TOPIC: Looking for a very detailed inspection template

Making progress.......slowly.......closer to 6 hours per report

I just don't understand why when I make changes to the template they don't all take effect permanently. EX: I have changed a "carport"  to reflect "porch". It states "porch" in the report, but when I am performing inspections it still lists it as "carport".... Just makes it confusing. It seems as if all of the changes I make don't fully complete.

Also is there anyway to add a section or room on the fly or do I just need to have lots of extras on the report and just not use all of them.  Thanks for all the help everyone!

You can duplicate any section you want via Edit Template at any time.

You can set the program to automatically drop any section that you don't comment on.

You can set the program to automatically drop any item you don't comment on.

When you click Save Template the change will affect all future inspections.

When you make changes to edit template make sure you've changed the name on the tab (which doesn't affect the report) and the name of the damage or selection panel.

Why did you change a carport to porch? They have nothing in common?

Are you using the Batch Import feature for photos or adding pictures one at a time?

You really need to do a 1 on 1 training session when you get a chance if you haven't yet!

Kevin...with 600 inspections your seasoned, but you need to clearly identify the key "weak" links slowing you down.

I'm in Chicago... Granted not at cold as you, but it was still only 9 deg this morning. Go back inside and enter data.

As Dominic said... Do a 1 on 1; are you batch adding photos; tell us 2 key areas that are slowing you down.


IMHO...for now, stick with a laptop setup in the kitchen of your inspection. Once your process is streamlined... Then worry about mobile apps, hardware, android, iPad, etc. you need the basics down first.

Hell...If you drive to Illinois I'll sit down with you. I'm only 400 miles;... Less time than your spending per report.

Kevin, what are you spending the majority of your time on with HIP? Is it with Photos? This is where I spend a majority of the time using HIP. Dom has some things in the works that I know will reduce time with photo manipulations.

I finally got my Inspection routine down and developed HIP template to follow the SOP without a lot of fluff and over reporting. I'm now down to ~3 hrs (Typical 2400 ft2 Home), this includes on-site HIP reporting and slotting photos with Lap top and a final walk-through. I like to go over the Summary Page and report with my client at the end of the inspection. I spent about another hour at home cleaning up the report, final proof reading, then sending out through ISN. Here are some of my time savers:

1. No longer use Ratings. I was duplicating clicks for no reason. I simple use (3) color narrative to explain the inspection items. Green denotes descriptive items (e.g. Type of roof covering, Plumbing Materials.. etc), Blue Denotes functional items that requires gneral maintance or repair to restore function, Red for Material Defects and Safety.

2. I pre-fill out my reports before the inspection and only change the items that are defects or don't apply.

3. Don't over report. Don't over analyze. Don't make a big deal out of minor items. Just comment on them and move on.? 

4. Set expectation at the beginning and tell your client that you prefer to do the inspection alone and why (Saves time, minimizes distrations...) and ensure them that you will review the findings at the end of the inspection. But of course if a Client want to follow you by all mean they are welcome. I have a pad of paper, pen, and measuring tape I give them so they can write their notes and that we will review at the end of the inspection.

4. I use lists throughout. It reduces many clicks in typing out a phrase or decription.

5. Reduced the number of fluff photos to only photos of Defects. I do include additional photos at the end of the report as required to provide more information.

6. Report by Systems not Room by Room (too much duplication and redundant clicks).

I hope this will give you some insight and help to cut down on you inspection and reporting time.

How long does it usually take to get a 1 on 1 set up. I have been waiting about 3 weeks now?? Should I just continue to call about it?

It's usually within a day or two. Who did you contact about it? I don't see a ticket from you requesting one.