I usually start in the kitchen and while I'm turning on the dishwasher and checking out the range, etc. I take care of getting the contract signed and usually finish the small talk then. If the client follows me around, I may keep the dialog going, but I don't stop what I'm doing. I'm able to walk, talk, and inspect at the same time.

If cars need to be moved, I usually find out right away and let the sellers know. I don't wait until I need to get into the attic, etc before I ask them to move it.

Child proof covers? I will carry my screw driver in ne hand and my outlet tester in the other. I pop one off, test the outlet and put it back. If the house is vacant, it stays on the floor. I don't usually test both sides of the outlet, and may not check every outlet in a room. (SOP do not require us to check every one.)

I guess I don't have that many sellers that are not walking out the door when I get there. I don't have to wait for many showers, etc. If I do, I just do the other parts of the house first.

My report system has most of the stuff already put in, so I really only need to pay attention to the stuff thats wrong. I also use a short hand in my note pad, if I don't input it directly to my pocket PC. I really only pay attention to the bad stuff, because of the way I have my system set up.

It takes me maybe 30 - 45 minutes to input the data from my pocket pc, input photos and finish up the report, and post it to the web, then I'm on to the next job.

It sounds like you need to have more boilerplate or pre-done parts to the report if it's taking you 2-3 hours just to write the report. It sounds like you are trying to reinvent the wheel on each job.

For instance. My bathroom section has everything working just fine already done. I input the counter top material, where the GFCI reset is, and I'm done - IF there are no problems. If there are, I just hit one of my pre-sets, for instance "Toilet is loose at the guest bathroom". My prest has "Toilet is loose at ............ bathroom" I just select that item and type in "guest". Takes a few seconds.

The rest of the house is the same way. I input materials and locations for items, but really only have to input something extra if something is "wrong". Saves me a bunch of time. Time is money after all.

JF