It seems like a good idea but I guess it’s a little more complicated if you use Smart Text in the deficiency description. The advantage seems to be that it’s fast and easy. What are the drawbacks?
In my mind deficiencies have more to do with condition.
I will have limitations in styles and materials mainly for the reason you stated, fast and easy.
Chris, if the type is a defect, like ribbed dryer vent, I guess you don’t put a link in the S&M description, but go to that section and add that comment separately?
Kenton, I just starting adding auto comments to the style and materials. I use them for general information/descriptions. For example if its an older home and I can see the dryer plug I’ll identify it as a 3 or 4 prong/slot plug. If its three then an auto comment is added to alert the client that newer dryers usually have a 4 prong plug and you may need to change it. Not a defect but some helpful info. Same goes for hardboard siding/FPE panels/PB pipe a generic description and some of the issues associated with the product goes in the report as an FYI. Any defects are listed separately. I’m kind of split on where to slot them so some go under that item and others go into the general comments for that section.
Yes, where to draw the line is what I’m trying to decide, as with dryer vents where ribbed plastic or foil or aluminum accordion is bad but at the same time it’s a matter of identifying the type of vent.
Seems a lot easier and faster to just enter the information once in a format that’s simple to read and have an auto comment automatically inserted where it would go anyway. But if it were kinked, I wouldn’t put that in Styles and Materials. That’s a defect but not a style or material.
Correct, I don’t include any links in the S&M section. I identify type of vent pipe, flexible vinyl, flexible foil, rigid metal, etc.
Then if it is flex vinyl I note this in the comment section as a fire/safety issue and recommend to replace it with rigid smooth wall metal pipe, check Repair/Replace box (automatically goes to summary). The comment also includes a link to Clothes Dryer Venting Safety, and this illustration.
Ive never listed defects in the Style and Material Section - sort of keeps it clean and simple. Wondering what you use the auto comments for in the styles though. There are only a few examples of each thing, do you find it easier to auto comment as opposed to just clicking on what the material is in a list of 6, 8 or even 10 things?
Well since I just “discovered” this feature I haven’t yet got an established protocol. However I’m not trying to add everything at one time, add as needed and sometimes work on sections.
As for the dryer vent type I would agree if it plastic or foil that should be written up every time and go under the item it relates to as a defect. Quick easy and consistent.
I didn’t mention it before I also use the style/materials to identify limitations. Attic Inspected method, from platform…“That attic was inspected from the platform only, for safety the inspector does not…”
If you attach an autocomment to an item in the Styles and Materials, it doesn’t change the styles and materials list any, it just automatically inserts the autocomment where it would go anyway, so the report doesn’t end up looking any different, but you enter the information with one click instead of two or three.
That’s my understanding.
I’m begonning to think that if it’s a style or material that would be mentioned in the S&M anyway, if as such it’s a defect, I’m going to attach an autocomment and save having to go to a particular section, find the comment and insert it.
I use it when I want to comment on a S&M. Examples would be Solid Aluminum wire, FPE, Zinsco, and Poly. If you select the material then it automatically adds the appropriate comment.