John Kenney, CPRC, CEO, Cotney Consulting
As a roofing industry veteran, I have come to realize that at the center of estimating lies a unique convergence of art and science. This duality should be a practical reality that shapes every aspect of our work. Creating an estimate is a balancing act, requiring a harmonious blend of precision and creativity, practical evidence and imaginative foresight.
The art of estimating requires the ability to envision a completed structure from the tangle of unfinished blueprints and partial schematics often found in our industry today. The estimator’s role resembles an artist’s: taking a concept from a sketch to a fully realized structure in his or her mind. This imaginative step is not based on whimsy but is created by deep industry knowledge and practical experience.
When we consider a roofing project, the ability to “see” the end result before any work has begun is critical. We fill in the gaps where details may be missing and make educated assumptions based on what we’ve learned from similar projects. Just as an artist knows which brush strokes will bring his or her painting to life, an experienced roofing estimator knows which materials and methods will best suit a project.
Experience in roof estimating serves as the varied colors of paint on an artist’s palette. Each project adds a new hue and shade of understanding to draw upon for future estimates. The knowledge gained from past projects – understanding how different materials weather, how design choices affect practicality – and meeting unforeseen challenges is invaluable. This reservoir of experience allows us to envision and mentally construct the roofing project, predicting how each element will come together in the final composition.
On the flip side, the scientific aspect of estimating grounds us in the realities of hard data, precise calculations and objective measurement. This is also the domain where nothing is left to chance, where every quantity is meticulously calculated and every cost is considered carefully. Every potential risk is assessed and accounted for during this part of the process. Roofing projects, with their complexity and exposure to the elements, require a rigorous approach to estimating. The material costs, labor hours, equipment usage and safety protocols must all be quantified precisely. Here, formulas and past data serve as our guide, providing a framework within which we can work to ensure our estimates are accurate and reliable.
In the quantitative analysis process, estimators dissect a roofing project down to the smallest detail. We must know the exact dimensions of the roof, the pitch, the type of materials being used and the amount of labor required. This granular level of detail is where the scientific aspect of our work is most evident. We employ sophisticated software and draw upon a wealth of data to ensure that each project element is accounted for and nothing is overlooked.
Thinking in three dimensions is indispensable when estimating. A roof is not just a flat surface; it encompasses walls, vents and various penetrations. Each feature adds complexity to the project and must be considered in our estimates. The three-dimensional thinking that enables the visualization of these components and understanding how they interact is a blend of art and science, requiring both an imaginative and logical mind.
Bidding is the platform where the artistic and scientific elements of estimating are fused into a single coherent proposal. It’s where intuition meets data, where solid numbers back up the estimator’s feel for the project. Each bid is a testament to the estimator’s ability to integrate these different elements into a cohesive whole that accurately represents the scope and cost of the project while also anticipating potential issues and challenges.
Estimators must also have a keen understanding of the market conditions. Just as an artist must know his canvas, brushes and paints, an estimator must know the cost of materials, labor rates and the competitive landscape. The economic canvas is ever-changing, influenced by factors such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and fluctuating material costs. A skillful estimator must paint a picture that wins bids and ensures profitability.
In roof estimating, our toolbox is vast and varied. It includes technical tools such as measurement devices, drones for aerial inspection and estimating software. It also consists of the less tangible tools: the ability to read a client’s needs, the experience that informs gut feelings and the wisdom to know when a project might hold hidden complications.
Field experience is perhaps the most crucial tool, acting as a bridge between art and science. The wisdom gained from years on the job cannot be overstated. It allows an estimator to make educated guesses, approach incomplete plans confidently and foresee the twists and turns that may affect a project. This is where art and science fuse into something more significant – the seasoned instinct of a professional estimator.
As estimators, we craft the financial and logistical foundation for our company’s roofing projects. One cannot afford to misstep the delicate dance of estimating . Each project presents its own rhythm and flow, requiring us to move with precision, agility and foresight.
Our craft is far more than a transaction, it’s a promise of safety, longevity and shelter, woven into a financial and structural blueprint. With every shingle counted and every cost projected, we lay the groundwork for homes and businesses to stand resilient against time and the elements. Our expertise as estimators enables us to predict the obscure, chart a course through economic fluctuations and deliver a vision that is as viable on paper as it will be upon completion. Ultimately, our bids are more than just numbers; they are pledges of quality and trust blueprints. We are not merely estimating costs, we are mapping out dreams and laying foundations for the future, one roof at a time.
John Kenney, CPRC has over 50 years of experience in the roofing industry. He started his career by working as a roofing apprentice at a family business in the Northeast and worked his way up to operating multiple Top 100 Roofing Contractors. As CEO, John is intimately familiar with all aspects of roofing production, estimating and operations. During his tenure in the industry, John ran business units associated with delivering excellent workmanship and unparalleled customer service while ensuring his company’s strong net profits before joining Cotney Consulting Group. If you would like any further information on this or another subject, you can contact John at jkenney@cotneyconsulting.com.