The Carpet Inspection, Pt. 1
My Thoughts on Conducting a Carpet Inspection, Part 1
By Tandy Reeves
Doing an inspection properly is far more involved than just looking at the carpet. Not all flooring inspections use the same protocol and tools to conduct the inspection.
The first step in inspecting the carpet is to call the consumer within twenty-four hours of being commissioned. If you cannot contact the consumer by phone, advise the commissioning party and send the consumer a note by snail mail giving them your phone number and requesting they contact you in order to set up an appointment to inspect their carpet.
The use of terms such as “I have been contacted to look at your bad carpet,” or similar phrases, should never be used. A simple statement such as “the mill, dealer, or installer has asked me to look at the carpet you have reported a concern with.” Never imply or give the impression that there is probably something wrong.
Sometimes the consumer will want to tell you all about their problems and the ordeal they think they have been through. Do not agree or disagree with what they say. Thank them and set the time for the inspection. Sometimes they will tell you they will have their attorney or some other third party present during the inspection. When this happens, politely advise them you will not make any remarks about what you see or find; it will all be covered in your report. Attorneys sometimes think you have to answer to them and want to know what you think. Inform them that the commissioning party owns the report and they will have to request a copy from them.
A very important thing to remember: YOU ARE A GUEST IN THE CONSUMERS HOME OR BUSINESS. Conduct yourself accordingly. You are going on this inspection to determine if a problem does or does not exist. Do not try to be a teacher or educate the consumer. You are a professional, therefore, dress and conduct yourself as such.
If the consumer tells you they will not be home, but their child will be there to let you in, explain to the consumer that someone over eighteen years of age MUST be there. You should never go into a house if children are the only ones present. In my opinion, this rule should never be broken, regardless of age, gender or proclaimed maturity level of the child.
Part two will deal with the day of the inspection.
