HomeGauge News Alert August 2014
HG Update | New PDF Features | Cloud Transfer Update | Videos | Training & Conferences
Plus, a huge update to the HomeGauge Companion for Android is coming soon!
We've released a minor update to meet required Texas changes, and while we were at it, we added some new things for everyone else too.
Some of the changes on the desktop:
- Ability to append PDF forms to other PDF forms — great for adding Photo Pages at the end of a form (see below for more info and a tour)
- Improved support for high DPI Windows tablets like the Lenovo Yoga and MS Surface Pro
- Can now modify comments and add/edit photos in the Summary Review
- Uploaded html documents for report delivery will now include headers/footers when PDF's are saved from our website by your customers and agents
- Option added to turn Photo Locker off
- Option added to not include Photo Locker in Cloud Transfer
- Added a new column in the local comment list that shows which comments will be included at report start — makes template editing easier
- Exclude all Styles and Materials in a section by double clicking the Exclude column header (thanks goes to Dan Cullen of Domicile Consulting)
- Increased the box size when you save an inspection comment typed on the fly by clicking on the "create a new auto-comment" button (thanks goes to Joe Klampfer of Pacific Home Inspections)
Don't worry, we didn't mess with Texas. There are just minor changes this time for Texas inspectors and the update is painless. The required changes from 7.3 to 7.4 include an updated cover page, a slightly modified style, and an updated header/footer format. To update for Texas, run the latest HomeGauge installer, then launch HomeGauge Software and go to the menu "File -> Set All Texas Print Options". That's all folks! Texas inspectors can start using this update right away, and must be using it by September 1st.
Download HG 5.1.23 or use the menu in HomeGauge Help -> Check For Updates.
Attention Florida Inspectors: In our latest software update, HomeGauge has come up with a nice way to attach as many photos as you need to your pdf forms. The problem in the past has been that you have a pdf form of a fixed length, so what do you do if you need to insert 20 photos, but only have room in your preformatted pdf form for 10? Now, in HomeGauge 5.1.23 you can add additional photo pages to your forms — as many as you need! This is great for pdf forms that require a lot of photos, such as the Florida Wind Mitigation, 4 Point Inspection, or Pest Inspection Forms.
To make it easy to understand, Russell has recorded a new tour showing the process start to finish. Click below to watch the video.
View the Tutorial
Attention multi-inspector companies: Last month HomeGauge introduced a Team Cloud Transfer Feature where multi-inspector Teams can transfer reports between inspectors directly through the website, without having to login as different users in the desktop software. Since then, we've expanded this feature's functionality. Now teams can share their Templates & Settings as well. This is a great feature, especially when bringing on a new inspector. With a couple of clicks you can send your new inspector your company template, invoice items, and contacts. If you're not on a multi-inspector team, it is still good to be able to see what you have available for Cloud Transfer. Additionally, from this same webpage, you can now see information on your last backup. This can help you decide when it's time to backup your HomeGauge User Settings again. From your HomeGauge.com Dashboard, click on Cloud Transfers to see this feature.
Each video now comes with extra Ummms!
HomeGauge Workshop with Russell (Part 7)
Learn how to separate your auto comments into categories for quick selection!
HomeGauge Workshop with Russell (Part 8)
Advanced tips and tricks.
HomeGauge Workshop with Russell (Part 9)
Working with PDF Forms — Florida Wind Mitigation, 4 Point, Pest Control, etc.
Come see us at one of these upcoming shows:
SE Home Inspectors Conference, September 11-14, 2014, Duluth, GA
KREIA Education Conference, September 26-27, 2014, Frankfort, KY
CAHPI National Home Inspectors' Conference, October 2-4, 2014, Banff, Alberta
2014 Inspection Conference, October 12-15, 2014, Las Vegas, NV
Training in Canada
We will also be having a one day training class the day before the CAHPI conference starts in Banff. Conference attendees can come to our training free. The fee for inspectors not attending the conference is $49. Get more info.
Line drawings for home inspectors
Add over 1,500 line drawings to your inspection reporting with the latest release of Home Systems Illustrated, 2014 Edition!
The book and CD include over 1,500 illustrations inspectors can use in reports, marketing materials and websites. The illustrations are provided in a fully indexed 336 page book and on a CD in high and medium resolution JPEG format. It's easy to use these line drawings in HomeGauge Software and they are targeted for the buyers and agents.
Launch Special — Save 15%!
For a limited time, get this newly released edition through HomeGauge for only $250 + s/h. It normally sells for $295.
Get more info and order today!
If you like us on facebook, you will be the first to find out when our next HG Companion update is available. Plus, like us now...and we will like you back! InterNACHI and Nick Gromicko are still offering any HomeGauge Services user a 6 month membership to the largest association in the inspection industry! All you have to do is send me an email — russell@homegauge.com — and request it. This is for anyone who has not already been a member of InterNACHI.
Until next time,
Russell Buchanan
HomeGauge, President
russell@HomeGauge.com
(828) 254-2030