TOPIC: Inspection checklist/software and insurance - getting started

Hey all,
Just passed the HI test for Oklahoma.  Now it's time to get the tools together and get to work, but a couple of things to figure out first that I could use some help with.

For Okla, I'm required to have a General Liability policy, but not sure if that's enough.  Is an Error and Ommission (E&O) policy a good thing to have also?

Also, thinking I'd like to buy a reporting program to use, possibly Home Inspector Pro or something else, but haven't looked around yet.  For those who use electronic reports, is it easier to run these checklists during the inspection on a tablet or to do the inspection with a checklist and then fill out the electronic report?

Thanks ahead of time for any info.

Greg

Hi Greg,

Each state is different as far as requirements go but most inspectors will carry both E&O and General Liability. In fact many insurers bundle them together. Check out Allen Insurances pay per inspection and GREIA for good rates.

Obviously I will be partial to Home Inspector Pro as I created it! The same will go for all our users on this forum You'll want to use a tablet like the CTL2Go or HP Slate 500 on site or just use a laptop in a central location in the home.

Thanks for the feedback. The software looks great.  Does it include ability to print in case computer dies out during inspection, as well as seller disclosure and pre-inspection forms to sign with client?

Any preference to the tablets as far as which performs best with the software or is more durable/reliable?

Yes you can click Generate Report to print a blank report.

The most widely used tablet is the CTL2Go from CTLCorp.com ,also sold as the Mirus tablet from Sears, Target and Walmart online. Check out the HP Slate 500 too which is one of my new favorites.

When polling other home inspectors you will find that people collect data using a variety of methods.  Printing a hardcopy list is a good idea for newer inspectors because it serves as a reminder to fill in all the boxes before you leave the site.  After a while, you will likley find the checklist to limiting. 

I know inspectors who use A)Voice recorder B)Tablet C)Camera D)Checklist E)Combination of methods.

I only use a camera.  Take a photo of defects and required Description items.  Upload all my photos.  If there is no photo, no problem.  If a photo, then I either need to include the information in the required description field or write a problem statement.  No paper, no recorder, no computer on site.  The only thing that is difficult to take a photo of are floor squeaks.

I use a consistent order when inspecting.  By veiwing the photos in sequence, I can easily recall which room or location of the defect.  I have a backup camera in the truck.  You will have to find your own reliable method to record data during an inspection.

So I'm guessing you get your list of required Description items from your state's Standards. I'm also guessing it takes a few inspections to get your flow down as well.  Seems overwhelming right now as there are so many things to look at and it seems easire to have some form of checklist/tablet to help keep things clear.  I like the camera/recorder idea though.  I've wondered how difficult it will be to haul things around on a roof or an attic for an inspection.  Just a camera in the attic or crawlspace makes a lot of sense to keep things easy.

Thanks for the input.  This is really invaluable information to the new guy!