Being new to the business I was curious how most of you save your information while doing the actual inspection? I assume you can write it, use a voice recorder, etc. I just purchased a copy of Home Inspector Pro, can you use the program on something like an ‘I Pad’ while doing the actual inspection?
I’m just curious how most inspectors do it. I have been studying for about 6 months now and wanted to start doing some mock inspections.
Yes in short. Everyone does it a little different.
Some use their camera for notes, some use voice recorders, some record voice on their phone or camera. others carry a small PDA, tablet or netbook.
My company gives away note pads(with logo and phone and email address) they fit in my back pocket and I write notes on them if I need to. Usually I carry my computer to the garage and do not need to write much down except the A/C serial number.
I save everything related to the inspection down to the notes of any phone conversations. I do most of the inspection on HIP but the yellow pad goes everywhere I go.
Using a tablet is not for everyone while on site as I personally find it distracting.
Now in days I just take the 1 second and switch to video if a on screen hand signal does not do enough to jog memory.
However that is not your question.
There is nothing special you need to do other than have a stylus handy.
Should be easy enough to just click on material comments but issues may need more of a narrative and you can use on board handwriting recognition.
I can do it that way, but my inspections take a long time as it is.
My progress is like CSI investigation combined with to much lip flapping.
Thanks for all the good info guys. Sounds like I’ll probably print out a template from HIP, take plenty of pictures and use my Droid for dictation. After just studying for 6 months I’m ready to start doing some mock inspections and see what it’s like.
I have not written anything down since 2003. Even if I had I would have either lost the notebook it was in or not been able to read what I wrote. I use my camera for almost everything, from serial numbers to email addresses of clients and the check that they write me. I do have a voice recorder though and have used that on occasion.
Even my borescope takes video and jpgs.
LOL I just forgot the downside, I left my camera on the top of my trucks toolbox one day after an inspection in Palm City, about a 40 min drive from my base. Needless to say it was gone when I got home along with all the pictures. That was NOT a profitable inspection between the two trips the two inspections and the new camera and the gift baskets to the sellers and the realtors for letting me come back a second time.
If you start out with a printed sheet, I suggest getting it laminated and use a dry erase marker, you can even print it double sided all for cheap and Kinkos. As the guys have said, everyone has their own method. I’d say most use a laptop, a tablet (like the CTL2Go from ctlcorp.com) or camera/notes. Some people use an etch-a-sketch but I don’t recommend it :mrgreen:
The issue with the laminated method is that to use a printed sheet there is a compatibility issue with amount of space to write on using a Dry marker as the letters are thick when written.
Dry markers are great for for short symbols however.
I suggest using a code.
Example would be I.D>W that might be used for Interior doors are wood.
Another example would be S.F>C.
Yes that could be Structures foundation is concrete.
If you are catching on the first 2 are system and component followed by>comment.
This can allow you to do a total narrative with no need for lengthy printed crib sheets.
Simply take a picture of the sheet when full and move on.
Hope this helps someone.
I use and Eye-Fi card and never have to worry it sends them to the computer wirelessly while I do the inspection. I have a belt clip for the phone case. The camera rarely get put down anywhere.
I did leave the IR, two moisture meters and a multi meter at a home the other day. I was sick, until I drove an hour there and it was still there 24 hrs later.
:freaked-: :vomit:
You can get extremely fine tips for dry erase markers. I have a few, they work nicely. Not as nice as using a tablet, but a good tool for guys starting out.