July 2015 Giveaway!!!! The MR160. $599.00 Value. Every Post Counts

This business is rapidly changing and then again many old business practices will always remain. On site reporting will be the norm . New technology that allows us to use a camera with talk to type technology that will place comments under the pictures will streamline the process.
IR will become a normal added service and auxiliary services will be abundant ..... Recall check with appliance operational inspections, sewer line scoping, septic inspections, mold testing, pool inspections and the biggie will be Radon testing required. More video in reports and finally service level choices to custom fit every inspection.
Small operations will always be dominant as there are many rural areas that will not allow the overhead of a larger operation to compete and clients are attracted to the "local" business persons.

More women will be in this business and our fee structure will reflect the level of service provided.

The future of this business looks very good and those who embrace the technology and added value services will secure their place.

ISG has figured this out and the many services they offer allow even the smallest inspection firm to win big!!!

Nathan wrote:

psniderman wrote:Me thinks I need FLIR . Me never win nothing. Me thinks it is time.
RecallChek Rocks!!!

As you know we do a true "number randomizer" for these drawings. If I could control it I would definitely send on to you sir!

Why? His post was the worst in this long thread!

This thread has wandered but back to delivering reports on site. Not for me on a lot of inspections. I work for a lot of investors. Many of the properties are for section 8 housing and the properties are not in the best of neighborhoods. I don't carry a lot of technology with me into these neighborhoods. There's no way to leave a computer set up in a vehicle. I would get cleaned out weekly.

Many inspectors refuse to go into parts of Chicago I go into. They would rather pass up the job. I find that if you treat people right, your welcome in every part of Chicago. I get to inspect some amazing architecture too.

The Flir MR160 would be a great addition to an always growing tool inventory. Thank you for the opportunity to get it free.

RickSab wrote:This thread has wandered but back to delivering reports on site. Not for me on a lot of inspections. I work for a lot of investors. Many of the properties are for section 8 housing and the properties are not in the best of neighborhoods. I don't carry a lot of technology with me into these neighborhoods. There's no way to leave a computer set up in a vehicle. I would get cleaned out weekly.

Many inspectors refuse to go into parts of Chicago I go into. They would rather pass up the job. I find that if you treat people right, your welcome in every part of Chicago. I get to inspect some amazing architecture too.

Do you run across Condo Bob often in those parts?

Pete Campbell wrote:

Nathan wrote:

psniderman wrote:Me thinks I need FLIR . Me never win nothing. Me thinks it is time.
RecallChek Rocks!!!

As you know we do a true "number randomizer" for these drawings. If I could control it I would definitely send on to you sir!

Why? His post was the worst in this long thread!

I wouldn't call it the worst, I think it was sarcastic humor to which I responded in king. Hence the "

"

Peter is a great guy.

Digital site reporting is the way to go. However, I never send that site report direct to a client. Don't think I ever will, that's just my opinion. I take it back to the office, re-read it, correct structure and spelling and reword it as required with addition information as required.

I use a digital program on my iPad that allows me to take a photo and write text specific to that photo. However, there is usually a lot more technical jargon to add that takes too long to enter on site, and I often reference Building Code sections or standards which I am not about to type out in the field.

I love the ability to collect information on site in the way of photos and text in a digital format. The software is getting better... it still needs to get better.. from what I have seen.

As long as Realtors are allowed to refer Home Inspectors, the one man inspection company will survive. Realtors do not want some faceless company to deal with and prefer to deal with individuals. Realtors referring home inspectors for better or worse will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Realtors referring home inspectors presents some ethical challenges in the future for State Boards to determine outcomes. How that question is handled will determine the future of the Home Inspection Industry.

As for Nathans question, the standards will be more and more dictated State by State. The days of a national consensus defining our industry's mission are over. National organizations will be relevant for CE education, etc. but less and less as lobbying groups.

Troy Pappas wrote:The best benefit of onsite report is when you leave you're done

I will agree with that! However, I quit doing on site reports when the the great foreclose problem hit my market. I was wearing shoe covers to keep my shoes clean, not protect the home. It would take forever to complete a report. Everything you touched needed some type of repair.

I will also say that when I did do on site reports buyers could not believe that I created, printed and bound a full color report in about 30 minutes.

Tom Maides wrote:As long as Realtors are allowed to refer Home Inspectors, the one man inspection company will survive. Realtors do not want some faceless company to deal with and prefer to deal with individuals. Realtors referring home inspectors for better or worse will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Realtors referring home inspectors presents some ethical challenges in the future for State Boards to determine outcomes. How that question is handled will determine the future of the Home Inspection Industry.

As for Nathans question, the standards will be more and more dictated State by State. The days of a national consensus defining our industry's mission are over. National organizations will be relevant for CE education, etc. but less and less as lobbying groups.

They've never been lobbying groups. The entire industry could compile every dollar it makes in gross revenue and spend that amount monthly and still get nothing done.

I disagree about the ethical challenges. They do not exist- think one step further than the obvious and you will see why.

If I win this drawing, there is a white envelope in it for you at the Power User conference!

We have a lot of newcomers today.

I would recommend you all go to the top of the screen, click on the profile link, and adjust your signature line

Here's why:

http://youtu.be/TYqUzRBNelI

Nathan, why are participants seemingly allowed/encouraged to remain anonymous by not having to identify themselves before being able to post?

That IMO inhibits interactions. I really don't care to interact with people that hide their identities.

Why even allow anyone to do an initial post w/o setting up their real ID and also completing their profile?

Such a simple req't would save a lot of nuisance posting and keep serious new folks from dragging out the process to out themselves.

Expedite Communications by implementation of some minimum basic req'ts for particiapation!

ps--tie the min req'ts into the new, forthcoming "How To Use The Forum" Menu!

HIA wrote:If I win this drawing, there is a white envelope in it for you at the Power User conference!

All entrants to the PUC will be screened by DEA agents for anthrax, dope, laundered money, etc., etc.

But CCW totally allowed.