HIP report time

[David Macy]

I have used HIP for about 25 reports and it still takes me anywhere from 1 to 2 hours.
I use a Samsung Q1 in field and email or use report upload at office.

For users finishing in less then 60 minutes please share samples, tips and any other information as I would like to be able to complete report in under an hour.

Thanks

[Jack Jackson]

I've been using HIP for quite a while now and with all the practice and the right property it's possable to finish a job in an hour but it my be risky to do so. Front end time beets back end problems anytime. Jack

[David A. Andersen]

David,

It is my humble opinion that the inspection report is the most important part of the process and to blast through this area of the inspection is foolhardy.

When I started in this business 12 years ago I did not have these forums to gather information from other inspectors, I pretty much started everything from scratch on my own. When discussing my plans with a colleague from my former job it was his opinion that the inspection report is the only thing we have to sell to the client and that it should be worth something!

I have yet to be able to get away from site-specific reports. The only thing I use the inspection software for is to organize my data and photographs. The information that I store in the report program are the quotations from building code standards and my state law reporting requirements. Such as, "the automatic garage door opener reversed direction when blocked during closure".

I narrate every significant issue and paste it into the report.

I use a lot of photographs (one of the advantages of this reporting software) so most of the narrations go there.

To reiterate, I don't think I have ever been told on the inspection site what a good job I was doing while I was inspecting the house. It is not until the verbal reporting begins at the post inspection walk-through (which is the first phase of the reporting process) that a client begins to feel comfortable and realizes the value of my information versus the inspection fee.

To follow up the good inspection and an excellent post inspection walk-through with an "economy" report only tears down everything you built up. There are times when the client had already decided not to purchase the house and did not need a detailed inspection report. I always feel uncomfortable taking this shortcut, even with the client's permission.

When I don't follow up with an exceptional report (even when not needed), this will still affect the client's expectations when deciding to use me on the next home inspection they purchase. I often do three to four inspections for one client. To provide a skimpy report only deteriorates their subconscious opinion of my services.

You never know who's going to get their hands on your inspection report and it is the best form of advertising I use.

It takes me about two hours for a report that does not have a large amount of deficiencies (20 is about average).

Much of this time is in preparation of photographs and thermal imaging overlays using other programs besides HIP.


I'm still in the process of completely stripping my report template to the bare bones. I feel that reading to find what I want to say takes longer than saying it in a dictation program. I tried using other inspectors templates but found the select-and- pic approach to take up way too much of my time.  Also, It takes more time to figure out the sections were the photograph has to go because you must select a major and minor section for the picture to go. Stripping down the report reduces the number of areas where the picture can get lost.

The  "room by room" approach is way too time consuming.

Many of the  "component" approach templates still use the room by room technique (i.e. having electrical sections outdoors, inside, attic, basement, etc.). All the electric goes in electric.

In the discrepancy panel I simply put "red" and "Black" and click the number of issues I want to dictate. Move them to the red/black box, double-click and insert my narrative in the drop-down. If I took a picture, the narrative goes in the caption but I then most supply a brief narrative in the red section so it hits the summary page (I'm still working on this process).


If you have a lot of selections in the discrepancy panel and you find yourself reading too much, adding a brief description in front of the narrative so you only have to read the first couple words helps you locate things faster.

Garage door reversal: The downward force pressure adjustment on the automatic garage door opener is not properly adjusted. This is a personal injury/property damage concern. The automatic opener should be adjusted in accordance with manufacturers specifications and is best performed by an overhead door contractor. This condition requires repair (state requirement).

[Dominic Maricic]

Thanks David for the detailed response. It's answers like that which really help out others on the board in business, and in how to use the software.

Just a note with the long narratives, not sure if you know about. If you hover your cursor on any narrative over 50 characters, a popup will display the entire narrative without you actually having to click on it.

[David Macy]

Dave

I respect your opinion and I understand what you are saying.

I still believe I can provide a quality report and complete it between 30 minutes and 90 minutes.

All depends on amount of photos and the condition of property.

The one this morning took less then 30 minutes. It was a 2001 built 4000 sq. ft. house.
But only 15 pics.

I think the key to speeding the report is having the template customized to your own liking.

It has taken me about 30 reports to understand how to have the selection and damage set up before adding the pics. Then clicking thru the pics and selecting the entered text.

I also customize areas that are specific to the home. I would say 75% of the comments are common every day statements.

I know use the selection panel to describe the condition and the damage for a short explanation of component.

Like your example:
Damage panel black -The downward force pressure adjustment on the automatic garage door opener is not properly adjusted. This is a personal injury/property damage concern. The automatic opener should be adjusted in accordance with manufacturers specifications and is best performed by an overhead door contractor.

Damage panel red - Garage door safety reverse by force did not operate when tested.

Add photo and use rating as a safety issue.

This is common in many homes as are 75% of the items.

It is the 25% and the multiple photo and problem homes that take the time.

It also makes the summary cleaner if the shorter version is used. And the longer version is still in the report for client.

Just my opinion

[Dominic Maricic]

David, It also helps that you're using the Samsung Q1 during the inspection, so you've taken most of your notes by the time you've finished the inspection.

[David A. Andersen]

David, My hat's off to you!
If you can make a report your comfortable with, that's great. Not that it should take longer to be good either!

I think you have better construction standards in OH too! ;-)

I'm not putting your plan down, just making a point to all that often a HI gauges their pay by the time in the field and the report is the "necessary evil" they have to deal with.

I will continue with my long report writing, but I also realize I can't go up against the check box, pencil and paper HI! I charge more than most, but my clients want to know "when" not "how much do you charge?" so price is not much of an object.

[Gregory Scheer]

Dominic knows it takes me a while to finish reports.  Depending upon the condition of the home, sometimes a report takes me a few hours.  The other day I had 269 pictures and used many of them.  It was a 59-page report and took about 4-5 hours, maybe it was 6 hours.  I thought this is too long and would enjoy more family time despite the necessary evil of the reporting time.  My last inspection report took about 1.5 hours but the home was in fairly good shape.  My reports are thorough, as is the inspection (like all of us). I think I'll get better as my library becomes more complete for me (HIP).  Someday maybe I could print on site, but I doubt it.
v/r
Greg

[Dominic Maricic]

There's a pretty quick drop it time over your first month or two. Like David Macy said above, he was averaging 2 hours for the first month, now he just finished a 30 min report, and the rest are about an hour.

Now, if you're going to be inserting 269 photos, you figure it takes 30 seconds to import them all. 5 seconds per photo to set the correct section is 23 minutes alone. If you add arrows or some other annotation to 1/4 of those and spend 20 seconds per photo you've added another 20 minutes, another 20 seconds on 1/4 for captions and you've basically taken an hour to setup your 269 photos. You might want to post one of your reports on here for other guys to comment on (they play nice, don't worry). I have a feeling that there's some areas where you can shave off major time. Also, simply as you do more reports, the narratives become yours like you mentioned, you memorize where your comments are and whip through the report.

I have a few things cooking to greatly reduce the photo time even more (it's already one of the #1 features that people say they like when moving from another program).

[David A. Andersen]

Gregory, When I get a home that has 250 things to take pictures of, it is very likely that the client won't buy the house or already knows that they are going to rip the house apart.

Back to what I was saying about room-to-room vs. component reporting; There comes a time where you just have to say that you need a plumber to go over everything and fix because there a numerous deficiencies in that area. There is really no need to list exposed wire nut by wire nut! There are also only so many things you really need a picture for.

Ben Kelly and I are big on photo taking and posting, but there comes a point...

I have about done away with my digital recorder (only because I am not doing three inspections a day now) and take a picture of everything and do the report from the pic's. I only use about 1/3rd of the pic's I take. A lot I upload for safe keeping but do not publish in the report.

If I were you, I would consider getting with your client when you see that your report is going to take all day and let them know that you have no intention of reporting every defect. It is about meeting your clients expectations. As long as their not expecting every defect noted, they won't care.

You go from "there is an ungrounded outlet in the left rear corner of the left rear bedroom on the second floor and one in the right rear corner......"

To; There are numerous ungrounded outlets throughout the house, have an electrician test/evaluate and repair as required.

If the client expects you to name everything, give them a quote for $2,300!
Your family time is worth that.

[Gregory Scheer]

David,
You bet--and I'm working toward that.  I'd like a 30-minute report time but especially three inspections a day!  Nice!!!

Greg

[Dominic Maricic]

Gregory, When I get a home that has 250 things to take pictures of, it is very likely that the client won't buy the house or already knows that they are going to rip the house apart.

Back to what I was saying about room-to-room vs. component reporting; There comes a time where you just have to say that you need a plumber to go over everything and fix because there a numerous deficiencies in that area. There is really no need to list exposed wire nut by wire nut! There are also only so many things you really need a picture for.

Ben Kelly and I are big on photo taking and posting, but there comes a point...

Haha. Yes, I have a copy of Ben's 99 page, 400 picture report!! I thought that was the most ever used in Home Inspector Pro, but then William DeVries did a 1000+ report, but that was on 12 or 24 condo complex (can't remember which).

[Gregory Scheer]

Gregory, When I get a home that has 250 things to take pictures of, it is very likely that the client won't buy the house or already knows that they are going to rip the house apart.

Back to what I was saying about room-to-room vs. component reporting; There comes a time where you just have to say that you need a plumber to go over everything and fix because there a numerous deficiencies in that area. There is really no need to list exposed wire nut by wire nut! There are also only so many things you really need a picture for.

Ben Kelly and I are big on photo taking and posting, but there comes a point...

Haha. Yes, I have a copy of Ben's 99 page, 400 picture report!! I thought that was the most ever used in Home Inspector Pro, but then William DeVries did a 1000+ report, but that was on 12 or 24 condo complex (can't remember which).

I'd like to see that report for the condos!  Always good to have an example of how to do something right!
Greg

[Dominic Maricic]

Send a private message or email to William DeVries, I'm sure he could sterlize the client info and send it to you. I'd actually like to see it too. I'll send him an email and see if he can post it.

[Ben Kelly]

Dave- ME?  Yes, I like the photos because it leaves less to argue about. I have also gotten bad about including cosmetic pictures, because I got tired of clients calling and asking about cosmetic issues years ago. I have a section in the rear of the report where I explain how cosmetic is different for all people, but I picture a few of what I think is cosmetic.. Also a small section of stress cracks that are cosmetic only etc..

Like David I am still stripping my report down inspection by inspection. I am not as thorough in my comments as david, I try to cut them down as well to get the message across to the client, who most of the time has no constuction knowledge or state laws.. I do like how Dave does his though because I just can't see him loosing in court should he ever have to go.   I have been contemplating going through and adding links in some of the comments for more detailed information, code, safety, etc.. Its a slow process.

The 99 page report was an 1880 house in poor condition. It was bad. 

Lately I have been using around 1oo to 200 pictures per report. 200 on a marginal inspection, over for a poor condition house including all thermal pictures.  LIke David said about building practice, it sucks here, and probably even more in my small rural area. I have been hired as an expert witness for a 200,000 lawsuit about 45 minutes from here. House was 1 yr old when bought, they declined a home inspection.  Buyer beware. Its a mess



Like David said, at the end of the day, and at the end of the process you inspection report will be the most important document that was issued throughout the buyers purchase. They will remember the thourough indepth report you have given them, or they will remember the information that they did not receive no matter how small it may be to you, it is always important to them. Your report will determine you referralls, and how you are remembered. I have included in mine different colors in my introductions. Example Blue writing would be more information and what was, and wasn't inspected according to the state laws. In the front of the report I explain that blue text is mainly informational items and can be skimmed over initially but it is highly recommended that it be read in its entirety.  Red would be all defects and will be included in the summary, etc.. I do this just to try and help the investor, realtor, etc. But I do say several times the report should be read in its entirety.

I feel I have lost some realtors over time due to the length of the reports and the amount of photos. But I have gained so many referalls from clients, and many friends. The largest investment of a lifetime deserves a complete, thorough report that we do not time ourselves on. Having said that I wish I could go faster. HA .Streamline like David said through your report. Room by room is too much. I have tried to let the photos tell the locations, and the story.

If anyone needs any help I will try to help anyone I can.

Hey Dave, do you have an easy to understant yet comprehensive explanation of when to open and close crawl space vents to prevent the duct from sweating? Or what to do to help with this? 1bskelly@msn.com.

[David Macy]

Just wanted to share my latest experience using HIP and a Samsung Q1.

I had a 4000 Sq. ft. home that was vacant in poor condition and I took 90 photos.(Could of took more but why have 10 of the siding when only 3 or 4 is enough)

The home had 2 crawl areas a basement, multiple mechanical systems and numerous electrical panels.

With my old software and using a checklist this would have easily been a 4 hour report.

I had a family graduation to attend in mid afternoon.

I completed the report in 90 minutes at home. I saved about 2 to 2 1/2 hours time.

I have only been using for about a 30 reports or a little over a month.

My library is still very vague.

This client hired me due to the website (HIP) and my report sample (HIP)

In attendance was her realtor/General contractor and a Gutter installer.
All were very impressed with the Q1 and report set up.

Now I have about 6 people who will refer me business.

The gutter guy had some nice products and the General contractor was amazed the amount of defects and damage that occured for there being no drainage on the house. (Happy because a big job = a big pay)

So I guess what I am saying is HIP is working very well for me and has saved me time (Except for one time and still not sure what bug flew into my computer) I also am getting referral due to professional site and report. I have not even begun to edit and optimize my site.

One day I had 3 calls within 15 minutes due to site.

Thanks Dom, best investment I have made since I started inspecting.

[Dominic Maricic]

Glad to hear things are going so well for you Obviously your investment has already paid for itself a few times over (your free site has already brought you at least $1300 in jobs, lol). Plus you now have more time in your life for more important things.

Just so guys know, this poll is open ended if you get better at the program and your time decreases, you can come back and change your selection (hopefully no one's going the other way!).

[David Macy]

New record time today. 45 minutes (Actually 30- 15 minutes was research)

Nice!!

I love newer homes in better then average condition.

[Bob Elliott]

Interesting comments
I use Dragon Naturally Speaking for my more detailed comments.

Take as an example how I have as pick and click the fact that a toilet should be sealed around the base leaving a gap in back to allow any leakage to be seen before it causes damage below.CLICK....

This is used in combination with other pick and click options such as the fact that it is not sealed or sealed all the way around.

Great , pick and click works....BUT....and a BIG BUT it is....LOL,...I had a toilet that at time of inspection was causing a leak in the unit below and this type of information can't be practical to store as it needs a detailed verbage .

So in my opinion a good ,not too time consuming report requires a little of both.

I use systems ,but also add kitchen and bathrooms as seperate to keep comments from being congested and enable myself to avoid the need to use comments under every picture.
I hope this helps.

[Gregory Scheer]

I've all but mastered my small on-site inspection computer (Lifebook) and work the HIP checklist like a master now, and it gets better every inspection.  I'm still taking numerous photos but when I get home I'm down to about 45 minutes (sometimes 90) for the report.  Most of the time is tagging th pix and tweaking the report.  I Generate it, review it and keep the HIP sofware report open so I can go and make corrections or addiditions.  I check out the report, close the generated pdf, and generate another with the saved changes.  After another review, it's upload time.  So, I've really reduced my reporting time (but I gained about an hour on site).  Today I inspected a short-sale 5 bedroom 3 bath with loads of stuff still in the house.  4.5 hours later I was done but I spent a good bit of time getting around all the clutter.  The report time took about an hour. 

SUnday I had two inspections scheduled but one fell out (no electricity) so I don't have the opportunity to say I've inspected two in one day.  Maybe this week...