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Important choices...

By Rick Maday

Home Inspector

August 22, 2008 03:25 AM

We have lots of CHOICES. We are not a one-size-fits-all society. Ironically, the "one-size-fits-all" label (common on baseball hats) has changed to "one-size-fits-most". My 7 year old and his huge melon may be the reason for the change, but I can't be sure.

Here are some everyday CHOICES that popped into my head:

Oil Change: 5W30, 10W30, 5W20, regular oil, synthetic oil, blended oil, perhaps just shaken or stirred?

Gym shoes: Tennis, basketball, walking, running, climbing, cross-training, jogging, marathon, hula-hooping?

Eggs: Large, extra large, jumbo, brown, green (with ham), farm raised hen, free-range hen, urban hen, suburban hen?

Ice cream: An entire concept was formed around choices. Is it still 31 flavors? Or more like 31,000 flavors?

Cars: What type of "package": Standard, performance, luxury, sport, off-road, on-road, semi-sport luxury cruising with off-road capabilities?

At the bar: Stoli, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Grey Goose, Van Gogh, Sterling, Absolut...and don't even get me started on the flavors. Hmmm, wonder if the ice cream people got into the vodka business too?

Cell phones (and plans): ...ok, you get the idea

Home Inspection: ???

Hmmm. One home inspection for everyone? Seems so 1975.

Many (most) home inspectors offer a single type of home inspection and expect that to fit everyone's wants or needs (one-size-fits-all). *Note I'm speaking strictly of home inspections not other services (radon, mold, termite, etc)

There are some (albeit few) inspectors who realize that not everyone needs or wants the same inspection, and offer multiple CHOICES for their clients. Keep this in mind the next time you are looking for a home inspector (or see a "one-size-fits-most" label) - ask about CHOICES

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Owl Home Inspections
A Home Inspection the Way it Should Be.

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Randall Schrader

Competitive Insurance of Dundee - Dundee, FL

You've got it! One size fits all is so yesterday! Offer what people want to buy.

Aug 22, 2008 03:33 AM

Jared Pomranky ~ Detroit Foreclosures

Urban Detroit Wholesalers - Detroit, MI

Ha! I love the segway and lead-in to your product. I honestly didn't know where you were going but it was good. I'm commenting on this purely for the marketing aspect!

Aug 22, 2008 05:09 AM

Rick Maday

Schaumburg, IL

Schaumburg Home Inspector -

Randal, Thanks for visiting. I try to accommodate my client;s for whatever type of inspection they need.

Jared, Thanks for the kind - I think ;) - words.

Aug 22, 2008 09:47 AM

Kevin Pierce

Cascade Builder Services - Tacoma, WA

New Construction Warranty Management

Very effective marketing. Way to set yourslef apart!

Aug 22, 2008 01:58 PM

Richard Ives

Chicago, IL

Rick, great marketing post. Have a great weekend.

Aug 23, 2008 04:49 AM

Jim Frimmer

HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA

Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

I'm continually amazed when I take a buyer to see a property and there on the table is a pre-listing report by ABC Home Inspections. As I read through the report, I see comments like "This should be repaired before close of escrow." Huh? This is a pre-listing report. Nothing needs to be repaired for the seller before close of escrow. Seems like they just take their standard buyer's home inspection report and fill in the information for the seller without a second thought. I understand that forcing one choice on people is easier, but is it helpful? Most of the time it's not because it confuses things, and confusion is not helpful.

As far as I can determine, there's not too many inspectors offering choices for their Clients, which just boggles my mind. My company also has a property management division, and I occasionally see "home inspection reports" from renters who wanted to document the condition of the property when they moved in, and there in the report is that famous phrase again: "This should be repaired before close of escrow." Huh? Why would a renter who simply wants to document the condition of the property need a report that says, "This should be repaired before close of escrow."?

Hopefully you're working with whatever trade association you're a member of to help home inspectors understand that one report does not fit the needs of all people in all circumstances. Ask a few questions of your Clients to determine their needs, wants, and goals, and then work to meet them instead of you deciding what they need. Some people actually are intelligent and know what they want and what they need to meet their own goals.

Hope I wasn't too harsh.

Aug 23, 2008 10:28 PM

Thanks for the kind words, Kevin and Richard.

Jim, I didn't see it as harsh at all. It is odd, though, that some do not (or seem not to) reveiw their comments for content and context. Thanks for reading!

Aug 24, 2008 03:35 AM

Gary Bercarich

All Phase Home Inspection, Inc. - Smithtown, NY

Excellent transition Rick, great way to sell yourself.

Aug 24, 2008 10:26 AM

Dale Baker

Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH

New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Hey there and evening to ya Rick
Rick, I'm sure hopping everything is going well for you and your family!

Aug 25, 2011 04:12 PM

Aug 25, 2011 04:17 PM

Important choices...

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