HOUSTON - March 30, 2021 - Like other professions worldwide, roofers' livelihoods have been wrecked by COVID. Right now, we all want the same thing: to provide for ourselves and our loved ones. Sadly, there's no immediate end to the pandemic in sight. Contractors need to start to think outside the box. Below are some contemporary tips you can benefit today:

1. Move to the Cloud

As early as March 2020, Rackley Roofing in Nashville announced their people were all working remotely. Their management attributes this to the use of cloud-based technology. The company was already using the Dataforma app that's a service work management app developed by roofing contractors. It allowed everyone to log on from home and work as normal.

2. Make Use of Satellite Imagery

Some contractors are entirely avoiding site visits when quoting. They are using satellite imagery for measurements and assessments.

The roofing contractor app iRoofing has built-in satellite imagery functionality to prepare quotes. The app helps you to develop professional pitch presentations for clients. It also enables you to order materials online from any distributor, according to your quotes.

3. Become a YouTuber

As a qualified roofer, you have valuable skills. You can potentially benefit from sharing them with a broader audience. With more time spent at home, people want their personal spaces to be comfortable and attractive.

Currently, 57% of homeowners make time for home improvements. And many of them will look for help on the internet. YouTubers make revenue from several sources, including:

● Ad revenue
● Membership fees, and
● Merchandise sales.

4. Join the Gig Economy

The "Gig Economy" refers to small tasks made available as flexible, temporary, or freelance jobs. The internet has helped this industry to explode. Online platforms allow people from anywhere in the world to bid for work.

Workers may also need to pay membership fees or bid fees.

Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Flexjobs have several advantages:

● They can match employers and workers who would never have met under normal circumstances.

● You don't have to commit long-term. Workers can use gigs to supplement their regular income or to build a career that will eventually replace it and allow them a more flexible lifestyle.

● Gig job platforms keep payments in escrow to protect both parties.

5. Seek Relief

Finally, it is worth ensuring you have claimed all benefits for which you are eligible:

● The CARES Act of 27 March 2020 allows states to extend unemployment benefits to independent contractors who are not ordinarily eligible for benefits. Check your eligibility here.

● The Small Business Administration's (SBA) has two pandemic offerings. The Paycheck Protection Program provides loans to help businesses keep their workforce employed. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program gives economic relief to businesses experiencing a temporary loss of revenue.

● The IRS is offering tax credits and Economic Impact Payments for affected businesses.

Practice COVID-19 Compliance on Site

But, what if you are lucky enough to be still working?

In this case, your top priority is Covid-safety preventive measures.

In most states, roofing has been designated as an "essential service" status. This means roofing activities may continue despite any stay-at-home orders. However, there are strict guidelines for keeping both the roofing workforce and clients safe from infection.

You can find a wealth of COVID resources on the NRCA. The association's "Actions for Owners, Superintendents and Managers" covers all key issues. Amongst other things, it addresses:

● sequencing of work to maintain social distancing,
● communication with clients and the workforce,
● transportation of workers,
● site access, and
● proper use of tools.

Top tip: An essential consideration for continuing operations during the pandemic is by having a roofer insurance and ensuring that your insurance coverage remains valid. And that the unique risks presented by the virus are explicitly covered. Be sure to discuss all coverages and exclusions with your broker.

Take Advantage of New Opportunities

The bottom line is, do not delay taking action. Pandemics are disruptive events for economies, and the new normal could be very different than what we're used to. To success, you're going to have to be one of the first to find new opportunities. We hope this article will help you to be proactive!

Contact
FarmerBrown Insurance and Contractors Liability.
crissa@farmerbrown.com