John,

The largest amount of time taken besides the actual inspection I believe is the note taking process.

My son for example when he takes his notes writes down everything as if he was actually typing the report. BIG waste of time in my opinion and I cannot break him of that habit.

I jot down everything in a short hand type notes and save the lead or ink.

You might even create yourself a cheat sheet to use. For example, have a form for yourself to use that has check boxes beside a description. I personally find that most of the time we're actually writting down the same types of notes on every inspection so a cheat sheet does save some time.

Writting reports also seem a time consumer for most. I think we all get into trying to come up with the most perfect description, that we get idle quite often. I've learn to write it up as I see it and move on.

As far as walking into the inspection, you have got to take control of the situation. Tell persons what you'll be doing and ask them to talk to you at the end of the inspection so you don't take the chance of missing something important. DON'T CHIT CHAT

I'll give buyers note pads and ask them to jot down things that they have questions about and we'll cover them at the end of the inspection. Some I'll give a disposable camera to and a tape measure and they'll find something to do.

The kids and the pets don't bother me, its the adults.

Rick