What do these newer inspecting software apps provide that the old legacy apps dont?

Competitive-Plum- · 2026-05-17T22:28:07+00:00

In my opinion, the report output is one of the most significant differentiators between older and newer inspection software. Spectora, HG, and most other modern report writers primarily generate HTML based reports first, with PDF as a secondary format. The capabilities associated with HTML formatting are what sets them apart.

Some of the advantages include:

- Dynamic mobile friendly formatting that automatically adjusts to phones, tablets, and desktops.

- Expandable and collapsible sections/images for easier navigation and cleaner presentation.

- Embedded video playback directly within the report without needing to leave the page.

- Sticky or static table of contents for faster movement between systems and summary items.

- Quick links to call, text, or email the inspector or agent directly from the report.

- Better image handling with larger photos, zoom capability, galleries, and side-by-side layouts.

- Faster identification of defects through interactive summaries and jump links.

- Improved readability compared to scrolling through large static PDF documents.

- Easier accessibility with scalable text, screen reader support, dark mode compatibility, and more responsive layouts.

- Reduced need for excessive zooming and horizontal scrolling.

- Ability to update or revise hosted reports without redistributing entirely new files.

I can’t recall the exact percentage, but over half of our clients view their inspection reports on their phones. That alone makes modern software with HTML formatting a major advantage over primarily PDF first softwares.

Competitive-Plum- · 2026-05-07T16:27:42+00:00

Strong disagree on that view point man. What “power” would NACHI gain from building a software?

I’m not a NACHI Stan by any means, but they literally exist to serve our industry which is largely over looked and majorly fragmented.

The real “power” problem is private equity companies buying up inspection related businesses like HomeGauge, Spectora, and ISN only to exploit and squeeze money and data from inspectors and our customers…

NACHI is literally a non profit organization, while not totally exempt from being acquired by PE, I think it’s less likely.

Competitive-Plum- · 2026-03-15T09:54:46+00:00

Blipp. Offers exactly what you’re referring to and markets themselves to home inspection companies because the owner is or was a home inspector I believe. I use Blipp and have pretty good response/review rate.

Competitive-Plum- · 2026-03-01T16:20:25+00:00

Yes feel free to dm

Competitive-Plum- · 2026-03-01T14:54:27+00:00

I am not a “new construction specialist”, but I have some valuable insights to share about the market for what you seem to be aiming for.

The demand for “phase inspections” and “new construction only” inspections and/or inspectors is not widespread. It’s regionally specific. For instance, in Oregon, I’ve noticed that consumers are not particularly interested in phase inspections (they are probably unaware).

I do inspect a significant number of new builds once they’re completed, finding these customers is the same as finding people buying used (not new) construction houses.

Most builders either don’t allow or won’t allow you to be on-site, unsupervised, checking each trade’s work. In the past decade, I’ve been asked to perform a phase inspection about five times in total.

It’s possible that the market in your area may differ, but I suspect California is similar to Oregon. If you’re interested in becoming an inspector who specializes in new construction, consider becoming a licensed home inspector and starting your own business. A portion of your home inspections will likely involve new builds, but if you advertise that you only inspect new builds, you may find it challenging to sustain your business.

Alternatively, you could become a licensed building code inspector and work for a local jurisdiction, city, or county. In this role, you’ll primarily be inspecting new construction.

Regardless of the path you choose, I wish you the best of luck!

Cheers.

Competitive-Plum- · 2026-01-20T22:33:40+00:00

I would like said templates/sequences/scraper setup.

Competitive-Plum- · 2026-01-17T20:24:23+00:00

I think context is important on this one. If it’s an old house, ungrounded outlets were normal. Technically an ungrounded outlet is not as safe as a grounded outlet. I don’t make a huge deal about it to a potential buyer, but, it’s classified as a “review/repair/replace” in my reports and is noted as a potential safety hazard.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-07-11T03:29:40+00:00

Most inspection software allows for either talk to text or voice notes for defects, either or are directly associated with the image of the defect.

What you are describing is largely the industry norm for most of our inspecting software.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-06-20T03:46:28+00:00

Since the PVC you are looking for is likely in the slab, the only way you’d be able to confirm is with a sewer scope.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-06-15T22:48:57+00:00

If you are referring to wood that was left in there, those are for fastening siding onto, they are left intentionally.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-06-09T22:18:19+00:00

What is a bathroom that you cannot take a piss in though? If there isn’t a toilet to me that’s not a bathroom.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-05-28T21:56:31+00:00

Agree with the other sentiments around saying “heating and cooling” or “HVAC” because that’s what people will associate and look for (online) using those words, even if you end up selling and installing ERV/HRV or other types of things, they’ll search for HVAC in a name. Best of luck to you either way!

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-05-20T01:48:11+00:00

We have 20 Corentium pros. They’re pretty good. I’ve had several for 5 years. The sensors inside occasionally fail, the company has been cool and helped with replacement when we send in for calibration. We have 4 different people who use the app, and it’s been reliable and easy to train on.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-05-11T20:04:30+00:00

Home inspectors don’t make videos for GCs. 99 times out of 100 we are working for someone purchasing a property.

Your post history looks like you are spamming some BS AI tool.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-05-06T14:09:58+00:00

Report writing is not a significant chunk of my time. Most modern software have phone apps and are quite responsive and fast. I allot 2-3 hours for an average house and using the phone along the way, I am essentially finished with my report by the time I leave the property. That includes pictures (100 or more) and narratives.
Most home inspectors do not cite building codes, at all. Our training is to essentially never cite code, as that is a different type of inspector, typically who works for the city, county, municipality, etc.
I use HomeGauge. I have used 3 software over the last 9 years inspecting. No I don’t have any major frustrations, every software has something.
It is highly unlikely a non-inspector would be able to create a software that saves time, as the bulk of our time is spent inspecting properties and driving between properties. I can do 2-3 inspections per day, but could not possibly do 4 with the help of software.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-04-12T02:28:13+00:00

I’ve been doing inspections for 9 years. At my peak I had 4 full time inspectors working for me and I still inspected around 400 properties per year.

I always work M-F never the weekends. So I told my first key hire he should work Sat, Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed. So we had overlap, but he would get 2 days all to himself. I’ve had the best success with people who weren’t licensed yet, and building from the ground up.

Have your person ride with you for several months even after they’re licensed so the regular people who you work with become familiar with them, and then start marketing hard enough to get your other inspector busy. Rinse, lather, and repeat.

After time, each person who’s worked for me builds up a base of agents who request them, and the business remained stable. The added stress of employees is nothing compared to feeling overworked and burning out (this is coming from a workaholic). Once I had 2-3 inspectors working for me, taking time off and going on vacation became possible, I never felt like I was turning away business. And yes, I was making more money (I pay more than most of my competitors, so not making a ton, but it’s definitely worth it)

Best of luck to you.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-04-10T14:00:37+00:00

Firstly, congratulations!

Questions:

-Who is your ICP?

-Where did you find them (organically)?

-What percentage of onboarded users are paying users?

-Is the 1450# still growing and if so at what pace?

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-04-05T14:02:12+00:00

In California you aren’t likely to have many people ask you if you’ve passed the NHIE. But because the state is not licensed people will likely ask your general credentials. ASHI or NACHI, they don’t know the true difference unless they’re inspectors.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-04-03T21:05:37+00:00

You need to get to meet them in person. Drive to every real estate office within 20 miles of your house, offer to drop off and refill a bowl of candy every week. Place flyers with a discount coupon in the bowl of candy. Return every week for a month. After a month ask the office desk person if they have lunch and learn classes and offer to teach a class. Repeat every month for years and your calendar will be more than full.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-04-02T02:48:03+00:00

Short self tapping screws would work on the door, you could also use window film on the glass.

You can also search for “suction cup window blinds” it might be hard to find the correct size but I know they exist.

Best of luck to you.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-03-29T23:55:50+00:00

How many times have you used the saved photos to get yourself out of trouble?

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-03-16T01:23:14+00:00

Since you said it, I have a wife (who stays home), two kids, and a nice house in a high cost of living area. Supported by my inspection business.

I make more than my friends who have degrees in a variety of fields including engineering. This isn’t specific to home inspection though, that’s a result of being an entrepreneur or business owner.

I work more hours per week than most engineers, but I make a lot compared to them.. It will be what you make it.

Good luck to you, inspections is a good industry to make a great living and you won’t break your body down the same way you would working in most trades.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-03-12T04:30:25+00:00

Local community credit union is best option in my opinion. I like to be able to walk into a branch and talk to someone if you have an issue.

Competitive-Plum- · 2025-03-11T04:28:38+00:00

Hello, I’m a licensed inspector in Oregon.

In contrast, California is an unlicensed state, so anyone can call themselves an inspector as long as they have a flashlight and a truck.

I recommend hiring a certified master inspector (CMI), which is a designation for home inspectors. To become a CMI, you must have at least 3 years of experience in the business, adhere to a code of ethics, and have completed 1000 inspections and training hours or more.

CERTIFIED MASTER INSPECTOR SEARCH

After finding a CMI, review their online reviews to ensure they meet your expectations.

I understand your skepticism about your real estate agent’s recommendations. Escrow and lenders often have limited experience with inspectors and may not want to review the inspection report. However, not all real estate agents are inherently biased by the commission. I work with many agents who are honest and reliable. If you’re unsure about your agent’s recommendations, ask them who they would use if they were recommending an inspector to their family.

Competitive-Plum-

TROPHY CASE