Originally Posted By: ecrofutt This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
YOU have to decide what YOU are comfortable with, paper based or computer based.
I wouldn't spend the money for a Palm Pilot. If you are going to go computer, just spend the money for a laptop and printer. In the long run, I think you'll find it faster.
I don't think there is a consensus. There are usually both paper based and computer based, on site and off site delivery, in just about every market I'm familiar with.
Originally Posted By: ekartal This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert,
I'm rather new and use Palm-Tech software for my home PC.
I take field notes on site, prepare report at home then e-mail report.
I would refrain from on-site reporting for a while until you get used to the business. You may get nervous and possibly omit something important. Or print something you wish you could take back. You get the picture.
But like Erby said, do what you feel is best for you.
Originally Posted By: gsutterfield This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert
Since you are new do you feel comfortable giving them the report at time of inspection ? When I started 8 years ago I never handed out a report at time of inspection and still don't . I felt more comfortable taking my notes back to the office thus allowing me time alone to review same and reflect on how I wanted to report my findings . I believe by doing this you can submit a more thorough report with less chance of leaving something out no matter how important it might or might not be .
When questioned by the client as to why They couldn't get the report at that time I simply informed them I wanted to provide the very best service I could and felt a hurried report submitted on site was not in their best interest. To date no one pushed the issue
Originally Posted By: rpalac This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Gary, Erol and Erb
Thank you for the great input.
I have done a lot of commercial reporting in the past. I have also done about ten years worth of private residential consulting on home inspections. The difference , now that I'm trying to be legal with all the law's, sue happy people, and liability factors, I want to try to get the act together correctly.
From what information I have gathered some states do not even allow the check list type of inspection. They require a narrative report , and E&O insurance prefers this as well.
I've always felt that an individual using this type of reporting was not giving full service for information. (I hope I didn't offend anyone if they use that system, just an opinion.)
I respect the fact of taking the time to reflect and produce a much more sanitized thorough report than shooting from the hip and trying to get out the door.
I will take your advise seriously and in all, I probably will do the report from a lab top ( not yet purchased) or my home PC where I can sit back and go over my notes without a time constraint or some one breathing down my neck.
I see that people seem to lean toward the Palm-Teck, 3-D Inspection system, Inspect Vue R3, Nstpetor, Quick start 2000 Home and so many others It's difficult to know which is best suited for my needs.
I would like to keep it so that I can add pictures and insert my own language. At the same time I'm looking for something that is also well set up with add in defaults or selections.
Originally Posted By: rbracklow This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert,
I don't know if you have made a decision yet, but let me suggest ReportHost software. It is a computer generated software that you download onto your PC (after signing up of course) which is very professional. It cost you nothing except $5.00 per report. They give NACHI members, 30 free reports, and for someone like you just starting out, I think it's great.
Originally Posted By: dvalley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Robert,
Do yourself a favor. Download the following Palm-Tech software and try it out. I think it's fantastic. Every section/component of this software can be revised to your preference. I say no more.
http://palm-tech.com/Product%20Info/DownloadDemo.htm
Originally Posted By: ecrofutt This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Almost every computer based system will either let you download a demo program or will send you a demo CD.
For example, the Palm-Tech download is actually the entire full program with some hidden code to cause the words "SAMPLE REPORT" (or some such wording) to be printed across all pages.
NONE of the software programs I looked at had default language that suited me.
Plan to spend quite a bit of time inputting your own language.
Originally Posted By: Robert Alexander This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Hi Robert,
I have personally chosen InspectVueR3. I use a HP iPaq PocketPC handheld on-site and pocket-sized memo pad and camera to capture everything I need. The PocketPC has a narrative library on it and syncs with the InspectVue software on my laptop.
I agree with mot posts here regarding delivery of report - within 24 hours from Inspection I deliver report either:
a) electronically (via Acrobat PDF - no one can alter the report vs. Word document or other word processing format)
b) build a 3-ring binder hard copy (ship via USPS Priority mail) and fax copy immediately after completion.
Not doing on-site (particularly since I am new to this business) allows me to reflect on my inspection and what I want to write ensuring a higher quality report.
Any always keep in mind when considering reporting software - you get what you pay for.
Originally Posted By: eharden This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
a) electronically (via Acrobat PDF - no one can alter the report vs. Word document or other word processing format)
FYI, you can password protect any MS Word document that you create. I currently use a custom Word document for my reporting system. (Though I may consider looking at "Report host.com" in the future.) I would be glad to share my technique with anyone interested.
Originally Posted By: dfrend This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
They seem to love it, so far I have done only 5. But the agents love it too. Most people have internet access so it is easy to access. And If you use pictures, arrange them in one column for ease of printing. I have yet to have anyone not have access to the internet, but if someone wants a printed version, my color printer will do it great with pictures and all. The reports are not on “secure” sites, but with my numbering system only a hacker could view the report easily.
Originally Posted By: msaari This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I offer two different reports to my clients. I tell them I can either give them an on-site check box type of on-site report, or I can offer them a computerized in-depth Non-Check box type of report which they will have usually the same day, or at 8:00am at the latest. They always go with the computerized in-depth report. And the cost is only an additional $10.00… (Laugh)
Originally Posted By: Jeff Skeels This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Just a quick note. PDF files can be altered if you have the correct software such as PDF Writer and PDF distiller.
Also, thanks for all the great information on this site and discussion boards. I am considering getting into the business and this site has been most helpful in answering a lot of questions. thanks.