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April,
2005
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Effective
Report Writing
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Issue
#36
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This
month we will discuss Effective Report Writing.
Bridging technical knowledge into written form is a key element
in providing your clients with the valuable information and
direction they need on the property that you are inspecting
for them. Effective report writing assists in reducing the
inspector's liability and documents the condition of the property's
many systems and components. Not to mention reducing phone
calls with questions and ensuring customer satisfaction.
It is important to clearly and accurately communicate conditions
that are found during the inspection. Using terms that are
"technically challenging" or "trade slang"
for your clients should be avoided. Your report should contain
generic language that a layperson can understand. Be sure
to "write what you say and say what you write",
be consistent throughout the inspection.
Remember too, that we are not code-enforcement officials and
steer clear of citing code in your reports. Instead of writing
"the spacing between the rails is not per code"
consider writing "the spacing between the rails may be
unsafe and we recommend upgrading for enhanced safety."
Follow
these 5 steps when reporting:
- Locate
- Write the location.
- Identify
- Write what it is that you are reporting on.
- Describe
- What do you see? What is its condition?
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Explain - What does what you found mean?
- Recommend
- What should be done? Should you recommend further review
and repairs as needed by a qualified licensed contractor
or specialty tradesperson dealing with the item or system?
Possibly further evaluation by an engineer? Minor repair?
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Mark
Your Calendar for "Safe and Sound",
Kaplan's East Coast Regional Seminar.
May 21-22, 2005 in Miami, FL.
Seminar Includes FEMA Disaster Certification!
Click
Here for Details
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Whether
you are an experienced inspector or new to report writing
increasing your knowledge and ability to generate effective
and defensible home inspection reports is important. Oh, one
more thing, correct grammar and spelling increases the credibility
of your reports.
Kaplan
now offers a one day Report
Writing course. Included is a Matrix Deluxe Starter
Kit valued at $159.95!
We'll
talk next month,
Michael
Casey
with
assistance this month from Dana Carter, Director of Education
at Kaplan.
Now
You're Ready For Business!™
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