Report writing

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#1

Originally Posted By: rstephens
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Ok I have learned a lot in the past couple of months about electrical systems plumbing, framing, and marketing as well as a lot of other stuff.


I cannot find anything on report writing. I have checked out Homeguage and it seems to have most things laid out. I still need some tips from you Veterans out there, or a link where I may be able to find this information.


Another thing that may help would be sample reports that I can read. feel free to email them to me if you do this please put Report in the subject line as I don't usually open attachments.

Thanks ahead of time.

#2

Originally Posted By: ecrofutt
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Mine’s on the website.


No need to open attachments!

Enjoy.

--
Erby Crofutt
B4U Close Home Inspections
Georgetown, Kentucky
www.b4uclose.com

#3

Originally Posted By: rstephens
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Thanks alot I will check it out.

#4

Originally Posted By: jhorton
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I will make one suggestion that has servered me well in Appraising an in Home Inspection. Write what you see and NOTHING ELSE!


If you see a crack, say you see a crack. Don't elaborate or speculate. Of course there is some leeway there but this rule has served me well.

--
Jeff <*\\><
The man who tells the truth doesn't have to remember what he said.

#5

Originally Posted By: jhagarty
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icon_question.gif

–
Joseph Hagarty


HouseMaster / Main Line, PA
joseph.hagarty@housemaster.com
www.householdinspector.com

Phone: 610-399-9864
Fax : 610-399-9865

HouseMaster. Home inspections. Done right.
#6

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Joe H.


I agree with Jeff. Speculating on the cause of deficiencies is more likely to get you in trouble. I do agree on writing the clause about professional evaluation, recommend monitoring, recommend correction...etc.

Telling them what you see and recommending a course of action is likely to be the best course of action.

Joe Myers

#7

Originally Posted By: nlewis
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I agree with Joe H. We should be able to come to a logical conclusion as to the cause of a problem. I believe that is an integral part of the inspection process. If there is no logical reason or if you can’t figure it out, state that in the report.


I also believe that if you don’t put in the extra effort to figure out a problem or an unusual situation, you are limiting your own learning process. I have always included a reason for problems in my reports, and have never been called on it.

#8

Originally Posted By: mpatton
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I agree with Joe’s approach:


[quote]Deficiency: 60 Amp Fused service noted.

Why: 60 amp Fused service may not be adequate for the current needs of the home.

Recommendation: It is recommended that the electrical system be further evaluated by a qualified professional prior to closing.[quote]

In the event that the cause is not readily identifiable I will document it as such and recommend further investigation.

Example:
Deficiency: Excessive moisture located in the basement in the corner of the exterior finished wall and the finished wall separating the family room and bath. Paint is peeling, no visible water however the Moisture meter reading is above 20%. See Photo etc.

Recommendation: Cause is not readily identifiable, recommend further investigation by a licensed contractor.

This identifies that the source is not known and allows the client to choose their course of action with the information provided.

During the verbal explanation I would also offer that it is a high probability some of the finished wall coverings (destructive) will probably need to be removed, for further investigation.

--
Michael Patton
AA Home Inspection
Serving Northern KY & Greater Cincinnati OH

AA@AAHomeInspection.net
www.AAHomeInspection.net

#9

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Joe H, Neal,


I for one do not consider a fused panel a deficiency. I maintain that fuses are much safer than breakers which they are. Just because it is old does not mean it is not safe. I would consider that a poor example to say the least.

While I do believe it is ok to say it is a fused panel, or even to venture to say that it may not be adequate for this size house I would not say it is deficient. If I thought it would be possible it was overloaded, or overheating I would call for an evaluation by a professional, or even a load calculation but deficient....NEVER! Unless of course it had sparks flying out of it..... icon_biggrin.gif

Joe Myers

#10

Originally Posted By: nlewis
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Joe M,


While we're splitting hairs... I didn't really agree with the fuse box example, but I did agree with the intent of providing some substantiating info rather than just "stating the facts". nachi_nachi.gif

#11

Originally Posted By: rstephens
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Thanks for the help fellow HI’s you may not know it but you are really helping me with tips on writing reports I like the examples keep it up.

#12

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Neal,


I know, I was just razzing you and Joe H. Joe H and myself take two entirely different approaches to home inspections.

I tend to use the word, safety hazard because they are my main concern. Most items people can pay to have defects fixed, only safety hazards are a concern from my standpoint because if they are not fixed they may not be around long enough to enjoy the home they purchased.

I am very careful of what I call a defect or a deficiency, mostly because you are leading people to prioritize what is important. Meaning they may ask for the vertical crack in the foundation to be repaired when in fact they are more likely to get shocked from the lack of GFCI protection in the bathrooms and kitchen. When I find something that should be fixed regardless of who pays for it, I call it out as a SAFETY HAZARD! It gets the message across to the client, this is important. The rest of this stuff you can pay someone to fix, you can't pay someone to bring back the dead!

Sometimes in our quest to be the best or the smartest inspector we lose sight of what is important, like LIFE. In keeping with the simple mind theory, I like to keep the report simple too!

Joe Myers