Which Inspection Report?

[Derek Grace]

Hey my fellow Inspectors, I am just starting out and need some advice on which reporting system to use. I am currently training on the Matrix deluxe but I'm not convinced I like it, as I spend more time checking boxes rather than looking for potential problems. Also it is pricey.

Any suggestions.

Derek Grace. :confused:

[Bruce Ramsey]

Hey my fellow Inspectors, I am just starting out and need some advice on which reporting system to use. Any suggestions? :confused:

There are about dozen software packages. Download the free trials and play with them. Once you buy, delete all the canned comments and replace with your own wording.

This topic has been discussed endlessly. It is similar to the Ford, Chevy, Dodge debate. Which is best depends on your flawed logic and personal tastes.

Search the forum for previous discussions.

[Yevgeny Govshievich]

I'm using Horizon Report by Carson & Danlop.

[Jack Feldmann]

I used ITA reports for many years. It is/was a very good reporting system. If you are just starting out, and take the time to read all of the possible check boxes for each category, you will probably sharpen your inspecting skills somewhat.
The good thing about the Matrix reports, is it kind of forces you to look at things (because you have to fill in the boxes. There are also spaces to write additional comments. When I used the report system, I used blank General Notes pages to write a Narrative of my findings in a summary fashion.
I changed reporting systems several years ago, for several reasons:
1. The relatively high cost of the reports.
2. I wanted to change over to a computer reporting system.
3. A customer service issue I had with ITA.

I think using the Matrix reports for so many years sharpened my skills, and the ability to deliver on site reports. While many inspectors can't understand how some of us can deliver on site reports, its really just a difference of comfort zones.

I suggest you use the Matrix reports for the first year, then convert to a computer based system after you have been inspecting a while. The main reason I suggest this method, is because the ITA reports are printed out, and you can easily see if you have missed something. Its not nearly as easy with a computer based program.

[Bob Elliott]

Home Inspector Pro.
Home Gauge
3 D

I use HIP because they are the best looking final product and work great with large amount of picture files (very fast edit).

Users of the other two seem to be the happiest after that.

Try all 3 and see what you are most comfortable with.

Everything also depends on your reporting method .
PDA
Tablet
Notebook
Desktop
Online
At home

[Erby Crofutt]

Ah, the never ending topic!

-

[Christian Mettel]

Home Inspector Pro.
Home Gauge
3 D

I use HIP because they are the best looking final product and work great with large amount of picture files (very fast edit).

Users of the other two seem to be the happiest after that.

Try all 3 and see what you are most comfortable with.

Everything also depends on your reporting method .
PDA
Tablet
Notebook
Desktop
Online
At home

I agree with you Bob.

Derek, try them out - they all have a trial period. See which one fits your style the best. Personally, I've been using Homegauge for over five years now and have been happy with it.

Christian

[Lisa Endza]

Home Inspector Pro.

[Derek Grace]

Thanks for the input, good suggestions to ponder over,;)

[Dominic Maricic]

Home Inspector Pro.

Thanks Guys (and gals) :D