TOPIC: HIP report time

Gregory, When I get a home that has 250 things to take pictures of, it is very likely that the client won't buy the house or already knows that they are going to rip the house apart.

Back to what I was saying about room-to-room vs. component reporting; There comes a time where you just have to say that you need a plumber to go over everything and fix because there a numerous deficiencies in that area. There is really no need to list exposed wire nut by wire nut! There are also only so many things you really need a picture for.

Ben Kelly and I are big on photo taking and posting, but there comes a point...

Haha. Yes, I have a copy of Ben's 99 page, 400 picture report!! I thought that was the most ever used in Home Inspector Pro, but then William DeVries did a 1000+ report, but that was on 12 or 24 condo complex (can't remember which).

I'd like to see that report for the condos!  Always good to have an example of how to do something right!
Greg

Send a private message or email to William DeVries, I'm sure he could sterlize the client info and send it to you. I'd actually like to see it too. I'll send him an email and see if he can post it.

Dave- ME?  Yes, I like the photos because it leaves less to argue about. I have also gotten bad about including cosmetic pictures, because I got tired of clients calling and asking about cosmetic issues years ago. I have a section in the rear of the report where I explain how cosmetic is different for all people, but I picture a few of what I think is cosmetic.. Also a small section of stress cracks that are cosmetic only etc..

Like David I am still stripping my report down inspection by inspection. I am not as thorough in my comments as david, I try to cut them down as well to get the message across to the client, who most of the time has no constuction knowledge or state laws.. I do like how Dave does his though because I just can't see him loosing in court should he ever have to go.  I have been contemplating going through and adding links in some of the comments for more detailed information, code, safety, etc.. Its a slow process.

The 99 page report was an 1880 house in poor condition. It was bad. 

Lately I have been using around 1oo to 200 pictures per report. 200 on a marginal inspection, over for a poor condition house including all thermal pictures.  LIke David said about building practice, it sucks here, and probably even more in my small rural area. I have been hired as an expert witness for a 200,000 lawsuit about 45 minutes from here. House was 1 yr old when bought, they declined a home inspection.  Buyer beware. Its a mess



Like David said, at the end of the day, and at the end of the process you inspection report will be the most important document that was issued throughout the buyers purchase. They will remember the thourough indepth report you have given them, or they will remember the information that they did not receive no matter how small it may be to you, it is always important to them. Your report will determine you referralls, and how you are remembered. I have included in mine different colors in my introductions. Example Blue writing would be more information and what was, and wasn't inspected according to the state laws. In the front of the report I explain that blue text is mainly informational items and can be skimmed over initially but it is highly recommended that it be read in its entirety.  Red would be all defects and will be included in the summary, etc.. I do this just to try and help the investor, realtor, etc. But I do say several times the report should be read in its entirety.

I feel I have lost some realtors over time due to the length of the reports and the amount of photos. But I have gained so many referalls from clients, and many friends. The largest investment of a lifetime deserves a complete, thorough report that we do not time ourselves on. Having said that I wish I could go faster. HA .Streamline like David said through your report. Room by room is too much. I have tried to let the photos tell the locations, and the story.

If anyone needs any help I will try to help anyone I can.

Hey Dave, do you have an easy to understant yet comprehensive explanation of when to open and close crawl space vents to prevent the duct from sweating? Or what to do to help with this? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Just wanted to share my latest experience using HIP and a Samsung Q1.

I had a 4000 Sq. ft. home that was vacant in poor condition and I took 90 photos.(Could of took more but why have 10 of the siding when only 3 or 4 is enough)

The home had 2 crawl areas a basement, multiple mechanical systems and numerous electrical panels.

With my old software and using a checklist this would have easily been a 4 hour report.

I had a family graduation to attend in mid afternoon.

I completed the report in 90 minutes at home. I saved about 2 to 2 1/2 hours time.

I have only been using for about a 30 reports or a little over a month.

My library is still very vague.

This client hired me due to the website (HIP) and my report sample (HIP)

In attendance was her realtor/General contractor and a Gutter installer.
All were very impressed with the Q1 and report set up.

Now I have about 6 people who will refer me business.

The gutter guy had some nice products and the General contractor was amazed the amount of defects and damage that occured for there being no drainage on the house. (Happy because a big job = a big pay)

So I guess what I am saying is HIP is working very well for me and has saved me time (Except for one time and still not sure what bug flew into my computer) I also am getting referral due to professional site and report. I have not even begun to edit and optimize my site.

One day I had 3 calls within 15 minutes due to site.

Thanks Dom, best investment I have made since I started inspecting.

Glad to hear things are going so well for you Obviously your investment has already paid for itself a few times over (your free site has already brought you at least $1300 in jobs, lol). Plus you now have more time in your life for more important things.

Just so guys know, this poll is open ended if you get better at the program and your time decreases, you can come back and change your selection (hopefully no one's going the other way!).

New record time today. 45 minutes (Actually 30- 15 minutes was research)

Nice!!

I love newer homes in better then average condition.