Using Comments in Inspections

Finding Comments During Inspections

Accessing the Comment Search

When creating or editing an observation, you can access your comment library:

1. Open Observation: Navigate to a new or existing observation
2. Find Search Button: Look for the magnifying glass icon or "Search Comments" button
3. Open Comment Library: Tap to open the searchable comment library
4. Browse or Search: Use search or filters to find relevant comments

Basic Search Functionality

Text Search: Enter keywords related to your observation

• Search looks through titles, descriptions, and recommendations
• Minimum 3 characters required for search activation
• Results appear in real-time as you type

Example Searches:

• "GFCI" - finds all GFCI-related comments
• "water heater" - finds water heater observations
• "electrical panel" - finds panel-related defects
• "safety" - finds safety-related observations

Advanced Search Features

AI-Powered Semantic Search

The system uses artificial intelligence to understand the meaning behind your searches:

How It Works:

• Analyzes the context and meaning of your search terms
• Finds relevant comments even if they don't contain exact keywords
• Learns from your usage patterns to improve suggestions
• Provides more accurate results than simple keyword matching

Example Scenarios:

• Search "outlet not working" → finds comments about "GFCI failure," "electrical receptacle issues," "power problems"
• Search "water damage" → finds comments about "moisture intrusion," "leak damage," "water stains"
• Search "structural issue" → finds comments about "foundation problems," "framing defects," "load-bearing concerns"

Filtering Comments

Filter Options

Template Filter: Show only comments from specific templates

• Useful when working with multiple template types
• Ensures comments are relevant to current inspection type
• Helps maintain consistency with template requirements

Category Filter: Narrow results to specific categories

• Focus on specific inspection areas
• Reduce cognitive load by showing only relevant comments
• Organize workflow by category

Subcategory Filter: Further refine to specific components

• Pinpoint exact component-related comments
• Increase precision of search results
• Match specific observation context

Comment Type Filter: Choose between defect and note comments

• Defect Comments: For issues requiring action
• Note Comments: For informational content
• All Types: Show both defect and note comments

Using Filters Effectively

Sequential Filtering:

1. Start with Template filter for relevance
2. Add Category filter for focus
3. Include Subcategory filter for precision
4. Apply Type filter for specific needs

Common Filter Combinations:

• Template + Category: Find all electrical comments for residential inspections
• Category + Type: Find all defect comments for plumbing issues
• Subcategory + Recent: Find recently used comments for specific components

Applying Comments to Observations

Direct Application

1. Select Comment: Choose the comment you want to apply
2. Apply to Observation: The system automatically fills observation fields:
   • Title from comment title
   • Description from comment description
   • Category and subcategory from comment metadata
   • For defects: Recommendation and severity are included
3. Verify Application: Review the applied content for accuracy
4. Customize if Needed: Modify fields for specific situation

Customizing Applied Comments

Why Customize:

• Specific location details for this inspection
• Unique circumstances not covered in the comment
• Additional context for the client
• Severity adjustments based on actual conditions

Best Practices for Customization:

• Modify location field for specific positioning
• Adjust severity based on actual conditions
• Add specific details in description
• Update recommendation for unique circumstances

Creating Comments from Observations

When you create a detailed observation that could be reused:

1. Complete Observation: Fill in all relevant fields
2. Save to Library: Use the "Save to Comment Library" option
3. Review Content: The system creates a comment from your observation
4. Edit for Reusability: Remove location-specific details
5. Save Comment: Add to your personal library

Workflow Integration

Efficient Inspection Workflow

Pre-Inspection Setup:

1. Review template-specific comments
2. Identify common issues for the property type
3. Prepare frequently used comments
4. Set up filters for quick access

During Inspection:

1. Create observations as you find issues
2. Search comments for similar situations
3. Apply and customize comments as needed
4. Save new observations to library when valuable

Post-Inspection:

1. Review applied comments for accuracy
2. Update comment library with improvements
3. Note which comments were most useful
4. Identify gaps in comment coverage

Quality Assurance During Inspections

Before Applying Comments:

1. Verify comment accuracy for current situation
2. Check that severity level is appropriate
3. Ensure recommendations are feasible
4. Confirm category and subcategory match

After Applying Comments:

1. Review all applied content
2. Customize for specific circumstances
3. Verify technical accuracy
4. Ensure professional presentation

Tips for Maximum Efficiency

1. Use Specific Keywords: Be precise with search terms
2. Leverage AI: Take advantage of semantic search capabilities
3. Apply Filters: Use filters to narrow results quickly
4. Practice Search: Become proficient with search functionality

Tip: The most efficient inspectors develop a systematic approach to comment usage, combining effective search techniques with consistent application and customization processes.