How do you call out defects in your reports?

[Mike Krueger]

That clears some things up for me. 

I do like the narratives a lot better and plan to switch over to that once I get all of the comments to cover all of the standards. 
When I get some time I plan to search for verbiage.  I will tweak it a bit to fit my style and then start using more of a narrative style report. 

Business is busy right now for Feb.!

Thank you

[David A. Andersen]

Don't wait.
Start using HIP now.

Set up like your check box report is not and add as you go.
I have (basically) check box type items required by my State that must be covered in every report (one way or another). This starts the reporting process.

Don't try to add all the discrepancy issues at once.
As you do inspections, write the narrative and stick it in HIP and it will be there for next time.

Don't try to do it all at once, because by the time you do, you'll change your mind and have to do it all over again and throw away which you've already done.

If you write something that applies to all houses, "add comments".

It takes longer to find the issues you want to check than it does to type it out in some cases. Some discrepancies can be covered in a picture caption. There are several places you can make your observations in the report. You must get this system down for your own preferences so it's better that you build it as you grow.

[Michael Merino]

Why would you leave it up to the realtor? They are not your client, and your client hired you to tell the your opinion of the condition of the house. I call them as I see them, if it is a safety issue, I state that it is. You are the home inspector, leave the realtor out of it.

[Mike Krueger]

Good idea David Thank you!

[Richard Fitzwater]

I used AHIT software prior to HIP. I wish I would have just started with HIP. AHIT was a pain to update, slower to report and add pictures, and the reports took WAAAAAAAY longer to do.

[Mike Krueger]

Richard,

How long have you been using hip? 

I also started out using ahits computerized reports.  I was able to finish the ahit report a lot faster than I can the hip report. 
However I am still new to hip.  I've been using it for about 5 months now.  Business is so busy I still haven't had time to sit down and organize it.   

I am sticking with it because I think it puts out a superior report.  I am struggling to figure out how to stream line the report without compromising the quality my clients deserve. 

[Richard Fitzwater]

I have been using HIP for about a year, year and a half. Every report update your comments and simplify the data entry.
Start by batch loading all pictures after they have be correctly rotated (oriented). Enter findings, then start looking at photos and adding the comments that you have already entered in the report to the pictures. If you find a defect in the pictures not added yet, enter it. Then proof the report and send. Make sure to make any report updates and save template often. This makes every report from there on easier. I also use lots of drop downs in each section. Door(door defect drop down)(door location drop down). Example: Door is binding on the jamb in the master bedroom. Door lock is damaged at the front entry. Much easier to find door issues this way. Add a (door defect) or a newly needed location for doors on each report. I use a electrical location, roof location, structure location and plumbing location. Plumbing locations make it easier to find the common bathroom, without looking through roof locations.

[Mike Krueger]

Hi Richard,

Thank you for the info.  I haven't had the time to sit down and figure out how to use the drop downs yet.  It has been crazy busy.  Things will slow down this winter so I plan to get everything set up then. 

Have a great day!