TOPIC: Ratings, Yes or No?

I've recently purchased the HIP software and it's my first experience with ratings,  such as (IN, N/I, NP, Safety Issue, RR).  My old software was produced more of a narrative style report.  Do most of you use the ratings or not in your reports?  Do your clients like the rating-style report or express a need for more information.  I'm compelled to want to put more of an explanation than just marking a box?  Just looking for opinions, in a way the rating style is straightforward and to the point. 

Mark,
I too use a narrative style report. Adding ratings adds to many mouse clicks for my liking.

My state inspection law requires us to add some narrative type rating to our significant issues.

All issues must contain the following recommendations:

This component does not function as intended.

This condition adversely affects the habitability of the dwelling.

This condition requires repair.

This condition requires subsequent observation.

This condition warrants further investigation by a specialist.

It is my recommendation that you continue with the way you have done things in the past. This is one of the most beneficial advantages of using HIP. You can make it your way!

I put most of my narratives in photograph captions. The "pick and choose" items basically cover state law requirements and building code data that can be used the same way in every inspection discrepancy.

I find it very difficult to go with" one description covers all inspection situations". It takes a little bit more time, but I prefer to narrate (with Dragon naturally speaking software) and paste the narrative into the photograph captions. You can sometimes cover four or five issues in one photograph. One problem I'm trying to work through is that I need the caption information in the summary. I am currently doing this by narrating a short description of the photograph caption, which I insert into the "red area" by double-clicking on a description I made such as "comment". By double-clicking, it opens an edit window where you can paste, but not have to save in the comments section.

You must turn on "edit comments" which turns off "ratings" which you are considering not using anyway.

Cut and paste can be time consuming, so using Ctrl-x to cut and Ctrl-v to paste off of your keyboard makes this process more efficient.

David,

I'm going to make a separate post on the caption issue as I don't want to start too much thread drift here.

I responded here: www.homeinspectorpro.com/component/optio...mid,182/topic,286.0/

David,

Thanks for the response.  I agree, HIP affords one the ability to design or report in the manner that's most comfortable for them.  I think the client deserves more of an explanation (narrative) then just checking a box.  So as you suggested I'm going to stick to what I'm used to. I like the idea of the narratives i the photograph captions.  I think I'm going that route.  I'm still working my way around the software, just purchased it but love it.  I'm adjusting to all the 'bells and whistles' that it offers.  Dominic has done a great job with it and his service has been awesome!!  Take care....

I converted over from using the AHIT narrative report to HIP.

I added the ratings and still do a narrative style. So I guess it is a checklist/narrative

I also have 3 additional ratings that I use.

My ratings are Serv./Major/Safety/Monitor/Repair.  I add Improve: /Def. cost and N/A. I leave the ratings blank when I add these.

I like the ratings to use as a checklist to make sure I did not forget anything.

Next to the ratings is my description and observation.

I hope Dom comes out with a revised edition that includes copy to summary from the photo area.