Our Report

The Original Home Reporter was first published in 1989 as 'The Home Reporter'. While it has been updated several times before, this time we went all the way back to the beginning and made it new again for the new millennium. The report is on 3-part NCR paper and has 9 major sections on eight pages. There is a contract spreading across two pages. Part of the second page of the contract has a section where restrictions on the inspection are noted. The contract defines the nature and scope of the inspection and the restrictions help clarify further any items that are given less than a full inspection. An example would be that if it snowed prior to the inspection, the inspector would note the roof was covered and therefore not inspected.

The inspection itself identifies and notes observations. It notes what was inspected (Fiberglass Matrix Asphalt Shingles) and points out their condition (Cupping and Curling). There are two additional pages for comments for summarizing the items that need immediate attention.

Each page separates into letter sized paper and the first and second sheets come out of the folder. The client receives both the original and a copy that may be available for the realtor. The inspector's copy remains in the folder for his files.

The Original Home Reporter Book has about two hundred and eighty pages and over a hundred and seventy-five pictures and diagrams. Every item in the report is numbered and indexed to a paragraph or section of the book. The book is designed to be an owner's manual and part of the report. It thoroughly explains the report and gives details on what work should be done and who should do it.

For Fellow Home Inspectors
The reporting system is available to any interested Home Inspectors. The several pages on this web site do not do it justice. Order a sample set. The sample is a complete set that you can use to do an inspection. If you get it and decide not to keep it you can return it in good condition and we will refund the cost. The sample is $23.95 plus shipping (about $4.50). We have price breaks for quantity orders starting at 20 sets. The forms start at $8.95 and go down with quantity. We accept major credit cards.

Call 1-866-329-0278 (toll free), or e-mail JBarrettIrby@Comcast.net for more information.

If you decide to use the system you would be getting the best of the old and the new. I have used it all those years and so have hundreds of other inspectors. If you are familiar with the earlier versions of the system, there have been substantial changes. The forms are now on letter sized white paper with black print so they will copy and fax easily. Gone are those frazzled bottom edges. The first and second pages come out to give the Realtor the best copy so they don't have to take the clients copy to fax. The pictures are all new and many new topics have been added like PEX and Cement siding, Etc.

Call if I can help you.

Barry Irby

Examples
The following are examples from the Original Home Reporter book and form. To view the last four files you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.

The form (Part 4: Plumbing)

Page 64 (Exterior: Paint)
Page 129 (Plumbing: Polybutylene pipe)
Page 214 (Heating: Filters)
Page 229 (Air Conditioning: Ducts)