Nolan Kienitz

I e-mail my IA to the client. They print/sign/scan/e-mail back to me and I save in their folder on my HDD. I will print out the signature only page and have with me just in case, but usually I'm about 85% or better in getting them in the way I noted. I used the electronic signature deal for a bit as well, but I'm not into the recurring cost for as few inspections I do.

They must be expanding from their husband/wife home inspection company. "Home Inspections of Puget Sound" I recall seeing their images on inspector web searches in the past.

Here is a PDF of the most recent mandated TREC Template that we are required to use in Texas. I think I uploaded this new version to another thread not too long ago. Download Attachment: REI-7-5-PropertyInspectionReport.pdf 127.69 KB

One development in North Dallas that was built with mostly (if not all) FPE panels had a pro-active HOA. The HOA wrote a letter to all the homeowners and advised them that if they ever planned on selling their home they first were required to replace the FPE panel before listing the home. Of course many had already been replaced, but it was a good pro-active move on the HOA's part.

Very nice. nolan@nolansinspections.com

I agree with Kurt M. An application is an application is an application. The gurus who know how to build applications do not need to know much (if anything) about the data being collected. Can be text, saved comments, images, videos, statistics, etc., etc.. Then the magic is how to best save that collected data and merge it into a cohesive presentation and present it to your client. HI's don't have a corner on being exclusive. We're just viewing, collecting and assembling data and presenting same to our clients. We each have our preferences as to how we were brought up and maybe even trained/educated to inspect and use an application that we are comfortable with. Changing that application from what one is 'used to using' is difficult. We, as humans, are typically reluctant to change. Just consider how you (today) manage the images you capture on your digital camera (Les and others can share about dropping off rolls of 35mm film for processing so they could get a few images in reports ... from that to what Les does today is a huge change) ... you have a set routine and are used to that routine. Now there is a new application that can actually streamline some of the steps of your image processing, yet you (and ME) are reluctant to change because you are comfortable in your skin. It simply data, images, comments ... how they are put together and presented (that is a repeat from above). And, as noted by others ... not a huge market for anyone to market an application to, but it certainly does intrigue me as I love testing and debugging such. Been doing that for a lot of years and it is interesting.

Tulips -- Passing of a life, dropped petals toward later years. Purple Lady - Musing on her life and times. Shoes - Not sure about that one. I know I could not wear them.

TREC requires the 4 checkboxes (I, NI, NP & D). Every time the report goes under review an attempt is made to get rid of them, but the people who make the final go/no for any changes continue to "demand" the checkboxes. Those people are the board of TREC and they are all agents, brokers and the like. No inspectors on the TREC commission. Reason they say they want the checkboxes is so their agents know what to look at in a report for what is broke and what is not broke. That tells you straight-a-way that even the TREC agents don't read the reports or want to spend time reading/reviewing them. BTW - those are the only checkboxes that are 'required' in the template. I'd take it to the legislature and argue that a regulatory body without any HIs on it's Board should not be dictating how an HI report should be written. The TREC Board members, being in a different profession, lack the qualifications. Also, agents don't have the same interests as buyers when it comes to inspection reports. They're actually fundamentally different since each benefits differently from a sale. It may not arise above a pipe dream but there's truth in that argument, you think? Marc Feel free to split the thread. I can't do it. Fully agree, but getting the Texas Legislature to change anything is close to impossible. Inspectors don't have the inside track/power to go against the real estate lobby that is huge and a part of the Texas Realtors Association. They have deep pockets and control over all agents including TREC. Legislature is once every two years and getting something out of committee is a huge effort that is very difficult. Now ... back to inspection report applications.

TREC requires the 4 checkboxes (I, NI, NP & D). Every time the report goes under review an attempt is made to get rid of them, but the people who make the final go/no for any changes continue to "demand" the checkboxes. Those people are the board of TREC and they are all agents, brokers and the like. No inspectors on the TREC commission. Reason they say they want the checkboxes is so their agents know what to look at in a report for what is broke and what is not broke. That tells you straight-a-way that even the TREC agents don't read the reports or want to spend time reading/reviewing them. BTW - those are the only checkboxes that are 'required' in the template.

Just wondering Nolan, how do you like this template? Marc As for "liking" the template ... that is a subjective question/answer. We (as inspectors licensed in Texas) don't have any choice. We are required to use the template. Now, as for my personal opinion about "liking" it or not. I don't have any problem with it. It has the topic headings for all elements for a home inspection so that is already done for me. Now, how I present the information below each topic heading is fully free-form. I can do what I want (still following some TREC guidelines). I pretty much choose a bullet point style with images. I like lots of images. Pictures are worth a thousand words and as Kurt M. has commented many times over the society today does not have nor take the time to actually "read" things. Also, unless one is careful to be sure to write in a 'common language' the client won't understand one word written. Inspectors seem to be so full of themselves and feel that they are Pulitzer Prize Winning Authors ... they (me included) are truly NOT. We're geeks of some nature and unless we use spell check our work looks like it is produced by a 3rd grader. So ... I can format and do anything I'm comfortable producing under each topic heading. Link below is a sample/redacted report I provided a client in May-2013. Sample/Redacted Report - Texas TREC

And then ... those of us in Texas follow this template. Download Attachment: REI-7-5-PropertyInspectionReport.pdf 127.69 KB

For those feeling just a bit "irregular" there are some treatments for such ... Click to Enlarge 27.26 KB

Could post-tensioned cables have saved Denray's 3 1/2" thick garage floor? Marc Not likely. Comments I shared were from an engineer with PTI ... the company who administers the PT slab design, etc.. See cracks all the time in PT Slabs ... that is the bulk of what we have in Texas. Some cracks are just more than others. Most often the thickness of the slab in the garage area is less than what is set for the living/occupied area. Go figure that one with cars weighing a few pounds more than a few of us humans. Huge factor is the site prep from proper soils for area (seldom is ever done), proper compacting (sheeps foot, etc.. ... never see it done save for an owner with their own piece of dirt and being knowledgeable about such), proper setup of the PT cables in the trenches and terminated properly at live and dead ends and on and on. See hiccups all the time and seldom will builder correct before the pour. I did a phase job on a custom property at Possum Kingdom Lake (West of Fort Worth) several years ago. The engineer for the company who did the foundation had to sign off before the pour. I chatted with him at the site and he left after about 30-minutes having left a one page report with the builder. Problem being is that he missed two PT cables that had not yet been installed (were still coiled up next to project), several of the cables were rolled over and twisted like a pretzel and several of the live and dead end connections were terribly messed up. I gave my report to the client and builder and the foundation worker was there trying to get ready for the pour and I went over all my findings with him and the builder and they said they would get it all corrected and were amazed that the PT engineer signed off on it. Well, when I came back for a framing inspection the two PT cables were still coiled up, but now in the trash pile and the live/dead ends were still messed up. I will only hazard a guess that the pretzel twisted cables are still twisted. Can only bang one's head into the wall so many times. I shrugged my shoulders and moved on. I did make note of my findings, but to no avail.

Then there are some states (Texas being one) that has a "requirement" for a specific base template. That template gets changed by the TREC more often than we (or any software developer) likes, but if an inspector is caught using a template that does not match what is approved they are getting fined. There have been near about 10 or so such disciplinary actions so far this year. Now ... the verbiage and images I use for my reports are free range for choice. Many years of saved comments and adding 'ad-hoc' messages on any given inspection is extremely easy. I use an application that simply "assembles" my reports and presents what I consider a very nice package. I can also make any/all changes I find necessary. It is interesting to read comments about folks want "inspection writing" software ... I've never seen nor experienced such. Seems to me it is up to "me" to do the writing. I use the application to "assemble" my reports. Minor detail, but I'm just a bit anal-retentive about such. For me (single user) the application I use keeps all my client, agent, builder data. Also generates my agreements, invoices, etc., etc.. The application also can synch to ISN (for those who want to use such), but I don't have a need for that. BTW - the application I use is not limited to the Texas TREC required templates. I've built several different templates for other inspections I've done over the years that are not governed by TREC.

Sidebar comment follows: While at a 3-day seminar put on by the Post Tensioning Institute several years ago the first moments of the class were great. Room of 30+ inspectors, coffee cups filled (some donuts still being munched on) and the PTI engineer/instructor walks in with his cup of coffee and begins class. He starts off with the "first rule of slabs". "Set the forms, pour the cement, it dries ... it cracks." That's it, class is over, that's all you need ... have a great day!" He picked up his coffee cup and walked out of the room. Now a room of inspectors quite taken aback and a bit stunned. Then after only a minute or two he returned and repeated what he said. That is the fundamental baseline for slabs ... keep that in mind and now the details. That began an intense 3-day class on the PTI foundations. Damn good class and I'll likely never forget the PTI engineers opening comments. So very true !!

See it all the time here in Texas. Typically not a concern.

Jimmy, Below are two names for you to look into. The main referral I used to have retired from inspecting two years ago. he provided me with these contacts that he used to work with and still keeps in touch with. Both of these guys have been inspecting quite a while and are licensed. AND ... are very good inspectors. ASHI is not a huge presence in Texas. There are a few members (I used to be, but could not justify the membership for value in Texas anyway). Gary Parsons All Clear Inspections Bill Deatrick 360 Home Inspection Hope this helps a tad.

... and first maybe it would be good for you to tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of the 'successes' you have developed and delivered to date? I'm always intrigued by the 'new mousetrap', but who are you?

Nicely done!

I know ... I "are" one!! Just not to the level of a 'speeder' ... YET ! I've a collection of RR 'stuff' all over my office.

A group of Speeders was on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic RR line in the past week or so as well.

Without seeing some good establishing images of what you are talking about it is difficult to make any substantive observations. However, based on what you have said I'll offer the below: - Weep holes have been installed where they are 'required' to be installed. Approximately every 30-inches along the first course of bricks. - Odds are there is a slight 'drainage swale' along your backyard that routes the water runoff to the sides of the home. Sometimes those swales are minimal, but (in most cases) handle the runoff quite well. As I noted, a series of images will be most helpful.

I've been using an Olight M20-X for a few years now. Has not missed a bit. I also have a Fenix TK15 in the bag as a backup. Both have the scallops on the light hood that sold me after Kurt says those scallops are great to keep agents at bay.

Maybe I should give the local James Hardie manufacturing plant a hint to add W/H's to their queue !! ?? JH has a manufacturing plant in Cleburne, TX (SW of Fort Worth) and I've been there a couple times on tours. Great folks and an interesting process. The semi-liquid JH product could easily be poured into a cylinder.

This should perk up Mike O. GWA Studebaker Carrera Tribute