Are you using the Fixle App

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I’m considering using the Fixle App to find and share data on appliances. Does the app and program work as advertised? Is there another program or app available? What if anything are you using to gather data on appliances? Thank you, John

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https://www.building-center.org/

I just list the serial number and post the manufacturers date for water heater and furnace. I list the serial numbers for other appliances but don’t look them up. Age for non-fixed appliances is of little value.

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Had not heard about this app before, so checked them out. Observations:

  • Made by HomeGauge. Says that HomeGauge users get it for free.

  • Brand newish with limited mixed reviews, so far.

  • Bet you it works fine on appliances that are less than 10 years old, good for appliances 10 to 20 years old, and works like crap for anything weird or older than 20 years old. Meaning you likely cannot rely upon it for older homes.

  • They want you (the HI) to pay $9.95 per house / inspection. So, ask yourself, will your clients pay an extra $30 (what you will likely need to charge clients, minimum, to cover your time using the app, creating the report, as well as answering questions)? Personally, for that reason, I would only consider offering it as an add-on option if the house was constructed this century.

  • Most buyers are simply happy to get a home warranty to cover the appliances and really do not care what model or serial number it is unless it breaks.

I think I will personally pass on Fixle App at present. Like Robert, I use the model and serial number on the HVAC and water heater to help determine (lookup) their approximate age. The link Robert provided is really good, plus the HVACDecoder phone app (free) also works pretty well for HVAC units. However, I do not report the model or serial number in the report and simply include the picture of the manufacturer data plate(s) in the report in case the customer is curious (saves time typing that information and eliminates the potential for error).

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Really good observations thanks @bhoefer We are looking at integration options to provide appliance data. This helps to take one option off the list.

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I, like others, only reported on the age of HVAC and water heaters. Generally speaking, most clients didn’t even pay that much attention. I have seen on a number of inspections where the buyers agent was going thru the house noting the data plate info on the other appliances for a home warranty.

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Interesting. What about appliance recall information? I would think that would be valuable. In theory anyway :man_shrugging:

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The recalls you need to be careful with. Report one and miss others could make you liable. Smoke detectors have a lot of recalls!

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That’s a good point!