hominspect program guide - home inspection software - hominspect
TRANSCRIPT
"HomInspect Instruction Guide" HomInspect-2011 was developed to provide you
with a quick and easy method in which to navigate
through this Home Inspection Software. Before
starting your Home Inspection report it is
recommended that you first read "HomInspect
Instruction Guide" this instructional guide will help
you familiarize yourself with the software program
and controls and assist you in producing a top notch
professional inspection report using the fewest
number of steps.
We have also included in this software program
1. Work Order Invoice – A professional invoice ready to go.
2. Inspection worksheet – A worksheet that will assist you during your inspection.
3. Google Map search – That is linked to client info for a quick map search.
4. Report Summary page –Identifies concerns that are mentioned within report.
5. Realtor’s Directory – Store your realtor’s contact info for quick, easy and fast access.
6. Email Report – Email your report directly from our software, it is as simple as pushing a button.
7. Custom Toolbars-We have designed a set of custom toolbars with many features that will assist with
putting together a top notch report.
8. Change Report Color Formatting- You can use this feature to change the color design of report pages
with ease.
9. Customize Formatted Comments- Customize a color formatted comment and add to already existing
library.
To convert your finished report into a PDF file for easy mailing we recommend installing a FREEWARE called
“PDFCreator-GPLGhostscript” A free tool which easily creates PDF files from any program that is able to print.
Start converting your inspection reports and add encryption with PDFCreator to secure them against
modifications. You can also merge multiple files into one PDF.
PDFCreator is a FREEWARE and cost you absolutely nothing
Creating PDF files are simple, fast and works just like a printer. If you decide to use the PDFCreator Please
install before use.
Here is an additional download link below
http://www.pdfforge.org/pdfcreator
Also you may like to try this FREEWARE called “FastStone Image Viewer” image browser, converter and editor
with nice interface; includes lots of tools. FastStone Image Viewer can help you to resize your photos/images
so as not to take up so much memory and yet keep the quality of each photo. This process can be done with
multiple photos/images all at once in a single batch and is very easy to use.
Download link below
http://www.faststone.org/FSViewerDetail.htm
“Starting a New Report” 1. When you first open HomInspect-2011
Software Program you will then select
“Start Here”.
This will bring you to the “Main Control
Panel”
Here at the “Main control Panel” you will
then select “Starting New Report”
The use of this feature is only available
when selected from HomInspect 2011
master program.
2. When selecting ”Starting New Report”, a
Starting a new report dialog will appear, you
will then enter a name for new report in the
open box
Now select the OK button on the bottom.
That’s it. Your new report has now been
created and you may now begin working on
your report. Also a new desktop shortcut icon
has been created for this new report and
placed on your desktop for quick and easy
access.
Or you may also opt to CANCEL this process
and return the main screen.
Once a new report has been created you will
then select “Client Information”
To enter all needed client info.
4. Once on the “Client Information”
page, you will then enter needed
information that is pertaining to the
Inspection Report. After information has
been entered you will then return to
"Main Control Panel".
Additional Button Info
A “Google Map Search” button has been
added. Once you have entered Client Info
and Inspection address press Google Map
Search button (if internet is present) it
will then open Google Map with your
inspection map location ready to print.
“Clear Client Information” button when selected will clear only client information, your company name and
info will stay and the invoice number will automatically go to next invoice number.
The “Realtor Directory” button will make short work of auto inserting realtors contact info.
That simple…
5. Now that you have returned to the
"Main Control Panel" you will now
select “Work On Report”.
Now select “Selecting Report Locations”.
This will bring you to “Selected Reports”
page.
Or if you are just want to continue
working on existing report then just select
“Continue Working On Existing Report”
Both are pretty self explanatory.
6. Here on the “Selected Reports” page you
will notice that the inspection reports are
broken down into different areas / locations.
Using the check boxes select all areas needed
for inspection. Once all selections have been
made, use the “Update Selected Reports”
button, this will open all selected reports.
We have also added a button called “Reset
Updated Report”. This button will allow you
to reset and save changes made within
selected report areas. Best used with
HomInspect 2011 (master copy)
Here is a view of how it may
appear as you are working on
different areas of report.
At the very bottom of page
you will see each of the areas
that you have selected. Select
one at a time, fill in reported
information.
As a safe practice it is
recommended that upon
completion of each area to
select the save button located
on “HomInspect Special
Feature Controls” This will
help prevent any accidental
loss of newly entered data.
Another good practice is as each page of your report is completed and before you continue on to the next
page, is to select the tool ribbon called “HomInspect Special Feature Controls” from there you will select Print
Preview, this will give you a view of how this page will appear when you print, so at this point you can make
necessary changes. To make changes use the Page break view, it is usually better to make a page shorter by
raising the page break line (blue line) upward. Sometimes if you try to extend the page break line downward it
will also shrink the appearance of the page. Then at this point you would select Save as you go button, then
continue to the next page. Once you get a feel of how a page break / print preview works you can make
necessary correction in just a couple of seconds.
7. After all areas of the report have been completed
“Report Navigation” toolbar , then select
8. You will then be brought to
Report” page here you will have a selection
of check boxes to choose from. Select
check boxes that pertain to your report.
And then press the “OK “button.
At this point if you are using PDF Creator
(FREEWARE) please be sure that you have
set the PDF Creator as default printer
any other PDF Printer.
9. After selecting the OK command button
from your print page, the PDF Creator
this is your default printer) will open and
display this page or similar page. Now f
all needed information and then select
save.
Next a Windows Save Dialog will appear;
there you will save PDF report to a desired
location.
Now review your PDF report before mailing
out.
. After all areas of the report have been completed and you are ready to print your report
select “Print Reports”
. You will then be brought to “Print
ere you will have a selection
of check boxes to choose from. Select all
check boxes that pertain to your report.
if you are using PDF Creator
be sure that you have
set the PDF Creator as default printer or
command button
the PDF Creator (If
will open and
Now fill in
all needed information and then select
Next a Windows Save Dialog will appear;
desired
Now review your PDF report before mailing
and you are ready to print your report, then select
Here is a view of the “General Information” Page.
Most information on this page is linked throughout
your report and is entered automatically. The area
circled in red has Drop down fields that are
populated with numerous comment possibilities
already. The Drop down fields can also be
populated with your own personal information.
The rest of this page is already linked to your Client
information page and is updated upon each
opening.
Here is a sample page of the “Garage”. It gives you
a view of how a report page looks as you work on
it. No jumping back and forth to different pages.
With this reporting program you complete each
area of inspection while staying on the same page,
which gives you an actual view of the report.
Home Inspection Tool Bar ribbon
Below is a pictured view of the HomInspect Special Feature Control toolbar ribbon This tool
bar ribbon will help assist you as you navigate through each of your reporting areas. Below are
instructions on the use of each tool.
Add / Remove Protection: Protection for the most part is reapplied automatically.
The protection is used to help prevent any accidental alteration. You may remove
protection using this command button so that you can make needed modifications
to your report to suit your needs and then reapply protection. Be careful of linked
fields across the top of the page when protection is removed.
Red or Yellow Circle: This tool command will insert a red or yellow circle where
needed to display area(s) of interest. Just tab cursor next to desired area and press
“Red or Yellow Circle” command. Then re-adjust and size to suit.
This one for Red This one for Yellow
Red or Yellow Arrow: This tool command will insert a red or yellow arrow where
needed to display area(s) of interest. Just tab cursor next to desired area and press
“Red or Yellow Arrow” command. Then re-adjust and size to suit.
This one for Red This one for Yellow
Down Arrow: This tool command will insert an arrow where needed to display
area(s) of interest. Just tab cursor next to desired area and press “Down Arrow”
command. Then re-adjust and size to suit.
This will insert a no fill arrow
Text Box: This tool will allow you to insert a comment where needed throughout
report. Edit the text using standard tools operation.
Insert Photo: With this tool You can insert clip art or a
photo into your report with ease. Select desired
location by tabbing a cell then press “Insert Photo”
command.
This feature is used to insert a photo to an exact
desired location.
For the preferred and easiest method to insert a
photo to your report please read: “How to insert a
photo into report” located further down on this page.
Special Feature Tools
Create A New Formatted Comment: The use of this
feature will assist you in creating a new color
formatted comment and then add to already existing
library. When using this feature just follow the simple
instructions on the screen.
Change Report Color Formatting: This feature will
allow you to change the color layout of all report
areas. This includes fill color, Font color, Special
outline highlighting and even a glow effect. When
using this feature just follow the simple instructions.
Hide or Unhide Selected Rows: Each report location is
broken down in different categories; Example electrical,
plumbing, walls, windows, flooring and so on. This
feature will allow you to remove or add desired
category to active report location.
Additional instructions for this feature are further down
on this page.
Put your comment in here
Here is a sample
how it may appear
Add Comment To Summary Page: This button will open
a summary page selection in reference to currently
opened report. From there you can add or remove
desired comment(s) of Report Summary Page.
Additional instructions for this feature are further down
on this page.
Active Report Controls Reset Margin: This feature will reset your active
report margin settings.
Page Break View: This feature enables you to spot
page break problems as well as fix them such as when
a photo wants to split onto different pages. To correct
this problem it is best to move the page break line in
the upward direction above problem area. Then verify
changes by using “Print Preview”
Print Preview: You can use Print Preview to see
exactly how your selected report will appear when
printed; this will allow you to make last-minute
changes to the page settings before sending the
report to the printer. It’s very helpful to be sure
everything lines up the way you want.
Spell Check: This feature will check for spelling errors
in a report. Spell Check can be useful in preventing
embarrassing mistakes, but be aware that Spell Check
is not always right.
Find / Replace: This tool provides a fast and easy
operation to search and replace any combination of
words, numbers, or even phrases.
Save as you Go: Using this feature will allow you to
Save your report as you go. This makes for good
practice and it only takes 2 seconds to select.
take you much longer if you have to redo
was lost do to various reasons such as,
freezes, computer crashes, or you forget to save
before closing.
“How to populate dropdowns with new comments
Double click within selected dropdown and highlight
existing comment. As seen with sample
The use of this feature is only available when selected
from HomInspect 2011 master program.
be added and saved for future reports.
You can now type your new comment within same
dropdown. Now tab out of current dropdown by
selecting another cell. Now return to selected
dropdown with a right click command, this will
prompt an option for you to either add new comment
to list or you can select no to cancel.
To keep your newly inserted comments to your list
permanently please read “How to insert your Logo,
company info or new comments to list”
down.
This tool provides a fast and easy
any combination of
Using this feature will allow you to
Save your report as you go. This makes for good
only takes 2 seconds to select. It will
much longer if you have to redo an area that
s such as, computer
you forget to save
How to populate dropdowns with new comments
Double click within selected dropdown and highlight
As seen with sample
The use of this feature is only available when selected
program. It then will
be added and saved for future reports.
type your new comment within same
dropdown by
selecting another cell. Now return to selected
dropdown with a right click command, this will
n option for you to either add new comment
to list or you can select no to cancel.
To keep your newly inserted comments to your list
“How to insert your Logo,
company info or new comments to list” further
How to populate dropdowns with new comments”
“How to insert a photo into report” This method is quite simple. As you work on a
selected area you will notice pinkish colored
checkbox’s labeled “INSERT PHOTO” on the far left in
numerous locations throughout report.
(checkboxes will not print on report)
By clicking on checkbox it will then unhide a hidden
row just below checkbox. This is where you insert
photos.
Now double click within empty cell and Picture Dialog
will open.
While the Picture Dialog is open, select desired
picture and then select insert. Your photo will then be
inserted and sized automatically within selected cell.
There are 4 open cells to choose from in
hidden row location.
If more photos are needed you may then
add those photos to “Additional Photo”
Adding comments to Report Summary Page
Report Summary Page
The Report Summary page is used to describe area(s)
of concern that were observed at time of inspection.
With just a simple click of a button you can choose
what comments to add.
To add or remove a comment to the Report Summary
page is quite easy. Just select “Add Comments to
Summary Page” from toolbar above. While desired
reporting page is visible a form pertaining to that
selected area will appear with a breakdown of
reported areas or items.
To add or remove a selected comment check each
box then select Add Selection(s) or Remove
Selection(s)
That’s it
Hide or Unhide Selected Rows
Hide or Unhide Selection page
The Hide or Unhide Selection is used to remove (hide)
selected area(s) from selected reporting page.
To Hide or Unhide a selection is also quite easy. Just
select “Hide or Unhide Selected Rows” from toolbar
above. While desired reporting page is visible a form
pertaining to that selected area will appear with a
breakdown of all areas. As seen here.
Before
After
To Hide or Unhide a selection, check each box then
select Hide Selection(s) or Unhide Selection(s)
That’s it
To the right is a before and after view of how it will
appear when removing side yard from selected
report.
“How to insert your Logo, company info, Realtor Info
or new comments to list permanently”
To make permanet changes so that you do not have to repopulate your company info, add logo or even
update your personlized comment to a list. Follow these simple steps.
1. When you first open HomInspect-2011, as if you are starting a new report, instead of selecting “Start
New Report” first select Client Information or Invoice or Work On Report from Main Control Panel.
This will open the master report where you can make changes or adjustments that can be saved
permanently for future reports and will save you time so you do not have to reenter the same
information again.
Client Information: To enter your company info.
Realtor Directory: Enter contact information for future use. Access located on Client information page
or toolbar.
Invoice: To add company logo or make simple changes.
Work On Report: From here you can select either “Email Reports” make changes to comments in
email box or “Selecting Report Locations” To add company logo to cover page and or make changes to
other report pages.
2. After changes and adjustments have been completed return to “Selected Reports” page and select
bottom button labeled “Reset Updated Reports”
3. Now return to Main Control Panel and select the Close / Exit button.
4. After newly saved changes and adjustments have been made, when you begin your new report the
new changes will be there. Be careful when using this option. If you have any question please feel free
to contact us and we will be more than glad to assist you.
Realtor Directory How to use “Realtor Directory”
The “Realtor Directory” button is located on
the “Client Information” page or toolbar.
When selecting this button you will be brought
to this page were you can either add new
entries or click on button next to desired
realtor and your entry will be auto inserted
throughout your report. Using this feature will
make short work of auto inserting realtors
contact info.
To add a new entry just type name, Phone and
Email in desired box. To save new entry for
future use, do so using HomInspect 2011
original program.
Email Report With the assistance of Outlook 2007 we have added a feature that will give you a quicker and easier method in
which to email your completed report directly from our software. You will first need to set up an account with
Outlook 2007 along with your current email address. We have provided step by step instructions on email
page to set up this free account.
To send your report using this feature its best
to first complete report and save in PDF.
From the “Work On Report” page you will then
select “Email Report”
When selecting this button you will be brought
to this page were you can easily email your
client and or your realtor or ?.
The areas in grey are linked to “Client Info” and
are updated from there.
From this page you can enter your own
comments to the email Subject line and Email
Message and save as your default email
comment.
To send email select “Press Here” button
This will open Outlook 2007 (if available) and a
“File Open” dialog
Copyright © HomInspect 2009-2011
When the “File Open” dialog appears you will
then need to locate and select report that you
want to email, then select “Open” button on
bottom right corner. This will attach report
ready to send via email.
(in some cases this page may not appear or
become visible you may have to reselect
HomInspect 2011 located at bottom of page)
After Report / File has been attached to email
you will then see this email page that is now
ready to send. Confirm information on this
page is correct and then select the “Send”
button. Your email is now on its way. Send time
delay will depend on size of file.
You will now close off Outlook 2007.
(Also again in some cases this page may not
appear or become visible you may have to
reselect HomInspect 2011 located at bottom of
page)
When each report has been completed with no further use just simply right click on icon located on desktop
and select delete. Only the shortcut icon will be deleted and the main report will be archived in HomInspect
2011 folder “Saved Reports” for any future reference if so needed.
We put as much information together here to give you all the possible tools to put together a top notch report
that is not only easy to follow but easy to use. Once you fully learn how to navigate through this report
software it will take you know time at all to complete a report. Any and all comments and or statements made
that are mentioned throughout this reporting software are only as a courtesy or sample. It is recommended
that you read all contents of this Report Summary. HomInspect cannot be held liable for any statements
made. Also, if you have any further question or need assistance with this software we will be more than glad
to assist you in any way we possibly can.