Hey all. I have spent 20 years in the construction industry but finally decided to do something a little easier on my body. I passed my state home inspector exam this past Tuesday so now I am trying to get everything else lined up. I am on the process of getting my insurance right now but some of the companies want to know what my reporting software is. I was wondering what reporting software you all might recommend. I would really like to get my business started just after the first of the year. Thanks for any recommendations
This page is a good place to start. It list 12 companies you can read about as well as other helpful information.
https://hinarratives.com/narrative-library-formats/choosing-inspection-software/
Some allow you to pay as you go, others are a significant commitment. Changing mid stride once you have been using one particular software is also challenging.
For the record, I do not do on-site reporting and I use HomeGauge. However, they are moving towards cloud services and onsite reporting. Best of luck.
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Hi James, welcome to InterNACHI. Where are you located?
I have tied the pay-as-you-go software ( Carlson Dunlap) and it was great for getting started since it was only $20-30 per month for a few inspections, but once I got busy I switched to purchased software ( HIP ) around $700 or so at the time and it was fine for several years, as I used it through several versions. I’m currently using subscription software ( Spectora) at around $100 per month.
As Brian Mentioned, it is a hurdle to relearn a new software platform so you may want to look at several options before you choose. Many software companies offer a free trial period.
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Welcome to our forum, James!..Enjoy and participate. 
Our very own Kenton Shepard put together a commentary on choosing software, here:
https://hinarratives.com/narrative-library-formats/choosing-inspection-software/
Ask for some free trial samples. Many vendors are willing to do that to help you decide.
Good luck!
EDIT: I didn’t see Brian’s comments on the same subject…Oh, well. 
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Hey Bert, I just moved to Knoxville, Tennessee a few months ago. It wasn’t that far of a move though. I grew up in Gatlinburg. What part of Tennessee are you from?
James, read his signature. (Serving Knoxville TN and East Tennessee)
You can make a signature, also. It helps get business. Here is how:
SIGNATURE: Click on your face in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then click on your name to the left of the bell. Then click on preferences. Then click on profile and scroll down to signature and fill out the information that you want to appear under every post that you make. AND LAST, scroll to the bottom of the page and click SAVE CHANGES.
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When I click on my picture in the upper right hand corner there is nothing that pops up to the left of the bell.
Get software that easily can be changed to fit your needs as your needs change as you progress and change in your profession.
The computer should work for you, not you for the computer. Same goes for the software.
Narratives do not fit every inspection and should be easily modified.
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Hi James. What a small world. We are practically neighbors.
Give me a call if you want to get a coffee and talk about launching your new career. You are welcome to join me on some inspections as well if you are ready for some hands-on practice and get some practical experience.
Also visit this forum often and read people’s questions and answers. I learn a lot from the awesome contributors who share their knowledge and wisdom. Welcome to the best home inspector resource in the world.
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Try this James (forget the name):
SIGNATURE: Click on your face in the upper right hand corner of this page. Then click on the bell. Then click on preferences. Then click on profile and scroll down to signature and fill out the information that you want to appear under every post that you make. AND LAST, scroll to the bottom of the page and click SAVE CHANGES.
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That sounds great. I would really appreciate the chance to get with you on a few of your inspections as well as talk with you about starting a new inspection business in the area. Thanks so much
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Click on your picture/logo circle at the top right, on the left side of the drop down is a “person” shaped icon, that is the preferences. Click that icon, then the “settings” gear icon (doubles as preferences). Next page: on the left side column, click profile, scroll down to bottom and find the “My Signature” box. Fill it in. On the same page click on “account” to add a profile picture and other things. Hope that helps. Don’t forget to "save changes"
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James and a couple other up-and-coming inspectors , Ryan and Terry, joined me today at a couple houses to get some more experience.
Each house provided plenty of items to fuel interesting discussion and sharing.
The first house had multiple water management issues and foundation cracks to investigate. We did some mold sampling and looked into the basement ceiling under the bathrooms to follow up on some moisture measurements taken on the bathroom floors.
The realtor for the second inspection texted during our first inspection, less than two hours before his scheduled time to cancel because he didn’t have the water turned on.
Rebels that we are, we inspected that 1950 flip house anyway and as a bonus we even did a B&E on the pad-locked crawlspace because NOTHING stops this inspection class. 
WTF of the day was found in the attic. A bath room ceiling vent fan was covered not only by layers of fiberglass batt, but a table leg, part of a car exhaust, and other random junk.
Fun was had by all.
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Afterwards we went to diner for a debriefing and I got a call from a price-shopper for an 11th month inspection. I put her on speaker-phone and turned the charm on full-blast and tried to convince her to hire us instead of the low-ballers because not all inspectors are equal and my sample reports and 100% 5-star reviews prove we do the best inspections in town. I emailed her an 11th month sample report for a home similar to hers.
Before you do an awesome home inspection, you have to get a paying customer. I think talking about this is important also. Surviving in business is more than being good at the inspection.
We are inspecting her house Wednesday.
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Very cool. 