Everybody’s life comes with its share of learning experiences. That’s part of the essence of living. If you’re making a career in property inspection, you’re definitely not exempt. Some aspects of your journey require picking up important dos and don’ts by trial-and-error. Other scenarios, however, can be avoided if you take the time to study rites of passage in the field and understand what to stay away from for the sake of your business. Here’s some statements that should never come out of your mouth when speaking with prospective or existing clients. Take heed, as not paying attention to the meaning behind these phrases can ultimately deter you from meeting your industry goals.
“This Will Only Take a Few Minutes”
The length of property inspections typically vary by several factors, like the size of the property and weather conditions. This is why it’s never safe to downplay the length of time it takes, as clients will hold you at your word and may complain if you don’t complete the process when promised. Property inspections can take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours, so it’s usually a good idea to give a loose timeframe and explain the determining factors to set reasonable expectations.
“Do You Need a Reference for Repairs?”
Likewise, it’s not okay to offer suggestions on repair service providers after a property inspection. While you may have the best intentions when it comes to helping your client, this type of action goes beyond your duties as a property inspector. You’re simply there to conduct an objective assessment of the house and report your findings. Giving your customer some direction, in terms of which contractors to contact is considered stepping outside of your boundaries and can backfire if the client isn’t satisfied with the services of the tradesmen that you referred them to.
“I Prefer to Work Alone”
Telling a customer that you like working independently during the inspection process implies that you don’t want their company. Clients have the right, and are highly encouraged, to attend the evaluation so they can get a better idea of what needs fixing. Deterring them from being part of the procedure immediately makes you sound like a shady professional who can’t be trusted.
“I Have the Cheapest Prices in Town”
Familiar with the phrase ‘You get what you pay for?’ This is a perfect example because the most inexpensive property inspection services don’t always offer the best results. You may attract several cost-conscious customers by boasting low prices, but it’s better to place emphasis on the quality of services you offer. Savvy individuals understand that dirt cheap rates may eventually lead to headaches caused by re-inspections.
”Call Me Old-Fashioned But…”
It’s good to have a foundation in traditional values as a property inspector, but conveying that you’re a stickler for going by the books won’t impress individuals who’ve been informed about the innovative techniques that currently dominate the field. An exaggerated sense of convention leaves little room for creative and more effective methods, like digital property inspections, that often provide better detail and accuracy.
