Three days before Remax realtor Tom Basler was supposed to close on a home, a tornado swept through the area, knocking a tree into the roof and causing major water damage. He immediately called SDAT Roofing & Exteriors, a locally operated business since 1999. Two days later, the roof was repaired and the closing proceeded as planned.
Saving the day is status quo for SDAT Roofing, owner Chris Dabin says. When customers call for help, they can expect quick service, beginning with a free roof inspection. Bids are usually dispatched within 24 hours, and projects completed within seven business days. Because a company owner is present at each build, customers also know they’re getting the personal attention they deserve, Dabin adds.
Working closely with homeowners is as much a part of Dabin’s and co-owner Mike Thacker’s day as inspecting roofs. “We educate and inform rather than sell,” he says. “We teach homeowners about exteriors and the different products available so they clearly understand their options, and then we deliver and keep the process simple so there’s no confusion.” If a problem does arise, SDAT responds within 24 hours, he adds.
The company’s reputation for quick, professional service has made it a favorite of realtors, he reports, and has helped it maintain an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. With decades of real estate experience, Dabin understands how vital quick turnaround is when racing against a closing deadline. “We know realtors need service done immediately to meet the terms of building inspection resolutions, and we can work with that timeline,” he says.
Dabin also is a licensed independent insurance adjuster, making him a homeowner’s top ally. It’s not uncommon for Dabin to discover damage from severe weather when he’s called out to inspect minor leaks. And weather-related damage is a comprehensive claim that is covered by insurance, he points out. “It’s zero fault and has no impact on a homeowner’s premiums,” he adds. “But it’s important that you get an individual who knows the materials and can distinguish between storm damage and deferred maintenance or material failure. We often identify enough damage to bring insurance in, saving the homeowner thousands of dollars.”
Recently, Dabin saved realtor Jeannie Baumgartner a significant expense when he discovered storm damage on her roof. Besides using SDAT for her own home, Baumgartner also has recommended the company to clients for years. “We certainly emphasize to homeowners that the first impression is a lasting impression,” she says. “As a realtor, it’s important that my recommendations are well-received, and I’ve never had a complaint about SDAT.”
To lessen its environmental footprint, SDAT recycles old shingles and hopes to one day open its own recycling plant to process materials from other construction companies. “In doing research, I discovered the immense volume of waste generated in construction,” Dabin says. “At the end of the day, we didn’t feel comfortable with all that going into the landfill.”
By Stephanie Zeilenga
Photo by Tim Parker Photography
Pictured: SDAT owners Chris Dabin and Mike Thacker with homeowner Jeannie Baumgartner
[SDAT Roofing & Exteriors is a locally owned company providing roofing solutions for residential and commercial buildings. For more information, call 314.280.5959 or visit sdatroof.com.]
