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Samantha, AL
Posts: 1569
Joined: Sep, 2004
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Oswego, NY
Posts: 1737
Joined: May, 2008
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 Wanted New Report System
[#2] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 08:06:59 AM |  |  |
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Almost. If it wasn't for the spell check requirement, I'd recommend the one I use.
On the other hand, the spell check is so bad, you might entertain yourself for hours by intentionally misspelling words just to see what wacky suggestions it comes up with.
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I'm Gary Blum and I approve this message
www.gtbinspectionservices.com |
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Victoria, British Columbia
Posts: 2401
Joined: Nov, 2009
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Wanted New Report System
[#3] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 08:15:17 AM | | |
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Check out HomeGauge and also check out Home Inspector Pro.
Both can do all of that.
HIP support is unbeatable, as Dom M. never sleeps. He will happily take care of all the nerdwork for you.
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Lafayette, Louisiana
Posts: 3857
Joined: Nov, 2009
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Wanted New Report System
[#4] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 08:29:06 AM | | |
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| Quote: Originally posted by Phillip
Some of the things I want the program to do are something you can go into and add canned comments with ease. The comments need to be any length that I want. Not just a line or two.
3d allows you to add/delete/modify comments either 'on the fly' during the actual editing of a report or independently via 'Custom form Studio'.
Quote: I would like to be able to add or delete report sections as needed.
3d does that too. I use it 'on the fly' on nearly every report of mine to add entire sections like: keeping room, upper bed/bath room, rear addition, outdoor kitchen, etc.
Quote: Each section needs to be able to take as many comments I need to make about the item I am commenting about
3d has no limit on that but it does, as far as I know, have a limit of 4 photos for a particular finding.
Quote: I want it to make a summary with a click of a button from the key wood I choose to use in my report, words like Repair, Safety, and Investigate Further.
3d does that.
Quote: In the summary I want to be able to add photos with my comments. I want to be able to put arrows, circles and other items to show what I am talking about.
As far as I know, 3d doesn't allow comment in photos but there's arrows and other stuff you can inject.
Quote: Also there will need to be a good spell checker in the program.
3d has it. The only bad thing is that 3d is expensive and that it's very difficult to incorporate double columns into the 'descriptions' section if you want one in your report.
Marc
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"If Guam gets too overpopulated, it might tip over."
Congressman Hank Johnson (D) GA |
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Georgetown, KY
Posts: 2179
Joined: Mar, 2002
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Wanted New Report System
[#5] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 08:51:22 AM | | |
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Download Trials from several of them.
Call them and talk to them about their programs and support.
Is there an online support system and a user forum where other users can help you and provide advice and guidance, (kinda like TIJ does for us here).
Try em out. Write a report or two. Make some changes to see how easy it is.
After I did that, I chose www.HomeGauge.com
It's a skeleton and you get to chose where and how the bones are arranged and add all the muscles and nerves you want in the order and how you want them.
BUT, it does the programing stuff for you.
I could have spent a lot of time writing my own in Word or some other, but I want to be an inspector not a computer programmer.
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Erby Crofutt
B4U Close Home Inspections
Georgetown, KY
www.b4uclose.com
www.kentuckyhomeinspections.com
https://www.facebook.com/B4UCl...pections
Kentucky Home Inspections
Kentucky Home Inspectors
502-570-4054 |
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Chicago, IL
Posts: 9506
Joined: Dec, 2003
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Wanted New Report System
[#6] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 08:58:32 AM | | |
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This can get silly.
First, think about the form of your report. What ideas are you trying to convey?
Almost everyone stresses the idea of a summary, they want a summary, customers all like summaries, summaries make the most sense, yet all report systems ignore formatting the information like a summary.
All report systems insist on creating lengthy commentary where the information is buried, then having to pull out the information in a secondary offering called a summary.
All contemporary studies on information transference, i.e., how to get ideas across, conflict with how all home inspector report systems are structured. Think about this for a long time.
All HI report systems are "built" by folks that aren't inspectors, and somewhat counterintuitively, they are better than the completely horrid systems put together by actual home inspectors.
Also, figure out how you want to "handle" photos. WP software is horrible at managing images; not that you can't do it, but the software isn't designed for it. DB software is designed for it. If you want to have lots of photos, that dictates a lot of things about software. Lots.
So, before asking about software, put the horse in front of the cart and determine how you want to present the information.
When you have a good idea of how you want to do that, figuring out software gets a lot easier.
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Kurt in Chicago
"If I smell it, it goes in the report".............Phillip Smith...2012
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Samantha, AL
Posts: 1569
Joined: Sep, 2004
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Wanted New Report System
[#7] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 10:02:35 AM | | |
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I want to prove a good report for my clients. I do not want to add fluff, just good useful info. It has to full fill the ASHI requirements since Alabama uses the 2000 ASHI standards
There has alway been the use of a summary in my area. The summary to me is the list of items that needs to be done to this house. I want to put photos with the comments in the summary so I do not have to type comments on the photo pages which to me is part of the summary.
I started out using the ITA hand written check list, when to the ITA computer check list. Change to the ITA narrate, them Crammerware, and when back to the ITA narrate.
I like a lot of the things Crammerware does, I just could not make the changes that I wanted. I'm no computer guy
I have tried some of the other software years ago and did not like the way they worked.
I want to provide a better report in a shorter time frame then the 3 or 4 hours it takes me to write one now
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Have a good day inspecting.
Phillip R. Smith Sr.
Samantha (Tuscaloosa) AL
www.homesweethomeinspectionsal.com
"When you inspect crap, you find crap." Phillip 2010
"Always desire to learn something useful."
- Sophocles
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Lafayette, Louisiana
Posts: 3857
Joined: Nov, 2009
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Kenmore, WA
Posts: 15394
Joined: Dec, 2003
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Wanted New Report System
[#9] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 10:48:02 AM | | |
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Check out Inspect Express,
It does just about everything you want it to do and it's easy to work with. I know, I'm a computer moron and I've used it since 2002. I helped the developers come up with the format and the overriding criteria was that it had to be so simple a computer moron could use it. It is, cuz I am.
I'm still using version 2 and there have been many improvement made since that version.
ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!
Mike
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Gaston, Oregon
Posts: 8089
Joined: Dec, 2003
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Chicago, IL
Posts: 9506
Joined: Dec, 2003
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Wanted New Report System
[#11] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 11:55:56 AM | | |
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Then, I would say you want a database type report system. That means HomeGauge, 3D, or the other one that I forget the name of.
HomeGauge is very slick. Try downloading a demo.
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Kurt in Chicago
"If I smell it, it goes in the report".............Phillip Smith...2012
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Dallas, TX
Posts: 1074
Joined: Oct, 2006
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Wanted New Report System
[#12] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 12:05:43 PM | | |
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I can/will vouch for Whisper Reporter. I use it daily, also do development for Whisper Solutions. Whisper Reporter is the newer release and will do all you want Phillip and then some.
Goes without saying they have the Texas required template, but they also have many general templates as they have many clients in states besides Texas.
Here's the link directly to the Whisper Reporter application. You can download the full operating version and test drive it as well.
I can send you some general completed reports for viewing if you like that are not the Texas TREC template. I'm working on a report this afternoon for a foundation pre-pour.
Whisper Reporter by Whisper Solutions
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Cheers,
Nolan E. Kienitz
Nolan's Inspections, LLC
Dallas Home Inspections
http://www.NolansInspections.com
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Samantha, AL
Posts: 1569
Joined: Sep, 2004
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Wanted New Report System
[#13] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 1:44:26 PM | | |
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Thanks to you all. I am looking at different reports when I can.
Any one want to can sent me a sample at hshinspections@bellsouth.net
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Have a good day inspecting.
Phillip R. Smith Sr.
Samantha (Tuscaloosa) AL
www.homesweethomeinspectionsal.com
"When you inspect crap, you find crap." Phillip 2010
"Always desire to learn something useful."
- Sophocles
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Oswego, NY
Posts: 1737
Joined: May, 2008
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Wanted New Report System
[#14] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 2:10:16 PM | | |
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Just for the hell of it, I opened HG and spelled the word "after", this way. "atfer"
Spell check suggested these, in this order. Atoner, Attar, Ether, Otter, utter.
Other than that pain in the ass, it really does have an easy learning curve and has a great tutorial. If you have questions, you can call them. If something screws up, they can fix it on line. It also has an inspectors forum you can get help from. If you buy it, tell them I sent you. I need the hundred bucks.
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I'm Gary Blum and I approve this message
www.gtbinspectionservices.com |
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Sagamore Hills, Ohio
Posts: 3113
Joined: Dec, 2003
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Wanted New Report System
[#15] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 3:13:37 PM | | |
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3D.
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Terry
http://www.hlis.net
This space for let - please inquire within.
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Yakima, WA
Posts: 300
Joined: Jan, 2009
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Wanted New Report System
[#16] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 5:34:56 PM | | |
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I like web based... http://www.reporthost.com/
nice, easy to add your own stuff, easy photo download
minimal cost per mo; no software costs; summary page; easy to send out your contract
check out their sample reports at their site
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Severna Park, Maryland
Posts: 3458
Joined: May, 2007
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Wanted New Report System
[#17] Posted: 09/11/2011 - 6:13:44 PM | | |
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Phillip,
I'm sending you a sample.
Mine are done in Word then converted to PDF before sending. I made my own Word template which I store on file. I copy the master template and rename it for each new inspection. I use auto text feature to store pre-written comments. By typing key words and hitting "enter" the comments drop right in place.
I made a paper check list that I print out and carry on a clipboard for the inspection. The auto text keyword prompts are printed on the checklist. I have the auto text prompt words highlighted in a different color. On site if I see open splices for instance, I circle the prompt for that problem on the checklist. Then when back at the office, I just type the prompt for open splices, hit "enter" and the comment drops in.
It may sound complicated but it's easy when you get the hang of it.
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John Dirks Jr - Arundel Home Inspection LLC - MD license: 29827
Maryland Home Inspectors - Maryland Home Inspection - Maryland Radon Testing - Baltimore County Rental Inspection
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Collins, NY
Posts: 3142
Joined: Apr, 2008
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Wanted New Report System
[#18] Posted: 09/12/2011 - 05:33:58 AM | | |
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I think you should try TapInspect for Iphone. Not really, but I couldn't resist. Trial versions are going to take time to wade through, but if you want a good fit your going to need to try it on. I'd start with Kurt's suggestions, then the others, and try Dirks' template last-rolling your own isn't bad, but it ain't for everyone. Good luck.
Gary, quit bucking, ducking, trucking around with the spell checker.
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Tom
http://clearcreekhomeinspection.com/
Life is tough enough as it is, it's tougher when your stupid. Don't do stupid things.
Dr Joe Lstiburek |
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Comer, GA
Posts: 1000
Joined: Apr, 2004
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Wanted New Report System
[#19] Posted: 09/12/2011 - 06:44:19 AM | | |
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MY NEW SPELL CHECKER
Eye halve a spelling chequer
It came with my pea sea
It plainly marques for my revue
Miss steaks eye kin knot sea
Eye strike a key and type a word
And weight four it two say
Weather eye am wrong or write
It shows me straight a weigh
As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee fore two long
And eye can put the error rite
Its rare lea ever wrong
Eye have run this poem threw it
I am shore your please two no
Tis letter perfect awl the weigh
My chequer toiled me sew
--Sauce unknown
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| "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, for only ourselves can free our minds"-Bob Marley |
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Spring Hill (Nashville area), Tennessee
Posts: 3384
Joined: Nov, 2003
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Wanted New Report System
[#20] Posted: 09/12/2011 - 06:58:04 AM | | |
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I use to be a 3D fan and I still have 3D on my system, but if I wanted to move it to a new computer or to a couple of additional machines (laptop, a second office computer or anything else) I can not do it, 3D limits you to 2 machines and if you want any type of customer service you have to be on their yearly subscription. I lost the original install CD's during my move and I'm pretty much screwed if my computer dies or the program becomes corrupted.
When I update my computer system I will move to HIP. Over the past 7 months I have been working on the HIP template that I will use when I switch. Dom, has been very helpful and I have not even purchased the program yet. I have been able to make and work on the template. Dom even made a program that will covert the 3D data files into his program, this was a major help as you could imagine.
So far I have the template pretty much the way I want it to look and I have imported 10 years of verbaige into it. I plan on a full switch during the slower winter months.
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Scott Patterson
http://www.traceinspections.com
"Minds are like parachutes they only function when open"
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Wyckoff, NJ
Posts: 433
Joined: Dec, 2010
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Wanted New Report System
[#21] Posted: 09/12/2011 - 08:57:17 AM | | |
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I like 3D as it's very easy to manipulate on the fly. You can make changes to the forms while actually processing a report. You can caption and also insert text on the photos along with arrows, boxes, circles, etc. Over the years I have modified the text entries and added about 75% of my own content and changed much that was there.
Scott, when I upgraded my PC 3D only charged me for an upgrade while giving me a disc of the latest version, as long as your original is registered with them. Much cheaper than starting new.
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We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them
Albert Einstein |
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Crystal Lake, IL
Posts: 1174
Joined: Sep, 2003
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Crystal Lake, IL
Posts: 1174
Joined: Sep, 2003
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Samantha, AL
Posts: 1569
Joined: Sep, 2004
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Wanted New Report System
[#24] Posted: 09/12/2011 - 4:44:29 PM | | |
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Thanks to all of you that has sent me a report to look at. I haven't had time to look at all of them yet. I know each one has a learning curve and I hope to find one to suit my wants.
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Have a good day inspecting.
Phillip R. Smith Sr.
Samantha (Tuscaloosa) AL
www.homesweethomeinspectionsal.com
"When you inspect crap, you find crap." Phillip 2010
"Always desire to learn something useful."
- Sophocles
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Eureka, CA
Posts: 449
Joined: Jun, 2009
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Wanted New Report System
[#25] Posted: 10/20/2011 - 11:43:22 AM | | |
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I R a computer dumbtard and have 3D. I read the directions of how to set it up many times over. Cooked my brain for many hours and could not figure it out. My son who is hot on the computer had some problems helping me out, but eventually got it. They offer classes that you have to pay for on teaching you how to use it. Does that tell you something? It works well, but at any moment I'm waiting for it to screw up and I no longer pay the yearly thing.
I'm going to get a newer computer soon too and 3D tells me that my system won't work on a newer one, but they be happy to sell me a newer version, bless their hearts.
I'm glad Philip asked this question because I'll be looking for another system too.
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| Denny Waters |
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Lafayette, Louisiana
Posts: 3857
Joined: Nov, 2009
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Wanted New Report System
[#26] Posted: 10/21/2011 - 08:35:34 AM | | |
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Someone with 3d commented to me via Email several years ago that he had heard a case where 3d Report Writer was working on a derivative of Linux. It's just that 3d support services will not provide support to you if the OS is anything other than Windows.
Marc
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"If Guam gets too overpopulated, it might tip over."
Congressman Hank Johnson (D) GA |
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