Thread: Still looking to change software

I am looking for a software program that is more-or-less identical to Inspecvue in function and appearance. It also needs to take my existing inspectvue comments and transfer them over. I have pretty much demo-ed all the larger programs. I'm kinda throwing my hands up at this point.
I wonder how much it would be to create your own software? $5-10,000? more, less?

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Originally Posted by Marc M

I am looking for a software program that is more-or-less identical to Inspecvue in function and appearance. It also needs to take my existing inspectvue comments and transfer them over. I have pretty much demo-ed all the larger programs. I'm kinda throwing my hands up at this point.
I wonder how much it would be to create your own software? $5-10,000? more, less?

The program below (Home Inspector Pro) has a special port over for Inspector view and best support in the business.
Just go to the Homeinspectorpro.com message board and see how many have switched over.
Email me if you ever have any questions as we are a community of HIPPIES.

Home Inspector Pro Holiday Special - $150 OFF! - InterNACHI Message Board

Marc,

Look into 3D as their software will migrate your content from Inspectvue.

Chuck

Dont think I tried these two...will do this week thanks much.

when I finally threw in the towel on Inspect-Vue a couple of years ago, HomeGauge converted my narratives over automatically with minimal clean-up. Best move I ever did.

I stop using Inspvue.and started using MS WORD. WIZIWIG. I just added Dragon naturalyspeaking now I just walk around on the job and speak my report out and he computer types away. buy the time I walk away from the
inspection I'm done with the report.

This is so fast. takes less then 4min a room or about 10 to inspect a kitchen and type at the same time. in less then 3 hr I can inspect a 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage with a deck and I'm DONE... get back to the office install photos and the report is complete in another 30 min...

Best move ever...

Ron

Originally Posted by Ron Bibler

I stop using Inspvue.and started using MS WORD. WIZIWIG. I just added Dragon naturalyspeaking now I just walk around on the job and speak my report out and he computer types away. buy the time I walk away from the
inspection I'm done with the report.

This is so fast. takes less then 4min a room or about 10 to inspect a kitchen and type at the same time. in less then 3 hr I can inspect a 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 car garage with a deck and I'm DONE... get back to the office install photos and the report is complete in another 30 min...

Best move ever...

Ron

What is WIZIWIG?

I think he means WYSIWYG - stands for what you see is what you get

As opposed to typing in input fields and the report being compiled 'behind hte scenes'

fwiw.... I use an MS Word documnet and am very happy with it.

I tried everything
Word based docs are slow and cumbersome.
If you do over 100 pictures a job get HIP as it will load them in seconds and allow quick annotation.
You also can have defect comments show in the summary and get a nice left side index to separate sections.

Just had a fellow inspector show off his new T91 tablet that is great for click through on site reporting
if you do that.
It also runs on Mac ,which even HG does not.

I use Interspect Voice.

I walk about with a wireless mic and talk my report and when I take photos, I say "add photo" and it inserts a tag. When I put my media card into my computer, each photo just goes into the right spot.

Anone use inspectfaster?

Originally Posted by Marc M

Anone use inspectfaster?

InspectFaster ??? Never heard of it. Who makes it ?

Do you currently have a PocketPC device that you have used with InspectVue ?

Home Inspection Software - InspectFaster Home Inspection Software for Mac and Windows


Convert InspectVue Home Inspection Software Libraries

Originally Posted by Roy Cooke sr

Home Inspection Software - InspectFaster Home Inspection Software for Mac and Windows


Convert InspectVue Home Inspection Software Libraries

It was called InspectMaster before. Just do a search of InspectMaster and I think you will get your answer on that software.

Roy Cooke Sr. is correct. InspectFaster very easily converts your InspectVue libraries into InspectFaster templates. To test it yourself, just download the trial version by visiting our website at Home Inspection Software - InspectFaster Home Inspection Software for Mac and Windows.

Thanks,

Martin Hewitt
InspectFaster Home Inspection Software

It would be nice to hear from some one who use or did it use InspectFaster Soft ware and get their opinion on how well they like it .

Thanks Roy

Originally Posted by Roy Cooke sr

It would be nice to hear from some one who use or did it use InspectFaster Soft ware and get their opinion on how well they like it .

Thanks Roy

I tried it when it came out and had all kinds of bugs as the software ate up my resources.
The owner claimed it did not work well with regular PC'S. .

He also promised free copies to anyone who wrote an honest review but lied about it.
Support is non existent practically and the owner did not even write the program but paid someone to do it from what I recall.

Whenever Photos were added, the program would shut down and freeze up my laptop and I had to get rid of the thing.

The owner has been discussed many times as being unethical on different forums.

if you try it and get it to work, good luck to you.

Originally Posted by Bob Elliott

I tried it when it came out and had all kinds of bugs as the software ate up my resources.
The owner claimed it did not work well with regular PC'S. .

He also promised free copies to anyone who wrote an honest review but lied about it.
Support is non existent practically and the owner did not even write the program but paid someone to do it from what I recall.

Whenever Photos were added, the program would shut down and freeze up my laptop and I had to get rid of the thing.

The owner has been discussed many times as being unethical on different forums.

if you try it and get it to work, good luck to you.

Thanks Bob you have helped many with Your post.
Those who have it might now get it fixed and those who will not want to buy it if they do not get support.

Roy

Originally Posted by Roy Cooke sr

Thanks Bob you have helped many with Your post.
Those who have it might now get it fixed and those who will not want to buy it if they do not get support.

Roy

I just did a search into the past, but I saw a thread that it was sold one year ago.
The bitter taste was in my mouth from before then ,so perhaps things have changed.

There were many angry posts in regard to the old owner which may have caused the sale.
I will post further ,if I have time to research later today.

Originally Posted by Bob Elliott

I just did a search into the past, but I saw a thread that it was sold one year ago.
The bitter taste was in my mouth from before then ,so perhaps things have changed.

There were many angry posts in regard to the old owner which may have caused the sale.
I will post further ,if I have time to research later today.

I need to run out for an Inspection but here is the first thread I got when typing in for info.

Strongly suggest members read this post.

InspectMaster/InspectFaster Software - InterNACHI Message Board

Although this is old news (being kept alive by Bob Elliot, who apparently suffers from some weird disease that prevents him from letting go of the past), it is absolutely true that InspectMaster, which was released about 3 years ago, and was the precursor to InspectFaster, had quite a few out-of-the gate bugs, and in retrospect should never have been released until they had been worked out, and then released as a beta version once it had been released. However, I was (and still am) a working-stiff home inspector, was new to the software business, and was very anxious to release the software. It is also absolutely true that in my hurry to launch the software I inserted many narratives into the Master template that came directly from my InspectVue library, which was the software I had been using at the time. I thought because I had been using the software and made changes to what I felt were most of the narratives, I could just copy and paste them all and that all would be okay. Big mistake. I had to answer to Keith Swift for that mistake. And I apologized to him for doing it. And all the nasty stuff on the NACHI bulletin board started appearing.

Not long after that, HouseMaster of America threatened to sue me if I did not stop using the name InspectMaster as the name of the software. After going a few legal rounds with them, I decided to relent, and changed the name from InspectMaster to InspectFaster. Another painful experience.

But I kept moving forward. Over the last three years, InspectFaster has evolved into very stable, very easy to use software and is being sold at a very affordable price ($299.00). There are currently over 250 inspectors using the software, and it is a rare day that I receive a complaint from any one of them. If I do, I act immediately to make sure that they get what they need. Our customer support is excellent.

In a couple of weeks, probably around December 15, we will be releasing version 3.0, which is currently being beta-tested. InspectFaster 3.0 was written by a very experienced (and very expensive) software programmer who is at the top of his game. All I contributed was 16 years of home inspection experience and the narratives that came out of that experience. All those narratives being entirely my own, of course.

If you are an earlier user of InspectMaster or InspectFaster and have not yet upgraded to the latest version of InspectFaster, I encourage you to do so now. It is a free upgrade. If you have not yet tried InspectFaster, and especially if you are a user of InspectVue looking to make the switch over to something else and want to bring your library with you, I encourage you to try the software. I think you'll like what you see.

Thanks to all who have taken the time to read this. Hopefully this will clear the air and also help my detractors (especially Bob Elliot, who will pretty much say anything about any of the other software out there in order to help sell a copy of Home Inspector Pro) get over whatever it is that ails them, and help them to move on.

Martin Hewitt
ASHI Member 202935
CREIA Master Inspector #39
Owner, InspectFaster Home Inspection Software

I'm an MS Word man too.

Hey Ron, I like the Dragon naturallyspeaking idea. Are there different versions or levels. Which one do I need?

Originally Posted by John Dirks Jr

I'm an MS Word man too.

Hey Ron, I like the Dragon naturallyspeaking idea. Are there different versions or levels. Which one do I need?

John ,This might help... Roy

Add Nuance (nuance@reply.digitalriver.com) to your address book to ensure delivery. . Features

Now faster and more accurate
Click here to buy now ONLY $99.99!
or call 1-888-781-1189 and
reference promo code 3508548809. sorry I had to edit a lot to get the post in... Roy

Originally Posted by Martin Hewitt

Although this is old news (being kept alive by Bob Elliot, who apparently suffers from some weird disease that prevents him from letting go of the past), it is absolutely true that InspectMaster, which was released about 3 years ago, and was the precursor to InspectFaster, had quite a few out-of-the gate bugs, and in retrospect should never have been released until they had been worked out, and then released as a beta version once it had been released. However, I was (and still am) a working-stiff home inspector, was new to the software business, and was very anxious to release the software. It is also absolutely true that in my hurry to launch the software I inserted many narratives into the Master template that came directly from my InspectVue library, which was the software I had been using at the time. I thought because I had been using the software and made changes to what I felt were most of the narratives, I could just copy and paste them all and that all would be okay. Big mistake. I had to answer to Keith Swift for that mistake. And I apologized to him for doing it. And all the nasty stuff on the NACHI bulletin board started appearing.

Not long after that, HouseMaster of America threatened to sue me if I did not stop using the name InspectMaster as the name of the software. After going a few legal rounds with them, I decided to relent, and changed the name from InspectMaster to InspectFaster. Another painful experience.

But I kept moving forward. Over the last three years, InspectFaster has evolved into very stable, very easy to use software and is being sold at a very affordable price ($299.00). There are currently over 250 inspectors using the software, and it is a rare day that I receive a complaint from any one of them. If I do, I act immediately to make sure that they get what they need. Our customer support is excellent.

In a couple of weeks, probably around December 15, we will be releasing version 3.0, which is currently being beta-tested. InspectFaster 3.0 was written by a very experienced (and very expensive) software programmer who is at the top of his game. All I contributed was 16 years of home inspection experience and the narratives that came out of that experience. All those narratives being entirely my own, of course.

If you are an earlier user of InspectMaster or InspectFaster and have not yet upgraded to the latest version of InspectFaster, I encourage you to do so now. It is a free upgrade. If you have not yet tried InspectFaster, and especially if you are a user of InspectVue looking to make the switch over to something else and want to bring your library with you, I encourage you to try the software. I think you'll like what you see.

Thanks to all who have taken the time to read this. Hopefully this will clear the air and also help my detractors (especially Bob Elliot, who will pretty much say anything about any of the other software out there in order to help sell a copy of Home Inspector Pro) get over whatever it is that ails them, and help them to move on.

Martin Hewitt
ASHI Member 202935
CREIA Master Inspector #39
Owner, InspectFaster Home Inspection Software

I think just the part you admit to is enough Mark.

Now where are those free licenses that you promised so many.....?
What kind of support do you offer new users......?
Did the software guy explain enough that you have gone from knowing nothing to being an expert....?

I feel HIP is the best but also say it like it is in that many choose other fine programs out there that i feel are higher quality with good support and proven track records.

Originally Posted by Roy Cooke sr

Now faster and more accurate
Click here to buy now ONLY $99.99!
or call 1-888-781-1189 and
reference promo code 3508548809. sorry I had to edit a lot to get the post in... Roy

There is a deal going where you can purchase Dragon for $49.99 out there and I will post if I find it again.
I have been using Dragon for 5 years and it does come in handy on occasion for long narrative style reporting, such as homes with many issues.

I also recommend anyone try Active Words as it has saved me time in reports and just surfing the web.

It is a better deal than Dragon as you can have as many computers added as you wish.

This is a short cuts program that gets better the more you use it.
You can type a key letter or any combination to not only type ,but also to open files, pictures,Text,HTML codes,or whatever your imagination comes up with.
Very easy to use.
ActiveWords

I saw it for $49 on the Nuance site but that was for the "Student" version, meaning, you must prove you are an active student to do the installation.

Originally Posted by John Dirks Jr

I saw it for $49 on the Nuance site but that was for the "Student" version, meaning, you must prove you are an active student to do the installation.

How about this one......https://shop.nuance.com/servlet/Cont...aymentInfoPage

OfficeMax has Dragon available Black Friday weekend for $39.00

OfficeMax Holiday sale flyer

After reading this thread I look up InspectFaster and tried to download the sample.
I had a little trouble and sent an e-mail to Martin asking for help. To my surprise he responded very quickly, AND IT WAS SATURDAY NIGHT. I got it loaded on my Mac and played with it some, and then wanted to try to transfer my Inspectvue library over.

For a variety of reasons, and probably most if not all were self inflicted, I just could not get the library to load. Martin and I e-mailed each other at least four times and he finally fixed my problem and sent me the right file. This is all for someone that is just going to try the sample out, not even a paying customer.

I am very pleased with what I have seen so far. I have close to five years and countless hours getting my libraries to where I want them. I do not want to re-invent the wheel. I also would really like to have all of my computing done on Macs and not have to deal with Windows based laptops.

Unless something comes up that is a deal killer, I will likely purchase InspectFaster. I may wait and see him in Las Vegas in January at the ASHI conference and see first hand all the features.

Lorne Steiner was the best in customer service. He was very patient with me, and my really stupid questions. I was not only trying to learn a new software program, but I was also trying to learn Windows at the same time. I felt the same level of customer service from Martin.

While looking at the Nachi thread about the software was interesting, it really didn't change my mind about anything.
Just my experience and thoughts. Your mileage may vary.

I think so far I like inspectfaster. I will wait to see what 3.0 looks like.
I wish the guys who made inspectvue would come up with a new program.

Originally Posted by Marc M

I think so far I like inspectfaster. I will wait to see what 3.0 looks like.
I wish the guys who made inspectvue would come up with a new program.

Lorne & Keith who made InspectVue don't own the company any more, so that's unlikely. A few guys have told me the new company is coming out with 5.0, but that's been circulated for awhile so it's hard to know for sure.

Originally Posted by Dominic Maricic

Lorne & Keith who made InspectVue don't own the company any more, so that's unlikely. A few guys have told me the new company is coming out with 5.0, but that's been circulated for awhile so it's hard to know for sure.

Yes, I understand that they sold the company, just wishful thinking.
As far as the new program, I have trial tested it and it's pretty nice. That was in September. I have been in contact with a programer there who was asking for advice or suggestions for the new program. I suggested a search feature. We'll see.

I have been experimenting with Inspectfaster and am happy with the program and customer service. Martin has been very fast to respond and courteous in his replies to my questions.

Though the software is not as robust in options as some of the more popular software packages out there (and I have downloaded and tried pretty much all of them) it produces an attractive report in a reasonable amount of time. In my opinion some software packages can be overwhelming in their interfaces, options, and configurations. By design, I feel that Martin has put a lot of thought and effort into the program to develop a clean, intuitive, and easy to understand and use interface that is easily editable and not overwhelming. I am looking forward to see what the new version offers.

You guys need to try HIP, I had a choice with another reporting software and it was no match for this one.
Customize it anyway that suits your reporting needs and go.
Excellent tutorials to help out and a Service that is second to none in the industry.
Dominic has helped me more times than I can count, and don't matter what day or what time.
Easy to use and works on Mac.
Get your free trial and try it out, it will surprise you. The printed report looks excellent too and you can make it as colorful as you wish.
No need to print out the report, just Email it to the client if you wish.

Very satisfied customer.

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Originally Posted by Marcel Cyr

You guys need to try HIP, I had a choice with another reporting software and it was no match for this one.
Customize it anyway that suits your reporting needs and go.
Excellent tutorials to help out and a Service that is second to none in the industry.
Dominic has helped me more times than I can count, and don't matter what day or what time.
Easy to use and works on Mac.
Get your free trial and try it out, it will surprise you. The printed report looks excellent too and you can make it as colorful as you wish.
No need to print out the report, just Email it to the client if you wish.

Very satisfied customer.

• <LI class=active_menu>Home
• Animated Tutorials
• Features
• Testimonials
• Sample Reports
• Upload Service
• Website Hosting
• Message Board
• Pricing
• Contact Us

Marcel your absolutely right. I've been using HIP now for along time and I can honestly say once you get your library built anyone can simply write a professional narrative report with pictures in 40 mins or less. Ok 40 mins to fill in the blanks, assign library comments, assign pictures and then 10 mins or so to read your product. This software is easy to use and my reports are some of the easiest to read in the industry. Take it from me spend 600-900 on others or spend 499 or less on HIP. You won't regret it. Try it out. You can share templates with other HIP users and as long as you're not in my area I'll send you my own custom templates and you'll be up and running in minutes.

PS. I get custom support directly from the programmer. He simply takes over my desktop, fixes anything I messed up. I've even had him help me in the middle of the night on several occasions.

See my sample report at St. Louis Home Inspectors, St. Charles, Home Inspections, Manchester, Florrisant, St. Peters, Commercial Inspections

I use the Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book .
Report on site when I leave Client is happy and I am happy about 3 hours ~ .
No work at home... 11 years works for me .

Roy Cooke

Originally Posted by Roy Cooke sr

I use the Carson Dunlop Home Reference Book .
Report on site when I leave Client is happy and I am happy about 3 hours ~ .
No work at home... 11 years works for me .

Roy Cooke

Roy how much are the referrence books? Also, what software do you use for your reports?

I just downloaded the sample report system from HIP. I have to say I am less than impressed. I did not care for the ratings system of good, bad and ugly, the checkbox style and it was not at all intuitive for me to use right out of the box.

I do realize that any software needs to be tweaked, and all of them take some getting used to. However, I found this one very cumbersome and very underwhelming.

As far as Carson Dunlop books go, all I have to say is OMG! While they are impressive books, I find them way too much information for the typical home buyer, and the cost of the books is just crazy to use as a regular inspection report. I used to use a paper reporting system, and realized what I was paying each year and got a little sick.

While I do think that paper reports are a great tool for people starting out, because they keep you on task and make it very clear when you have not inspected something, they are very expensive in the long run.

That said, before I switched to a computer system, my life was much simpler, and I did not have to deal with computer or internet issues and head aches.

I played with the InspectFaster software some more this weekend, and will likely go with that one. While I really like Inspectvue, I am concerned about what may happen when they finally go down the tubes.

I pay about $35;00 Canadian per book in lots of 100 .
I have no soft ware.

Yes I know that works out at $3,500;00 per 100 inspections .
I also spend about 300 hours per 100 inspections
From what I read others with soft ware spend about 500 hours per 100 inspections plus the cost of the soft ware .
I also have read w by an expert witness in Court 42 times 39 where Computer generated and only three where check list reports.
I must be doing some thing correct as I seem to have very satisfied customers as I charge $450;00 per inspection in an area where all charge less then I do and some as low as $250;00 .
Incedently the Expert has all different computer programs and he too uses a check list report.
This Inspector is pleased with the check list.
No way will I change .
Hope I answered all your questions and thoughts .
Roy Cooke

Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann

I just downloaded the sample report system from HIP. I have to say I am less than impressed. I did not care for the ratings system of good, bad and ugly, the checkbox style and it was not at all intuitive for me to use right out of the box.

I do realize that any software needs to be tweaked, and all of them take some getting used to. However, I found this one very cumbersome and very underwhelming.

As far as Carson Dunlop books go, all I have to say is OMG! While they are impressive books, I find them way too much information for the typical home buyer, and the cost of the books is just crazy to use as a regular inspection report. I used to use a paper reporting system, and realized what I was paying each year and got a little sick.

While I do think that paper reports are a great tool for people starting out, because they keep you on task and make it very clear when you have not inspected something, they are very expensive in the long run.

That said, before I switched to a computer system, my life was much simpler, and I did not have to deal with computer or internet issues and head aches.

I played with the InspectFaster software some more this weekend, and will likely go with that one. While I really like Inspectvue, I am concerned about what may happen when they finally go down the tubes.

Jack, I wouldn't say it's fair to comment on a program less than 20 minutes after downloading it (that's not including the time to download and install it). Did you at least watch the one tutorial on the overview of Home Inspector Pro? The ratings can easily be changed or removed. Click on Report Settings->Ratings. You're definitely entitled to your own opinion but we have several thousand users in 13 countries and 5 languages, and dozens of templates and I've yet to hear of anyone who hasn't liked it (but I've had quite a few users switch from other programs being discussed to ours).

It sounds to me that you like InspectFaster better because it's very much like InspectVue (which is why Keith Swift has discussed suing them), from how the program works to how the end report looks. If you'd like me to put you in touch with guys who've switched from InspectVue, just let me know and I'll provide you with a long list of guys you can talk to. I understand staying with what's comfortable, but I'd make sure the tech support and program is there. Take it for a spin on some live inspections and make sure it works properly. Look at some other important issues, like how often the program is being updated, how long it takes between versions like 2.0 and 3.0.

Check out our message boards: Home Inspection Software - Home Inspector Pro - Home Inspector Pro Forum - Index . I believe it's the largest of any software , and the only one open to the public, BEFORE purchasing. You can talk to any current users.

Originally Posted by Dominic Maricic

Jack, I wouldn't say it's fair to comment on a program less than 20 minutes after downloading it (that's not including the time to download and install it). Did you at least watch the one tutorial on the overview of Home Inspector Pro? The ratings can easily be changed or removed. Click on Report Settings->Ratings. You're definitely entitled to your own opinion but we have several thousand users in 13 countries and 5 languages, and dozens of templates and I've yet to hear of anyone who hasn't liked it (but I've had quite a few users switch from other programs being discussed to ours).

It sounds to me that you like InspectFaster better because it's very much like InspectVue (which is why Keith Swift has discussed suing them), from how the program works to how the end report looks. If you'd like me to put you in touch with guys who've switched from InspectVue, just let me know and I'll provide you with a long list of guys you can talk to. I understand staying with what's comfortable, but I'd make sure the tech support and program is there. Take it for a spin on some live inspections and make sure it works properly. Look at some other important issues, like how often the program is being updated, how long it takes between versions like 2.0 and 3.0.

Check out our message boards: Home Inspection Software - Home Inspector Pro - Home Inspector Pro Forum - Index . I believe it's the largest of any software , and the only one open to the public, BEFORE purchasing. You can talk to any current users.

Jack download my sample you may have a change of mind. It's customized and it's a breeze to do a report in no time at all.

St. Louis Home Inspectors, St. Charles, Home Inspections, Manchester, Florrisant, St. Peters, Commercial Inspections

Jack, you did not spend enough time in the sample.

Believe me, I was a computer illiterate not to long ago, and even this Caveman can do it and like Dom said, the good the bad and the ugly can be removed or changed to something like Billy has. Check out Billy's sample.
I don't do many inspections and switching to a paper report to software like Dominic's was hard for me to accept due to all the computer knowledge required, but something not Software Companies would do is spend the time and energy to talk you through it.
I still have a lot to learn, but after a few hours of use, comes along just fine.
Dominic has even taken over my computer to fix problems not even related to HIP and while in there update the software.
Now this is a service you will not find elsewhere.
I agree that one has to go with something he is comfortable with, but this software sure pleased me after about the fifth time I used it and just keeps getting better.
Bob and Billy have Master the program, and me just a slow learner in computers, but would not trade it in for anything.

Like the saying went to Mikey, Try it You'll Like It.

Originally Posted by Marcel Cyr

Dominic has even taken over my computer to fix problems not even related to HIP and while in there update the software.
Now this is a service you will not find elsewhere.

DM is always available, does not sleep.
He gives freely of his vast knowledge and has saved me $100's in things like SEO and other non-report issues.
My webpage soared to the top of Google search page with guidance from DM, given out for free.
The program is customizable and it is good. The support when you need to get something out and you hit a glitch is probably the most important issue with computer software, IMO.

I agree with everyone about Dom and his software. He's a great guy and very committed and vested in his product. The help and knowledge he has provided home inspectors is outstanding. I also think that HIP has one of the best methods of handling pictures and inserting them into reports out there. I would probably be using it except for two things:

1. I use a significant number of drop down boxes in my comments and the current version does not offer that option, though Dom did let me know the option is on its way soon.

2. There are no aliases or shortcuts for comments. This is a personal preference on my part, but I find it hard to scroll over all the comments to find the one I need when each comment is represented by its starting sentence. So, for example, if I have a comment regarding a defect such as an open ground instead of just scrolling to a alias (e.g. the word open ground) on the list I have to read the sentences or remember where the comment appears on the list. Even though other software programs also do this I personally find that they way the comments available for selecting are displayed on the HIP interface make them hard to read and choose.

If anyone has any tips on this I would consider using HIP. But in my personal experience with the program, without aliases or shortcuts the program interface feels too unwieldy for me to comfortably and efficiently use.

For now I will continue to migrate to Inspectfaster from InspectIt.

Originally Posted by Thomas Hauswirth

I agree with everyone about Dom and his software. He's a great guy and very committed and vested in his product. The help and knowledge he has provided home inspectors is outstanding. I also think that HIP has one of the best methods of handling pictures and inserting them into reports out there. I would probably be using it except for two things:

1. I use a significant number of drop down boxes in my comments and the current version does not offer that option, though Dom did let me know the option is on its way soon.

2. There are no aliases or shortcuts for comments. This is a personal preference on my part, but I find it hard to scroll over all the comments to find the one I need when each comment is represented by its starting sentence. So, for example, if I have a comment regarding a defect such as an open ground instead of just scrolling to a alias (e.g. the word open ground) on the list I have to read the sentences or remember where the comment appears on the list. Even though other software programs also do this I personally find that they way the comments available for selecting are displayed on the HIP interface make them hard to read and choose.

If anyone has any tips on this I would consider using HIP. But in my personal experience with the program, without aliases or shortcuts the program interface feels too unwieldy for me to comfortably and efficiently use.

For now I will continue to migrate to Inspectfaster from InspectIt.

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the kind words. You're right, we pride ourselves on tech support and helping the inspector community (even those that don't use our software). Make sure any program you do buy has someone around during the day. Programs like Jeff Knights, HomeGauge, and ours always have someone available. Some of the others have no one during the day as they may be working somewhere else, or have switched to email only.

The drop down box feature is about to go back out to our beta testers to try out with final release next month. I had hoped to have it done this month but I've been building a new website for CREIA which has been taking up quite a bit of time. We have several other large features which are being finished up as well, like the search feature Bob Elliott and others have asked for, our new diagram drawing section and much more. The fact that it includes residential, commercial, mold, septic, pool and many other templates and the way the program handles photos (batch add hundreds of photos in seconds) is a big drive to the program. We are also now fully integrated with InspectionSupport.net (the beta testers have this version at least, public will be soon).

Home Inspector Pro's features are controlled by the HIP community. When someone suggests a new feature it's discussed by inspectors on the board to make sure we're not creating a bloated program (as a few programs have become). We don't add a feature without going through the guys first. The alias option was brought up by someone awhile back and there wasn't a single other person who thought it was a good idea. It was unanimous that it would just complicate the program (even by the original poster). What we did instead was add an option to make the column widths adjustable. Make sure you have the columns set 1 so that you can see the first 20 words or so of your narrative. Hovering over them will show you the rest of the comment. Also, if you downloaded in the past, make sure you have the most up to date version. We update every 2-3 months and have a major 2.x to 3.x update every 2.5 to 3 years. If you can show why a 3-4 word description beats out the first 20 words of a narrative, please bring it up on the boards and see if other guys support it.

Also, most guys sort their comments (hit Edit Comments) by using the move up/down button and some even add separators to section off comments within an area. It makes things stand out more.

Marc,

Or anyone looking for software. One thing to make sure of!! Whatever system or software you choose to use make SURE when all is said and done your report meets your chosen SOP's. It is amazing how many inspectors post sample reports that contradict themselves and/or do not even come close to meeting their associations SOP's or State's SOP's.

Chuck

Correct, I only spent a very little while trying to get a feel. However, I have done that with Homegauge and 3D as well, and managed to work with it pretty quickly.

It may be that I am just tired from a long weekend away from home - or maybe not.

I will keep an open mind, and will try it again.

About customer service, please look at my previous post about InspectFaster.

But I have to say, it will be an uphill road for me, because frankly, I didn't care for the layout in the first place. I'm not saying its a flawed product at all. I'm also not saying that the one I'm using is the best on the planet. I'm just saying that from the brief glance, it does not appear to be to my taste.

I spent several years being a report verifier for ASHI. I probably looked over several hundred reports. I have to say that most narrative reports look very similar anyway. For someone to sue someone else because the reports look the same seems like a hard battle to fight.
Software similarities is another thing, but the report format?? They all are pretty similar IMHO.
For the longest time Pillar to Post forms did not fully meet the ASHI SOP. It was pretty funny (to me anyway). They were missing the location of the gas supply.

Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann

Correct, I only spent a very little while trying to get a feel. However, I have done that with Homegauge and 3D as well, and managed to work with it pretty quickly.

It may be that I am just tired from a long weekend away from home - or maybe not.

I will keep an open mind, and will try it again.

About customer service, please look at my previous post about InspectFaster.

But I have to say, it will be an uphill road for me, because frankly, I didn't care for the layout in the first place. I'm not saying its a flawed product at all. I'm also not saying that the one I'm using is the best on the planet. I'm just saying that from the brief glance, it does not appear to be to my taste.

I spent several years being a report verifier for ASHI. I probably looked over several hundred reports. I have to say that most narrative reports look very similar anyway. For someone to sue someone else because the reports look the same seems like a hard battle to fight.
Software similarities is another thing, but the report format?? They all are pretty similar IMHO.
For the longest time Pillar to Post forms did not fully meet the ASHI SOP. It was pretty funny (to me anyway). They were missing the location of the gas supply.

That is actually funny. I know .. we have to say where everything is ....but seriously ... who the heck cares where the gas meter is located outside. Maybe if there is a main shut off in the house or a manifold to shut individual items or the whole house off. Again, I have never been asked by anyone where the gas meter is.

I am sure you meant shut off .. right?

Originally Posted by Bill Boerner

Jack download my sample you may have a change of mind. It's customized and it's a breeze to do a report in no time at all.
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Bill, do your standards require you to report on, vapor barriers, condition of walkways, drive and patio surface, combustion air for the gas furnace and water heater, condition of HVAC filter, presence of heating and cooling in every habitable room, and functional water flow?

Regarding what Dom said,you want a program with support and you need to check what others are saying before spending any amount of money.
If Inspect faster or what ever alias it is being sold under this quarter is purchased do you think a working Inspector that did not even design the program and stole narratives will be able to help you much when you need it.

I see nothing but trouble ahead.
Anyone that wants help with HIP is free to contact me or Dom as he is always one Google chat and ready to help.
The program is very easy to use and does more than anything else out there.
just check the samples and see the index for instance and think how easy it makes surfing the report for both your client and their Agent.

Though I don't use HIP for my inspection software, I do use Dominic for my websites. The guys are right. Dominic is always there to answer any questions and even fix the problem himself! It's as if he is my personal web guy - available 24/7. I personally don't see how he manages to have that kind of personal service with so many clients.

Like I said before, I use Interspect Voice. Steve is in the DFW area and is very responsive when it comes to the software. He's gotten on my machine remotely several times only to find out that I was the problem He's even gone beyond the call of duty and corrected other problems with my machine unrelated to inspecting. He's added several of my suggestions to make Interspect better.

Use the software that works best for you - obviously. But make sure you use a product that has excellent support.

I couldn't be more happy with Steve or Dominic

Bruce

*Bruce Thompson is not a paid actor playing the part of an inspector. No animals were hurt in the making of this email.

What I am NOT looking for is any check boxes that describe issues. For example, common cracks.
Check boxes are okay for describing finishes etc... But not for issues. Too subjective.
I want an all narritive report and the option for pics at the end of side of report comments.
Oh yea, searchable comments, the kitchen sink and a bucket of chicken.
Anyone seen eInspections™ software? It's pretty nice.

Originally Posted by Marc M

What I am NOT looking for is any check boxes that describe issues. For example, common cracks.
Check boxes are okay for describing finishes etc... But not for issues. Too subjective.
I want an all narritive report and the option for pics at the end of side of report comments.
Oh yea, searchable comments, the kitchen sink and a bucket of chicken.
Anyone seen eInspections™ software? It's pretty nice.

Hey Marc,

Dan & Chris are the guys who own eInspections and InspectionSupport.net. The are great guys. We just finished a new version of our program which integrates with their InspectionSupport.net (ISN). They are extremely hard working and if you like their program, I'd highly recommend them.

Originally Posted by JB Thompson

Though I don't use HIP for my inspection software, I do use Dominic for my websites. The guys are right. Dominic is always there to answer any questions and even fix the problem himself! It's as if he is my personal web guy - available 24/7. I personally don't see how he manages to have that kind of personal service with so many clients.

Like I said before, I use Interspect Voice. Steve is in the DFW area and is very responsive when it comes to the software. He's gotten on my machine remotely several times only to find out that I was the problem He's even gone beyond the call of duty and corrected other problems with my machine unrelated to inspecting. He's added several of my suggestions to make Interspect better.

Use the software that works best for you - obviously. But make sure you use a product that has excellent support.

I couldn't be more happy with Steve or Dominic

Bruce

*Bruce Thompson is not a paid actor playing the part of an inspector. No animals were hurt in the making of this email.

Thanks Bruce You worked hard to get your site to where it is (#1 on Google). I just helped guide you!

Ted,
Yes I did mean the location of the main shut off valves.

I actually do have a lot of clients that make it a point to find out where all that stuff is, both the out of State folks, and the ones that follow me around.
JF

Dom,

I am going to download another trial version onto my new laptop and try what you suggested. As always your posts are helpful, positive, and informative.

Originally Posted by Dominic Maricic

Hey Marc,

Dan & Chris are the guys who own eInspections and InspectionSupport.net. The are great guys. We just finished a new version of our program which integrates with their InspectionSupport.net (ISN). They are extremely hard working and if you like their program, I'd highly recommend them.

Hey Dom,
You use their software now? It appears fairly simplistic and user friendly, which is a plus.
Also, I get requests from time to time to go to your area...PM me with some info and I can send the agents your way if you're interrested.

Originally Posted by Thomas Hauswirth

Dom,

I am going to download another trial version onto my new laptop and try what you suggested. As always your posts are helpful, positive, and informative.

Sounds good. Let me know if you have any questions!

Originally Posted by Marc M

Hey Dom,
You use their software now? It appears fairly simplistic and user friendly, which is a plus.
Also, I get requests from time to time to go to your area...PM me with some info and I can send the agents your way if you're interrested.

Hi Marc,

No, I'm the owner and main programmer for Home Inspector Pro, not an inspector We do have a ton of inspectors out here using our program though, so let me know if you need a referral. Where are you located?

I work closely with the Chris as we've integrating their InspectionSupport.net (awesome system) into our software.

Originally Posted by Thomas Hauswirth

I agree with everyone about Dom and his software. He's a great guy and very committed and vested in his product. The help and knowledge he has provided home inspectors is outstanding. I also think that HIP has one of the best methods of handling pictures and inserting them into reports out there. I would probably be using it except for two things:

1. I use a significant number of drop down boxes in my comments and the current version does not offer that option, though Dom did let me know the option is on its way soon.

2. There are no aliases or shortcuts for comments. This is a personal preference on my part, but I find it hard to scroll over all the comments to find the one I need when each comment is represented by its starting sentence. So, for example, if I have a comment regarding a defect such as an open ground instead of just scrolling to a alias (e.g. the word open ground) on the list I have to read the sentences or remember where the comment appears on the list. Even though other software programs also do this I personally find that they way the comments available for selecting are displayed on the HIP interface make them hard to read and choose.

If anyone has any tips on this I would consider using HIP. But in my personal experience with the program, without aliases or shortcuts the program interface feels too unwieldy for me to comfortably and efficiently use.

For now I will continue to migrate to Inspectfaster from InspectIt.

Tom,
I would have to agree that these 2 features are a necessity to managing comments for an inspector. Especially if they are looking at being able to select them while they are doing their inspection in the field using the software.
The key is being able to have the most amount of comments possible to handle almost any scenario you run into but be able to manage them in a way so that it does not take a lot of searching and scrolling to find the one you are looking for.
Our software has had both of these features for over 5 years. You need to have a comment that has dropdown boxes or what we call picklist items in them. HomeGauge calls theirs SmartText. It enables the inspector to have one comment that can really be hundreds of comments. It contains the "meat" of the comment but then may contain some dropdowns for more specific areas of the comment. A real simple example may be "The inspection was limited due to ^limits^." and the dropdown ^limits^ contains a list of words or phrases you can pick from to finish and customize this comment. It is much better then having 20 or so comments that would cover the possible comments instead. This was one of the major flaws in InspectVue in my opinion.
The alias idea is also very important. We call it "Comment Labels". You can have a single word or two or even some short hand code that you have used in the past to represent a specific comment. It is at the beginning of any comment and helps you easily distinguish the comments from each other if they become rather long. This is not required and is an option for the inspector but is used extensively by our customer base.
Thirdly...which was not on your list but you also need to be able to group the comments together. With our system for example you can group all the comments for when you are inspecting the house and you are in the "Exterior" Section and in the "Siding" Step you can group all the comments pertaining to wood siding together and the aluminum siding together etc. This makes it faster and easier to find the comment you are looking for and makes it much more easily manageable.
We also manage pictures much better by letting the inspector tag them AS they are doing their inspection so that the pictures get embedded in the report when it is created automatically. No need for manual placement or even labeling them. It does not get any easier.
Sometimes just relying on the inspectors to decide what features are added to your software is not enough. As a software developer you need to really understand what they do and how they do it and hopefully ideas will come into your development process that will make sense for them. If these ideas do not make sense to them they will let you know.

Originally Posted by Martin Hewitt

Although this is old news (being kept alive by Bob Elliot, who apparently suffers from some weird disease that prevents him from letting go of the past), it is absolutely true that InspectMaster, which was released about 3 years ago, and was the precursor to InspectFaster, had quite a few out-of-the gate bugs, and in retrospect should never have been released until they had been worked out, and then released as a beta version once it had been released. However, I was (and still am) a working-stiff home inspector, was new to the software business, and was very anxious to release the software. It is also absolutely true that in my hurry to launch the software I inserted many narratives into the Master template that came directly from my InspectVue library, which was the software I had been using at the time. I thought because I had been using the software and made changes to what I felt were most of the narratives, I could just copy and paste them all and that all would be okay. Big mistake. I had to answer to Keith Swift for that mistake. And I apologized to him for doing it. And all the nasty stuff on the NACHI bulletin board started appearing.


Interesting you should drop your product support.
InspectFaster Technical Support

Not very Industry Standard.

Not long after that, HouseMaster of America threatened to sue me if I did not stop using the name InspectMaster as the name of the software. After going a few legal rounds with them, I decided to relent, and changed the name from InspectMaster to InspectFaster. Another painful experience.

But I kept moving forward. Over the last three years, InspectFaster has evolved into very stable, very easy to use software and is being sold at a very affordable price ($299.00). There are currently over 250 inspectors using the software, and it is a rare day that I receive a complaint from any one of them. If I do, I act immediately to make sure that they get what they need. Our customer support is excellent.

In a couple of weeks, probably around December 15, we will be releasing version 3.0, which is currently being beta-tested. InspectFaster 3.0 was written by a very experienced (and very expensive) software programmer who is at the top of his game. All I contributed was 16 years of home inspection experience and the narratives that came out of that experience. All those narratives being entirely my own, of course.

If you are an earlier user of InspectMaster or InspectFaster and have not yet upgraded to the latest version of InspectFaster, I encourage you to do so now. It is a free upgrade. If you have not yet tried InspectFaster, and especially if you are a user of InspectVue looking to make the switch over to something else and want to bring your library with you, I encourage you to try the software. I think you'll like what you see.

Thanks to all who have taken the time to read this. Hopefully this will clear the air and also help my detractors (especially Bob Elliot, who will pretty much say anything about any of the other software out there in order to help sell a copy of Home Inspector Pro) get over whatever it is that ails them, and help them to move on.

Martin Hewitt
ASHI Member 202935
CREIA Master Inspector #39
Owner, InspectFaster Home Inspection Software

Not very Industry Standard.

Interesting you should drop your product support.
InspectFaster Technical Support

Originally Posted by Thomas Hauswirth

I agree with everyone about Dom and his software. He's a great guy and very committed and vested in his product. The help and knowledge he has provided home inspectors is outstanding. I also think that HIP has one of the best methods of handling pictures and inserting them into reports out there. I would probably be using it except for two things:

1. I use a significant number of drop down boxes in my comments and the current version does not offer that option, though Dom did let me know the option is on its way soon.

2. There are no aliases or shortcuts for comments. This is a personal preference on my part, but I find it hard to scroll over all the comments to find the one I need when each comment is represented by its starting sentence. So, for example, if I have a comment regarding a defect such as an open ground instead of just scrolling to a alias (e.g. the word open ground) on the list I have to read the sentences or remember where the comment appears on the list. Even though other software programs also do this I personally find that they way the comments available for selecting are displayed on the HIP interface make them hard to read and choose.

If anyone has any tips on this I would consider using HIP. But in my personal experience with the program, without aliases or shortcuts the program interface feels too unwieldy for me to comfortably and efficiently use.

For now I will continue to migrate to Inspectfaster from InspectIt.

Thomas,

Check out Interspect Desktop with the voice module. I set the laptop in the kitchen and wear a wireless Plantronics microphone. For issues that I see commonly, I've created a
"QuickText". Each of these quicktext sentences (or paragraphs) has a voice tag so I merely say, "Add Ceiling Cracks" and the text goes into the document at the proper place. I then take a photo and if it looks OK, I say "Add Issue Photo" and a placement marker goes into the proper spot. Later, I insert my SD card into the computer and Interspect places all of the photos in their proper spot.

If you choose not to use the voice module, each quicktext can be labeled with the alias (voicetag) and you can scroll through the alias' to select the one you want.

Bruce

Originally Posted by JB Thompson

Thomas,

Check out Interspect Desktop with the voice module. I set the laptop in the kitchen and wear a wireless Plantronics microphone. For issues that I see commonly, I've created a
"QuickText". Each of these quicktext sentences (or paragraphs) has a voice tag so I merely say, "Add Ceiling Cracks" and the text goes into the document at the proper place. I then take a photo and if it looks OK, I say "Add Issue Photo" and a placement marker goes into the proper spot. Later, I insert my SD card into the computer and Interspect places all of the photos in their proper spot.

If you choose not to use the voice module, each quicktext can be labeled with the alias (voicetag) and you can scroll through the alias' to select the one you want.

Bruce

$1,000 is a nice chunk of change.
From the report sample I see no summary page or index.
It is not much of a finshed product considering you still need to download to the computer.
With HIP you just tap into a preset template that you can customize on the fly (you can have as many templates as you wish) and have a great looking report that helps you market ,rather than some check listy looking product.

Half that price and free always there personal tech support.

Originally Posted by Bob Elliott

$1,000 is a nice chunk of change.
From the report sample I see no summary page or index.
It is not much of a finshed product considering you still need to download to the computer.
With HIP you just tap into a preset template that you can customize on the fly (you can have as many templates as you wish) and have a great looking report that helps you market ,rather than some check listy looking product.

Half that price and free always there personal tech support.

Not wanting to get into a discussion here about personal preference; however, there are index and summary documents. They are there for the using. If you're looking at my sample report on my website, I don't believe I put a table of contents on there and I only send the summary with the completed report.

There are also preset templates that are customizable. My report is anything but "check-listy". With that being said, in Texas our form is mandated by the state.

I'm not sure what is meant by, "not much of a finshed product considering you still need to download to the computer." ?? But whatever you meant by it, you're wrong.

I like Dom and use his web services; I think he's great. But I don't personally care for HIP. Unlike you, I'm also not trashing other guy's stuff either. I am merely offering a suggestion to a question posted by Thomas.

Bruce