TOPIC: templates for a noob

Ok so i am a noob, now while i seem to know the basics from my background and education (still lots to learn i know). My major problem seems to be my clients being a distraction. A couple of times i just caught myself before i forgot something. Can anyone recommend a step by step methodic template? I hate wasting my time thinking ok where was I again?

Hi Shane,
Through many years in the construction industry (from framing to high end custom homes) have discovered that you need to have your own methodical system that; no matter what distractions occur you can get right back to what you were doing. I inspect every house the same way whether it is occupied or vacant, new or old, if I have a client following me around or not. Typically when I have a client following me I turn my inspection into a teaching session. Usually they get bored after 30 minutes or when I head up to the roof & ask them not to follow. One other thing I do is; when I send out my confirmation emails I specify what time I will be there & what time the client/agent should arrive to review the findings of the report. I do the same thing if I speak to them on the phone saying "there is no sense standing around for 3 hours while I do my job" that seems to work well, it is all about setting their expectations.  As far as templates go, there as many different templates as there are inspectors. I started with the basic one in HIP & modified it to my style. I'm sure many out there have done the same thing. I also did a lot of template searches from other inspection companies. My goal was to create an easy to read format for the client & easy to fill in format for me, once again, it's how I think!
I hope this helps!
Greg

that does help alot actually. I never thought about that whole "giving two seperate times" thing and that a genius way to put it! I was finding that my clients get bored while im doing my thing, find something and then come get me to come look at it. Then after teaching them about what they found i would be "where was i again?". If i could use your technique to convince them to come half way through my gig it would be perfect. After the first hour i already have feel for the house and got my rythem.
Thanks for the advice!

Cheers
Shane

It's a balancing act, many inspectors want the client's there during the whole thing. I prefer to put in my headphones to tune out the world & really focus. I take a lot of pictures so if they get there prior to my finishing the report I will go through the pics on the computer with them, and lead them by the hand to the AIQ's if needed. I give myself 3.5 to 4 hrs per inspection (depending on variable factors age, size etc...) & have them show up at that time. EG: I plan to start at 8:00 AM, please arrive at 11:30 AM for a review of the findings.
Good luck!