TOPIC: Inspection Order

Does anyone have a particular inspection order that works more efficiently? Interior first, Exterior last....attic befor roof? Thanks!

I've talked to many guys over the year and I've heard every order mentioned as their favorite. I'd have to say though that the majority of guys I talk to get the exterior done first, then move to the interior. The first reason being for later inspections, you have limited light. The second reason being is that going on the roof usually gives you some time to look around and get a feel for the place without someone right on top of you asking lots of questions. Plus if you see problems on the roof you know where to look inside for the associated issue (i.e. broken tile causing leaking in a particular spot).

I try and do exterior and roof first thing.  I've thought about making HVAC my third choice, just because sometimes it take a little while to get it checked out then up and running for proper temp readings.  I'm a newbie tho, I'm still wearing diapers in the inspection world.  lol

Frank - I try to follow my report format, so that when the inspection is finished my notes are somewhat aligned with what I see on the computer screen.  No inspection follows the report format perfectly however and my notes can end up all over the place.

I go outside first looking at the foundation, exterior structure and associated exterior and then the roof.  When I come inside I turn on the HVAC, W/D and dishwasher and let them run while we gallivant around the house.  We start downstairs, work up toward the attic and end in the kitchen, bathrooms throughout as we come to them.  The idea is efficiency.  I stay in control of the visit.

I have my notes from the exterior, so I can look for the things inside that had tell tale signs outside.  While I am in my computer, going from section to section (my report format follows*) I am crossing off my notes.  It is crucial to make notes as you see things as sometimes you can get involved with explaining something or answering questions and then the item doesn't make it into the notes or report.  My notes, and therefore report, make specific comments about specific things - where the leak(s) are, or damage to the hardwood flooring, or noise in a pipe.  I have a little pad in my shirt pocket and use a shorthand in my notes.  It is discreet - and quick.  Half way through inspections sometimes people ask me if they should be taking notes of all I am saying.  They didn't notice me doing it!

I sometimes kid people at the end and say that they were probably expecting something in writing and, oh, here it is - then I hand them my notes.  I'll take it back and say, "Sorry, I forgot to sign it..."  They would need a Rosetta Stone to figure out my notes!  By that point I have teased and kidded them so much during the inspection they expect a little humor at the end.

When they see the report they are impressed by how comprehensive and thorough it is.  Every item cross references right to the page in my book that discusses it.

I have added a lot of phraseology to my program so I just have to click on an item to highlight it and add or subtract verbiage as necessary.  The report is then personalized to the house and buyer.  It typically takes me 20 minutes to churn out a report on site.  They leave the inspection with book and report in hand.  I tell them to please call me with any questions, at any time.

I know some guys go home and do the report at night.  But, that is hard for me as I have more than one every day (four today - pre-drywall at 7, the rest to follow)  and if I had to come home to do the report I would mix stuff up house to house.  I'm not smart enough to do them all later.  Often, on site, I have a question and can run to the spot in the house for the thing I can't remember - age of the water heater, size of the leak spot, etc.  No mix ups!

* My report format is as follows - Foundation, Exterior, Roof, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Interior, Kitchen, Bath, Utility, Appliances, Insulation and Ventilation.  It prints a Summary of everything, Part I, which is the Analysis of the House, and a Part II which itemizes the Systems and Components of the house.  See a sample report in my website if you want the format - that is a real report, by the way.

Hope this helps!  You create the efficiency by controlling the inspection...

As a new inspector, I'm struggeling to find the right balance of creating a thorough template that's not too lengthy, doing a complete and comprehensive inspection for my customers, answer their questions during the inspection, and finishing the report all in a "reasonable" time frame. I also use my states guidelines on what is "required to inspect" and "not required to inspect" and I really don't go beyound that. Thanks again for the suggestions!

Frank

We've all been there.  You will work out something that is comfortable for you and a great resource for your clients.  Keep it up!