LOL!

So who are the new guys this year?

Indeed... that's the beauty of ASTM E2018... customizable depending on scope agreed to between you and the client.  Creating a template that works best for you is what I recommend.  The included templates in HIP are very good starting points

I sure hope Steve doesn't cry again this year so we feel like we have to give him a win...  I really felt bad about that last year

Been using a Fenix TK60 for a while and love it!  Batteries last FOREVER even with just 3 cells in use... But it is a bit bulky.

Next purchase will likely be a Fenix TK41

Not a fan of proprietary batteries.  Being able to use D cells or AA cells is a huge plus for me in not needing 6000 different proprietary chargers for all my equipment.

Types of cameras and manufacturers opinions are going to be as varied as the inspectors in this industry...

With that being said, I personally look for a camera with super zoom capability, long reach flash, and uses common AA rechargeable batteries.  I have enough proprietary chargers and equipment cluttering my desk, so any chance I can find equipment that uses standard batteries then I am interested in making a purchase.

I am currently using an Olympus model SP-620UZ with 21x optical zoom and see Mars surface digital zoom capabilities
It captures fantastic photos and has amazing battery life using 4 AA sized batteries.  I typically capture between 300-500 or more (yeah I'm that guy) photos per inspection and batteries will last at least 2 days of inspections between charges even when I must use flash.
My back up camera is a Sony DSC-H2 which they don't make anymore. It is a very nice camera but is a battery hog using 2 AA's which I would have to change at least once during an inspection.  Most of the Sony DSC-Hxx cameras now use proprietary batteries, but I still love Sony technology and quality. You can still find a few used or barely used of the H2's and H5's on Amazon and Ebay.

You can typically find decent quality super zoom cameras new between the $200-400 (sometimes less) range. Black Friday deals will be abounding with some great deals. The Olympus SP620UZ is in the lower $200 range or even less if I remember right.

I assign a personal guarantee clause in my agreement terms.  The signature area also includes "Title" of the the authorizing agent.  If the person signing the contract indicates "Janitor" in the title area then we have a problem Houston...

Many of the best in the industry can answer this and similar questions at the National Association of Commercial Building Inspectors.  Visit http://www.NACBI.org if you currently perform commercial property inspections, infrared thermal imaging, or are considering expanding your business into the commercial or thermography fields. 

Location of the home over the septic tank is not ideal and would present several concerns, the primary being ease of service.

The septic system may not be appropriately sized for 3 homes especially if one of those homes has had a significant occupant number increase.  You are also now relying on all three unit occupants to properly use the system (not flush things which shouldn't be flushed, etc.)
The backups are likely a result of the drain field failing or the system stressed beyond original capacity.
Regardless, your local health department should have records and requirements for the system. Our county health departments regulate the septic system installs, inspections, and servicing here.  Various other states and localities will differ though. 
Primary hazard with a septic system is bacterial contamination.  Location of the tank below a building may present structural concerns for both the tank, its related systems, and the building/home itself. 

Not sure if that helps Dan.

Was awesome to finally meet you Dom.  Was really great to meet Troy and great to see Chris again.
We had a good time talking about Old Man Cricket as well. 

To throw Steve a proverbial curve ball... leave at [[note]] 

Any sport I can kick your butt in is good for me.

I know Casey... that's the scary part of playing on a "fantasy" league with the old man 

All right old man... this rookie will kick your wrinkled butt out in left field... and a baseball bat sounds like the perfect weapon of choice.

triple oh yeah....  the voice to text works like a charm if you have to create a new concern item!

And yeah... only 3.1 has mobile sync

Sorry Shane! 

Are you drooling yet?? 
I haven't been able to play a lot with it, but man is this version suuuuuuhhhh-weeeeeeeet! 

Double oh....

If you thought you were flying through your reports quickly before... this version is going to make you think you were in the horse and buggy days as compared to the warp speed capabilities of the U.S.S. Enterprise of home inspection software call Home Inspector Pro for Android!  

Oh......  and if you don't own an android anything.... this version of HIP is going to have you begging for one real soon! 

I can assure you that once some of the minor bugs are fixed, the Android HIP is going to be the best thing in our solar system!

I've been trying it out on my HTC EVO 4G phone and really think this is pretty cool!  Just slide and click... slide and click. Sync between your computer and the phone (in just a matter of seconds)... finalize and tweak the report if you need to, and done!  I'm sure on a full blown tablet it is going to be even more impressive!

I found it really easy to use with very little instruction/direction... so when this is officially released you all are going to be literally  FLOORED at this newest version of HIP.
Kudos go out to Dominic and team yet again for never ceasing to amaze me with their talent and abilities.

The caveat is "switches or hand movements"
Double pole breakers or breakers tied together count as one switch

That appears to be an improper installation.  I would write it up accordingly and defer off to a qualified professional

http://www.nationalcomfortproducts.com/specs/IM_CU_08.pdf

They should never be located outside or in a freeze susceptible area for that reason... if they are, it is incorrect and should be remedied.