My style is basic, even bare bones.
Reports observations are condensed of what you see.
Observation: Foundation crack. Vertical, diagonal, Vertical/diagonal/step, lastly horizontal.
Gap diameter, and other characteristics, are added when required.
Recommendations the same thing. Professional trades, RBQ licensed, Bonded technicians, Joe six pack…
Limitations are important.
Did punch list, or check list reporting allow one to develop a narrative?
From what I recall, pictures/illustrations were scarce.
Roy, Claude, Len, any points of view?
When I started inspecting homes I used the paper checklist in a plastic letter clip board I had received from PHII to follow SoP.
As well, members I mentored were given the paper checklist in a plastic clip board to help them follow a preset routine.
I found it to be extremely useful and followed that inspection routine for almost 3 years.
Many home inspectors who are not a member of any association like the C & D System .
Home Reference Book in Soft Cover
$59.00
The soft cover Home Reference Book has been the industry standard since 1989 with 480 pages that are easy-to-read, supported by 550 color illustrations.
And for those who use electronic reporting devices, the Home Reference Book is also available in “Soft” format to use with the kindle software: Great reference to have on hand. Works with Android and IOS.
I do not like to use CD on tablets to do on site reports.
Same goes for reading material on site.
I prefer to come back to the office and review the findings.
Of the clients I have Claude, I can tell you about 1/3rd actually use the report as a maintenance list after purchasing.
It may be more, but I’ve only had feedback from that 1/3rd.
I know of at least 20 clients that didn’t do a thing in the report, as I’ve had 20 inspections on homes I had performed an inspection on previously which had a list of must do’s and nice to do’s of which after 3 & 4 years none were done.
Thanks Len, I base my experience where perhaps a handful at best actually followed up on my recommendations.
I had one call back from a small claims judge in my area where I thought oh no! But low and behold upon arrival he was very friendly and showed me all the items I had listed as being fixed. This was about 6 months after taking possession of the home. He commented to me how much he actually appreciated my “narrative” style report. Just the facts, no filler. Good to know that some people actually read the reports, but I expect realistically should we not expect anything less by a judge of all people?
