Originally Posted By: mbartels
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My advice is to just make your own.
If you like the ameri-spec report, just make your own copy. Of course you will have to change some things around as to not interfere with copyrights. This can easily be done on Word, Publisher, or I have heard of some other software but can’t remember which one.
I have mine done in Publisher, but it can be done in word also. I think that a check list can be great if laid out nice. The biggest beef I had was the lack of comment area. I combined styles from ITA’s Matrix, AHIT, Home gauge, Ameri-spec, US Inspect, and some others I had never even heard of. Go through all the reports you can find and take what you think is best from all of them. melt it all together, and come out with a great report that no one else has that works perfect with the way you inspect.
The problem with commercially available reports is that they try to please every one. If you make your own, you can make it area specific, and inspector specific.
What I believe makes my report better than the average checklist is the fact that…
It is easy for myself and my client to read.
It is a lot better than spending an extra 20-30 min typing and printing
Under every sub-title there is a comments section. (why do you need boiler plate info?)
EX.
BATHROOMS
Sink(s)
Water Flow SATISFACTORY POOR
VISIBLE Pipes LEAKING YES NO
FAUCET LEAKS YES NO
line for write in________________________
COMMENTS:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Toilet(s)
etc. etc. etc.
All things labeled POOR or comments are transferred to summary page when I go over report with the customer.
The simple fact of adding a comment line under every thing gives me the speed of a check list with the ability to write in odd defects or anything not typed into the report. All POORs are in orange and all SAFETY HAZARDS are printed in red. This way it stands out for me and my client. Also helps me not miss anything for the summary page.
With all that said, the checklist has only one drawback I have found.
This shows up when you go into a house that is very old and has a lot of problems. Sometimes there is so much crap to report that a narrative would be a little nicer.
On the other hand I don't like doing these anyway. I feel as though I am ripping off the customer. I am very honest when people call and actually turn a lot of work away because of this. I just don't feel right charging some one over $300 bucks when we both know the place needs a full renovation.
HVAC- Recommend HVAC contractor re-evaluate boiler. (75 years old)
Electrical- Rec sparky ( Elec 60 years old )
Plumbing- Rec plumber (Pipes 60 years old, water heater 25 yrs old)
Roof- Recommend roofer (roof 30 years old and leaks like crazy)
These people don't need a home inspector, they need a licensed contractor to do a full renovation.
I'll stop now.