TOPIC: Anyone using HIP in Western NY?

Thanks Bob and Dave!

Just to clarify, I'm not really doing a ride along, (I don't think). I'm pretty confident in my inspecting skills, although there is always more to learn.
My deficiency is with the software. I just have a hard time learning software on my own. For the past 3 years or so I've been doing a good deal of ride alongs with a very good local inspector who uses a windows computer and Homegauge. I'm used to Homegauge, and I own a tablet PC with Homegauge on it that I've been doing my practice reports on.  

I feel more comfortable using Macs, and want to learn HIP. I've tried to use the trial version for awhile, but seem to get stuck early on.  This hands on help will be invaluable to me, because at this point in time, I do not know enough even to ask the right questions.

Once I know more I'm sure I'll be asking more questions, and hopefully be an active member here.  I enjoy reading the posts from this forum, and am taken back by the helpfulness and camaraderie shown here.

Respectfully,  Frank D.

Frank,

Thanksgiving karma for you. Bob as well!!

The group here is great!!

Like Bob said ask away, glad to help out.

Thanks!
I usually take around 40-60 pictures on an average inspection. It takes me about 2.5-3 hours per inspection. The clients are there most of the time, and much is explained and pointed out to them during the inspection. Of course, the written report would have most everything discussed, with pictures, etc.

During the inspection, I'd get the client information, and write down notes, etc, such as water heater type, date, capacity, etc, etc.
I of course take all of my pictures.  The client would be given a nice 3 ring binder with my info, standards of practice, ethics, etc, along with a Mr. Fix-it book explaining home systems. They are told to expect a pdf file sent to them within 24 hours, usually that evening. They can print it and place it in the binder.

With the current software I've been using, I start the report, type in Client info, etc, and download my pictures into the report. I then use those pics as a guide to make sure I do not miss anything. Of course not all pictures make it into the report, many are for my reference.
When every picture has been dealt with, either used in the report or clicked keep in the file, I know I've covered everything.

I know this is comfortable for me, simply because that is how I've been taught. My reports are more system by system, outside, roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, basement, attic, kitchen, baths, etc.  With each thing I find, I decide if it is serious enough to warrant going into the summary, or just in the body of the report. My summary is reserved for the more serious items, and goes in the front, right after the table of contents. I've found that is the way both clients and Realtors prefer it.

I'm hoping I can do something similar using HIP.  I am looking forward to seeing how difficult it is making my own template, etc.

Respectfully,  Frank D.

You can set up your template any way you want to. That is one of the nice features of the program.

If you send me a copy of your current report, I could make a sample page with HIP to show you how it would look. (May take a day or two)

Same here Frank.
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The way HIP works best is to usually create 3 section.
Material comments,Observations ,and defects.

You can set it to show one color text for observations and another for defects.
The observation and defect comments can be grouped together and with a click send them to of group or the other.
The ones you send to defects auto generate in your summary.

I generate my sections as follows.
Roof
Exterior
Structure
Interior
Kitchen
Bathroom
Heating
Cooling
Plumbing
Insulation.

I also have a common area tab that I either activate or not depending if it is a condo.
You can have as many templates as you wish but they really are not needed since you can add and subtract with a click.
Go to template and add 3 or 4 baths if you wish.
Just hit copy at bottom left side and rename such as Master bath or half bath to avoid same name copies.
You can also change order off appearance easily.
You can add colors around different sections or the text as well on the fly.

Thank you both.
After Monday I should have a better grasp of things......sounds like once I know a bit more this should be a good fit.
Bob, that sounds exactly like I want it.
I know many proficient Home Inspectors like the room by room, I'm just not used to that way.
I'm so looking forward to Monday!

I'm used to getting to the site a bit early, and taking my first cover pictures of the property. I then do the exterior of the home, checking the outside foundation, gutters & drainage, service entrances, etc. Then I check the roof, chimneys, etc. I then go to the garage.
From there I go to set up things in the kitchen, turn on the dishwasher. From there I go to the basement and check all the utilities, joists/beams, foundation, sump pump, furnace/boiler, service panel, etc.

Then I go to the attic, check the underside of the roofdeck, insulation, etc. Then work my way throughout the upstairs, checking each room, then the first floor, ending up in the kitchen to finish there, checking appliances and finishing with the client there. That is how my mentor has taught me, as it works well for him.

I realize that in Florida I'll have to change that a bit, probably doing crawlspaces last. 

Anyway, thank you in advance for all of your kind help.

Frank D.