THE REPORT
My inspection report style continues to evolve and improve.
These are some of the latest features that set a higher bar for inspection reporting.
The Best Software
It all starts with the best reporting software on the market: Spectora.
With both online and PDF reporting formats, you can choose to click through the table of contents and create your own repair lists, or view the PDF for easy printing.
- Send the plumber a custom list with the Repair Request Builder
- Create a quick summary or view the entire report in PDF
Legal Definitions
What's a legal document without a preceding definitions section?
A few of the pertinent definitions that are used in the report are found in the beginning.
- Noted with citations for easy reference
- Industry words cited in Texas case law
Web-based Report
The easiest way to quickly understand the deficiencies.
For a quick review of the issues, this report has a clean layout with full-size, clickable photos for easy zoom in.
- Optimized for both mobile and desktop
- Great for homeowner or agent review
Documentation
Documentation is your best friend.
Things change over time so it is important to get proper documentation of the current state of deficiencies.
- This can serve as a baseline to measure from if issues change
- Can show current state in relation to accepted construction tolerances
Code/Plan References
No better reference than the engineer's design drawings, installation instructions, and the building code.
I try my best to include the most pertinent references to the building documents available.
- Design drawings, warranty standards, installation instructions etc.
- Codes include the IRC, IECC, NEC, and sometimes the local amendments if necessary
Warranty Standards
For warranty inspections, the builder's own standards are included in the report.
This isn't a general recommendation nor the code but the builders themselves stating their tolerances for repair, when applicable.
- I've collected 30+ builder's warranty standards books
- Showing the builder their own standards is the best way to get repairs done.
Repair Estimates
Warranty reports include an estimate of repair
With an estimate you can know better what to fight for and what costs you may be assuming after the warranty expires.
- Laid out by AI, estimated costs triple checked by me
- Estimated cost range totaled at the bottom of the estimate
Thermal Imaging
See what the eye can't.
The infrared camera visualizes the heat signatures of the surrounding areas showing inefficiencies, poor insulation, and sometimes water leaks.
- Breaks in the thermal barrier of the home
- Water leaks
- Overheating electrical components
Product Instructions
Manufacturers' product installation instructions included.
Screenshots and links to manufacturer's installation instructions included. Citations and references are key to a top-notch report!
- Proper installation is key for manufacturer's warranty
- Builder MUST install it correcty to make a manufacturer claim in the future
Integrated Video
Video used when necessary to help explain deficiencies
In addition to photos and graphics, the report also integrates video when needed to help better explain the deficiencies and their locations.
- Integrated into web-based report
- Links from PDF to web-based report
THE EXPERIENCE
The report means nothing if it isn't for the experience of the inspector.
A good inspector has to know what to look for.
Memberships, Licenses, Certifications
Staying active in professional networks and continuing education is key.
I've a passion for residential construction that includes involvement in professional organizations, earned code certifications, and of course am licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission.
- ASTM memberhip gives me voting rights on new construction standards
- ASCE offers the best classes - all taught by engineers
- Building Associations keep me up to date on developments in the local industry
- ICC code certs for residential construction show profeciency in the code book
Continuing Education
Considering there is more information out there than anyone could learn in one lifetime, the education always continues
There are always new things to learn, interesting classes to take, and mentors to study under.
- A few of the latest lessons I've been learning
