tnpappas

This is my first attempt at writing my report. So before I continue making needless mistakes I am looking for some constructive criticism. I do not want to continue making unnecessary mistakes from the start. I understand that my report will be an evolving product, but I want to start with a solid foundation. Some sections are borrowed material, such as section headers. I still need to take time to individualize this material. Just looking for opinions on everything that you feel I missed, did not report correctly, or made to big a deal of. Also, any opinions on layout would be appreciated as well. I was using the HIP evaluation version for this report, which is why it still states ACME Inspection Company. I really enjoyed the software, so I need to talk to Dominic about purchasing it and getting my license number so I can put my own company in the header. So let me have it, I am ready to learn. [:-graduat Download Attachment: Mock 1.pdf 573.21 KB

How do you all reference the exterior of the house in your reports. Do you use north, east, west, south, or front, back, right, left? I was thinking of stating for the purpose of this report all references to the exterior will be addressed as front, back, right, left, as if one were facing the front of the house. What standards do you find easily understandable by anyone reading the report?

My question here is about poor workmanship and dilapidated interiors. What do you include in your report, or what do you just save as a verbal aside for a client? I’m referring to things like bad interior trim work, drywall repair, etc….Not really anything that affects the structure, but work that was just not done correctly. If all the cabinetry in the kitchen is sound and functioning, but is really beat up, how do you handle reporting that condition? Just looking to see how you all handle these or similar conditions.

Everybody, please slow down with those responses! Just kidding. Maybe, I just need to expand the question a bit. Do you inspect the outside unit on your initial pass or two of the exterior? Do you adjust the thermostat when you initially enter the house to get the system fired up for a period of time before you get to the unit? Heat first, cooling second season permitting? Do you check the systems at a certain stage of your inspection, or when you come to the unit during your inspection of the house? Do you have a certain checklist of items that you make sure is covered in every report. If you find no recent evidence of a HVAC maintenance checkup do you always recommend a HVAC consultation? How many of you measure temp. drops? Take amp ratings? Or remove registers to look around? I know every system is different. Just want to develop a solid fundamental approach to inspecting in a consistent manner. Also, I understand that everybody has their own ways of doing things. I figure if I can take a little bit of good advice from a lot of different and experienced people, I am on my way to a developing a sound and consistent procedure.

What is your normal routine for inspecting a HVAC system? Do you stick to the SOP, or are there checks that you conduct that go above and beyond?

Thanks for all the input. I have been playing around with the PDA by entering different sample reports. As some of you have stated, it does seem to be a bit cumbersome to fill out. If it is a hassle entering data just sitting at my desk, I can imagine how that could be a major distraction on site. I do like the layout of the report. I will be losing the drop down descriptions, and focus on making the narrative unique to the house being inspected. I think AHIT basically sold me some overpriced word templates, but live and learn as they say. Troy N. Pappas "Thanks for the advice, your training is invaluable."

My intention is not to start a new thread about which reporting system or format is the best. I know that it has been discussed ad nauseam, and seems to be a matter of preference anyway. This question is for those inspectors using InspectIt ReportPlus. For now this is what I have and intend to use. I am looking for any inside secrets or unique functions anyone has found in this program. What have you found to be very useful, and what have you just decided is not worth using? Also, I have the PDA software to accompany the desktop software. I want to know if any of you have found that it has been a good tool or more of a waste of time. Thanks advance for your advice, your training is invaluable.