Public Relations Practiced One on One

Mr. Perfection Inc, specializing in home inspection… with meticulous attention to every detail. That’s his motto, and he’s willing to share what he considers to be important details when it comes to creating a positive impression with clients and homeowners.

How do you come across to your clients and homeowners?

What you do and don’t do says a lot about your attitude towards your clients, homeowners and how you conduct your business. Do you really respect the property and the things in the home? Then show it!

• When you arrive at the home do you park in the street, not blocking garbage cans, sidewalks, driveways and mailboxes?

• When entering a home do you observe “please remove your shoes” signs while walking around on the new (or white) carpet? If in doubt, do you take off your shoes?

• Do you avoid leaning your ladder against the fancy furniture or painted walls. Is it (or your tool bag) an “attractive nuisance” for the client’s or homeowner’s infant or toddler?

• Leave your brochure and business card on the kitchen counter for the owner/tenant. If they have a beef, later they know who to call.

• As you go through the house lock each door that was locked and lock every window not in use. Readjust the drapes or blinds to their original position.

• If doors were closed when you started then close them when done. Restore doorstoppers.

• Turn off room, closet and attic lights when finished inspecting those areas. Turn off ceiling fans that you tested.

• In bathrooms close shower curtains, as you found them. Close toilet lids. Be sure all faucets are really off.

• Throughout the house reset all GFCIs after you trip them off, even if it means another trip to the basement service panel.

• Restore childproof caps to all outlets so equipped, that you test!

• Be cautious – do not turn off power to or unplug VCRs, clock radios, computers and clocks. If you trip the kitchen GFCI and turn off the microwave – then reset the clock. If you cannot reset the clock, leave a visible note and your apology.

• For boiler and furnace thermostats put a small ink mark to show original settings (“Heat”, “Off”, “Cool”) and the original temp. Recheck all thermostats one more time before leaving the house.

• Close all cabinets doors, firmly.

• When filling tubs or whirlpools use cold water once you have determined that hot and cold faucets work OK. Don’t use up the hot water supply.

• Check inside of dishwasher before starting it. Look for “trash” on the heating element and remove. Remove any non-dish items. If unit does not look like it has been used in past year consider not running appliance to avoid leaking hoses or seals.

• Do not leave any trash in home – coffee cups etc.- regardless of whose they are.

• If you break anything, advise everyone present and leave a note for the homeowner/tenant!