What is the Best Home Inspection Software?
The job of a home inspector is Herculean in nature, and the average home inspector is required to do many tasks. Not only will you have to write home inspection reports, but you also have to find new customers and inspect homes.
Home inspection software is one piece of the puzzle that can make your job easier. If you do your homework and choose the right software for your home inspection business, you will save both time and money in the long run.
In order to understand which home inspection software to buy, you need to do a little bit of analysis and soul searching. By understanding the following elements, you can best cater a software system to your needs. In this way, you will not have to pay for things you don’t need, and on the other hand, you will have features you will use on a daily basis to be able to build your company.
Key Features
You need to be honest with yourself about how much knowledge you have about computer software and how patient you are in learning new things. Most home inspection software allows you to put photos and text alongside each other, gives you the ability to complete your reports in the field, can link you to inspector references, and allows you to merge several reports into one document. You need to decide what features you will need, how willing you are to learn how to operate these new features, and how many bells and whistles you need to support the work you are doing.
Software Compatibility
Just like you need to know yourself and your limitations, you need to be honest about the devices you are using. Some home inspection software works with Mac, some with PC, and if you are planning to use your mobile device, that is a whole different ball game. Do your research to make sure that the computer you are using will support your home inspection software needs. This might be a good time to think about upgrading your hardware as well.
Support When You Need It
Before getting in over your head as far as the software is concerned, make sure you have an outlet of support for what you will need. Many companies offer phone as well as online customer support. If you cannot get the company itself on the phone, other home inspectors might be able to help you on industry related message boards and forums. As a home inspector, you need to spend your time inspecting homes, and choosing a program that requires you to constantly be on the phone with customer service is taking away from your bottom line and your earnings from doing home inspections.
Home Inspection Software Cost
Make sure that you understand how much money you can spend going in, so that you do not overdraw your budget. There are several ways to pay for home inspections software, so do your homework when it comes to what you want. Prices vary widely depending on the type you choose. Some software offers a pay as you go plan, and some subscription plan. Some software has you pay the whole fee upfront. Other types of software providers ask you to pay according to the number of inspectors who will be using it.
TOP 5 HOME INSPECTIONS SOFTWARE REVIEWS
There are many types of home inspection software you can use, and the list below includes the main industry players. It is a good snapshot of the popular home inspection software that is available to you. By looking at this list, you can ascertain what is important to you and your home inspection company.
HOME GAUGE
Home Gauge is a company that has been around a long time and really knows their way around home inspection software. They provide some of the most beautiful reports you have ever seen and will impress your clients immensely. Home Gauge will work seamlessly with your mobile device, and you can even use the app to create the report. They are also considered the cutting edge of the business.
Key Features: loud services, report storage, video in the report, expanding pictures in hi-res, report delivery, online public scheduling with ScheduleNow, social media marketing
Compatibility: Windows(7, 8, 10), Android(Version 7 or later), iOS (6,8 or later)
Support: Phone, Email and Chat
Cost: Monthly subscription is available at $69/month. There are also some other packages listed on their website.
Free Trial: Not Available
HOME INSPECTOR PRO (HIP)
This well-known and well-used software is very intuitive and easy to use even if you are just starting out. The extremely fast and intuitive interface on the mobile device allows you to easily upload multiple pictures and annotations. The reports look great and are well-made. Home Inspector Pro has stellar customer service.
Key Features: incredible speed, cloud services, flexible template editor with dozens of different templates, video in the report, narratives search as you type, photo annotation, photo/video slideshow, and a list of all summary comments for on-site
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad
Support: Phone, Email, Help Desk and Live Chat
Cost: Monthly subscription starts at $50/user. There are some additional options listed on the website.
Free Trial: 30 Day Free Trial
EZ HOME
EZ Home, as the name suggests, is an easy and simplified way to write your reports. The reports can be customized by adding or removing elements from the template. They offer a great summary page that can be sent to clients. There are several versions of service offered, and they offer 30 days free for you to try it.
Key Features: easy to learn, fully customizable reports, 2000 pre-typed comments, real time spell check, autosave and restore reports, print and email reports, summary page, on-site reports, instant access
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad
Support: Phone, Email and Help Desk
Cost: Monthly subscription starts at $20/month plus $399 setup fee. There is also a desktop only flat fee option listed on the website.
Free Trial: 30 Day Free Trial
SPECTACULAR
This home inspection software is easy to use and to share with customers. Great for both new and experienced home inspectors, Spectacular compares well with other top players and quickly gains more and more popularity.
Key Features: perform inspections without internet, multi-inspector support, on-site reports, photo editor, 7000+ narratives, flexible templates, photos and videos in the report, voice inspection notes, built-in credit card processing and more
Compatibility: Windows, Mac(cloud version), Android, iPhone, iPad
Support: Phone and Email
Cost: Monthly subscription available for $59.99/month. There are a few pay per report options listed on the website.
Free Trial: 14 Day Free Trial
SPECTORA
Voted the best ease of use home inspection software in 2020, Spectora is a key player in the home inspection software marketplace. It positions itself as the fastest, easiest, and most advanced home inspection software. Spectora has a lot to offer and many home inspectors rave about it.
Key Features: modern design, easy to use and easy to learn, flexible templates with 100,000 narratives, offline mode, scheduling tools, business tools, integrations and analytics, always updated
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, iPad
Support: Phone, Email, Online Chat and Facebook Groups
Cost: Monthly subscription available for $99/ month for a single user and $69/month for any additional user.
Free Trial: First Five Inspections Are Free
No matter which choice you make, you are the one who has to live with the results, so do your homework to ensure that you have the best home inspection software for your business. Consider price, ease of use, accessibility of support services, and the overall look of the report in choosing the best system for you.
