiscal 2012 $61.6 billion while at the same time states’ revenues have plummeted for four quarters in a row.

What is most interesting in these in these most challenging times is that all states except for one, Vermont, are required to balance their budgets, so during the recession they have drastically cut spending on basic programs, laid off workers and boosted revenue through raising taxes and fees.