TOPIC: Report Writing/Narrative Libriaries

For instance when I point out a defect i like to back up a reason for whey it is an issue.

Say lack of Weeps


Any building constructed since 1970 should have rubber, plastic or metallic "flashing," a protective skirt that curves around joints to protect against moisture. When water does get through a wall, it collects on the flashing and is released through "weep holes," small openings in the masonry. These holes are most obvious at the top of the foundation wall.
3/16-inch-diameter weep holes every 33 inches at minimum, just above the flashing . Flashing, in turn, is recommended under the first course of masonry at ground level, above windows and doors, below window sills, and at any lintels and shelf angles 

To me that is what a good narrative report will provide .

Bob, I have a few questions about this particular narrative. I am assuming that this one is representative of what your report contains.
1. Are you pointing out a defect here? If you are I don't see it.
2. The narrative is really long. I think you will lose the reader with this one. I understand that you don't want a canned report, but it seems as though the basics are lost here. The basics being, report the defect, describe the possible cause (if known), report any future concerns, provide a course of action.
3. Are you saying that you saw the "flashing" or the 3/16-inch-diameter weep holes in the masonry wall? In that particular narrative, since you inspected my post 1970 home, I will assume it is there. Now, if I have water trouble and an invasive test shows there was no flashing or weeps, I'm a coming to get ya. Bob's Home Inspection Service told me in his report that my house has this flashing system.

I think a happy medium needs to be achieved between what you have and the two word canned response.

Thanks Bob these are the type of narratives I was looking for.

Drew, you are right about the template.

Grout not sealed



I recommend the grout be sealed with a silicon based grout sealant as water will penetrate the grout and loosen the wall tile.This can also possibly lead to mold issues. 

I think this is a good example of a narrative that not only helps you but helps the client.

Perhaps since you only quoted part of my response I did a poor job of explaining how I do it.

Say lack of Weeps  or Missing Weeps

Any building constructed since 1970 should have rubber, plastic or metallic "flashing," a protective skirt that curves around joints to protect against moisture. When water does get through a wall, it collects on the flashing and is released through "weep holes," small openings in the masonry. These holes are most obvious at the top of the foundation wall.
3/16-inch-diameter weep holes every 33 inches at minimum, just above the flashing . Flashing, in turn, is recommended under the first course of masonry at ground level, above windows and doors, below window sills, and at any lintels and shelf angles 


The red comment is what appears in the summery

The Blue comment appears in the body of the report to assist FOG.

Fact
Opinion
Guidance

Those 3 are the basic fundamentals of a good report.

Simply stating missing weep holes means nothing

Telling them what makes it a defect comment means something.

Here is an example of how I use the three sections.

The Blue comment is reserved for non material text and contains tips,excerpts,and various other comments related to the red comments which of course go to the bottom summery.(punch list or in my case title is list of concerns.

Bob

Nice looking report. What device do you use in the field?

I have my template set up with short to the point defects/concerns for ease of finding in the field. I use the longer version typically in the selection panel.

Good ideas!! Lets get some more going!!

Like Water Pressure over 80PSI.  Fact
The plumbing system may be prone to leaks in piping, fittings and other components. Opinion

It is advised to install a pressure regulator to reduce the pressure under 80PSI.
Most local jurisdictions require an expansion tank if a regulator is installed.
Recommend review by a qualified plumbing specialist. Guidance

Picture of pressure reading and illustration placed next to picture to explain set up.