In storm restoration, the fastest way to increase closes (and protect your time) is simple:
Stop running junk appointments.
If you can qualify a homeowner in 2 minutes—at the door or on the phone—you’ll get:
- higher show rates
- higher close rates
- fewer cancellations
- fewer “insurance denied” headaches
- better morale for your team
This 2026 guide gives you a tight, ethical, repeatable 2-minute qualification script that works for roofing/exterior storm restoration.
The 2-minute rule: qualify for truth, not for pressure
Your goal is not to “talk them into” anything. Your goal is to answer:
- Is this the decision-maker?
- Is there a storm-related reason to inspect?
- Is there urgency or a clear next step?
- Will they actually show up for the appointment?
If you get those four answers, you can book clean appointments and avoid time-wasters.
The 2-minute qualification script (word-for-word)
Step 1 (10 seconds): Permission + reason
“Hey, quick question—are you the homeowner?”
(If yes)
“Perfect. We’re doing quick photo inspections after the recent wind/hail. No pressure—just documentation so you know what condition the roof/exterior is in.”
Step 2 (20 seconds): Storm relevance
“Have you noticed any leaks, missing shingles, dents on vents/gutters, or anything that made you think the storm hit you?”
If they say “No, everything seems fine,” use:
“Totally possible. The reason people still check is damage often isn’t visible from the ground. Would you like a quick photo inspection so you’re not guessing?”
Step 3 (20 seconds): Prior claim/inspection status
“Have you had it inspected since that storm—or filed a claim already?”
- If already inspected: “Was it a roof walk or just from the ground/drone?”
- If denied: “Do you still have the denial letter? We can document condition and you decide what to do next—no promises.”
Step 4 (20 seconds): Roof basics (age + recent work)
“Do you know roughly how old the roof is? And have you had any repairs or replacements in the last few years?”
Why: roof age affects expectations and helps you avoid nonsense claims.
Step 5 (20 seconds): Decision-maker + availability
“Is anyone else involved in the decision—spouse, co-owner, property manager?”
If yes:
“Great—let’s schedule when both of you can be there, because it saves time.”
Step 6 (20 seconds): Book the appointment (two-choice close)
“It’s about 10–15 minutes. Would later today work, or tomorrow?”
Then:
“Best number to text you a confirmation?”
The 4 qualification outcomes (and what to do)
✅ Green Light (book it)
- homeowner/decision-maker present
- clear storm event + interest
- available within 24–48 hours
- willing to receive confirmation text
Action: Book. Confirm. Show up.
🟨 Yellow Light (book only if you tighten conditions)
- decision-maker not present
- “maybe” interest
- uncertainty about storm or roof age
- history of denial and high frustration
Action: Book only if:
- decision-maker will be present
- you send a confirmation + they reply “YES”
- you set expectations: “documentation first, no promises”
🟥 Red Light (do not run it)
- not the homeowner and can’t schedule the homeowner
- wants guarantees (“can you get it approved?”)
- wants deductible waived
- asks you to “make it look like storm damage”
- won’t provide contact info or won’t confirm
Action: Politely exit. Protect your team.
🟦 Follow-Up Lead (not now, but maybe later)
- genuinely busy, wants info
- no obvious urgency, but open to an annual check
Action: Send a short text and set a reminder for follow-up.
The “2-minute qualification checklist” (copy/paste)
Minimum required before you schedule:
- Homeowner/decision-maker? ✅
- Storm relevance (why now)? ✅
- Roof age / recent work? ✅
- Best number for confirmation text? ✅
- Appointment window agreed? ✅
- Decision-maker will be present? ✅
If you’re missing 2+ of these, it’s usually a weak appointment.
What to say when the homeowner is defensive (quick trust builder)
“Totally fair to be cautious. This doesn’t commit you to anything—just photos and a clear summary so you can decide what to do next.”
That line reduces pushback without sounding salesy.
How to increase show rate (the hidden money lever)
After booking, send:
Confirmation text:
“Hi ___, this is ___ with ___. Confirming our roof/exterior inspection tomorrow at ___ (time). It’s a quick photo inspection (10–15 mins). Reply YES to confirm.”
Day-of reminder:
“Hi ___, we’re still on for ___ today. Reply YES when you’re ready.”
If they won’t confirm, don’t run it.
Train your team to qualify consistently (and your close rate climbs)
Most storm restoration “losses” happen before the inspection:
- wrong person home
- no storm relevance
- no confirmation
- no urgency
- no trust
Two minutes of qualification fixes that.
Want a version tailored to your exact market and workflow?
Allied Emergency Services, Inc.
📞 800-792-0212
📧 info@alliedemergencyservices.com
