taylorm

I wonder if this is a typical statement that might be heard from the majority of inspectors. Has anybody taken the time to poll their clients, to see what they actually wanted to see in the report, what they read in the report and what they had no interest in seeing? This information would be extremely valuable. It may be the deal breaker when looking at a reporting system. You essentially would be using the perfect system if you used one that omitted everything that wasn't necessary from the point of view of the home inspection governing bodies and the end client. Sounds like a research project worth looking into.[:-thumbu]

I think you provide a great report (from your description at least). I think it would take as long as you say to do such. I'm guessing you find it hard, though, to charge accordingly or you might not be posting such a question - just a guess; no mal-intent meant. If I was going to provide such a thorough report, I'd certainly charge accordingly though, and good for you if you already do. I don't do all the *frill* stuff; manufacturer's websites, serial numbers, not as many photos, etc. But I do most all else you describe, and it takes me 2-2.5 hours for an average report. All that said, I can type pretty dang well; a high school course I truly enjoyed. Would brushing up on typing help? In reading over a large number of these responses, it is apparent that 90% or so of the inspectors are at the mercy of the design of the reporting system. The reporting programs I've looked at are heavily menu driven, and make the user follow a set path that makes for no flexibility. I can see how just completing the report would take 3 hours in addition to the inspection itself. I wonder how inspectors would be able to handle the prospect of completing a report during the inspection, and handing the completed report to the client before leaving the job site. I am confident that it is possible. The idea is to build it. In fact, I'm working on it right now.

Hi Marc, Still in the early stages. I'm working with an inspector in the product's development. After some more feedback I'll be doing a flow chart and talking to developers. I would anticipate 3 months to a functioning product.

After interviewing a number of inspectors, and watching the growth of apps for iPhones and iPads, I've started early mockups of an app that will service the needs of inspectors here in Canada. If the beta version proves satisfactory, and helps inspectors produce the report before leaving the job site, I may get to work on versions suitable for American markets as well. I'd be happy to keep you posted. Send me an email or keep checking back in this forum.