Software???

[Paul Oliner]

I am just at trying out stage of research for HI software, having downloaded 6-7 systems. My computer literacy/ patience is poor, but I am pretty sure Computer generated reports are the way to go.
My question is should I expect to have to "play" around with all the systems, as the only one I have found that is instantly user friendly is the Nspector system.
Did any of you guys who extol the virtues of the systems that you now use have to persevere over a few days?
I am bowing to the experience of guys in practice that recommend a good system for the long haul, maybe I'll have to be more patient getting to grips with PV, Home-Gauge, 3D and the like?
Or can anyone using Nspector on a regular basis give some feed back?
Thanks

[Brian E. Kelly]

Paul, I played with Homegauge and own Inspectvue. The answer is you will have to spend a couple of days to dial in the software you chose to reflect your reporting style and geographic area. After that period I believe you will continue to edit your software as different circumstances arise.

HI is truly a journey, enjoy the ride.

[Paul Oliner]

Thanks Brian,
I will have to bite the bullet and spend a bit more time playing with the demos.
That said are any of the software programs usable in the field on small handheld PC's?, I've seen a few guys on Inspections spend an inordinate amount of time entering data at the end of Inspection on lap tops, this seemed to add 30-40 mins onto visit.( as opposed to manual reports done on the hoof)
Also can any of the programs create an on line report with active links, for explanations of generic problems I think links give customers good impartial advice.
What made you pick your system?
Cheers
Paul

[rbunzel]

Paul,

I use 3D and a compaq Ipaq. Although conceptionally entering data on the go sounds good in practice, I found it to be faster to setup my Ipaq with a keyboard on the kitchen counter and do data entry at the end. This also becomes a QA measure and I can easily go back to the water heater, furnace etc. if I missed some bit of data. Although I have extensively modified my comment DB, each house is unique and my clients expect custom reports. This means I am doing some typing as I input the report. Tough to do on a handheld.

There are services that will put your report online for you but I do it myself on my own website. If you have the full version of Acrobat, it will convert any URLs its finds to links. So now in my comments I have links to the manufacturers, EPA, CPSC, etc.

[Russell Buchanan]

HG allows you to easily add links to your auto-comments. It also will allow you to attach documents either to the report or to auto-attach a document when you select a particular auto-comment.

this link will show you how to attach a link or document to a comment

http://www.homegauge.com/inspector/support/tours3.html

Russell

Originally Posted by rbuchanan1

HG allows you to easily add links to your auto-comments. It also will allow you to attach documents either to the report or to auto-attach a document when you select a particular auto-comment.

this link will show you how to attach a link or document to a comment

http://www.homegauge.com/inspector/support/tours3.html

Russell

Also, if I might add, if you have a disc of the illustrated home, you can paste it into the reports as well.
I have had numerous comments on my report, and how it actually looks like a homeowners manual.

[PrincessDianne]

Originally Posted by sgagne

I am a new member of Nachi and am seeking the professional advice of my colleagues!! My wife and I are starting this Home Inspection business together and are in the process of trying to find the right software program to purchase. We are very computer literate but would like the program which best suits the needs of the home inspectors industry. Any suggestions? Anyone?

Thank You,
Shawn and Kate Gagne

just click on my signiture maybe it may help.

[jwortham]

just click on my signiture maybe it may help.

Or maybe it will prove you're just another scumbag spammer instead.

[George P. Wells, CMI]

BestInspectors.Net's XL Pro Series is the ultimate in reporting software. The Legacy Series is great for the inspector who wants some of the more popular advanced features and is on a tight budget.

[nbhi]

Palm -Tech works for me. They have just came out with v5, alot more functions to tailor the report to your style.

[bkelly1]

Apperntly George had some time on his hands last night. He posted in every available thread promoting Bestinspectors. Give it a rest.

[jlaughren]

I tried many, many, many, programs,I bought one because of the price, but it ended up costing much more in the end, as it was not user friendly in the field, it was good playing with it, at the computer. I ended up with Homegauge due to it's ability to alter and do so many different types of inspections. The photo editing is simple and easy to use. I highly recommend you Inspect your own home or a friends and try them all out in a real inspection scenario. Do not just play with them on your computer!
Just my little input.
Good luck and welcome to the circus.

Jason L.