I use a check list.
One page each for : kitchen, laundry room/area, each bathroom, each bedroom, other rooms, attic, crawl space (never seen a basement), electrical, plumbing, HVAC, Roof, exterior, grounds and misc. Then I photo everything in question and some things not in question. I make notes on each page as needed, I also use a voice recorder in the attic and crawl space ( easier than pen and paper). Back at the office while reviewing the notes and photos I write the report, which for me is the most time consuming.

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Rick Cantrell
Columbus GA