HomeGauge Erfahrungen

Good Product

Kommentare: We have Many copies of this software and were hardcore supporters for many years, The delay in updates forced us to go in a different direction and while we paid for services for many years that we really did not use as part of our profile when we cancelled services we were cut off from our stored reports. and as there is not a good backup system, these are not available to us

Vorteile:

Fairly easy to use with a minor learning curve. has the ability to use a mobile version that speeds up the process. Great customer service.

Nachteile:

The overall look and feel of the program is a bit behind the times however is better than some. The ties to third parties are a bit concerning. The worst part is that you are forced to pay a monthly fee in order to integrate the mobile software (although there are some ways around it) and it is not a live software so data loss from equipment failure is a concern and the ability to store photos outside of the program is tricky and you have to install a secondary camera app in order to have the photos accessible in you gallery.

User Over 15 Years

Kommentare: Solved report writing as a whole. The platform is great and generating reports. Home Gauge has also built two websites to date. Each have turned out great. Web services has been great to work with. If there are changes or dislikes, home gauge has always been accommodating with changes and my expectations.
Scheduler, which I don't use because it's too time consuming to use and set it all up. There are not enough options to change fees on the fly, too many fixed prices with no range of ability to change them to meet my needs.

Vorteile:

The companion and cloud use. Relatively easy to use the software in general. Support is really great, and I can usually solve most issues fast through HG support. Video use.

Nachteile:

Not being able to edit styles and materials drop down menu view. It needs to be expanded and we need the ability to drag and drop the S&M within the menu easier. It doesn't expand wide enough to view all the text. No ability to copy and paste from inspection item text to the picture window. Takes too long to either type it of find it the saved picture comments. Template items gets too long over time and it's time consuming to find it within the software, either on companion or the desktop. I found it's easier to write the defect in long paragraphs and save to the template and just go find it that way, lots of scrolling. I hate the current arrow use for pictures. We need and I've asked for over 10 years to a more defined arrow and pointing and arrow options. Seems like a easy enough fix to add another option, but it's been ignored. I can't be changed without major distortion in the pictures or web report view. Stabilizing line drawings. Too shaky and unstable.

Homeguage works but seems awkward to use

Kommentare: I used Homeguage when working with a spcialize client base. Part of my experience may have been the limited functionality associate with this operation. I was not displeased with the software but more indifferent than anything else.

Vorteile:

The customer support team is excelllent. Very willing to help and patient when working with clients.

Nachteile:

The format style and inspection style seems bulky and time consuming.

Best Home Inspection Software

Vorteile:

I like the ease of use of the software. I write my reports from my pictures. The pictures are on the right. I review the picture, select the section of the report it goes in, insert, and then choose pre-written smart text to describe the problem. Then I can customize the pre-written text for the specific issue. Highlighting on the picture with arrows, circles, lines... easy. Cropping and zooming the picture... click done. I can even insert hyperlinks to web based articles on electric panel defects or what asbestos tiles look like. I also was able to customize the General Summary the way I wanted it and create a custom cover sheet.

Nachteile:

While they have a tablet based interface, the main software itself only runs on Windows. For a while I ran it on a Mac using both Parallels and VMS, but there were always issues with file location (these may have been solved). What I would really like is to be able to log in from any machine (or tablet like an iPad Pro) and write the full report online. They have teased that this is coming... There are several products out there that have been doing this for years. Homegauge is the top in the industry. I am disappointed that this has not come to pass yet. ESPECIALLY since their software is essentially creating an html document and online html document editors have been available for over a decade.

Great Software

Kommentare: I am a AHIT trained inspector and was convinced that their software was the best. After talking to many inspectors about the software they were using I decided to give Homeguage a try. I was glad I did!! Homeguage is much better than its competitors that it's in a category of its own. It becomes very apparent that the software was created by a home inspector. The only thing I regret is not switching to Homeguage much sooner. I have been a home inspector going on 11 years and have been using Homeguage almost 5. I have convinced 2 other inspectors in my area to use Homeguage as well and they feel the same way I do.

Vorteile:

Customizing Homeguage software is very easy and virtually unlimited variables. Being able to create multiple templates for specific applications makes inspections much easier and efficient. The end result to the customer is a very professional report that is very easy to navigate. Both my customers and realtors are very happy with the reports I turn out.

Nachteile:

The biggest con is having to deal with customers that do not have or use email. There is a work around for it but getting contracts and reports to them is a little more time consuming. It probably seems like a con because everything else has been made so much easier.

Easy to Use. Spend more time DOING Inspections

Kommentare: 5-star experience. Pure and simple. Home Inspectors want support when they need it, but even more than that, they want to spend MORE time doing inspections instead of writing reports! With the Desktop HG app AND my mobile app with dictating capability. I have 90% of my report writing DONE while I am in the field doing the inspection. Bottom line: HG inspection software and their professional reports get me more business and make me more money!

Vorteile:

Easy to use - intuitive. Despite HG's great training in the Asheville area and through videos, I was able to get up and running in minimal time. I love that they are constantly adding new capabilities that impact my business growth - like inspection videos!

Nachteile:

I hated that HG took away the ability to add a Buyers Warranty with an Inspection report. That was another great value-add my clients liked. The integration (similar to the AirChek radon testing) was another differentiator I wish they did not remove.

Homegauge Software is the best I've used!

Kommentare: So far, I've had a great experience. I have never experienced a time when I couldn't access it, and my clients and agents appear to like it also.

Vorteile:

Over the past four years, I have used a couple different inspection software products. I started with a very basic program, that was inexpensive, but soon realized I needed something with more functionality. Specifically, the ability to customize the program was a must. After another miss, I finally landed on HomeGauge and found that it worked great for my needs. It's very customizable, and was easy to get started. They had some great tutorials and now, over 2 years later, I couldn't do business without it. I also like the ability to save back-ups to the cloud as well as my own computer. Overall, I would say that it fulfills all my needs quite nicely.

Nachteile:

The only thing I don't like, which is consistent with almost all software in this day and age. The $30.00 fee every month for using the cloud services. Not that it's pricey, but I'm just not a big fan of SAAS. I miss the days when you bought something, you owned it.

Home Gauge report review

Kommentare: It's Great! I contact customer service and get quick replies and easy to follow instructions when I get stuck on something. I feel that they actually listen to their customer base and try to meet the concerns with updates of the software. Sometimes I find myself watching the youtube video's that they do ... it does help.

Vorteile:

Really like the software ... pretty easy to use for the most part ... no real learning curve here ... just need to be patient and pay attention that includes when editing a template. I edited mine several times over the years to fit my and my clients needs ... really happy with it.

Nachteile:

I don't think it's really the software itself --- but saving / printing to a PDF - well lets say I wish there was an alternative ... Adobe and other PDF's tend to rearrange the report - just doesn't look as nice and neat as the HTML version. The other one is editing Reps info ... including email ... Reps change companies but leave behind team members that use the same email ... maybe a more less restrictive editing ability would be nice.

Easily customization and use

Kommentare: This product and company has helped to streamline my processes. I do not use all of their products, but the ones I do use are great.

Vorteile:

I have used this software for over six years and love that I can continually fine tune to streamline my process. The online scheduling makes life easy and reduces the amount of phone calls I have to take. It now integrates into my calendar as well. Agreements can be paperless so I do not have keep track of tons of paper and the agents and clients love the report format. Easy to use out of the box, with pictures and video ability.

Nachteile:

Several times new features have been promised and either were late in coming or had trouble implementing. Also, sometimes have issues with connecting it to quickbooks for accounting. Reporting has not had any issues that I have encountered.

The best administration software out there

Kommentare: Great product and best options

Vorteile:

That I own the software and the ability to accommodate to my needs

Nachteile:

That they change the software ownership to monthly fees and forgot about the ones owning the software.

HomeGauge The Only Choice for Me!

Kommentare: The software works flawlessly. The support is fantastic. It's been a wonderful 25 years.

Vorteile:

I have been using home gauge for close to 25 years. I will never consider switching to any other software!

Nachteile:

There are several features I would like to see added.

Be More user Friendly

Kommentare: Mediocre. Font in the overview section of the report is abysmal. Looks bad when uploaded. Looks even worse if the client prints it out. My ADA clients usually do as they meet together to strategize.

Vorteile:

1. Love the flexibility of creating a template for any type of inspection we want to perform at our company. 2. 18. Thank you for letting me call in to the office and say I need to send a large report and the size limit is lifted (I will pay!) and then I can call back to return the cap once report sent. 3. 17. Have a store – publish pricing – do not care if it is high or low prices. Let me know pricing so I can budget for what I want – signature color for email background/ spreadsheet/ signature color for styles and format/ cool fonts – think package like you buy in a video game…

Nachteile:

1. When I go back in to the schedule to add information (the realtor texted me the combo code, for example), I have to remember to uncheck the request payment box. We use Guardian – just not through HG. If I forget to uncheck the box, then it shows the customer needs to pay before they can see the report – can be stressful for the customer . 2. I want to set the color code for the inspectors on the schedule – one was orange for a while and now he is purple. A different inspector is now orange – Yikes!! If I am on the phone and glance at the schedule, I may say a certain inspector is available when that is not true. 3. Need to customize the emails in order to do better branding for our company. I read your code to determine how to make the background blue. It can end up with a lot of question marks all over it when received by the customer – I do not know why. I want to bring a bang when the customer receives the email. 4. I want other items on the new appointment tab. I want to totally customize the type of information that gets put in that email also. - Option for another ID – for the WDO report - Option for type of access – combo/ Supra eKey/ ELB/ other (and can put code in the blank) - Option to put in a gate code - Option for other to be present at inspection and fill in the blank – we have parent/ sibling/ friend as the buyer rep etc. and the inspector needs to know who that person is. - Option for detached

Homegauge Services and Software

Kommentare: Pros:
1. Customer support is absolutely top notch and one of the best features of the company.
2. I like the "full package" of business solutions ( scheduling, taking payment, software integration, website, etc) it has allowed me to start an inspection business literally from scratch and bring it to a fully functional prospering company.
3. Software and support are an excellent value for the cost.
4. I have gotten many complements on my website design done by the HomeGauge team, and on my reports.
Cons:
5. I have been VERY frustated with inability to manipulate the information of people who are my contacts, not being able to make simple edits such as spelling, correcting phone numbers, etc. This has been a problem numerous times. In essence, I am NOT an administrator of my own contact list. It gives me the unwelcome feeling that I don't own or control that part of my business. As a business owner I should have my own administrative rights over all contact information that my company acquires.
6. I dislike having a system that requires user names and passwords for the clients to access the reports. Have had to apologize for this several times.
7. I would prefer for HomeGauge to be a seamless part of my company and presentation, instead of appearing to be a separate company that the customer must interface with or know about. There is no need for my costumers to ever be concerned about who or what Homegauge is.

Vorteile:

Easily intergrates with online scheduler, easy to customize. Professional quality end product. Company also provides website support. Ability to automatically add comments based on Styles and Materials, auto fill of client and inspection info.

Nachteile:

Frankly, using it requires too many "clicks", could be streamlined. Focus appears to be more on "bells and whistles" rather than making it easier to use. Some aspects in the software are somewhat rigid.

Veteran business owner loves working with another Navy Veteran Business Owner

Kommentare: HomeGuage software is only as great as the people who provides the technical services. Evertime I contact the HomeGauge support team to address a question or issue regarding my report (99% of the time it's operator error on me!), the service team has been professional, proficient, resourceful, and uncommonly kind while making you feel your question is so important to them. They even call you back to follow up with you, WHO does that? HomeGuage does!!!

Vorteile:

This software is not only the most user friendly during and after the inspection services. The software reporting makes my business look so professional and reliable. I routinely get comments about the quality of my reporting with pictures and built in narrative.

Nachteile:

Continue to work out the kinks with Apple, I ended up buying a new android phone to prevent lost data while conducting the inspection. Tell you the truth, I love the new phone with the use of Homegauge companion. NO REGRETS!

Home Gauge takes your business to the next level

Kommentare: Using the Home Gauge Companion on the phone or tablet helps to keep the reports, organized, especially when doing multiple inspections in a day. We are able to upload the report to the cloud and the office staff is able to begin reviewing the report and setting it up for final review before we even return to the office.

Vorteile:

The ability to include videos and 360° photos with this program provides an excellent value to my customers and allows them to see the issues the way that we see them at the inspection. The 360° photos are a great point of reference, especially for a customer that may not be able to attend the inspection. Also, the ability to work with multiple inspectors on a larger job and merge the reports quickly and efficiently.

Nachteile:

As with any home inspection software, there is a learning curve when first setting up the system. However Home Gauge provides fantastic customer support and a full library of instructional videos and documents to assist with setting up and using the software.

??? Not sure what this is for

Kommentare: My overall experience is very good. I particularly LOVE the great service as you guys are there when I need you. DO NOT CHANGE THIS! You are one of the few companies that I don't have to talk to India to get support, which is really no support at all. You have invested to make sure knowledgeable people for the most part are available to help. There is nothing worse than calling a support line and you know more than the person on the other end about their own software!!

Vorteile:

The ability to get the job done. It does what it advertises quickly and efficiently. Love the online feature, where I upload my reports to the website for my customers and realtors. Love the phone app for writing reports at the inspection.

Nachteile:

1). How hard it is to change a report's view and match the colors to the colors of your company, because you have to know CSS style sheets. 2). The fact that I can't sort my comments, and when I add a new I have to use the up/down button to sort alphabetically my comments. 3). The fact that when I add a new value for the "Smart Text Word" to my comment, I can't sort that either, which means I have to take time again to move up/down the new value so that it is sorted alphabetically. Drives me crazy! 4). My template can get corrupted a lot due to me putting in quotes or contraction words or special characters and when that happens it causes a HUGE slow down in the speed of the software. I am using the InterNACHI comments that I purchased. For now, I just don't put in special characters anymore, and I spell out the words instead of contractions.

HomeGauge Review

Kommentare: The overall experience with HomeGauge is very good, almost excellent. I wanted a product that gave immediate return, a professional impression, an ease of use for my customers, a rugged, mobile use platform (my phone), a user friendly software and support that made for little downtime. I got/get all of this with HomeGauge.

Vorteile:

What I like most about HomeGauge is the software is highly intuitive which allowed for immediate use and revenue stream to payoff the investment. The next thing I like, almost as much as the ease of use, is the customer support; customer support provides immediate useful help, they get me up and running fast. The third thing I like is the software allowed for enough customization that I could/can change it to fit my requirements immediately. I have used the word "immediately" in all three reasons for liking HomeGauge, so I'm thinking what I like best about HomeGauge is that it works for Me immediately.

Nachteile:

The thing I least like about HomeGauge is there are limits to the customization of the report form, but, I think, based on my last conversation with customer support, they may be working on my request...

Trouble free report writing

Vorteile:

Home Gauge can be customized in detail. There are many common defects found in most homes that require some type of notation in a report. I am able to draw that comment from my pre-written list and insert it quickly into the report. This saves time and avoids confusion about the topic. I am also very grateful for the wonderful tech support from the very knowledgeable staff. They are responsive and diligent in helping me solve any questions I might have about the software. The system is even very helpful to my clients and agents with the Request List function. They love it!

Nachteile:

A few of the photo editing functions are awkward to use, but I've learned to work around them.

Please update FL Insurance Forms to make companion app friendly

Kommentare: Pretty decent. Just bothered by a few consistent glitches that never get fixed. Main issue is spending too much time annotating pics back at the office and spending too much time assembling FL insurance reports.

Vorteile:

Companion app and cloud services. Good customer support.

Nachteile:

Been asking for years to be able to annotate pictures in the companion app. Wind Mitigation Inspections, 4 Point Inspection and Roof Conditions Certifications should be app friendly. The current set up for FL insurance inspections is not user friendly in the least. I need something that will help me save time instead of sifting through hundreds of pictures at 7:30 on a friday night. Been a problem for several years yet nothing has changed. This costs me a significant amount of wasted time assembling insurance inspection reports that are necessary for most every home buying customer in Florida. PLEASE update these to make them more "in the field" friendly/companion app friendly.

Highly recommended

Kommentare: Homegauge software is so reliable that I have not had to "think" about my report software for many years, allowing me of focus on company growth. The software is reliable, customer service is friendly and helpful allowing my to focus on my clients needs first.

Vorteile:

This software is easy to learn, easy to use, easy to customize to your needs. Report delivery and integrated customer reviews is very useful. Customer service is friendly and helpful.

Nachteile:

The software/user dashboard is not friendly for multi-inspector firms. There are no "permissions" options to allow various amounts of access. Example, owner would have access to all the features, reports for all inspectors, all inspectors calendars, access to all contacts. Inspectors would have limited access to only their reports and calendar, with no access to company contacts or customization options. Due to the limitation, I have chosen to send reports outside of HG, which then limits my clients use of some of the HG features that I really like.

Extremely Robust Inspection Software

Kommentare: The ability to input details for the inspection in one place and distribute that information into my calendar, pre-inspection agreement and inspection report is a big time-saver. It also helps eliminate input errors.

Vorteile:

I've been using HomeGauge for six years, and it has been a fantastic product. It allows me to seamlessly perform home inspections (using the mobile app), make final notes & edit pictures (desktop software) and communicate with clients and agents, handle pre-inspection agreements and accept payments (web dashboard.) The CRL (Create Request Lists) feature is a big hit with agents. I love the ability to force clients to pay for the inspection and sign their pre-inspection agreement before they can access the report. Tech support is always quick to respond and very helpful.

Nachteile:

It would be nice to have access to support staff after normal business hours - I often write my reports in the evenings. Support for Apple products would be nice as well.

Working with Home Gauge Software

Kommentare: I am refining my business operations to provide more timely services for commercial and residential property inspections. Home Gauge techs have been a great help. When problems do arise, they are quickly resolved by tech support. They offer superior support compared to other software programs that I've used in the past.

Vorteile:

I like almost everything about the software. Data entry is straightforward and the comments library is easy to edit and refine. It works well on hand held devices and the desktop.

Nachteile:

Sometimes the spacing on the report documents has been problematic, but over time this is improving. I would like to see this software have more cross platform compatibility between IOS and PC environments.

Quality product, ever improving!

Kommentare: I've been using HG forever it seems... 12 years of more I'd say. They are supportive and receptive to our input. I've never been inclined to leave to another provider. They treat their long time users as good as their newbies with bundles and discounts. Often on the leading edge of new ideas... always thinking about what is next.

Vorteile:

I like the versatility of the software. We can customize so much of it. The ability to use companion to update the report while in the field is very helpful. Just when i think it can't get much better, they improve it.

Nachteile:

occasionally there are some quirks that cause the software to crash... but none anymore than any other computer software.

Why HG Should Be Your Go To Software

Vorteile:

The Companion is so easy to use and has greatly reduced my time in writing reports. Being able to accept credit cards through HG is a piece of cake as it locks them out until payment is received. My agents and clients love the CRL as this simplifies the process of making repair requests from the seller. The integration of photos from outside sources is effortless and taking photos from within the software is nice because they end up right where I want them. And did I mention the videos! You can't argue with a picture or video!

Nachteile:

My only con is probably due to user falderal. I struggle with updating my template and getting it back to the Companion.

Owner/ home inspector

Kommentare: The only problem I have is it is not computer friendly to elderly people. I've complained before about the username and password feature in order to view the reports and signing the contract is very difficult for some people.

Vorteile:

I like the software overall. Doing the reports is easy once you learn the system. I do have some issues with the signing of the contract.

Nachteile:

I do not like that my agents and my clients have to put a username and a password in in order to see their reports and for the customer to get their contract. I have lost numerous real estate agents because of this feature. I do like the homegauge software but if this does not change I may have to find a new supplier for reports. I have called in several times and complained about that feature. Can that be changed.