Originally Posted By: Andy Crossfield This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Many folks on this board have asked about inspection software. I am sure you have noticed that it is not cheap! Lots of inspectors need a good software package but it is so expensive starting out many programs are not feasible.
There is a company that sells software at a reasonable price. go to www.homeinspectorsoftware.com and find programs as little as $99.95! They also have a better program for $249.95. It may not fit your exact needs but it produces an emailable report with photos for half what other programs charge.
Originally Posted By: dbush This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I have been using this software and highly recommend it. It does have some format issues that cannot be changed, but it works well and the clients and realtors like that you can put the pictures right in the report with good captioning, etc. It has a good invoicing program, etc. If you are looking for a good inexpensive starter software, this is the way to go.
Originally Posted By: gbeaumont This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Erol, I looked at this package a while ago, and it did not fit my needs, but if I remeber correctly is is not compliant for PDA’s as I do not think it will operate under either windows CE or tablet XP, but also I think you need to think long and hard about how you will use a software reporting system before you get too far down that path. I myself started out looking at PDA’s and mobile printers but could not live with the software/hardware limitations, I now use a touch screen small laptop, (soon to be upgraded o a tablet PC) and a full size printer running through a power inverter when I need on site reporting capabilities.
Originally Posted By: ekartal This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks Gerry for your feedback. I am so new to the business that I’m still going out with other inspectors and learning all the things we didn’t learn in school. I have good qualifactions for this profession. My frustration is that I have no idea what kind of reporting system to use at all. I know it would look professional to use a computer and I like the idea of a touch pad hand held, but what kind of software? What kind of touch pad? Looking for something fairly simple to start out with but has quality.
Originally Posted By: Pat Murphy This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
My company is currently developing an inspection application for handhelds. During our research we found that there is no standard or limit as to what type descriptions, amount of information, or citings. There are only so many things that can be inspected but the variety of documentation is across a wide spectrum.
We are not home inspectors but rather a software development company. We have inspectors assisting us in design, flow and format but even with that there is disagreement.
An inspection platform for a PDA is a daunting task but is doable with great input and a lot of patience. I have read many of the posts here and see that there are some common complaints about flexibility and such. At some risk I would glady accept any comments about functions currently absent on the market. Even if it falls into the category, I wish we had.... many times it's already done but in some other form.
I'm not here to sell. Those are informed decisions you make on your own. I would like some feedback here or through email.
Thank you
Pat Murphy
uplynx.com