Automated Inspector FIELD FAQ
Click the question to view the answer:
What was the overall objective of your report software?
Many years ago, the owner of this company read a book called “Emyth” in addition to many others. At the time, our company was going through tremendous growth and the systems and needs of the company were much greater than that ever experienced before.
While there were many issues to be resolved back then, the owner of the company decided to resolve the field issues first.
The owner trained five inspectors, but making sure each of those inspectors represented the company in a manner that they were trained in was a risk every day. Streamlining the report writing, making sure the same comments will be used for the same defects with every inspector, and generally making sure that all inspectors were on the same page, on all functions and issues from the start of the inspection to the end was the objective.
The only way this could be done was if we developed a software package that systemized everything so that every inspector knew exactly what to do, where to do it, how to do it and why it had to be done.
The concept was that the owner would spend time focusing on his business, not in it. It worked. Our software was developed.
Today The AI Field has advanced tremendously, but the same principles apply. Complete systemization of the field inspectors from report inspection commencement to report delivery.
What makes your software better than anyone else’s?
One of the key things that make us different from everybody else is that all our software was developed for multi-inspector companies and anybody wishing to go to a multi-inspector company. We believe if it works for multi-inspector companies it will work for every inspection company looking to make report writing easier.
Multi-inspector companies’ needs are different, but the same in a lot of ways.
There was a reporting system that is professional and precise, but at the same time flexible and dependable. They want a report that is professional, deliverable, fast, efficient and provides all the liability management requirements needed to protect their interests. They want a system that is easy to use and does not cost a lot of money to train and implement. What they do not want is a cumbersome report system that takes a long time to be trained on, and is difficult to use and requires a lot of time to complete every report. This is particularly important with employee based multi-inspector systems, where payroll can get out of control very quickly and staff morale reduce because of over complex, cumbersome reports.
Most software programs out there take up to 1 ½ hours to complete, the AI Field takes an average 30 minutes and this includes a Wood Destroying Organism software report as well with color photographs.
While the name of our software is “The AI Field” we use it in our company for commercial inspections also. We have used the software to complete inspections on warehouses in excess of 50,000 sq. ft. light-commercial offices, restaurants and many more. The word “Home” does not appear in the technology anywhere apart from the name.
We are able to complete reports quickly because of the ease of building templates, adding and editing photographs and using the pre-built comments that come with the software.
The AI Field includes over 2,000 comments that are ready to use. Not only are they ready to use, they are easy to find, easy to adapt, easy to change and easy to add to. You can have as many comments as you wish in The AI Field software and prioritized in a manner to suit your company.
The AI Field software can be easily finished on-site as it is with 80% of our inspections, printed off or emailed directly to the client. You can also use the Virtual Inspector report upload or the Do-It-Yourself Website upload feature which automatically emails the customer with the user name and password for them to download the website.
We upload PDF reports only, not html data. We will not resell your data or mine your data. That is not our intent. With PDF reports there is no data. It is a flat image. (See other questions on report update.)
The AI Field comes with an automatic Summary page, and a spell checker at every area where text is added.
If you are in Florida and conducting termite inspections, we also have a State mandated form programmed in parallel with The AI Field. Simply click the “Add WDO Report” and you will not have to re-enter any of the information again. The client’s inspection address and all other information are automatically entered as part of the technology. Our inspectors complete their termite inspection reports in a matter of minutes, which includes photographs as well as comments.
When printed, it comes with the completed state mandated form, addendum/continuation pages, when many issues are present, invoice and photograph pages.
Our software is designed to work on every tablet PC that is available, every lap top that’s available and every desk top computer.
We also have online support for your software – 24/7. We have on-call service technicians that will be able to answer you anytime between 8:30 am and 9:00 pm.
We have a message board within our login area for inspectors to review and also communicate for online support.
Does The AI Field software currently run on a pocket PC?
At present our technology does not run on a Pocket PC. We do get asked this a lot and as a result have looked at it seriously on a number of occasions.
From our research we have found that the use of a Pocket PC for home inspectors is not a good solution, based on the complexity of the service we offer, the extensive amount of variables and the size of the reports being completed.
Some single operators use Pocket PCs to collect data and then transfer that data into their lap top or desk top to complete the report. Once transferred they must make sure that all the data is exactly as they inputted to the Pocket PC. This takes time and increases the liability factor as far as accurate report writing.
For multi-inspectors and for most business owners, time is money. To re-do something twice does not make good business or liability management sense.
There is no question that the attractiveness of a Pocket PC is great, but is it functional?
We have conducted research with numerous inspectors and have only found 2 from our research that actually use the Pocket PC to conduct and complete the full inspection. Upon further research we have found that the complexity of their reports was so basic that it did not match the detail needed for a quality inspection report that clients and real estate professionals expect.
We are of course always looking at the pocket devices as an option for our technology and are working and waiting on a solution for data collection, newer tablet hardware innovations, software, etc.
However, the solution must be secure and must be flawless when it comes to data transfer. Until such time as we can 100% guarantee this, we cannot put this in the hands of inspectors and expect them to understand, particularly new inspectors, the full extent of liability management involved in our industry for the slightest corruption of data.
Here is a brief over of some of the issues, good and bad, between tablets and pocket PCs.
Of course the cost of a Pocket PC is far cheaper than that of a tablet computer; however the functions and features with the latter far exceed that of any of the pocket PCs available.
If you use a pocket PC or decide to use a pocket pc initially, be aware that you will still need a computer to run your business and complete reports. This is extra cost that most new inspectors forget to factor in. Additional storage will also cost money for such items as Flash cards, etc. In most cases, increases the initial investment to more than a tablet PC or lap top. (See also Question 4.)
With the extent of variables in every home inspection today, there is no question that screen size is a factor that should be considered when reviewing home inspection software.
With pocket PCs there is so little screen available that most of the text and/or functions are small. This of course is not the case on a tablet pc.
With a pocket PC and the size of the screen provided, it is also extremely difficult to navigate through most inspection software. You have to know the software inside out to be able to find some of the basic functions and features.
With pocket PCs it is also very difficult to check the reports you are completing as access to many of the areas at one time, for example, a defect primary condition, secondary condition, comment and photograph on one screen is almost impossible, if at all.
A pocket PC was originally designed mostly for us as a personal organizer, similar to the old Fileofax that we used to have years ago. It is designed to be carried similar to a cell phone, but not designed for the extent of use as in the case of home inspectors. One drop on a concrete slab will result in the LED screen cracking or damage inside the unit.
With tablet PCs, most are built for rugged applications. They are designed to be carried in the field, similar to that as you see in Home Depot stores or similar. They will take some abuse and dropping without failure or damage to the components. I believe most are rated on drop testing, which can be reviewed via an internet search.
While saying this, neither the pocket PC nor the tablet computer should be taken on some areas of an inspection. For example, does it make sense to carry either one on a roof, within a crawlspace or an attic? The answer is of course not.
Of course there is no comparison between a tablet computer and a pocket pc as far as storage space. The tablet pcs are designed to work like a laptop or regular computer and will run almost all software applications. Inspectors can run their business from their tablet computer if they wish.
While a pocket pc can have as many compact flash cards for extra memory as needed to run a business, these too add an increased cost to your decision making process and should be accounted for.
This is a very important issue to look at. The print times for a Pocket PC in the field are extremely limited and slow. Many times software companies will highlight the speed of print functions but set in draft mode. The quality of draft printing is somewhat questionable when it comes to some inspection reports, particularly if you are trying to outline the detail on a photograph.
With the tablet PC it will print as fast as a regular lap top or computer. For inspectors who provide reports in the field, which is demanded today by over 80% of clients, then ____ print limitations will be experienced if your choice is a handheld pocket pc.
Again, and not to reiterate the point, a tablet PC works in the same manner as a lap top or desk top computer. Some tablets come with a full keyboard function, in addition to a touch screen keyboard.
The key board functions on a pocket PC are far smaller and require much more precision when using the stylist pen. Pocket PCs are far more difficult to type with using the screen function also.
Handwritten recognition is almost the same with both. Once you train either one then the quality of interpretation is good. Proofing all your material is critical for both systems of course.
In closing, data entry using the tablet PC is must faster because the screen is bigger, detached or attached keyboards are available that are the same size as a regular keyboard and compiling reports, defects or comments is much quicker.
Other Reasons:
We get asked this question almost every week and at every conference. From my experience the technology is a sales function only and a desirable rarely used. The typical inspector in the field neither has the time nor patience to stick with such systems because of the restrictive nature of the system at hand and the extensive number of variables needed with every inspection.
Our software works on all computers including hand held note books. To date we have not planned to program our software for hand held PDAs.
Our reason relates to liability and time management. I have not met an inspector that actually does his report from start to finish without having to transfer data over to another computer device. The time to recheck a report wherever you entered a check mark is a lot longer than just doing it on a tablet from the outset.
We run a large multi inspector company too. With the number of employee inspectors we have, liability management and timing of report writing is very important. This is also one of the most valuable factors to every inspection business from our research.
From our research, integration and automation is critical for the success of every home inspection business. For this reason we have programmed many time saving functions into our software. The ability to build templates alone will save twenty minutes of report writing. Pre planned primary and secondary defects each with multitudes of defect comments will reduce report writing liability. The speed of adding comments and the direct communication between the office and the field results with inspectors not having to even write the clients name or address once the email confirmation is received from the office. We have automated the termite inspection software so that it too is almost completed at the same time as the home inspection report,
Our focus also was to design a software system that was simple to use and did not require extensive training. Again as a multi inspector business we want to spend the training time where it is needed. Software training should not be cumbersome for any inspector. This too will increase the value of your inspection business. Being able to duplicate professional reports without the company owner being involved will increase the market value of a business.
So to conclude, our software is built from the basic philosophies of time, liability and business management. It is simple to use yet flexible enough for every situation.
When you say hand held computer do you mean a tablet pc? And also If I were to install the software on my desktop pc and my laptop or tablet pc would I have to pay for multiple licenses? And if so how much do they cost?
Answer
Yes it works great on a tablet PC. We have some people that use both the handwriting and voice recognition technology.
As far as licensing, you can have it on multiple computers but it is registered to your name and company name only.
The cost is $999 for the software and this includes free upgrade for 1 year. We do ask that we get the ability to spend an hour or so over the phone to go through the software after you have played with it for a while. We have an in house inspector and software support person that will set up a mutually convenient time with you.
If you need multiple licenses, these will cost $500 per license. We will need a list of your inspectors so we can get the names right on the licensing serial numbers.
Questions to ask yourself when considering hardware for your new home inspection software.
- Do I need another computer, additional memory space, additional keyboard, etc. if I choose a pocket pc device?
- Can you complete the entire inspection report in the field without having to relay your data back to a main computer for editing and printing functions?
- Can I upload defect pictures for every comment or defect in the pocket pc technology?
- Can I upload defect pictures for every comment or defect in the pocket pc technology?
- Are the uploaded photographs within the pocket pc editable?
- What is the print quality and speed of the technology using a pocket pc?
- What is the storage capacity of a pocket pc?
What kind of report format is your software? Is it narrative or checklist?
Answer
Firstly, to understand what is narrative and what is checklist, please review the following.
A checklist report is the report that stems back to probably the majority of the home inspections that were conducted in the 1980s and probably most of the 90s.
Most inspectors created their own three or four part carbon inspection report whereby checks or Xs identified the issues with the property. There is very little writing with these reports and most, if not all were filled out by hand.
In the mid to late 90s, many people designed these type reports on their desktop and filled them in using Word processing software.
A checklist report basically requires little or no writing and relies on checklists and rating systems only.
In most cases it requires duplication of comments within different sections because either handwriting or word processing technology needs to be duplicated for Summary items. Many if not all are not integrated with the ability to upload or edit photographs.
For the new inspectors, any Word-based checklist templates are at best amateur and have very little liability protection.
The most advanced checklists systems were excellent reports in their time and provided excellent liability management defense mechanisms. Many are still in use today.
Narrative Reports
Narrative reports stem back to the very first inspection which was most likely completed on a typewriter.
They are lengthy by nature and take time to understand.
Word processing based narrative reports require skill and expertise in the English language to formulate a professional report that is produced in a narrative fashion. The problem with this type of report was that most inspectors did not have the English language ability to complete or write a report from a blank piece of paper. Inspection software systems have now overcome this problem.
Many software systems available have been based on providing a narrative report, except the art of the English language is removed by the provision of boiler plate comments.
Narrative reports are good reports, have a place in the marketplace, but mostly cater for boutique style inspectors who do not mind spending hours on report writing, or should I say inspectors with such credibility and integrity that they get paid for every hour of report writing
For inspectors that do not have experience or a grasp of the English language and merely use boiler plate comments without proper review, clients will end up with a cumbersome, vague report of little or not value. This is probably one of the biggest complaints of customers and realtors today with new inspectors entering the market with this type of system.
The AI Field
The AI Field Software was developed to provide a combination of both a narrative and checklist report system.
The AI Field was developed by Inspection Depot who has completed thousands of home inspections based on a checklist and narrative format.
Inspection Depot has experienced the difficulties and problems with not only using checklist formats, but also migrating from a checklist report to a software generated report. All these experiences, good and bad, were culminated in what today is called “The AI Field Home Inspection Software System” or “Automated Field Inspector”.
The Automated Field Inspector Software (AFIS) is not based on a room to room basis, as this is not needed. Focus groups and liability management practices will show this. This is why most multi inspectors don’t use a room by room approach also.
The AFIS is based on a systems approach that is much easier understood, takes less time to complete, and provides more liability management than that of a room by room system.
A systems approach to completing a home inspection is also far quicker to complete. The automated defect comments, photograph upload and edit make the Automated Field Inspector Software an excellent software for every home inspector in the market today.
How flexible is the AI Field Software?
Answer
While the software comes completely organized in a manner that best fits the inspection routine of every home inspector, very little editing, alteration or movement is needed if at all. If customization is needed, this merely requires changing a defaulted defect, heading or comment only once. This remains constant for every other inspection if you want it to after that.
Every visible condition within The Automated Field Inspector Software can be edited, deleted, moved or altered to suit the needs of every home inspector.
There is no limit to the number of defects, defect comments, photographs or summary with the Automated Field Inspector Software.
Do I need to purchase The AI Field Manual if I use AFIS?
Answer
Absolutely NOT. This is merely a business decision on your end.
The Automated Field Inspector Software was designed to be used entirely on its own or in conjunction with The AI Field Report manual system.
While the defect numbers match that of The AI Field explanation report, you can change the defect descriptions to suit your company or add more defect descriptions within each visible condition drop down.
The choice is yours.
What is The AI Field Report System?
The AI Field manual is a system that outlines all the conditions that are found within the Automated Field Inspector Software in much more detail.
It gives extensive explanations on all the items that are listed on The AI Field Software. Every visible defect is fully explained with its own separate paragraph in addition to the liability management techniques such as the limitations placed by the inspector on that particular element of inspection.
There are also many disclosures within the report that add to the inspector’s liability management practices. Mold and moisture disclosures, access limitations, etc. All these limitations are outlined individually within each section and each defect of the AI Field manual.
The AI Field manual will also act as a marketing tool to help build your business.
Most large companies are product-based service companies. They use a product based report system such as The AI Field to build their service business. Imagine standing in front of a team of realtors offering a free inspection report to anyone who will give you the opportunity to work with them.
Your inspection report right now is 16 pages of a typed software report. How many will take you up on your offer?
How about now you offer a free AI Field, a retail $50 value (while you don’t pay $50), they use you once. Now how many will take you up on your offer?
Using a product based inspection service also has a “wow” effect for your customer. They can’t believe at the end of the inspection they are getting this big manual. When this happens in front of a real estate agent, they are extremely pleased they chose your company and will return to you because of the satisfaction the customer felt at the end of the inspection.
In all, product based inspection companies tend to do more inspections historically than inspection companies without a product such as the AI Field.
For multi inspectors The AI Field also helps dramatically in systemizing the inspection and inspectors in the field which is a critical element for every inspection business.
Why is your software much more expensive?
Answer
While all software may seem alike, there is much more to consider than just the price of the inspection software.
What is the technical support that comes with the software? What is the cost of upgrading the technology to newer versions? What experience has gone into the development of the software?
The Home Inspection Software was developed with thousands of hours of conceptualizing, development and experience with the end result to provide you with a system that will reduce your work hours, while at the same time allowing you to provide a professional report for every inspection.
The inspection industry is also a very small market, so unlike other markets such as Microsoft, buying inspection technology for $50 to $100 is not possible.
The bottom line is, we want to be capable of providing the best service possible to you and your company. We want to be ready and waiting when you call in with an issue or for maintenance support. We want you to feel that this is your best investment for your home inspection company.
It is no different than selling home inspection services. You pay for what you get and experience and service are the number one choice for every customer today.
Do I have to be a computer expert to use this software?
Answer
Absolutely NOT. As mentioned, we have designed this software to work for multi inspector companies.
Multi inspector companies do not want to spend thousands of dollars in time and energy training inspectors on every function of a software system.
They have to know that the inspector is more than capable of completing a report, and learning a report in the quickest possible time period.
The AFIS System was designed to be as user friendly and an easy as possible.
To date, we do not know any individual who has taken more than a couple of hours to learn this system. Building defects and uploading photographs is simple. Registering your company is simple, uploading your logo is simple, adding additional comments is simply, editing additional comments is simple, printing your reports is simple.
The hardest part of learning the software is actually inputting the serial number and key codes that are provided. You must make sure that lower case and upper case letters and figures are strictly adhered to. It is simple data entry, but outside of this, every other function in this technology is simple. You do not need to be a computer genius.
Can I email my reports from the system?
Answer
The answer is YES. Built within the software system is an email function that allows you to connect directly to your Outlook. You can directly email reports in PDF format to your clients from our software.
If you are part of the Virtual Inspector Management System, you can also upload reports online which automatically sends emails with user names and passwords to your customers for downloading reports.
If you are part of the Do-It-Yourself website, there is also a function for uploading reports which sends user names and passwords to the realtors and customers for automatic report download.
This is all automated.
Does your inspection software communicate with your management software?
Answer
Absolutely. The desktop version of our management software, Automated Office Inspector, is completely integrated with the Home Inspection Software.
It was developed on the basis of data entry only once. The data in the management software will be used for all communication purposes such as emailing, letter writing, and inspection report writing.
Simply use the Import Data function on the Welcome screen of the Report Software, and a report will automatically be generated with the new customer’s name, realtor’s name and inspection details.
This is one of the methods with which we can eliminate 5 to 10 minutes of report writing with our field inspector.
Does your inspection report software come with additional management functions if I did not require the AI Office technology?
Answer
Absolutely. We have built a platform for your realtors to be registered on The AI Field system. Within each realtor you can see the performance history of every realtor as far as inspections conducted and the future inspections to be conducted with every realtor. There are also areas on the technology to allow you to input special instructions which will appear on the main screen of your software/inspection report every time you use that realtor.
For example, if you conducted a presentation at one of the real estate offices or merely stopped by and dropped off flyers, you record this under the real estate management function of your software. Once the realtor calls and you use the home inspection software to schedule the inspection, this information will be automatically visible on the main. This reminder will close the communication gap and help reinforce business relationships.
Within the real estate company module, you can also see all the agents within the branch or real estate company. You can see how many inspections you have conducted for them, in addition to the future inspections that are already scheduled and the inspection history of previous inspections.
While the home inspection software does not match the depth and ability of the Automated Inspector office, it does provide basic data managing functions that you can use for managing and scheduling your inspections.
Is the software approved by any of the inspector associations?
Answer
To our knowledge, none of the associations either approve or disapprove of any of the technologies available for home inspectors.
The key however is that all technologies must meet or exceed the Standards of Practice and Codes of Ethics set out by the various associations.
The Automated Home Inspector Software does.
Do I need to have a separate pre-inspection agreement?
Answer
No. Remembering that the technology was built for speed, efficiency and liability management, we have developed The AI Field to include an automated pre-inspection agreement. Once the customer’s name, realtor information is input into your software, it will automatically appear on the agreement.
Once you register your company when you purchase this software, your logo, company address, inspector name, will also be automatically populated on the agreement as needed.
Within the Company Administration section, we give you the choice of what Standards of Practice you adhere to. You can edit this choice to suit your needs. Once set, this will also be automatically populated within the inspection agreement.
All you need to do is simply print the agreement and have it signed. It is as simply as that.
Can I use my own inspection agreement?
Answer
Yes of course. The inspection agreement is completely editable for your company. While we give you a standard agreement that we use, you can simply replace that agreement with yours and click the Save button.
Once saved, you will be using your agreement for there on.
What happens when I need support for the software?
Answer
Your call is very important to us. As inspectors too, we know only too well the frustration felt when something does not work as planned. The good thing is that we don’t have much support, we don’t need it!
With all our users, we rarely have problems once the software is installed. While many of the issues experienced by our software users are end user issues, they still can be very frustrating. One of our newer inspectors was frustrated because he did not know where the Start button was! (Bottom left corner of screen). To help speed up support, particularly for out of hours business, we have provided a list of the most commonly asked questions and issues that occur online for you to access and review, with recommendations on how to fix these issues immediately. In most cases a simple check online will take care of the problem.
In emergency situations, all you need to do is call our office and speak to our technical support department (8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. SET) or leave a message which will page the on call support person who will return your call promptly. We also have 24/7 online support to help with your issues also.
Remember, the key to success of your software system is the support behind.
What other features does your software have?
Answer
We have developed our system in a Microsoft technology to enable us/you to take advantage of any other Microsoft technology available, from spell check, photo editor, etc. We will continue to connect to new technology to connect to new technologies as they are introduced into the market.
We are one of the first companies to ever introduce the inspection report progress chart within our software.
Now we believe more software companies are using it.
The reasoning that you have a status report within each section of your software is to ensure that no check mark gets missed.
For multi inspector companies this is critical. Simply leaving out serial numbers, test results or mis-checking HVAC unit, i.e. cool only vs. heat pump, can result in serious liability mistakes.
With the inspection report status chart, you can see the status of your report within each section.
Once started, the color codes change on each tab. When you are completely satisfied with each section, you can click Finish, which saves time later if you have to remind yourself of review what you said within that section.
Our software allows you to print in both horizontal and landscape format. It also allows you to print in black and white or color, depending on whether you are printing hard copy in the field or electronic copy for emailing purposes. To our knowledge, all other software programs only give one print routine.
Once you import the digital signature into our software it will automatically be printed on the Home Inspection Report, Pre-Inspection Agreement and the WDO report if you are using the termite section of this technology. Many of the other softwares require you to manually input a digital signature on every report system – but not The AI Field.
There are times when we want to add a photograph to a building inspection report, but not identify it with a particular defect. Within the technology, we can add general photographs.
Our technology allows you to import a cover picture to the front page of your report.
Our technology enables you to connect to your desk top photo editor where ay photo can be edited, matter or identified with text in a matter of seconds.
Our technology is connected to the Microsoft spell checking technology when ever you enter text into the system manually. This eliminates spelling mistakes which can make your report look amateur.
How are the comments laid out and how easy are they to find?
Answer
This is a very common problem with most software applications.
Many software applications sell their technology because they have literally thousands of comments; however, finding and understanding these comments is another story.
We know as inspectors that most defects have 5-10 most commonly used comments with each defect. These comments will be geared towards the region or defect in hand.
Within the comments section of The AI Field Report, we enable you to categorize these comments by simply clicking the Edit button and within the Order field, enter a priority number. This means that the most commonly used comment for each defect is simple to find, thus speeding up the report writing time.
Category 1 will appear first within the comment library, Category 2, second etc. and edit if needed.
This is the easiest most practical way of setting up an efficient comment library within your inspection software.
In addition to the order number of each comment, we also allow you the ability to right click and pre-view each comment in its entirety. The preview opens up in a second window and allows you to see if it relevant for the defect at hand or not.
When writing comments, do you have a “Fill in the blank” function?
Answer
Absolutely. Within each comments section you can build comments with a “Fill in the Blank” feature.
When used within a report, you simply type the components you wish to use within the “Fill in the Blank”. For example, “Fogged windows were noted to the following areas (fill in the blank).” “Wood damage – decay was noted to the following areas (fill in the blank).” Using either one of these examples, the technology will ask you for the areas concerned. Simply type, “front bedroom, rear bedroom and left side master bedroom window. The software will complete the rest of the paragraph.
Again, speeding up report writing and preparation.
Is your comment library customizable?
Answer
Yes. While it comes with over 2,000 pre-built comments, the software allows you to edit, duplicate, copy or add new comments as needed.
It also allows you to categorize these on a priority basis for each defect as best suits your region.
Does your software automatically provide a summary with each report?
Answer
Yes.
When you create a comment and defect within the inspection software, simply click the “Include in Summary” button and no more editing, typing, or reconfiguring is needed.
At the end of the inspection you will be able to provide the realtor with a summary page with photographs separate from the inspection, if you wish.
On the bottom of the summary page, it clearly outlines that the summary is only part of the inspection and the client and realtor must read the inspection in full.
So while some your realtors may demand summaries, your liability is covered by the disclaimer that is automatically disclosed on the bottom.
Can your software print separate sections of the report?
Answer
Absolutely. We designed it this way so that individual component inspections can be inspected and reported on accordingly.
For example, during the hurricanes, many people wanted roof inspection reports. Our technology will allow this without having to print each section of the report.
How does your report template work? Why does the report template make report writing faster?
Answer
The report template is an excellent way of recording inspection reports that you may use again.
There is not a neighbourhood or region in the country that does not have neighbourhoods, all constructed with the same materials, in the same manner, and many with the same conditions and defects.
With our technology, you start every report with a new template if you believe you will be inspecting this house type again. You briefly describe the report template you are creating, and most cases your description is the neigbourhood or subdivision with which the house is in, and start the inspection in a manner with which you can use it again.
You do not record specific defects and you are not able to upload pictures within the template creator as these issues are specific to the house you are inspecting and cannot be used again. They are not specific to the next home that the template will be used on.
The concept is based on complying with the Standards of Practice of all the associations. As inspectors, we are required to describe the roof, the structure, the windows, the doors, etc. Our technology only requires you to describe these once, after that, the same descriptions and disclosures can be used for your next inspection report in the same neighbourhoold or for the same house type.
Once you start all inspections on a template maker, you will always be able to access these the next time you inspect the neighbor’s home, the home one street away or the home in another neighbourhood.
Again, our template maker has proven to be a key asset in maintaining speedy report writing and liability managing.
How much time will you save? How do you value your time?
Does your software come with templates already built?
Answer
No. We do not even give our own inspectors templates. We require all our inspectors to build templates because it’s critical they understand every box that is checked and every comment that is made in a template maker.
Without an understanding of every template, inspectors will open themselves up to liability because they have made assumptions that certain parts of the report were already classified as standard but in turn they were not part of the template that was chosen for the inspection.
Again, liability management is critical and this is why we do not provide templates to our own inspectors.
How do I start an inspection on an existing template?
Answer
Easy. Simply click the “Open Template” button on the main Welcome screen. Use the drop down to select and view the templates present.
When you find a template that does suit your home inspection in question, use the Select button to use the template chosen.
If you use the “Use Template and Import” button, the software will also allow you to use the template that was already pre-made, in addition to importing the data that was collected at your office for you to start the inspection.
This will save at least 20 -30 minutes on every inspection report. How much is your time worth?
How does your photograph print with the inspection report?
Answer
Our photographs print on a separate page from the inspection comments.
We have programmed our software this way because, based on focus groups and conversations with realtors and customers.
Realtors for example want to view the Summary and the photographs. With our technology, the Summary and photographs can be held side by side whereby the photographs are big enough to be completely understood by those people who are viewing the inspection report. With thousands of inspections, we have not had one complaint.
Does your software support all termite inspection state forms?
Answer
Yes and No.
At present we have automatically programmed the standard form for the state of Florida with which we use. The system works flawlessly and most Wood Destroying Organisms (WDO) inspection takes literally minutes to complete.
We are currently working on other forms.
The technology is integrated with the Home Inspection Software so that the client’s name, address and other relevant information is addition to the inspector’s information, i.e. the WDO inspector, is automatically populated within the form.
The defect comment area works similar to the Home Inspection Report which is easy to add, edit and alter.
Within each question of the standard termite inspection form we have included an “Add Comment” box. The Add Comment box works in the same manner as the Home Inspection software and is completely versatile and flexible for every comment.
It is pre-built with numerous comments to suit every situation possible. You can add many more if you wish.
You can upload and edit photographs relatively simply in the same manner as a home inspection report.
When printed, the termite inspection report provides the standard state form will all disclosures, an invoice, an addendum page if the comments within the standard report extend beyond that capable of fitting on the standard report, and a photograph page which includes the edited and uploaded photographs.
The end result, a report that meets the state requirements with professional addendum pages, invoice and photographs.
Does your software cover mold?
Answer
A home inspection is not a mold inspection. Our software is not a mold inspection software; however, we know that the liability for home inspectors in relation to mold is huge.
We have therefore identified at the bottom of every page of the report, that the home inspection report is specifically not a mold inspection report and any reference to mold and moisture must not be taken as acceptance that mold is possibly present, etc.
This disclaimer will certainly help you with your liability management practices.
Can I edit fees easily?
Answer
Yes. From the Welcome screen, simply click on the Edit Fees and Services. This will pre-set fees and services that you provide.
The fees input into the Added Fees and Services module can be edited on any area of the software. It is completely flexible.
Why do you separate the real estate company, real estate broker and real estate agent?
Answer
Within our main business management marketing and scheduling software we set values for each segment of the real estate referral source. With every inspection that is conducted for this realtor company, broker or agent, the dollar value and transaction number will increase.
Our management software communicates with the field software so that data entry only occurs once.
Ranking and separating the various referral sources will help you better track your business and make financial decisions in cases of marketing, advertising, claims, call-backs or other issues.
Does your business management software communicate with your report software?
Answer
Absolutely! We have built an Export Data function within the Business Management Marketing and Scheduling Software that will send the data collected in the office, the customer, realtor, inspection address, etc. to the field inspector for importing into the report.
Inspectors simply download the database from online and import it through their import button on the Welcome screen into the new report.
It will save at least 5 to 10 minutes from the typing in the field.
Again, our technologies are based on speed, and one of the most crucial elements of speed is data entry only once.
How much is your time worth?
Can I upload my logo onto the Report System?
Answer
Yes. Within the Administration module, simply click the Add Company Logo button and your logo will be uploaded.
It will automatically be pre-populated within the software and printed on the inspection report and agreement accordingly.
Once uploaded, you will never have to upload it again.
Is it easy to find inspections on the report software?
Answer
Yes. We have provided a search module within the report software that allows you to search various sections of the report to identify the report in question. You can search by client’s name, address, inspection name address, selling agent, real estate agent, date range, etc.
What does the payroll report within the software do?
Answer
For multi-inspectors, this provides the list of inspections that were conducted on the software during the period of time, i.e. the payroll period.
This list was designed to be attached to your employee payroll forms, or time sheets. It clearly outlines every inspection that was conducted within the payroll period, instantly balances, etc.
It’s an excellent way of controlling report delivery and financial management.
If I purchase your illustrations can they be used as part of the technology?
Answer
Absolutely! They can be input into your report system in the same manner as a photograph. They can also be edited in the same manner to help further explain the defect in question.
Will Inspection Depot specifically program for my company?
Answer
Inspection Depot technology is completely open to all ideas and concepts as presented by our users.
We record every suggestion and comment we receive from our users and program these into a schedule for development if it makes inspection sense.
If you are a large company requiring a once-off programming issue, we also can take care of this but of course there is probably some cost involved.
How much does software support cost after the first year?
Answer
Software support after the first year is $250. For multi inspectors this will vary depending on the number of inspectors/users involved. Please call our office for information.
I have been using handwritten reports. How difficult is your software report to transfer to?
Answer
The AI Field Report Software is designed to be as easy as possible to use. It was designed to look like a checklist report, however, the finished report is a narrative report.
One of the differences with the software checklist versus a handwritten checklist is that you only have to input information once. No longer will you have to write anything for an individual section such as the roof, and again, for a summary section. Simply click the Add Summary and it will be included in both sections.
You will no longer have to write the same comments over and over again for the same defects you note. The comment library with over 2,000 comments has multiple comments for you to use, however, this library can be manipulated and cataloged in a manner that best suits your company.
When we transferred our inspectors within our company, we thought we were going to lose some of the older inspectors because of their lack of computer knowledge and experience. In essence, while they were the last inspectors to transfer, they now would never return to any handwritten report format. It’s simply for them to use and our projected loss of 20% of inspectors was 0.
Does your software work with voice or handwriting technology?
Answer
No software company in the home inspection industry has proprietary rights on handwriting technology. This technology was developed by other companies such as Microsoft.
Our home inspection software does work with all tablets and voice-handwriting technology. Many inspectors use this technology to speed up the report process and report completion.
Once you purchase your hardware or tablet system, make sure you log in always under your name so that as you use your voice or handwriting technology, the system gets to know your ways. If anyone else uses the voice or handwriting technology under your log in, the accuracy of the technology would be affected.
In our company we have various inspectors using tablets which have built in handwriting technology and they are very satisfied with the integration of both the home inspection and voice-handwriting technology.
Does your report system have a preview page?
Answer
Every section of our report had a preview page. You can preview the entire Summary or individual sections. You can preview what’s major on every section or just the major issues on the Summary. You can preview the minor issues or standard disclosures within every section.
This is essential on every home inspection report, however, the difference with ours is that we give it to you in more than one place and in more than one way.
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