Termite inspections are a dime a dozen during spring and summer. Getting your inspections right is essential for satisfying your customers and encouraging repeat business.
1. Get the Right Equipment –Showing up without the right tools is the mark of an amateur!
q Reliable torch screwdriver (e.g. Stanley #6)
q Termite tapper
q Moisture meter binoculars, with 10 x hand lens
2. Get Your Customer Facts Right – Inspecting the wrong property or getting lost on the way is downright embarrassing!
q Get the right address for the property – including house/unit number, street and number, suburb
q Keep the customer’s phone number on hand at all times
q If the property is tenanted or PPI, get the number of the agent, landlord or property manager
q Get a brief description of the property before the inspection (e.g. single storey house, brick veneer, free-standing garage, red porch); this will ensure that you inspect the right place
3. Phone Ahead – Ask yourself, does someone need to be there?
q Phone ahead with a rough ETA and check that someone will be at the property for the time you specify
4. Greet the Customer – Friendliness and professionalism goes a long way
q Knock on the door and introduce yourself to the customer – don’t forget to smile!
q Sit down with the customer and get as much information about the property and the problem as possible
q Identify access points in and around the property
q Make sure you can get into ALL roof and subfloor areas
q If there are additional buildings on the property, inquire whether you can gain access to these also
5. Check the Exterior of the Property – This will give you a clearer idea of what may be causing the infestation
q Are there any previous signs of exterior termite treatment? Does the meter box have any treatment stickers? Are any drill holes visible?
q Are there any trees on the property that could be contributing to the termite infestation?
q Is there a footpath next to the door?
q Are telegraph poles adding to the problem?
q Could the orientation of the house be contributing to the issue?
q Has the garage door been filled in?
q Are the gardens built on timber boarders or sleepers? Are gates and fences made of wood? And if so, are they in contact with the building?
6. Check the Interior of the Property – Don’t get distracted while doing so!
q Systematically check every room in the property – don’t rush! Check each room slowly and thoroughly
q Draw a map or write up a checklist to ensure you stay focused
q Use your moisture meter in all rooms and areas (not just in wet wall spots)
q If talking to the customer is distracting you, save your explanations for the end
7. Inspect Roof Voids – Inspect ALL roof voids
q What type of roof and void is it?
q Are there any air conditioning ducts?
q Has the customer stored any good in the void
q Are there any other restrictions, like insulation, that could be making the termite infestation worse or that could affect your treatment of it?
8. Get Into the Subfloor – Make sure you have unrestricted access to all subfloor areas!
q Check for adequate subfloor ventilation
q Inspect timbers/wood and the ground for fungal growth
q If forming timbers are present, recommend removing these from the subfloor area
q Make sure there aren’t any leaking pipes or water problems
Note: If you can’t get access to all subfloor areas, explain to the customer why this will affect your inspection. If there is physically no access, provide them with a quote to create an access point, and clarify why this is important.
9. Take Photos – A picture paints a thousand words!
q Take pictures of all useful points around the property – photos can be valuable tools in helping you decide how to treat the termite infestation
q Take photos of any obvious problems or infestation markers
q Use these images in your quote and report
10. Write a Detailed Description – The more information, the better
q Write a detailed description of the property beforeyou leave
q Don’t rely on your memory! Write down as much as you can about the termite problem
q Make note of any problematic access areas that prove difficult to treat
11. Send Your Quote & Follow Up – Don’t let your customer service skills slide!
q Provide the customer with a written quote for treating the termite problem
q Include as much detail as you can and explain even the obvious things – don’t expect the customer to know what you know!
q Include ALL costs and pricing; hidden fees are what turn customers off!
q Follow up within 1-2 days if you haven’t heard back
Got a termite inspection question? Agserv can answer it! Contact us today on 1800 554 445.
