Tips From the Pros!!!

I like to stay positive even when I find write-ups. If I find something positive about a house during an inspection, I mention it as well as the defects.

Bring a tape measure to lend to the buyers to measure room or space to put furniture. This helps pass the time while you finish filling out the inspection report.

Note: This is a good give-away. A specialty advertising company can have your name, company name and phone number printed on the outside of the tape measure.

Marketing Tip: Be cautious in a slow economy. However, don't quit promoting your services. Businesses that advertise or continue to do presentation during a slow economy take market share from those who cut back.

Technical Tip: Attic Inspection: check the insulation while you are in the attic. Be sure it does not cover over recessed lights. Also be careful about the floored area. Don't assume there's insulation under the flooring. In many houses the thirty year old insulation is under the floor and more has been added only where it shows. Often there is none under the attic flooring. Report what you see and also note the area you can't see.

LEAVE your business card tucked over a floor joist in the four corners of the crawlspace. If there is any question whether you inspected the entire space, the location of these business cards may help prove the point.

KEEP the local white and yellow pages telephone book in your inspection-mobile. This is especially helpful if you have a cellular phone in the vehicle.

HAVE a supply of sponges, a roll of paper towels and a mop in the vehicle. Despite your planning and care, you'll turn on a dishwasher one day, turn your back, and find the gasket leaks and water is all over the kitchen floor. Be prepared!

THE public image of an inspector is someone with a flashlight. A few years ago, I asked a sample of people to describe a home inspector. The tool mentioned every time was a flashlight. Pictures for advertising and promotion should reflect this view.

PARK your vehicle on the street. NEVER park in the driveway of the house being inspected. It's an inconvenience for clients and realtors to move their automobiles to let you out. They can cause you to be late since your clients don't have the same urgency as you do.

USE the same map book as your realtors. They can help you find the location of the house. Out in the field, it's tough trying to get from one inspection to another. Having to stop and locate a house on the local map can cause delays.

WRITE all inspectors' qualifications on a large sheet of paper and put it up on the wall. When clients call, you can simply read the information to them. Update these qualifications periodically. If you have performed a substantial number of inspections, make this part of the qualifications and update it monthly. This number is a tangible way of stating your experience. Based on our involvement in the industry, clients seem to be impressed with an inspector's qualifications when they have analyzed approximately 1000 buildings.

INSPECTORS traditionally work long hours. "Burn out" is common after only a few years of doing inspections. Start treating yourself to fifteen minutes during the day to do something special. Stop at a store you've been wanting to check out, pick up some travel brochures, etc. Say to yourself, "If I work hard today, I'll go someplace special."