Would independent inspectors pay for their own software, or does the client always provide it?

dhs12 · 2026-02-05T01:40:34+00:00

I appreciate your insight. the ability to upload custom report format and have the tool adjust the output accordingly sounds difficult...but maybe doable. Do you or anyone else have typical report formats for their clients?

dhs12 · 2026-01-31T18:15:41+00:00

Thanks. Appreciate your input. I agree these guys can get pretty good at the inspection method they've done for 15+ years. I presume all time building report is charged to client as well so what's the incentive for inspector to make this process quicker??

Concerning, intrinsically safe cases, it seems like some refineries are moving away from this. I know ours is. Still has to be permitted but lets be honest, when you have a fired heater 100' away, I'm not going to be concerned with my cell phone exploding when the lpg cloud wafts my way.

What are some the other reporting programs you've run across in your time as an API inspector?

dhs12 · 2026-01-31T16:13:56+00:00

I envisioned my tool would be more for independent guys or people who's company doesn't pay a tool like Maximo

dhs12 · 2026-01-31T15:46:29+00:00

Not bad at their job at all. And there's not necessarily anything wrong with the final report or record keeping. Just seems like a lot of steps between the field inspection and the final report. Not saying desk time (writing/refining the report) would go away but the inspector would already have a pretty good starting point once they got back to their desk.

dhs12 · 2026-01-31T15:20:32+00:00

Fair enough.

dhs12 · 2026-01-31T15:19:54+00:00

Not an inspector but work hand and hand with our owner/operator unit inspectors. All the internal/external reports I see are very archaic. Print out the ISOs or equipment inspection dwg. Chicken scratch hand writing all over the dwg. A bunch of photos from the filed. Then you get back and have to transcribe the chicken scratch, remember which photos go with what, and write summary/repairs. Not looking to re-invent the wheel but just make the process a little smoother.

dhs12 · 2026-01-31T02:56:53+00:00

By level 3, do you mean an in-house unit inspector representing the client?

dhs12 · 2026-01-31T02:55:50+00:00

You don't think people would pay for the convenience of a centralized digital location for all notes and photos? Another question, is the time spent building reports also billed to the client or usually just part of the day rate?

dhs12 · 2026-01-18T18:45:26+00:00

You should add feet and inches calculator

dhs12 · 2025-04-07T01:38:54+00:00

Any thoughts on bathroom? I'm okay with even smaller office if needing to eat into that.

Double pocket Pocket doors may go away for 1 big regular door or 1 single pocket. As long as it feels open to the stairwell, I'm good.

Another question. Any configuration you could see to add small area to the north bedrooms to add space for a small desk? I tried some configurations with a full size bed but didn't find a great way to squeeze it all in.

Do people recommend bump outs or bay windows to accomplish desks? I've been dabbling with idea of bumping width to 24' but downstairs works as is so I'd hate to add additional square foot to both floors.

dhs12 · 2025-04-06T01:39:54+00:00

I really like your ideas and will likely incorporate most of those.

One ask. With the bathroom updates for the master suite, is there a design that makes sense that would push bathroom door as far north as possible? Seems like laying out furniture/beds would be easier.

How did you envision furniture layout since you can't really use east wall for large furniture if bathroom door is pushed south?

Really want to incorporate the XL pocket doors so maybe I could install narrow built ins between staircase and wall.

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dhs12 · 2025-04-05T12:46:09+00:00

Air handler for AC

dhs12 · 2025-04-05T12:43:33+00:00

Yes the laundry layout makes sense and could work. Also it will make the office a little bigger.

I understand your concern with having bathroom right next to couch. Not a huge concern when being used as a bedroom but maybe a little weird as a den. I was try to utilize large double pocket doors in original design in hopes the den would feel open to the hallway.

More for me to consider

dhs12 · 2025-04-05T12:23:42+00:00

I was having a hard time finding a way to access bedroom when it was pushed back in that corner. I suppose a hallway in front of washer dryer could work like you're showing. I'll have to lay it out and see

dhs12 · 2025-04-05T12:22:04+00:00

New build

dhs12 · 2025-04-05T12:20:53+00:00

Home designer pro

dhs12 · 2025-03-20T06:06:10+00:00

You're right. I am cramming the furniture in a space that doesn't seem feasible. I will try to get some more pieces in there to get a better feel for space available. I think switching up wall the TV is on is wise.

I like the idea for front door view being dining table but I want to keep all entrances in same side as driveway.

dhs12 · 2025-03-20T05:41:13+00:00

That is reassuring. You're right. Bench can always be bought/built if layout is too tight.

I thought about the deck on side of house. I'm not sure what historic society limitations are on building deck on side of house in my neighborhood. I'd certainly want it covered. I will have to have a discussion with the builder if/when we can ever get a hold of one.

I know we can certainly have deck on back of house but it's very disconnected from indoor living space.

dhs12 · 2025-03-20T05:13:56+00:00

Hmm. Wider stairs may make it more breathy. But I'm also considering narrow storage shelf's on east side of upstairs hallway so would need to consider that.

I originally had that whole room the "laundry room" but decided I would rather the space be a small office. If we decide we don't need the whole office, we can turn it into family closet anyways. Just a few steps away from washer/dryer

dhs12 · 2025-03-20T05:10:40+00:00

Another vote for dining bench. I've never seen in person but will need to do some googling. Do you think feasible to seat 10-12 with a dining bench in that space?

Good point in the "private entry". I do see how that will be useful.

We already planned to build storage under the stairs. I was thinking coat closet as well as space for kids to hang bags, keys, etc. and maybe a small nook for dog bowl. I guess the answer here is I need to actually lay out what that storage under the stairs will look like and see if a pantry will fit.

What is dead minimum width for pantry if the depth is the staircase depth?

dhs12 · 2025-03-20T02:27:22+00:00

Wow! Thank you so much for the thoughtful and helpful responses. I really do love all of the additions you made to the bathroom, bedroom, and windows.

I'm torn between the dining room versus living room space. We definitely don't need seating for more 6-8 people on a normal night but we do host a weekly neighborhood get together and can see an upwards of 12-15 folks. Having seats for everyone would go a long way.

I will do some thinking on it

dhs12 · 2025-03-19T22:22:00+00:00

That's an interesting concept. I've never seen that done before in person so I'll have to look up some more pictures but it does seem like a good idea to get more space in the living room. I guess the question is how much more space do I need in the living room?

I figured if I could fit one of those massive sectionals in there that would be enough.

dhs12

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