> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.myinspectiq.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Best Practices for Home Inspectors Using InspectIQ > Get the most out of InspectIQ with field-tested tips for every stage of your workflow — from pre-inspection prep to delivering polished reports. Whether you're brand new to InspectIQ or you've been using it for a while, a few good habits can make a big difference in how smoothly your inspections run and how polished your reports look. This guide walks you through the best practices for each stage of your workflow — from setting up before you leave the office to following up with clients after the report goes out. ## Before the Inspection Starting the day prepared saves you time on site and helps you avoid scrambling when you're in the middle of a job. * **Review your work order** before you leave. Confirm the property address, inspection type, and any client notes so you know what to expect. * **Download the work order for offline use** if you're heading somewhere with unreliable internet. Go to the work order detail screen and tap **Download for Offline** before you leave Wi-Fi range. * **Check that your templates are up to date.** If you've recently edited your report templates or added new finding categories, sync your app so the latest versions are ready to use on site. * **Charge your devices.** InspectIQ does a lot of work in the field — photos, AI processing, and syncing can drain your battery faster than usual. > [!TIP] > > Set a pre-inspection checklist reminder on your phone for 30 minutes before each job. A quick check of your work order, offline status, and battery level can prevent headaches later. > [!NOTE] > > If you use a second device as a backup, make sure it's also logged in and has the work order downloaded before you head out. ## Capturing Photos Photos are the foundation of your inspection report — and they're what the AI uses to generate findings. The better your photos, the better your results. * **Take at least two photos per finding:** one wide shot to show context and location, and one close-up to show the defect clearly. * **Use good lighting.** Natural light is best. If you're in a dark area — like a crawl space or attic — use your phone's torch or bring a portable light. Blurry or dark photos will reduce the quality of AI suggestions. * **Keep your camera lens clean.** It sounds simple, but a smudged lens is one of the most common causes of poor inspection photos. * **Photograph the area before and after** when you move items or open access panels. This gives context to your findings and protects you if questions come up later. * **Angle matters.** For things like cracks, moisture stains, or damaged components, shoot straight-on so the issue is clearly visible rather than shooting at an angle that obscures it. > [!TIP] > > If you're unsure whether a photo is good enough, take two or three from slightly different angles. You can always delete extras later, but you can't go back to the property to retake a shot. > [!NOTE] > > InspectIQ's AI works best with well-lit, in-focus photos. If the AI isn't suggesting findings on an uploaded photo, photo quality is often the first thing to check. ## Using AI Effectively InspectIQ's AI is a powerful tool, but it works best when you're in the loop. Think of it as a very thorough assistant — not a replacement for your professional judgment. * **Review every AI-generated finding before accepting it.** The AI can identify common defects, but you know the property and the context. Always confirm that a suggestion makes sense before including it in your report. * **Edit AI descriptions to match your voice.** The AI gives you a starting point. Feel free to reword suggestions to sound like you — your clients hired you, and the report should reflect your expertise. * **Use AI suggestions as a checklist prompt.** Even if you don't accept a suggestion, it might remind you to double-check something you'd otherwise move past quickly. * **Make sure AI findings are enabled** in your settings. If you're not seeing suggestions, go to **Settings → AI & Reporting** and confirm that AI-generated findings are turned on for your account. > [!NOTE] > > AI findings require an internet connection to generate. In offline mode, photos are stored and processed once you reconnect. See [Offline Mode](https://help.myinspectiq.com/offline-mode/overview.md) for more details. > [!TIP] > > The more consistently you accept, edit, or dismiss AI suggestions, the better the AI learns your preferences over time. Taking a moment to review — rather than skipping past suggestions — helps improve future results. ## Staying Organized on Site A busy inspection site can get chaotic. InspectIQ has several features to help you stay on top of everything as you work through the property. * **Use area navigation** to work through the property room by room. Completing one area before moving to the next keeps your findings organized and makes the final report much easier to read. * **Leave voice notes** on findings you want to revisit or where you want to add more detail later. You can transcribe or expand on these when you're back in a quieter environment. * **Flag items to revisit.** If you spot something you're not sure about, flag it rather than skipping it. You can come back with more information or consult a specialist before finalizing the report. * **Sync regularly if you have a connection.** Even a brief moment with mobile data is enough to push progress to the cloud, so your work is backed up as you go. > [!TIP] > > Work through a consistent route every time — for example, always starting outside and moving clockwise through each level. A consistent approach means fewer missed areas and a more logical report structure. ## Delivering Reports Professionally Your report is often the most visible piece of your work. Taking a few extra minutes before you hit send can make a big difference in how professional you come across. * **Preview the report before sending.** Use the **Preview** button to see exactly what your client will receive. Check for any areas that look incomplete or have placeholder text. * **Add a personal message** when you deliver the report. A short, friendly note explaining the top-level summary or what the client should do next goes a long way in building trust. * **Use the summary section** to highlight the most important findings. Clients often jump to the summary first — make sure it gives them the right picture. * **Send the agreement before the report** if you haven't already collected a signed inspection agreement. InspectIQ lets you hold the report delivery until the agreement is signed. * **Follow up with your client** a day or two after delivery. A quick message asking if they have any questions shows professionalism and helps catch any confusion before it becomes a problem. > [!NOTE] > > Once you send a report, clients receive a link to an interactive report viewer — not just a PDF. Make sure the email address on file is correct before you send. ## Managing Your Business InspectIQ isn't just an inspection tool — it helps you run a more efficient operation from end to end. * **Use team features** to assign work orders to specific inspectors on your roster. This keeps everyone accountable and ensures the right person is notified about each job. * **Track payment status** from the work order screen. You can see at a glance which jobs have been paid, which are pending, and which need follow-up. * **Set up your agreement templates** in advance. Having a ready-to-go inspection agreement means you're never holding up a job waiting for paperwork. * **Customise your branding** — add your logo, company name, and contact details to your report template so every report you send looks consistent and professional. * **Review your completed inspections regularly.** Looking back at your reports is a great way to spot patterns, refine your findings language, and improve over time. > [!TIP] > > Set up automatic payment reminders so InspectIQ nudges clients who haven't paid yet — you won't have to chase them manually. > **[AI-Generated Findings](https://help.myinspectiq.com/inspections/ai-generated-findings.md)** > > Learn how InspectIQ's AI reviews your photos and suggests findings for your report. > **[Offline Mode](https://help.myinspectiq.com/offline-mode/overview.md)** > > Understand how to prepare for and work through inspections without internet access. > **[Report Delivery](https://help.myinspectiq.com/reports/report-delivery.md)** > > Customise and send your reports professionally with InspectIQ's delivery tools. > **[Business Settings](https://help.myinspectiq.com/settings/business-settings.md)** > > Set up your branding, payment integrations, agreement templates, and team preferences. 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