Don't Let Your Client's Dream Home Become a Nightmare: A Guide to Safe Digging

As REALTORS®, you are helping clients with more than buying and selling houses. You are a valuable resource to your clients for all things home-related. You help clients with everything from knowing the area to finding a home, getting a good price, and finalizing the sale. Your role doesn’t end at the closing table.

You provide advice and resources to new homeowners to protect their investment and enjoy their new home for a long time. Your guidance helps them make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. By sharing your knowledge, you empower them to take care of their property and create a comfortable living space. Your support ensures that they can fully enjoy the benefits of homeownership for years to come.

One such resource is Sunshine 811, a free public service that promotes safe digging practices. May 1 is New Homeowners Day. Important to remind your clients to call 811 before starting outdoor projects. This shows you value their safety and success, increasing your value as a REALTOR® and protecting their investment.

What is Sunshine 811?

Sunshine 811 is a valuable resource for homeowners embarking on outdoor projects. This free service tells utility companies about your dig so they can mark underground facilities on your property.

Before digging, homeowners should call 811 or visit DigSafeFlorida.com to get a ticket for safety. This proactive measure fulfills legal requirements and prevents potential disruptions and hazards.

Sunshine 811 helps with installing fences, gardening, and landscaping projects by ensuring a smooth and secure execution.

What's at Stake?

Understanding the potential risks of neglecting safe digging practices is important. Everyday homeowner activities like fencing and landscaping in Florida result in the highest annual damage to underground utility lines. This risks disrupting utility services for entire neighborhoods, affecting homeowners, local businesses, and emergency services, and imposing a significant financial burden.

The repair costs of damaged lines can swiftly escalate, threatening homeowners' financial stability. The potential consequences span from inconvenient service outages to life-threatening accidents, underscoring the paramount importance of proactive measures.

Many homeowners are unaware that they must contact 811 before digging on their property. This is a legal requirement. Failure to do so can pose risks.

Almost 60% of American homeowners are not following an important safety measure this year. This puts them and their communities at risk. Surprising that so many people are not taking this precaution.

Why This Matters for REALTORS®:

You're not just promoting safety by informing your clients about Sunshine 811. You're establishing yourself as an expert who goes the extra mile for your clients. Here's how:

• Enhanced Safety: Your guidance can prevent potential injuries caused by damaged utility lines, keeping your clients safe and happy in their new homes.
• Protected Investments: Following the 811 process empowers homeowners to safeguard their new property from costly repairs.
• Demonstrated Expertise: Sharing valuable knowledge positions you as a trusted resource, fostering client loyalty and repeat business.
• Stronger Client Relationships: Building trust by offering essential information strengthens your connection with clients.

What can REALTORS® do?

As a REALTOR®, informing your clients of the 811 process demonstrates your commitment to their safety and well-being. Share the following information with clients to help them understand the importance of safe digging:

Contact 811 in Advance:

• Encourage your clients to contact 811 at least two business days before they start any outdoor project that involves digging. They mark utility lines properly before beginning their project.

Follow the 6 Steps for Safe Digging:

Share the six essential steps with your clients:

• Plan the project
• Contact 811 by simply dialing 811
• Wait for someone to mark the lines.
• Confirm utility responses
• Respect and maintain the marks
• Dig with care

Understand Public and Private Lines:

• Inform your clients about the difference between public and private utility lines.
• Utility companies typically bury utility lines underground in specific locations. If these lines become damaged, it is the responsibility of the utility company to repair them. These lines often include power, gas, telephone, and cable lines.
• You must maintain and repair utility lines on your property if they get damaged. Examples include water service lines, sewer lines, irrigation systems, and electrical lines leading to sheds or detached garages.

Exercise Caution During Landscaping:

• Advise your clients to exercise extra caution when installing fences or working on landscaping projects. These activities are significant contributors to underground utility damage. Roots can become entangled with lines, and lines can also be deeply shallow.

Ensure Safe Hand Digging Practices:

• Educate your clients about the potential dangers of hand digging. Applying excessive foot pressure or making sharp jabs can easily damage buried lines.

Report Damages Promptly:

• Emphasize the importance of immediately contacting utility companies if your clients accidentally damage or disturb any utility lines during their projects.

Happy and satisfied clients will recommend you to others and come back to you for future needs. When you inform your clients about Sunshine 811, you demonstrate your dedication to providing them with excellent service. Every client dreams of having a safe and happy home. A safe and happy home is what every client dreams of.