Virtual inspections enable you to conduct critical property assessments from the comfort of your home. They are a convenient and dependable method of inspecting your multifamily properties and gated communities.
Virtual inspections have become the new industry standard, and you can expect them to continue long after the end of social distancing measures.
We’ve put together the Ultimate Guide to Virtual Inspections. Read on to find out what virtual inspections are, how to prepare for them, how software guarantees a successful virtual inspection, and the top 5 benefits of virtual inspections.
What Is Virtual Home Inspection For Insurance
A virtual inspection is when a technical expert performs a physical inspection of a property using telecommunication.
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A remote virtual inspection allows property owners and property managers to communicate with building inspectors via Zoom Google Meet or other video conferencing platforms.
Virtual real estate inspections were available before 2020 but became more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.
They helped the multi-family industry adjust to new health and safety regulations. Now, virtual inspections are a cost-effective and flexible way to conduct routine property inspections and keep tenants safe.
You can even record your inspection and upload it to a cloud management system so that it can be reviewed in the future.
How Do I Prepare For A Virtual Home Inspection For Insurance?
So, you decided to go for a virtual tour — now what?
While your inspector will be performing the physical inspection, there are several steps you can take to get ready for your virtual inspection. Here are three simple steps you can take:
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- Create a checklist that will help you and your staff get ready for the physical inspection.
- Make sure your WIFI and video call platform are up and running.
- Upload any additional documents before your call.
How can software improve your virtual inspection process?
Virtual inspection software allows you to conduct remote inspections with ease. Virtual inspection methods are more complicated than a traditional video inspection with an inspector.
360° photos and live streaming provide your inspector with a 360-degree view of the property. Adding 360-degree photos to your inspection documentation creates a more detailed record of the inspection.
You can also send your inspector before your scheduled inspection a link to the floor plan of your property. This allows your inspector to highlight areas they would like to inspect during the inspection.
In some software, inspectors can even make notes directly on your digital copy of the floor plan.
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Cloud-based management software will keep detailed reports of your inspection field notes to document the entire inspection process. This ensures that the inspector has everything they need before your virtual inspection.
Top 5 Benefits Of Remote Virtual Home Inspection For Insurance
There’s no end to the benefits of performing virtual inspections on your multifamily property, but you may still want to know what specific advantages virtual inspections can bring to your property.
1. Increased productivity
Virtual inspections enable you to carry out inspections quickly. This means you have more time to focus on critical tasks.
Virtual site inspections are also easier to manage than on-site inspections. This means that any problems identified during a virtual site inspection will be identified and addressed quickly.
2. Decreased scheduling conflicts
Don’t have time to wait for an inspector’s arrival? Don’t worry, virtual inspections don’t require the same amount of time as in-person inspections. You don’t need to dedicate a significant portion of your schedule to inspection windows.
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Remote inspections also don’t have to worry about delays caused by traffic, inclement weather, or missing exits. Video inspections can start exactly when they’re scheduled.
If your inspection requires multiple experts, finding a time that fits all of them can be challenging. Virtual inspections make it easier for them to be involved without having to be physically onsite.
3. Quality assurance
Quality assurance in remote virtual inspections is ensured by creating a comprehensive record of your property’s condition at the time of the inspection. Invest in a top-of-the-line 360° camera to create this record.
This will provide your inspector with a 360-degree view of your property and guarantee that the inspection is as comprehensive as an on-site inspection.
4. Reduced costs
Virtual inspections are also more cost-effective than onsite inspections. That’s because you only pay for your inspector’s time during the inspection, not during the commute.
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If you’re doing a more complex inspection with multiple experts, virtual inspections also eliminate travel costs. That means you’ll spend more money on hiring an expert, and less money on reimbursing for gas.
The best part about virtual inspection software is that you can go paperless! You can upload any documents, audits, or reports online, saving you money on printing and mailing costs.
5. Lowered carbon emissions
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average driver emits 4.6 tons of CO2 emissions annually.
Building inspectors, on the other hand, produce significantly more CO2 emissions than the average driver. Minimize those emissions by eliminating your inspector’s need to visit your property regularly.
Eliminating carbon emissions through virtual inspections will also appeal to renters who prioritize sustainability.
Gen Z and millennials are the largest group of renters in the U.S., and they’re more likely to opt for eco-friendly solutions such as our sustainable inspection solution.
By reducing carbon emissions, you can go green and appeal to young renters.
