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I have to respectfully disagree with you guys about the photos (sorry). I'm not a home inspector, but I've been a "forensic Architect" in an architectural engineering firm (read litigation) for the last two years and like home inspectors, our reports have to describe our observations and analysis to readers who usually don't share our expertise. It's been my experience that well composed photos, with succinct explanations, can get a client (attorney, juror, homeowner) to understand the story a lot faster and easier. Photos also serve to "benchmark" observed conditions to the time that you observed them. This is very important in litigation. It sounds like the main gripe that I'm reading about is the process of getting photos into the report and I'll bet that once you get a smooth system in place, you'll end up changing your opinion of their value. I have an example of our process that I'll share: We use Canon cameras that allow us to quickly make a 60 second sound byte associated with each photo. After each photo we snap the mic button and describe the image to the camera. The JPG images are matched to WAV audio files with the same file name (except extension). Later when writing the report, it's very easy to refer back to the saved audio file and remember just what the hell that photo was of, and where it was . I've been on many files where our client had a Canon and had no idea that he could do that as well. My $.02. A

Hey! I can even get this somewhat on topic for inspections! Check out draganfly.com and look to the 4-prop RC flyer that they have. Last I checked (a while back) they had a wifi camera on there that you could pick up on your laptop. That'll fix your steep roof inspection jitters I'll bet! A

In the north texas area (Dallas) you can use dfwmaps.com for excellent aerial images. A

Is that flashing lapping OVER the shingles at the bottom? A

Also, an elastomeric additive to the final, finish coat will increase the elasticity of the stucco and reduce cracking. The elastomeric additive is usually recommended for non-concrete substrates. A

Anyone who wants to read in-depth about masonry items and detailing should look to books authored by Christine Beall. Excellent Resource. A

You are in Conroe Texas and I'd look to the Texas Lathing and Plastering Contractors Association as a guide. They have a PDF manual for Stucco and EIFS applications which is very informative. If you cannot find it I can provide the PDF, it's free I believe. You can Google them for a website. A

Some comments: First, regardless of what type of brick or masonry that you have, if you have an airspace, or cavity behind the veneer, then you need weepholes at the masonry sill, opening head/sills, etc. Second, assuming that there is a good through-wall flashing installed, a little water temporarily in the weep holes is no problem as long as the water level does not rise above the top of the flashing (and assuming that the flashing is not compromised). Of course, weep holes beneath grade level are not a good idea in any case. A

The best method that I've seen to date is to use wicking cords, set in weep holes, that are taped up the face of the moisture barrier in intervals. A

Anyone know of reporting software that works in MacOSX? I checked out Inspect Express, doesn't look like it. About 7 years ago when I bought my first house, the inspector used software that I recognized as based in Filemaker Pro. Of course, I can't find that old report anymore or his info. A

Here's what I can offer. You can "dock" the bookmarks window to the left side of the main window with the other tabs; try that. Otherwise, go to document properties and select "initial view" Select under "Show", "Page Only". Note: the setting only applies for that file. Hope that helps. A