Getting Started

Once you have opened the program, you will notice that there are two windows at the left side of the screen that can be adjusted up or down. The top window is used for narrative and document libraries, and the bottom one is used for Notes and Codes. Although the windows can be 'closed' by sliding the horizontal bar that separates them, they are always open. Separating the two windows is the search feature, which we will get to later.

On the far left edge you can see the narrative and document libraries that are loaded into the program each time you launch it. In the top window you will see the sample narrative library titled 'Sample Narratives'. Beneath the 'Sample Narratives' title is a list of folders. Each folder represents a 'Section'. When you click the arrows pointing to the Sections, the Section will open up and and a column of folders appears below it. These folders contain the 'Sections' (Exterior, Structure, Roof, etc.).

Each 'Section' folder opens to reveal another column of folders. These folders contain the 'Categories'. For example, clicking on the swivel to the left of the 'Exterior' folder opens to reveal folders for 'Building Features', 'Hardscaping', 'Grading and Drainage', and 'Site Features'.

Now click on the swivel to the left of the 'Site Features' folder and another list of folders appears. These sub-folders contain the 'Components' that fall under the 'Site Features' category.

Click on the swivel to the left of the 'Yard Walls' folder and it opens to reveal the narratives that are used to describe the 'Yard Wall' conditions of the property that you are inspecting.

You will notice however, that there is no 'box' to check in order to select a narrative. That is because you first need to start a new report or open an existing report. To start a new report, you must first enter the name of the inspector who is performing the inspection. To do this, click on 'Application' in the main menu bar and then choose 'Preferences'.

Once you click on 'Preferences', another window opens and you will notice three buttons along the top of the window. One is to enter your inspection company's contact information, one to insert your company's logo, and the other for entering your information. To enter your information, for example, select the 'Inspectors' button...

...and then click the 'Add' button below it.

This will open another window. Enter your name, your e-mail address, and your phone number.

You may also choose to select a digital signature at this time if one is available. If you have not created one yet, don't worry; we will cover this feature in more detail later in the guide — or in a later guide. After you have finished entering the inspector's information, click on the 'OK' button to close out of this window and return to the main program window.

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