Financing Can Help Contractors Win More Projects in Today's Market

With ongoing volatility in steel pricing and continued pressure on material costs, many roofing contractors are looking for ways to remain competitive while still delivering the best possible roofing system for their customers. One of the most effective tools available today is contractor-offered financing.

Recently, Tri County Metals' Scott DeBerry sat down with Hayden Nielsen of Regions Bank to discuss why financing has become an essential part of the sales process for roofing contractors.

 

Don't Wait for Homeowners to Ask

One of the biggest misconceptions contractors have is assuming homeowners will ask if they need financing. According to Nielsen, that's rarely how it works.

Homeowners generally don't expect their roofing contractor to offer financing unless it's presented as part of the proposal. Instead, many begin searching on their own for credit cards, personal loans, HELOCs, or other financing options.

Research shows that more than half of homeowners undertaking projects over $5,000 are actively considering some form of financing. For roofing projects—and especially premium metal roofing—that means financing should be part of nearly every sales conversation.

Shift the Conversation from Price to Affordability

Without financing, many contractors find themselves immediately reducing scope or discounting their proposal when homeowners react to the total project cost.

Offering financing changes that dynamic.

Instead of focusing solely on a $30,000 roof, contractors can present convenient monthly payment options or promotional financing alongside traditional payment methods. This allows homeowners to evaluate the investment based on affordability rather than sticker shock.

More importantly, it gives contractors the opportunity to present the roof they truly recommend instead of “selling against themselves” by downgrading products before the customer has even considered financing.

Financing Isn't Just for Customers Without Cash

Another common misconception is that financing is only valuable for homeowners who can't afford to pay cash.

In reality, many financially secure homeowners choose financing because it provides flexibility. Rather than tying up cash reserves, they prefer predictable monthly payments while keeping their money available for other investments or unexpected expenses.

By offering financing, contractors open the door to an entirely different segment of buyers who simply prefer financing as their payment method.

Simpler Than Many Contractors Expect

Many contractors also assume financing programs are complicated or create additional administrative work.

Modern contractor financing programs are designed to be straightforward. Contractors receive payment directly, allowing them to stay focused on what they do best—installing quality roofs—while the financing provider manages the loan relationship with the homeowner.

The result is a smoother payment process and less time spent chasing receivables.

A Competitive Advantage in Today's Market

Today's consumers have become accustomed to financing options for everything from furniture and appliances to online purchases. Home improvement projects are no exception.

Offering financing has become an expectation rather than an added benefit.

For roofing contractors, that means financing can help:

  • Increase close rates.

  • Support larger average project sizes.

  • Help homeowners choose premium metal roofing systems.

  • Reduce the need for unnecessary discounting.

  • Improve the overall customer experience.

Helping Contractors Grow

At Tri County Metals, we're committed to providing more than quality metal roofing products. We're committed to helping our contractor partners grow their businesses.

As material costs continue to fluctuate, offering financing can be one of the most effective ways to help homeowners move forward with confidence while allowing contractors to protect margins and deliver the roofing system they truly believe is best for the project.

If you'd like to learn more about the financing solutions available through Tri County Metals and Regions Bank, reach out to your Business Development Manager. We're here to provide the tools, resources, and support to help your business succeed in today's changing market.