New NOVAhi Residential Template and Report

[Serge Delhoyo]

I revamped my NOVAhi Report to more align with ASHI Standards. It is a “SYSTEM by SYSTEM” type of reporting template.  I’ve find it to be the easiest and simplest method of reporting. I still inspect room by room—but I document findings in the respective section and not a specific room. For example: an electrical deficiency in the kitchen—would be listed it in the Electrical section and I indicate that it was found in the kitchen. Same with plumbing, and so on.

The Sample Report was accomplished with this template.  Appreciate any ideas.
Thanks.

[Dominic Maricic]

Just to be clear, ASHI (or association or state but Texas) doesn't care if you do room by room , or system by system, so I'm assuming you mean the items that are reported on?

I've always heard from guys that agents tend to like the system by system the best as it's easy to hand off a page to the electrician, plumber, etc but that it was harder when inspecting on site because you're jumping around. Are you doing your report at home? I could see at home how it wouldn't matter as much.

The report looks good! Another great template and example, thanks Serge!

[Serge Delhoyo]

You're right Dom. What I meant to say is the my "Section" and "Item" names are more in line with Standards.  I tried to keep the overall number of Sections down, and the Item name(s) more along the ASHI Standards
 
I do not have the agents in mind as I design the template--just making sure I "describe" what I'm supposed to, and I "inspect" what I'm supposed to.

I do write my report at home.  We all know the pros and cons of doing so--but it works for me--for now.

Thanks.

[Dominic Maricic]

Hey Serge,

Sounds good. I really like the layout. I actually printed it out last night so I can take it with me to NC & SC next week with some of my other sample reports. Thanks!

[Scott W]

Hey Serge,

Great report. Nice layout. Thanx for sharing.

I do my reports from home. I have been considering buying the new laptop that Dominic has been talking about that operates on LINUX. I will have to wait and see when it gets tested by him.

[Robert Hutchinson]

Serge, how were you able to format your documents in your sample report template?  Using the document maker in HIP seems to be very dificult and time consuming, if not impossible, to get formatted documents in your report such as you have.

[Serge Delhoyo]

Robert, I used the normal HIP editing tools and little bit of HTML code. To enter HTML in your documents, you select the 'hidden' button at the top right. See attachments.

[Dominic Maricic]

What Serge said is the trick for now until our new editor comes out. Also, make sure you're not pasting from Word programs.

[Steve La Rosa]

Serge whenever I see you have something new I have to check it out... Great Stuff. How long does it take you to complete a report from start to finish? (How much do you complete in the field?) I KNOW enough to relize that a messed up house usually takes longer than a pristine house, even one much larger than the small problem house but general estimate... Your template, (Quick review) did not appear to have drop-downs? Thank you for all your time and help! I have gone from days, honestly@@@@@ to hours, JUST STILL TOO LONG!!!!!! Have great week!!

[Billy Boerner]

The easiest way to manipulate a document using the document maker is to break to the next line type in a few letters then change the color to white to make them disappear. 

[Greg Spraggins]

Serge,
Is this still the same template you're using?  Looking through a few and this is really thorough. 

One question: is it easier to inspect multiple similar rooms, i.e. bathrooms, together rather than having the template break down "bathroom 1, bathroom 2, etc?" Same with bedrooms.

[Dominic Maricic]

It depends on how trashed the places are around you and your style. Some guys like combined, some like separate. It usually the guys where the places are more trashed that they want separate pages for each room.

[Greg Spraggins]

I was thinking from the client's perspective that it may be easier for them to picture when they read the report.

As I look at some of the examples of these reports I wonder if the client will be overwhelmed by a 30 page report or prefer the detail (I'm the latter).  What feedback have you received on report length/detail? 

[Serge Delhoyo]

Greg,

I build my template almost verbatim to the ASHI SOP. ? i.e. I's a system by system template. Generally, you are not going to get two inspectors to agree on this issue. Just do what you are comfortable with — and produce the best product (report) for your client. IMO success in this business comes from exceeding the client’s expectation when you perform the inspection — then 'blow him away' with your report! This is where HIP’s flexibility exceeds.