Is there any software that’s not a subscription? I was using EZ Home Inspection software, and even at that rate i feel like Inspection report software is simple enough that it shouldn’t need to be a constant expense.
1 Like
Yes. Read some forum posts from the past two days and you will see multiple options with no subscription.
5 Likes
It is simple enough but the expense comes from all the bells and whistles they want you to buy. Cloud reports, automated emails, contract signatures, payment processing, accounting . . . The list can go on and on; the question is how deep do you want to go. I do everything in house so I don’t need all those frills. You may be different?
5 Likes
Exactly why many veteran inspectors design their own templates, for their own use, with Word, etc…
Of course, most of these inspectors do not use On-site reporting/Mobile reporting BS.
For all these new inspectors searching for Report Software, they should not only review the FREE TRIALS, but they should also review SAMPLE REPORTS from inspectors that actually use the software. You need to see the END RESULTS that your Clients will be paying for!!
4 Likes
Gerhard, to begin, I’m an InterNACHI Vendor and software developer. We recently released InspectorPrime (https://inspectorprime.com). We offer a one-time purchase of our system and after that you maintain the system in your own Airtable account (that requires its own subscription). We purposely built on Airtable so that we could reduce the expenses of our users and so that they control their data as we never store, view, or access your data. Pure one-time purchases are Whisper and 3D which largely output word processor type reports that save you time with templates. After that, it largely becomes about developing your own template within a word processor like Jeffrey mentioned.
That’s the problem, I was a contractor long before i was a home inspector, that business is still in full swing and I already have all the digital signatures and payment collection stuff covered. All I need is a report writing software, many have suggested doing a word template but I feel like that would take away a competitive edge as far as quick delivery of the report goes.
How quick do you want to deliver the report?
1 Like
My reports are emailed (pdf) within 24 hrs. I “sleep” on the report before I post it the following morning. If the competitive edge your looking for is speed you are headed down the wrong path. The same day reports written by a phone app are usually seriously deficient. The competitive edge you need, particularly when starting out, is thoroughness!
Check out George Wells HI software:
5 Likes
Same day, at least.
Gerhard Thielmann,
Neckar Valley Company
905-926-2139
Why? You think that will make you competitive? Good luck with that!
I deliver reports the same day as well.
I use 3D inspection software which is not a subscription type of software. You buy it, you own it.
I’ve been using it for over 22 years.
I do pay $149.00 a year that covers use of MS cloud services, any updates and support if needed.
1 Like
Same day reports are more or less expected now. And if they aren’t in your area, you will have a huge competitive edge by providing them.
How do you get to the point of same day reports? In order of importance…
- Don’t over-schedule yourself.
- Use a modern software that allows you to work on the report onsite using a mobile device.
- Use your phone for pictures and have them go directly into your report.
- Develop a great template that flows with you through the inspection on your mobile device.
- Develop a great narrative library that eliminates repeated typing of the same information.
- Use a software that provides some integrated back-office functionality, so you can accomplish administrative tasks quicker and more accurately.
5 Likes
Not sure what you mean here…. for 20+ years I did two inspections a day on an MS Word based report and had them both sent and was in the driveway in time for dinner.
I’ll begrudgingly concede the newer reports look nice and have some good functionality for the end user but I don’t feel I save any time at all with Spectora vs. my old template. Granted, after 20+ years I was pretty quick at the old way. Whatever you go with, you’ll get good at it.
And fwiw, I regularly ask agents I know well if they like the old or new format (Spectora or MS Word-PDF). 95%+ of the time if they’re older 35 they like the old way, under 35 the new way. Basically, the olds like basic and the youngsters like all the clickable things.
2 Likes
I’ve updated the list for you so it is more encompassing.
3 Likes
You have updated the list with things that don’t make sense to most competent inspectors. But if that is how you roll, than you do you!
Morning, Gerhard. Hope to find you well and in good spirits today.
1: Running a business comes with expenses.
2: Most often…You get what you pay for.
I was paying $69.00 dollars a month for a full subscription to home inspection reporting and home inspection business software. Reports are kept for 7 years. No extra cost.
As well, Carson Dunlop has been in business since 1978 and is one of the oldest and largest home inspection companies in North America. In business almost 50 years says a lot.
1: Typically/usually/normally, a professional subscription provider, and you have to look around, cuts down on one’s liability.
AI: Home inspection report software providers have potential liability for their products. Primarily, through the concept of Errors and Omissions (E&O). While they aren’t directly responsible for the accuracy of the inspection itself, which is the home inspector’s job to entail, they could be held liable if their software contains errors or flaws that lead to faulty inspection reports and subsequent damages, similar to any other product liability case. ReportHost sues Spectora again I think Nexus is another one.
All said without prejustice.
Paying $69.00 dollars a month for all the Horizon offers only makes sense.
Good luck with your endeavors.
Yup, like many inspectors out there… old and outdated!!
3 Likes
What are the chances of you being willing to share that template?
Shoot me an email - [email protected]