No doubt you remember the old game “Telephone”? A phrase or sentence is passed around a group through whispering and often results with the final words not matching the original. It can be funny, but it’s also an evergreen lesson about the importance of direct and accurate communication.
Here at Gunner, yes, we’re experienced professionals for roofing projects and other home renovations. But we also like to think of ourselves as professional communicators. Professional listeners. Professional evaluators.
If you’ve followed our blog, you know how we try to go above and beyond for the customer, whether it’s helping them deal with their insurance company, running down materials on the fly, or working around a family’s schedule.
And that usually starts with our dependable, proactive project managers. They’re the ones who get the ball rolling with the client … and keep it rolling until the end, and it’s through them that we plan accordingly.
Take one of our project managers, Anthony, who we tasked with a job for someone needing to replace his asphalt roof in Cos Cob, a quiet, quaint neighborhood of Greenwich. Turned out, the job involved a roof and gutters. Well, a new roof and old gutters; the customer wanted to recycle the gutters he had.
We didn’t feel our initial roof consultation by phone was thorough enough, so Anthony was dispatched for an in-person consultation for more in-depth view of what needed to be done so we could better formulate the roof quote.
GAF Asphalt Shingle Replacement
Cos Cob, CT
Anthony took dutiful notes and roof pictures at the property, and then sat down with the client to discuss options and the overall project goals. Old roof out, new roof in – but the customer was adamant about keeping the existing gutters.
Do most clients choose to replace gutters when they have the roof replaced? Yes. Do we recommend new gutters when replacing the roof? Yes. Over time, gutters can become bent or cracked, becoming inefficient and a liability to your home, or there’s the risk of damage when being removed after being in place so long. So it makes sense to start fresh if you’re already doing a shingle replacement.
GAF Asphalt Shingle Replacement
Cos Cob, CT
But every client’s situation is different – so while we are happy to advise and provide reasons for our recommendations, we always encourage them to do what’s best for their position and be confident in the choices they make. And we’ll make it happen to the best of our abilities. In this case, keeping the gutters meant lower costs for the project, an important consideration.
With that settled, Anthony and the client formulated a plan that included using GAF Timberline asphalt shingles for the roof replacement. No surprise here. GAF provides top-of-the-line roof materials, and their asphalt shingles are the number-one-selling shingle in the country. Their charcoal-color shingles are ever popular as well.
Before our Gunner roofing crew could install the new shingles, we had to meticulously remove the original gutters. We’ve been asked before why we can’t just install a new roof around them. That’s because you need to make sure the new roof is applied and sealed properly all the way around, including the edges where the gutters run. After all, along with your gutters, it’s your home’s best defense against the weather and elements.
GAF Asphalt Shingle Replacement
Cos Cob, CT
Also, removing the old gutters allows us to inspect them more thoroughly for water or debris damage, to make sure they’re still functioning as they should. We don’t want to reapply original gutters if they’re truly compromised.
Fortunately, upon inspection, the gutters were OK to restore to the house. And we were able to apply a small upgrade cosmetically, using hidden gutter straps this time for a cleaner look overall. Hey, every little bit helps!
Speaking of help, Anthony’s consultation also revealed that the client’s children had a strict sleep routine. By knowing this, we were able to schedule our work in a timely manner and keep it on schedule by beefing up the crew, making the project complete in just two 10-hour days. This was greatly appreciated by the customer.
The GAF shingles and repositioned gutters came out looking great, so it was a win-win for our customer – acquiring a rebuilt roof while keeping the overall cost down. And it had to feel good that his home was ready to battle the harsh winter months ahead.
Remodeling your home’s exterior is a huge decision, and we want to again make it clear: We’re here to help you every step of the way, from hello to goodbye. Let’s communicate!
City: Cos Cob
State: Connecticut
ZIP: 06830
Category: Roofing
Materials used (manufacturer): GAF
Materials used (type): Asphalt
Materials used (color): Charcoal
Project Cost: $12,000
Time to Complete: Two days