How to Handle a Foreclosure Cleaning Job When the Home Has No Power

Many homes that have been foreclosed upon will have no electricity (sometimes no water either, for that matter). But, in most cases, you need it to do your foreclosure cleaning work properly. So, what do you do? How can you get the job done when the home has no power?

In the perfect scenario, the REO realtor who’s responsible for the property will get the power turned on for you. That way, you and your foreclosure cleanup crew can come in and knock the job out with no problem. However, it doesn’t always happen this way. Sometimes, the realtor is too busy; especially these days when they are handling so many properties. Or, they may not know what the procedures are for doing this and just don’t want to be bothered with it.

Options Open to Foreclosure Cleaning Companies When a Property Has No Power

You can handle this situation in a couple of ways if you want to keep the job. You can either: (i) turn down the job, which means losing a possible long-term client; or (ii) you can find a suitable workaround. Oftentimes, this means working with cold water instead of hot. And, if you know anything about cleaning, you know how much more difficult it is to clean with cold water instead of hot.

Foreclosure Cleanup: One Piece of Equipment You Need to Handle Homes with No Power

If you choose to take on the job (which is just smart business by the way), you can purchase a small, gas-powered generator. This will give you the hot water you need, and allow you to take on foreclosure cleanup jobs – even when a property has no power.

The generator pictured here is something like (exactly) what you’ll need. It’s sold at most major home improvement stores, and in all-purpose outlets like Wal-Mart. It’s light weight, hence easily portable; gives you enough power to do most jobs; and is pretty easy to use. If you’re not mechanically inclined, this is good to know.

And the cost – around $200. Not bad for a piece of equipment for your foreclosure cleaning business that will allow you to take on more work, right?

As your foreclosure  clean up business grows, you may want to invest in a more powerful generator. These can cost right at $1,000, which is still not bad, when you consider what it allows your business to do.  

Foreclosure Cleaning: When Renting Equipment Is a Good Option

If you don’t have the money to buy a generator right now, you can rent them at major home improvement outlets like Home Depot.

Many foreclosure cleaning business owners, don’t know this, but Home Depot (and Lowes, et al) rent all types of equipment – from generators to power tools to ladders – and a whole lot more. And, they rent by the hour, the day, the week and the month. Super convenient for every size business.

Following are some approximate generator rental costs. Note: The prices are based on the power capability of the generator.

–3000 Watts $39 for 4 hours / $56 per day

–6500 Watts, $49 for 4 hours / $70 per day

Renting equipment like generators is a great way to grow your company because you can take on more work without having a lot of upfront capital. In fact, don’t purchase equipment until you know you can truly afford it.

Learn more about when to buy versus when to rent equipment for your foreclosure cleaning business.

Note: There are going to be some foreclosure cleaning jobs that you’ll have to pass on – either because the home doesn’t have power, or some other factor. It’s okay to do this if you really aren’t equipped to handle it.

It’s best to let a foreclosure cleanup job go than take it on and not do a good job. You can ruin your business’ reputation before you even get started. Remember, you’re in it for the long haul. Grow – and take on – what you can really handle and do a good job it.  

Continued success with your foreclosure cleanup business!

P.S.: Learn how to get contracts from your local housing authority! Stimulus Money Hitting Housing Authorities Across the U.S. Means Contracting Opportunities for Real Estate Services Businesses (eg, Foreclosure Cleanup Companies, Electricians, Plumbers, etc).

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Copyright © 2010 Yuwanda Black for Foreclosure Business News. Article may not be reprinted or reproduced in any manner without the express, written consent of the author.