The other day I had the opportunity to chat on my podcast with our guest, Kenslee Oxley from Inspection Express. We talked about the evolution of inspections in property management, the transition from traditional methods to digital software, and the future of inspections.

We reminisced about the early days of property management when we used carbon copy notepads and digital cameras. I shared a humorous anecdote about my business partner's failed attempt at a routine inspection, highlighting how time-consuming and inefficient the old inspection process was.

The Digital Transition

Then our industry transitioned to digital software. While this improved the process, it still required manual steps like printing notices and creating Word documents for reports. Kenslee pointed out the time wasted in managing multiple properties and conducting routine inspections.

The Current State of Inspection Software

Today we utilise our trust software like Property Me to handle our inspections. It does it satisfactory but it isn't an amazing client experience, it is just a "tick it off, lets get the task done" type of report. They are not designed to provide an exceptional client experience. 

The Future of Inspections: Inspection Express

Kenslee shared some features of Inspection Express that enhance the client experience and help move the industry towards providing superior management styles. She mentioned that the paperless property condition report was a game changer, as it made it easier for both landlords and tenants to complete and return the report. The return rate for digital reports reached an impressive 95% within her office.

She also highlighted other features of Inspection Express, such as the ability to include photos and videos in the report, a tenant action item section, and integration with maintenance software for easy job assignment.

The Power of 360 Cameras

Kenslee introduced the concept of virtual tours using a 360 camera, which can be used for in-going and final inspections. (Some are also using them for routine inspections! The camera captures a full 360 photo of a room within seconds, providing a comprehensive view of the property. She emphasized that using a 360 camera for routine inspections can save time and improve efficiency without compromising the quality of work. They are also a good opportunity for juniors to use so that there is no risk of shortcuts being made. 

The Potential for Tenant-Led Inspections

We explored the potential for tenants to conduct their own routine inspections. I am not a fan and hope that this is not something that creeps into our industry, but stranger things have happened!

I recommended that listeners connect with Kenslee on Instagram and consider scheduling a demo with her. Even if they're unsure about switching to a new software or facing problems, a demo can open their minds to the possibilities and help them make informed decisions in the future.

A big thank you to Kenslee for sharing her experience and discussing inspections, highlighting the value of sharing knowledge and experiences in the industry.