We're about to do due diligence inspections on an acquisition and wanted to see if there are any user friendly unit inspections apps out there these days.
Please pass on any recommendations you may have. Would love to save some trees and focus our inspections efforts if there are some user friiendly and reliable apps out there that tabulate results efficiently. Might be just the impetus we need to buy a few I-PADS!
I just take notes and pictures and transfer into an excel spreadsheet. If you can get the information easily; include the date that carpets, floors, and paint were last done as well as serial numbers and dates of installation for all appliances.
So much can be done at the same time:
-While you are doing these inspections; have an exterminator accompany you to identify any issues and treat minor ones.
-Bring a supply of replacement smoke detectors and batteries and replace as needed.
-If you use vertical blinds, bring a supply of vanes to replace broken or missing ones.
-If there are light fixtures that have unique bulbs; bring a supply with you to replace as needed.
-Bring replacement outlet covers to replace broken/missing ones. Bring replacement outlets to replace ones that have been painted over, bring replacement GFCI's to replace as needed.
-Bring replacement drip pans and burners to replace as needed.
-Bring replacement toilet seats and replace as needed.
-If you have gas in the units; bring Carbon Monoxide detectors to install if you have not done so already. Some states already require this, others have this requirement pending.
-Bring blank 5 day notices to cure for any housekeeping issues and follow up on them.
Make sure you remember to bring a wastebasket so you leave nothing behind!
I would purchase a supply cart that you can use to take as much of these supplies and tools with you as you go.
I did due diligence at my last property that had 66 units this way. This was done over the course of 3 days (22 units/day= 1 floor) and we spent 10-15 minutes in each unit.
Any occupied unit with serious maintenance issues was scheduled for an open ended work order to repair as many issues as possible within the following week. Items needing to be replaced for those units was identified and ordered that day.
You asked specifically for some apps. I will provide you some links. I am not saying one is better than the other as it depends on what you have, level experience, and how user friendly you find one program over another according to your needs. So here are the links for you to explore:
I just read about an iPhone app called Property Inspector (Simply Business by Josh Hall) that looks like it might fit your needs. I was like Nate, thinking you might want to try your property accounting software first. I don't know if there is an App yet for the iPad (however, the iPads are so much fun, you should buy them anyway! They work great for leasing!)
I don't use an ap, just the old fashioned checklist on a clipboard. I wear a fanny pack to carry all the keys, a thermometer for checking the water temp, plenty of extra smoke alarm batteries, and a few small tools. I have a camera on my phone in case I need it.
I give notice about a week in advance so residents have time to ask any questions they may have before we show up.
We offer an apartment inspection app -
www.inspectcheck.com
- offers offline use on Apple and Android Phones and Tablets, with integrated photos and comments. Easy to use and creates instant reports - low annual cost.