Optional sections and items give you the flexibility to customize each report without cluttering it with unnecessary information. By default, these sections are not included when reports are generated from your template—they can be added as needed during individual inspections.
For example, while a pool might be uncommon in many areas, it’s important to have a ready-to-use section for when you do encounter one. You can set up a Pool section in your template as optional, allowing you to easily include it along with all your prebuilt pool comments when relevant.
Explore the videos and step-by-step guides below to learn how to create and effectively use optional sections and items in your templates!
What is the Difference Between Optional and Included?
In Spectora templates, sections are color-coded to indicate whether they are optional or included:
Optional (Gray) Sections
These sections are marked in gray and are not automatically included in the inspection report. They give inspectors flexibility, allowing them to add these sections when they are relevant to the property being inspected. For example, if a template has a gray "Pool" section, it won’t be included unless the inspector manually adds it during the inspection. Optional sections are great for templates that cover a wide variety of property types, enabling you to customize reports without cluttering them with unnecessary details.
Included (Blue) Sections
Sections marked in blue are, by default, included in every inspection report that uses the template. These are typically the core sections relevant to most inspections, such as “Roof,” “Foundation,” or “Electrical.” Blue sections ensure that the essential parts of a property inspection are always present in the final report.
In summary, gray sections are optional and provide flexibility, while blue sections are automatically included to cover the essential aspects of an inspection. This color-coded system allows for efficient and customizable reporting based on the property’s unique characteristics.
How to Make a Section Optional on Your Template
In this section, you'll see how to change a section from included to optional on your template.
 💡Quick tip: Click on the video above to expand it in another window. |
Click "Templates"
Click the pencil icon next to the section you want to make optional.
Under the Optional/Included drop-down, click "Optional-add on a per-report basis."
Click "Save"
Once done, you will see the section turn from blue to gray. This indicates that the section is now optional and can be added in on a per-report basis.
How to Make an Item Optional
Follow the steps below to see how to change an item in your template to optional.
 💡Quick tip: Click on the video above to expand it in another window. |
Click "Templates"
Select the section which has the item under it.
Click the pencil icon next to the section you want to make optional.
Under the Optional/Included drop-down, click "Optional-add on a per-report basis."
Click "Save"
Once done, you will see the item turn from blue to gray. This indicates that the item is now optional and can be added in on a per-report basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I add my optional section or item to a report?
Check out this article on how to add these to your report through the web and the app.
My section and item are currently listed as optional. Is there a way I can adjust this so it's not?
Absolutely! To change it back, simply follow the same steps as before but use the option "Included in Every Report." In this article, we'll walk you through the process.
Can I make comments optional?
Unfortunately not. Only sections and items can be made optional.
If you have any questions or feedback on this feature, or other parts of Spectora, write into our chat bubble or email support@spectora.com!
