Building Rapport with Clients and Their Animals: A Surveyor’s Tale

As property surveyors, we often find ourselves in unique situations that go beyond mere bricks and mortar. Recently, we’ve had the pleasure of working with a private client who’s not just a property enthusiast but also a passionate animal lover. This experience has reinforced the importance of building rapport with both our clients and their furry (or feathered) companions.

A Menagerie of Clients

Our client’s impressive animal family includes 15 guinea pigs, chickens, a dog, and two goats. One of the goats even took a particular liking to our surveyor, Kevin! This menagerie has added an extra layer of charm to our property visits and reminded us that homes are more than just structures – they’re habitats for both humans and animals alike.

From Condition Survey to Ongoing Partnership

Our relationship with this client began with a visit to their property to conduct a survey on behalf of a potential buyer. Witnessing our meticulous process firsthand, they were impressed and subsequently engaged Delaney Marling Partnership (DMP) to perform a condition survey on a property they were considering purchasing. This led to further opportunities, as we were commissioned to survey several additional properties on their behalf.

Diverse Properties, Unique Challenges

These surveys took us to various picturesque locations across Yorkshire. We had the usual brief to undertake a detailed survey and report on the condition of the houses, but with the added questions of will Pedro the goat like it? The properties surveyed for this one client included:

  1. Sleights: We examined a property situated on church-owned land, boasting breathtaking views of the River Esk and the North Yorkshire Railway.
  2. Thornton le Dale and Goathland: We surveyed multiple properties in these areas that our client had been considering for purchase.

 

Each property presented its own set of challenges. For instance, one property lacked proper planning consent for significant works that had been carried out. Another had its main electrical supply bizarrely located in a neighbouring property down the road.

The Value of Due Diligence

This client’s approach highlights the importance of thorough property assessment before committing to a purchase. By engaging professional surveyors, ensurea they have a comprehensive understanding of each property’s condition, potential issues, and hidden quirks.

Building Lasting Relationships

Building strong and trusting relationships in our line of work is vital. By taking the time to understand not just the properties but also the people (and animals) who inhabit them, we’re able to provide a more personalised and effective service.

Whether it’s navigating around chicken coops or discussing property boundaries with a goat in tow, these unique experiences add depth to our work and remind us of the human element in property surveying.

If you’re a property owner looking for thorough, personalised surveying services – whether you have a menagerie of pets or not – don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Delaney Marling Partnership. We’re here to help you make informed decisions about your property investments, one survey at a time.

Delaney Marling Partnership’s ability to navigate complex project management scenarios, effectively handle unreliable contractors, and deliver high-quality results for their clients, even in challenging circumstances.

If you are struggling with a building project, please get in touch by email info@delaneymarlingpartnership.co.uk or by calling us on 01482 623955 / 01472 729964.