Aerial vs. Onsite Estimates for Roofers / Eagleview vs. Hover

We break down the pro's and con's of Aerial vs. Onsite Estimation tools with Mark Bloom from Hover. HOVER transforms smartphone photos of any property into an accurate, interactive 3D model. Contractors and insurance carriers use us to drive efficiencies, reduce costs, and min closing and/or cycle times
In one minute Tell me about Hover, and how you started with the company
  • HOVER transforms smartphone photos of any property into an accurate, interactive 3D model
  • Contractors and insurance carriers use us to drive efficiencies, reduce costs, and min closing and/or cycle times 

What are the things that should matter most to roofers regarding estimation?
  • Need to think about it from two different perspectives: Sales and Production
  • Accuracy
    • Accurate quoting by sales reps at all experience levels
    • On the production side, making sure measurements are accurate to reduce material costs and preserve profit margins
  • Errors: eliminating human error & mistakes that come from paper-based systems or point solutions that are disconnected and don’t talk to each other
  • Options: think about providing options (i.e. good, better, best) when you are providing your proposal. People like options. And please call out *most popular” where appropriate. Make it easy for people to make a decision. 

What have you seen are the benefits to Onsite vs. Aerial estimation tools?
  • In general, proximity to the building -  big impact on the level of accuracy. 
  • The fidelity of your captures - accuracy to 1” vs. rounding up to the nearest foot
  • Detailed wall measurements - becomes challenging from high altitudes
  • Soffit depth. 
    • Something important when you are buying ice and water barrier.  
    • Impossible to do with aerial measurements
  • HOVER engaged Haag Engineering to conduct an independent study to determine the accuracy of roof measurements obtained using the HOVER mobile app along with two aerial providers.


 |    HOVER |    AERIAL | Improvement
Variance from Haag measurements |    2.6% |    3.4% |    23%
Failure rate |    0% |    8% |    800%
% roofs that required additional measurements to complete |    0% |    6% |    600%


What are the benefits of Aerial like Eagleview?
  • Eagleview is one vendor who provides this capability, but there are others
    • Skymeasure (CoreLogic), Nearmap
  • Order ahead (~2 days)
  • Roof only measurements & pitch (for their walls, you often get walls light)
  • Measurements only (limited 3D model capabilities in the mobile app, and non-existent on their web app)

What other tools should people check out?
  • Tech stack ecosystem: CRM, video conferencing, appointment scheduling and integrations 
  • CRM: Job Nimbus, Acculynx
  • Video: Zoom, Skype
  • Appt Scheduling: Calendly
  • Integration: Zapier


How to get the most out of Hover / little known tips?
  • Reach out to us. 
  • Our approach is extremely consultative
  • We enabled hundred of contractors to move to a completely digital and remote engagement model during Covid-19
  • And use the 3D model to drive incredible customer experiences. This is an amazing opportunity for contractors to help homeowners understand their estimates and see their new roof, siding, and windows with real products on their homes.


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