INSPECTEXPRESS™ can be configured to write reports in two basic formats - partial and full narrative. These styles affect the component description sections of the report (observations are always narrative).
The difference in the two settings are described in further detail below. The format can be changed by selecting 'Partial Narrative Style' on the 'Settings' tab of the 'Main Program Settings' form. Note that the configuration of the lists and drop-downs are different in each narrative format, and changes made when using one format will not be visible in the other format.
Partial Narrative Style:
In partial narrative mode components are described in an easily readable list format. Fully editable sub headings and titles let you customize the report to your own style. Footnotes can be added to each item for more detailed descriptions. See Configuring the Selection Boxes for Partial Narrative Mode for more information.
Example Part Narrative Description:
EXTERIOR
Building Exterior
Wall Surface Material: horizontal, tongue-and-groove cedar 1
Wall Trim: wood
Entry Door Types: solid wood
Sun Deck - Patio
Sun Deck Type: vinyl composite lumber 2
Sun Deck Location: at the side
<observations written here and footnotes at bottom of page>
1 Wood and wood composites are some of the most popular exterior cladding and trim materials. However, being organic wood is also the most susceptible to damage caused by moisture, and needs to be regularly and properly maintained. At least once a year, the client should carefully inspect the exterior walls, eaves, soffits or fascia for signs of damage caused by machinery, weather, roof leaks, overfull gutters, trees or ice, and refasten or repair individual boards or panels as necessary. All trim around doors and windows should be carefully examined and then refastened, repaired or re-caulked. Finally, the paint should be examined for blisters or peeling that might indicate moisture problems within the walls and the home touched up or repainted as necessary.
2 PERIODIC MAINTENANCE: Even decks of composite lumber need periodic maintenance to keep them free of algae that can make the surface very slick. We recommend cleaning composite decks annually by scrubbing with a mild detergent and then rinsing with clear water.
Example Full Narrative Description:
EXTERIOR
The exterior cladding consists of horizontal, tongue-and-groove cedar. The exterior trim is wood. The exterior entry doors are solid wood units. There is an attached vinyl composite lumber patio or deck located at the side of the residence.
Wood and wood composites are some of the most popular exterior cladding and trim materials. However, being organic wood is also the most susceptible to damage caused by moisture, and needs to be regularly and properly maintained.
At least once a year, the client should carefully inspect the exterior walls, eaves, soffits or fascia for signs of damage caused by machinery, weather, roof leaks, overfull gutters, trees or ice, and refasten or repair individual boards or panels as necessary. All trim around doors and windows should be carefully examined and then refastened, repaired or re-caulked. Finally, the paint should be examined for blisters or peeling that might indicate moisture problems within the walls and the home touched up or repainted as necessary.
Related Topics:
Configuring the Selection Boxes for Partial Narrative Mode
Configuring the Selection Boxes for Full Narrative Mode
Main Program Settings
