Results 1 to 22 of 22
  1. #1
    Jonathan Clevenger's Avatar
    Jonathan Clevenger Guest

    Default NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Hi everyone! I'm going to be starting a home inspection buisness within the next couple months, and I've been looking at quite a few different programs. I've downloaded lots of demos, tried seeing what I like/dislike, etc.

    As of right now, I'm leaning towards AHIT's InspectIT software, but I also kind of like the Nspector software.

    Has anyone used both? Opinions?

    Anyone that uses either of them, what do you like/dislike?

    Thanks in advance!

    Similar Threads:
    Member Benefits1

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Memphis TN.
    Posts
    4,311

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Jonathan,

    Welcome to the board.

    If you haven't, You might want to check out this other thread.

    http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_i..._software.html

    It Might have Choked Artie But it ain't gone'a choke Stymie! Our Gang " The Pooch " (1932)
    Billy J. Stephens HI Service Memphis TN.

  3. #3
    David Banks's Avatar
    David Banks Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Hi Jonathan. I use AHIT and like it a lot. It is based on word format. You can download pics easily. They have boiler plate drop downs which you are able to edit. You will change many as your experience grows.
    Mass just upgraded their standards of practice and I found AHIT covered most issues. Good program but my only complaint is the time to do a report can be lengthy. I think with the word format there is too many hand movements.
    Merry Christmas.


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Rockwall Texas
    Posts
    4,521

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Jonathan,

    I also use the Inspect-It program. I've tried others along the way but always come back to Inspect-It for use.


  5. #5
    Jonathan Clevenger's Avatar
    Jonathan Clevenger Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Do you guys that use the InspectIT software use a pocket pc with AHIT's handheld software also?


  6. #6
    Aaron Miller's Avatar
    Aaron Miller Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Jonathan:

    I also use InspectIt. The program is OK, but their support is lackluster. I spent years trying to communicate with their head programmer (we'll call him Gary - because that's his name) to no avail. Like with most software designers, the end user's opinion is not as important as the geek's. They know squat about this business but refuse to listen.

    If I had it all to do again I would choose my software v-e-r-y carefully. The reasons are legion. Let's look at a few. Most, if not all, incorporate a client database with a report comment database. Both of these databases will contain information that you will input or (in the case of the report comments) at least customize. Should you later choose to send the squint-eyed designer his software back along with a small pipe bomb you will then be stuck with databases of important information that are not easily (if even possibly) exported to other softwares.

    "Support" is a euphemism where AHIT (and maybe all of the companies) is concerned. Yes it is a real concept insofar as you pay real money for it, but it is rarely, if ever, forthcoming in any helpful or constructive sense of the word.

    Look around. There are lots of contenders for your several hundred dollar investment. Use whatever demo versions you can for as long as you can in order to better familiarize yourself with the foibles of each. Choose the lesser of the evils.

    Aaron


  7. #7
    David Banks's Avatar
    David Banks Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan Clevenger View Post
    Do you guys that use the InspectIT software use a pocket pc with AHIT's handheld software also?
    Not me. I take pics and notes. Feel more comfortable doing report at home.


  8. #8
    David Banks's Avatar
    David Banks Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Quote Originally Posted by Jonathan Clevenger View Post
    Do you guys that use the InspectIT software use a pocket pc with AHIT's handheld software also?
    Not me. I take pics and notes. Feel more comfortable doing report at home.
    I did not have same experience as Aaron. Support was pretty good and even returned my calls a couple of times. They even had a live tutorial you could call in for and then get on line and watch software and ask questions.
    This was 4-5 years ago.


  9. #9
    Jon Randolph's Avatar
    Jon Randolph Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    I have been using Report Plus almost from the beginning. I have looked at many other programs, have installed trial versions, played with them, etc. and keep coming back to Report Plus. I have very heavily modified the template and most of the comments in the program. I would recommend that you at least modify the comments to suit your style of writing. I have added many, many comments to make the inspection easier and more fail safe. For example each of the following items have their own boiler plate comment to identify what is wrong and how it should be:

    Single Wall Vent -No Hood- <18"
    Single Wall Gas Vent W/Hood- <6"
    Single Wall Oil Vent W/Hood- <9"
    Double Wall Vent <2" to Combust.
    Type B Vent <1" to Combust.
    Flue Pipe Slope 1/4" per Foot
    Type B Vent Over 10" Horizont.
    Single Wall Vent <7.5' Horizont.
    Stove Pipe Support Every 36"
    Stove Pipe Over 10' Horizontally
    Stove Pipe <36" To Combust.

    Instead of just using the "clearance to combustibles" comment that the program came with, it helps you remember what each clearance should be and identifies each individually based on the vent type.

    I have modified the template so that the report appears nothing like the original and I utilize all 21 sections of the report so that each menu is not so long. It makes it easier navigating the comments and finding the one that I want. I also like that each comment inserted can be immediately modified to further identify the situation if needed.

    I do not use a hand held device, it is not as customizable as using a lap top and you do not have the location option for each comment.

    My only complaint is the amount of time that it takes me to perform an inspection, but a-lot of that can be blamed on my analness (is that even a word?). I document every flaw that I find (other than aesthetic items like peeling wall paper, unless it appears to have been caused by a leak or something). It takes me about 4 hours at the average 10yr. old 2000 sq/ft. home on a slab.


  10. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Georgetown, KY
    Posts
    538

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    WWW.HOMEGAUGE.COM was my choice after using Palm-Tech for a couple of years.

    Erby Crofutt, Georgetown, KY - Read my Blog here: Erby the Central Kentucky Home Inspector B4 U Close Home Inspections www.b4uclose.com www.kentuckyradon.com
    Find on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/B4UCloseInspections

  11. #11
    Deleted Account's Avatar
    Deleted Account Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. Inspect IT ???

    I have been using Palm-Tech since 2003, basically it is a database that populates a template and you can create a template for any application. I believe it is the only program that will allow you to customize any portion or aspect of your report, check it out here.


  12. #12
    Jonathan Clevenger's Avatar
    Jonathan Clevenger Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Well, I've tried a couple full reports with the NSpector software (1 narrative, 1 checkbox), and after doing a full report and printing them out, I don't really care for it.

    I just got done doing a complete checkbox style report with the InspectIT software from AHIT. I'm about to start a full report with it again, but the narraitive style this time.

    For those who use InspectIT, which style report do you use?



    I also had tried HomeGauge a while back, but figured I would give the 4.0 demo a try. I really do like it after doing full reports, and I'm now undecided between it and the AHIT software. Anyone ever use one and go to the other for any reason?

    The HG software seemed to take a little less time to do than the AHIT software for me. I also did the HG report using my pocket PC, and I wished AHIT had a demo for it that I could actually put ON my pocket pc to try.

    Last edited by Jonathan Clevenger; 12-31-2007 at 11:11 AM.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Orlando, FL
    Posts
    1,592

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    If you have any concerns regarding customer service, support, technical issues, etc., or follow up questions, then HomeGauge is a great choice. Very good support system is already in place to help the users, including an active BB for software users.

    Dom.


  14. #14
    Kevin Luce's Avatar
    Kevin Luce Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Quote Originally Posted by Aaron Miller View Post
    Jonathan:

    I also use InspectIt. The program is OK, but their support is lackluster. I spent years trying to communicate with their head programmer (we'll call him Gary - because that's his name) to no avail. Like with most software designers, the end user's opinion is not as important as the geek's. They know squat about this business but refuse to listen.

    Aaron

    Gary is not there anymore and Nick has taken over. The changes Nick is making to Report Plus are going to make entering information when writing up the report and in the software a lot easier and should be done some time in the middle January.

    Even though his job is demanding and being pulled in different directions (my opinion), he has found the time to help solve problems. There are also a few other people there to help solve problems which is a big improvement from 5 years ago. The best thing they have started not too long ago was being able to look at what's on your computer screen while talking to you on the phone. This can help them understand the problem/question much easier which is a big plus.

    Note: I use windows XP with Word 2003 and know nothing about Word 2007. I also have nothing to do with AHIT except have their software and test and comment on the improvements AHIT is making.

    Last edited by Kevin Luce; 01-02-2008 at 11:37 AM. Reason: I wrote Brian when his name is really Nick. He reminds me of a guy I knew and his name was Brain.

  15. #15
    Jonathan Clevenger's Avatar
    Jonathan Clevenger Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Does the Home Gauge software come with a contract already wrote up that I can change? The demo software doesn't seem to have one, and was curious if the full version did. Thanks!


  16. #16

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Jonathan,
    They will send you several that you can choose from, modify, or combine if you ask about them.

    Clarksville Home Inspection
    JW Goad
    TN License #307 | KY License #2402

  17. #17
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    San Antonio TX
    Posts
    88

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    I did a trial of every one on the market except for some of the real recent programs that popped up within the last couple of months. I can say with some degree of confidence Whisper Computer Solutions. This program allows me to use canned narratives with or without adjustment or write custom comments.


    Last edited by Zibby Swieca; 01-02-2008 at 06:45 AM.

  18. #18
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Vancouver - Canada
    Posts
    225

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Quote Originally Posted by Zibby Swieca View Post
    This program allows me to use canned narratives with or without adjustment or write custom comments.
    Don't they all do that??


  19. #19
    Jeff Knight's Avatar
    Jeff Knight Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Joe,
    You are correct. It is like saying that the car I just bought has an automatic transmission.
    After 10 years in this market it has more to do with luck and being the latest software company to talk to the home inspector when they finally decide to change to something new then anything else. They will give reasons as to why they preferred the one they purchased and most of the time the reason given makes no sense compared to other software out there.


  20. #20
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    WESTMINSTER CO
    Posts
    1,152

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    i use inspectit plus and after many frustrating ,time consuming reports--went into the report template and checked every box i thought would be satisfactory----especially the room notes----this has expidited my reports and if they didn't pass well it's alot easier to change one box then click on a hundred---it takes time to get to know your report--hang in there--i was always able to get to gary---but agree nick is great and can't wait to sample the new report


  21. #21
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Healdsburg, CA
    Posts
    1,741

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    Check out 3-D as they have come a long way.

    Jerry McCarthy
    Building Code/ Construction Consultant

  22. #22
    Peter Drougas's Avatar
    Peter Drougas Guest

    Default Re: NSpector vs. InspectIT ???

    I agree with Jerry. I started using 3D Inspection software 5 years ago. Every aspect of how your report is set up and how you enter it, can be customized (or not). They have templates for many different States, including special forms each State may require. They come out with new versions almost on a yearly basis. They listen to Inspectors. I have called and emailed and get answers the same day.
    I have been using a Dell PocketPC. I can easily jump from any section of the report as I move about the house. You can even set "defaults" so you don't have to check anything off. So if the walls, floors and ceiling are fine, you just move along. You only have to make changes if you see a problem.
    Also you get Adobe PDF creator (worth a few hundred $ alone). I can create PDF files for any aspect of my business. They also have an office management section that runs my business. I create tracking reports for sales, unpaid invoices, Realtor and client lists. It goes on and on. But I won't! You should give it a try.


Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •