We buy our appliances with the mindset that they will last forever. While it would be great if they never broke down or started acting up, this is rarely the case. You know you can quickly and easily find pros on HomeStars, but how do you best communicate your issues? Using the W5H1 rule below, you’ll be able to clearly communicate the problem so that your pro can fix it faster. This way you’ll spend less time trying to diagnose the issue and more time getting it fixed. Read on to learn the best way to explain your problem to an appliance repair pro so you can get your household back to normal.
The W5H1 Rule
The W5H1 rule is a simple method for collecting and analyzing details. A similar method is commonly used in writing, but it can be applied to many things, including communicating with pros. In our case, the 5 W’s stand for what, which, why, when, and where. The 1 H stands for how. Whether you’ve already found the perfect pro by browsing HomeStars profiles or you’re just getting started and have submitted a quote request, knowing how to properly communicate your issue will help everyone involved. When a pro asks you about your appliance repair issue, try to answer their questions using the W5H1 rule like this:
What?
What appliance is broken or not working properly? Is it just your washer or your dryer too? Before a pro can begin to help you, they need to know what appliance needs to be repaired. Give specifications about your appliance such as what the brand name is, what type of appliance (make/model) and what the age of the machine is.
Which?
Which functions are not performing properly? Which part is causing you trouble? Specifically, which of your stove burners are not heating? The appliance repair pro will need to know exactly which features are not working or causing you trouble to better understand and diagnose the issue with your appliance.
Why?
Why do you think it’s not working? You live with this appliance every day so you probably have some insights as to what could be wrong. For example, did an uneven load of laundry cause your machine to start wobbling? Think about your appliance and ask yourself why it might not be working. Human error can cause issues so don’t be afraid to tell the pro if you think you’re the reason why the appliance is not working.
When?
When did you first notice an issue? When did your washing machine first start overflowing with bubbles? Timing is very important in diagnosing appliance issues. Did the problem start last Tuesday or has it been over a month? This information can better help your pro assess the amount of damage that has happened since the appliance started malfunctioning.
Where?
Where in your home is the appliance located? This may seem obvious, but the pros need to know all the details. Location is very important to know in terms of access and carrying out the work. While a pro might assume you’re talking about a broken fridge in your kitchen, you might actually be talking about the one in your garage. Be sure to let the pro know where the problem appliance is located inside your home.
How?
How did it break? You may or may not have this answer, but any details will be helpful in figuring out the problem and its solution. Knowing how an appliance broke is just as important as knowing how you’ve attempted to fix it. If you tried any DIY methods, let your pro know how you did these and how it went. If you’ve already tried the common fixes, the pro can move on to the more advanced methods.
While you may not have all of the answers to fix your problem, you have crucial information that can help your pro fix your appliance better and faster. By using the W5H1 rule to explain your problem, you and your appliance repair pro will be able to communicate better and they will be able to fix your appliance. Click here to get a quote for your appliance repair needs and be sure to give all the details when submitting your request!
