TOPIC: Completing the HIP report on site

Guys, I have been a reader on the message boards for quite a while and have not felt the need to post
until now. My business is increasing and I really need to get to the point where I can complete the
report on site. I have read all the discussions on the merits of doing the report after the inspection so no
need to rehash that here. What I would like to know from those of you who complete the report on site
is 1. Which template do you use? 2. If it is a custom template are you willing to share it? 3. If you
are not willing share it I understand. Are you willing to explain it enough that I can customize it from your
description? I am attempting to learn from those of you who are where I want to be.
I currently use a laptop and a modified residential 2 template that is system based. I have been told that the
only way to complete the report on site is for it to be Word based or paper and pencil. I would like to continue
using HIP.
Thanks Much

Hi Doug,

Whomever told you that it had to be Word or paper based has no idea what they're talking about. Putting pics together in Word would take forever. I know tons of guys finishing on site (had 2 at my home inspection Saturday) who are using Residential Template 1 or a customization of it. Using a tablet like the CTL2Go helps speed things up quite a bit as well, though I still hear guys doing it with just a laptop as well.

Thanks Dominic.
No one else wants to reply? Is no one on the board completing the report on site?

They're all out doing inspections I'll email a few of the guys that I know are finishing on site and ask them to post.

Thanks again Dominic.

I use the CTL2go to complete the inspection onsite that is the ONLY pc I will use from now on. (I now have the larger HD version that just came out.) I do not give the report to the client when the inspection is finished though-- I like to do a quick review later on at the office before sending it out. I have my own customized template (granted it may be ugle to you...but it is pretty to me.) I created it (w/Mark) about 1.5 yrs ago but I am always customizing it. Shoot me an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and I'll send it to you.
Basically after walking the interior, I start on the outside, to the roof, to the garage, to the attic and then to the interior where I always finish up in the kitchen. I've developed a rhythm/habit that enables me to inspect and add to the pc report so there is little/to no admin work later on and the client can see a 'rough' version of what they will get later that day/evening--which always impresses them (thanks Dom!)
I'm not sure this is useful information but if it is, let me know. Now on to a 5pm inspection!  ;D