TOPIC: Lastest NOVAhi Template

I have 21 pages of remarks plus another 25 pages of additional info.

It is a combination of maintenance, energy and report related materials.

Most could go into report or a CD. I still think some people prefer reading text on paper vs. computer.

Most could go into report or a CD. I still think some people prefer reading text on paper vs. computer.

Depends how old they are!

First off, Serge, your report/template looks great. I hope you don't mind if I try it out.

Second, I see the thread is starting to get into printing out reports. Although I plan on cutting down a great deal on the amount of pictures I include in a report (for time and liability reasons), there are still alot of pictures involved.

My last client asked for a hard copy, I did not give it to him. He was very happy with the copy I emailed him. I have decided that if he or any other client wants a hard copy, I will be more than happy to drop off a burnt CD to Staples, and let them print it. The client can pick it up there (and pay for it).

It just takes too long to print it in-house, and the ink is too expensive.

I did have one client that would have preferred a hard copy, only. A friend, a much older gentleman. He does have a computer that he does not know how to use. I went to his house and opened it for him.

Bottom line is, I will not print out a report... I want nothing to do with printing a report that is loaded with pictures.

I don't print out reports either--stopped doing it a bit back--for the same reasons.  However, I have started inserting courtesy photos of the home.  I do this at the beginning of the Exterior section (just a couple of exterior shots around the outside)--also at the start of the Interior section--some photos of each major room--also in the Bathroom section--a photo of each bathroom (for identification mainly, i.e. Bathroom #3 etc).   This last Sample Report I posted (Reply #15) has more photos than normal, because the clients were NOT there and have never seen the house--they live outside the U.S.  The feedback I got, for inserting the extra photos was worth it!

One discussion thought on this.  The most important reason I've started inserting courtesy photos is:

It protects the inspector from liability because it clearly documents and shows what furniture and furnishings were there at the time of the inspection and blocking access for a visual inspection. During the final walkthrough these items will be gone and any defects that were hidden during inspection will appear to be in plain view. You can then ask the Client to refer back to the report and see the area rug or entertainment center etc. that was blocking the view at the time of inspection.

Serge,

I agree with almost everything you say. I find I spend a great deal of time editing and looking for the photos. In my last report, I probably loaded 200 pictures, and probably included about half in the report. I am going to try to cut down immensly in the amount of pictures I include. I think this will cut my report writing time in half.

I will tell you what I disagree with you. I think (and was advised) that too many pictures increases the inspectors liability. Lets say there is something that you miss. Now, I try very hard to pick up on everything that is there, but no body is perfect, and I'm sure that if five different inspectors look at the same site, there will be things that one picks up on, and the other doesn't.

In the event of a lawsuit, it is very possible that there could be something in a photograph that can be used against you. This is why cameras, are not allowed in operating rooms... just in case.

I am not the type of inspector that writes CYA reports, and I try very hard to NOT write in "Inspectorspeak" I never use the expression "appears to be," in my reports, something either "is" or it "isn't"

I also limit (rarely) the practice of recommending, calling in someone else to tell a client if something is bad or not. My feeling is, what do you need me for, if everything I see, I have to have someone else tell you if it is good or not. OK, I recommend calling in the appropriate persons for the repairs, but not to evaluate if is deficiant. It is either broken or it is not broken. If it is broken, fix it.

Yes, I also include elevations, main pictures, and limitation pictures.

Steven,

Excellent points.  I do have to “clean up” my template and get rid of “appears to be” and words like: “sound” “serviceable” “good condition” “satisfactory”.

We inspectors must distinguish facts from opinion. Only report as fact what we see and know to be true.
I’m slowly changing to: “No problems were identified in **component/system** inspected visually.” or just:  “No deficiencies noted.”

You haven’t convinced me about the liability of using courtesy photos/views. I still think they help not hinder in the liability issue.

Anyway, just my Opinion.

BTW.  The subject of:  What techniques and wording makes for better reporting   should be good to discus further among us inspectors at HIP.