Inspection software - InspectionNews

Ed Moore · #1 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007, 09:44 AM

As a new home inspector, I'm Curious about which software members are using and what features they like best about their choice.
Thanks!

Chad Fabry · #2 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007, 11:13 AM

Hi Ed,

I use InspectExpress. I like it because it's so malleable. I can easily add or change boiler, add custom comments and photo insertion is a breeze.

All of the major programs have features like this...it boils down to what you're comfortable using.

Everyone has a demo program to try.

The topic has been discussed ad infinitum...do a search. There's plenty to read.

John Arnold · #3 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007, 11:50 AM

Ed - This version of the board isn't very old, but there is an archive from the previous version you can search - click on "Message Board" in the right hand column and you'll see "Board Archive" at the bottom. It has some quirks, so be patient, but there's a huge amount of info there.

Scott Patterson · #4 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007, 03:53 PM

I use 3D and have so since it was in DOS! The verbiage out of the box is typical Inspector Speak, I have changed about 90% of the canned verbiage.

Works well for me.

wayne soper · #5 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007, 04:46 PM

Homegauge, the software and the guys behind it are the best. Try it. I have never had the type of service they provide. You are missing out by not looking into this. Wayne

Nolan Kienitz · #6 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007, 06:42 PM

I have to put in my $0.02 worth as well.

I use the Whisper Solutions product. They have two releases ... Whisper PI and Whisper Reporter. Reporter is the new release that has been out about a year.

Very customizable (is that proper spelling?). But, as indicated ... it is what works best for you and what you are comfortable with.

They (like many of the other providers) have a download you can take home and play with. Whisper downloads, as many others, have "full" capability for you to demo for ~ 30-days.

Whisper Computer Solutions, Inc. - Home of WhisperPI, Property Inspection Report Software

If you click on the first part of the link you will go to WhisperSolutions. If you click on the "end" portion of the link you will go to HomeGuage. Something about putting such links on the IN board that does this.

JB Thompson · #7 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007, 08:29 PM

I use Interspect Voice Interspect Voice

I can speak to my computer through a wireless headset and add photos while doing the inspection.

I've been using it for 5 months.

The support has been great and they have gone over and above for me.

My .02 cents,
Bruce

Brandon Whitmore · #8 (**permalink**) 09-22-2007, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Homegauge, the software and the guys behind it are the best. Try it. I have never had the type of service they provide. You are missing out by not looking into this. Wayne

I second that.

Joseph P. Hagarty · #9 (**permalink**) 09-23-2007, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wayne soper

Homegauge, the software and the guys behind it are the best. Try it. I have never had the type of service they provide. You are missing out by not looking into this. Wayne

Agreed

Rick Vernon · #10 (**permalink**) 09-23-2007, 11:38 AM

Ed,
I have used Palm-Tech for several years on a Dell Axim X51v and am happy with it. You can do (oh I hate to say it ) on site reports with photos.

wade chapman · #11 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007, 08:39 AM

Hi Ed, I Like Nolan use Whisper Soultions Products. I have been using them for 4 years now and I am every happy with these products.

Ed Moore · #12 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007, 09:34 AM

Thanks guys for all of the great responses. Keep them coming.
Now for my next question. Does anyone have experience with or opinions about the "InspectNOW" software?

Bob Elliott · #13 (**permalink**) 09-24-2007, 08:37 PM

Ed.. never tried the above mentioned.
Home gauge does have a great rep as do the others.
Whisper seems to be a favorite in Texas.
I use Horizon which is the best on-line software , fast and plenty of illustrations built in to make the report look great.
That being said I am not sure why I would ever need a word based program as one can load canned comments and such on to a cheap multi-clipboard program and have greater control of the final product.
If that is what you are looking for however then Inspect Master is cheaper at I believe 599.00.
If you just want to get your feet wet and practice go over to Report Host for at least 10 free copies.It is web based but not PDF enabled which is probably the preferred delivery method for the pros.

Lewis Capaul · #14 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 07:28 AM

I use InspectVue, although I was going to switch to Home Gauge this spring until I fell for another promise about the release of the new Version 5, which is now a year and a half past the original announced release date. I'm beginning to believe that there is no Version 5 and that Porter Valley only promises the new version to entice people to pay the $250 annual fee in hopes of seeing it. The last release date announced was June 20, Lorne says, once again, that it's all Microsoft's fault and that he continues to have problems getting the new version to run in Vista. A software company that can't get their product to run in any new operating system in 18 months may not be worth dealing with. In February I will switch to Home Gauge if there is no Version 5.

Matt Fellman · #15 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lewis Capaul

I use InspectVue, although I was going to switch to Home Gauge this spring until I fell for another promise about the release of the new Version 5, which is now a year and a half past the original announced release date. I'm beginning to believe that there is no Version 5 and that Porter Valley only promises the new version to entice people to pay the $250 annual fee in hopes of seeing it. The last release date announced was June 20, Lorne says, once again, that it's all Microsoft's fault and that he continues to have problems getting the new version to run in Vista. A software company that can't get their product to run in any new operating system in 18 months may not be worth dealing with. In February I will switch to Home Gauge if there is no Version 5.

fwiw.... Vista is a nightmare. I just had to upgrade all of my fairly new software because it wasn't Vista compatible. New Quickbooks, Adobe, credit card processing software and others. It ended up costing more than the computer itself... It must be nice to have a monopoly...

You're right though, 18 months is a long time to get their act together. I think the smaller software companies are the ones who really get shafted by Vista. They just don't have the manpower (or knowledge?) to completely update they're product quickly.

wade chapman · #16 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 11:17 AM

Ed Go to Whisper Computer Solutions, Inc. - Home of WhisperPI, Property Inspection Report Software and down load the Wisper reporter and Wisper image lite try free for 30 days. you will get the full version it will save you time and money

Bob Elliott · #17 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 05:43 PM

Wade ..why is it that all the Texas inspectors swear by Whisper yet outside of that not to many.
I mean are there special sections for cattle and oil rigs, or whats the deal here.

Rick Hurst · #18 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Elliott

Wade ..why is it that all the Texas inspectors swear by Whisper yet outside of that not to many.
I mean are there special sections for cattle and oil rigs, or whats the deal here.

Those special sections are just right out in the rear yard.

Bob,

I guess I'm one of the few who don't use Whisper. Have had Inspect-It program for years and quite happy with it.

Any other TX inspectors that may be using Inspect-It program, I heard that Brian Murphy is having a seminar this Friday somewhere around the Dallas area to show you how to get the most out of the program. You can find his number on the TAREI website and maybe give him a call to be sure.

rick

JB Thompson · #19 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Those special sections are just right out in the rear yard.

Bob,

I guess I'm one of the few who don't use Whisper. Have had Inspect-It program for years and quite happy with it.

Any other TX inspectors that may be using Inspect-It program, I heard that Brian Murphy is having a seminar this Friday somewhere around the Dallas area to show you how to get the most out of the program. You can find his number on the TAREI website and maybe give him a call to be sure.

rick

I'm from TX and I don't use Whisper

. I used the InspectIt program until about 5 mos. ago and switched to Interspect Voice. One of the neat features is that it allows you to go through the house room by room and then the software places everything on TREC form where it needs to go.

You'll find that each inspector likes the one he/she is using. Most have a free trial period. Look at them all and then make your choice.

Bruce

Rick Hurst · #20 (**permalink**) 09-25-2007, 06:59 PM

Bruce,

My son has a new Toshiba Life Book, and it has voice recognition on it. The only thing is that it doesn't comphend the Texan language very well.

Seriously, I would make the trip from Dallas to see you in use of the program you have on a job. I'll even buy your lunch.

Think about it for me.

Rick