TOPIC: Mobile Report Printing

So. I am new to the Inspection Industry and have "lurked" around the Forum for a few days.
I haven't seen any specific threads related to printing stations.
Are there many guys that prep their reports onsite and deliver a hard copy before ending the transaction?
Those of you who are doing that, what kind of mobile printing station have you set up?
What pros and cons do you see about your current set up?
Wanting to invest in the most effective/useful equipment available today!
Thanks!

The general consenus amoung experienced inspectors is that onsite reporting is not a great idea for the inspector.

Experienced inspectors often check references to confirm that quirky situation they found in the last house.  Many inspectors have a library of code books to rummage through looking for specific references that allow or disallow various items.  Many have installation instructions for many common building products including engineered lumber, appliances, water heating equipment, HVAC equipment, etc.  Clients generally do not want to stand around waiting for you to complete your report.

Based on polls at other home inspector related forums, less than 10% of inspectors deliver the report at the conclusion of the inspection.  Not because their reporting software is not capable, but more often they feel they need the time to adquately document the defects as well as review the photos to ensure they did not overlook something. 

Many inspectors write the report on one day and then review the next day before they send it out. 

On site printing in more common in areas like California & Arizona where there's no basements (many home are on slabs, few to no moisture issues, and the average house is around 30 years old. This makes the report a lot easier to do and finish confidently on site than on the East Coast where you have 100 year old homes, lots of moisture problems, basements, etc).

If you do print on site and you have a truck, the most cost efficient is to use a color laser printer which you have in your extended cab or van. Otherwise just pick up a normal HP ink jet, set it to draft mode (uses less ink and prints faster) and print away.

Like Bruce said, it's becoming more and more common to just email the report (advertised as environmentally friendly) within 24 hours.

Wow, thanks guys! Appreciate the quick responses!

I use a Canon IP 100 and print on site.

works for me

Cheers

Hey Doug, good to see you around again. I hope all is going well!