How to Use Home Inspection Software

As long as property is bought and sold, there will be a great demand for home inspectors. Just as computers have revolutionized the way professionals in other industries do their work, home inspectors can now use specially designed software programs to help them keep track of inspections and produce professional, easy-to-read reports.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Find a home inspection software system that's supported by your computer's operating system. This information can be found on the software's packaging or by visiting the company's official website. Most operating systems will be designed for Microsoft Windows or Apple's operating system.

2. Install the software onto your hard drive by following the program's internal installation guide. Select a destination where you'll save the program and related files. Some programs will also give you the opportunity to perform a custom installation, though advanced knowledge of the software's operations will be necessary.

3. Follow a tutorial to learn how to input information from a home inspection into the program. These interactive, self-guided tutorials are the contemporary version of a user's manual. After completing the tutorial, you'll have a good understanding of the software's basic functions.

4. Take some time to experiment with the software before filing a real home inspection. Input information from a previous inspection to make sure you understand how the program works.

5. Add photos to your home inspection reports. This can be a great way to show detailed evidence of claims made during the inspection process. Software programs are fairly intuitive, making it easy to spruce up your report with color pictures.

6. Create a short inspection report to summarize the findings of your home inspection. While the full and detailed information will still be stored in the software, a quick summary can be useful for briefing contractors or lenders.

7. Print finished reports, along with photos, charts or other supplemental material created within the program. Finish your home inspection reports with a glossy cover for that extra professional touch.

Tips & Warnings

• While home inspection software is most commonly used for private property inspections, it's also possible to find a software program that you can use to evaluate commercial properties.
• It's easier than ever to purchase home inspection software through the Internet. Many programs can be downloaded directly from the web without having to visit a software store. Some companies even offer free trial downloads that allow you to use the program and get familiar with the basic features before paying for it.

[inspectormike]

on 4/30/2009 I totally agree, even though I think the last post(s) were probably written by somebody who works there :) I've been using InspectFaster for about 4 months now, and I couldn't do without it. I tried all the other software demos, and for the price, InspectFaster is definitely the only way to go.

[camelothis]

on 4/20/2009 I recommend that you try InspectFaster Home Inspection Software for best value. The website is at http://www.home-inspection-software.com

[camelothis]

on 4/20/2009 I recommend that you try InspectFaster Home Inspection Software for best value. The website is at http://www.home-inspection-software.com