We’ve created an automated script to import your templates from HomeGauge. By importing your comments you’ll have a head-start on getting your Spectora template ready. However, some clean-up and customization will be necessary – we’re here to walk you through the transition.
Check out this walk-through video below:
Import Your HomeGauge Template
To import a HomeGauge template, navigate to the Template Editor in Spectora and click the “3-dots".
Choose "+ Add Templates"
Select "Import from another software". For more information on how to import from another software, click the appropriate link in the box. Click "Browse..." to search your computer.
HomeGauge template files are likely stored in: \Documents\HomeGauge\Templates
Pick one to start with, then click import and let our scripts run!
This process usually takes 5-10 minutes. Once you see this screen you can safely navigate away and return later:
Clean Up the Template Data
Because of differences in data structure and software features, imported data will need some clean-up to get it ready for use. Below are some pointers and things to look out for!
Check Comment Categories
HomeGauge uses both straight-text comments as well as “sentence builders”. In Spectora, all comments are pre-built and complete, which you simply check once to include in your report. We believe this will improve your efficiency over time – instead of reading through sentence fragments, you’ll get familiar with your template and be able to quickly include a comment.
Our import process attempts to break down the sentence-building interface into simply formatted Informational comments, Limitation comments, and Defect comments:
You should review the imported comments and ensure Informational comments are in the Information area, limitations are in the Limitations area, and only deficiencies are in the Defects area, as these categories play an important role in how your reports are displayed. You can drag-and-drop comments to quickly move them back-and-forth.
Check Comment Language
In Spectora, we also separate out informational comments, like material/type you use to describe an inspected item. When we’re importing your template from HomeGauge, we attempt to populate these options in each item under “Type”:
We also try to break down the sentence builders into concise defect comments:
Our automated scripts don’t always get it right, of course, so look through your template and correct any errors, special characters that didn’t translate, etc.
Recommendations
Spectora uses a drop-down selector to input your recommendation quickly for any deficiency. You can select default recommendations for each defect to save time in the field.
Update Section Info
Hover over a section name and click the pencil icon:
Here you can update:
Whether the section is optional or included in every report
The section icon
The Standards of Practice
Reminders to yourself to view in our mobile app on-site
✨ Check out our quick start guide on template editing for more information!
Get your *EXPLAIN text
When importing HomeGauge templates we break down the sentence builders into informational checkbox lists and defects. We discard the *LOCATION options since Spectora has a Location selector/text field in every comment. However, *EXPLAIN sentence fragments don’t neatly fit into Spectora templates, as our comment text in intended for one-tap selection and the *EXPLAIN options might apply to certain comments and not others.
To help you quickly copy-and-paste your *EXPLAIN text into your Spectora template comments we’ve put them all in a spreadsheet available for you to download. Just check out the “Inspection Details” section in the “General” item. A comment named “TEMPLATE IMPORT NOTES” will have text linking you to a spreadsheet with all your *EXPLAIN snippets.
Streamline Your Template
We’re confident that once you convert your template to the “Spectora way” you’ll be saving a ton of time per inspection. Our experienced inspectors average about 1 hour per 1,000 sq.ft. to complete a report on-site.
Here are some general tips to get you there:
Use the “Location” field instead of making sections for various rooms. For example, instead of a “Walls” item in “Bedroom”, “Living Room”, and “Bathroom” sections, make an “Interior” section with a “Walls” item. Any defect you note can be tagged with a location, like “Bedroom 1”. Photos can be as well. No need to maintain repeat template data! Check out this article on location tags for more information!
Clean up comment titles/text to be concise, easy-to-understand and user-friendly. You’ll have an easier time finding comments and your agents and clients will have an easier time reading the report.
Use less text and more photos in your report. Our report layout is setup to emphasize photos/videos as that is what the modern audience prefers. You’ll open yourself up to less liability too, as text can be interpreted differently while photos are irrefutable.
Frequently Asked Questions
My HomeGauge template file will not import. What is going on?
Ensure you're selecting the proper template file from your computer! HomeGauge template files are likely stored in: \Documents\HomeGauge\Templates
If you've exported the template from HomeGauge as a spreadsheet, you may need to edit the spreadsheet file to ensure comment text is in the "D" or "Comment Text" column. You can check out this article on the proper column formatting.
I can't find my HomeGauge folder! Where is it?
It is possible your Homegauge folder could be in a different location on your computer. If you're having trouble finding it, open the HomeGauge5 software, click File > Open Data Folder, and it will open the file explorer directly to the HomeGauge folder!
Keep in mind that the "Open Data Folder" feature is only available on version 5.5.36 or higher. If you need help updating your HomeGauge software, check out this article!
If you have any questions or feedback, write into our chat bubble or email support@spectora.com!
