- Totally with you on the video hassle—editing, compressing, sending... it’s a time sink.
- Most inspectors I’ve dealt with just want clear photos, maybe a quick walkthrough if something’s tricky to see.
- Honestly, I think people overdo the video thing trying to be “thorough,” but it can backfire if you catch something minor that wasn’t even an issue.
- Marked-up photos are my go-to. Fast, clear, and way easier to organize.
- If you’re aiming for green certs or special programs, sometimes they’ll ask for more, but for standard inspections? Photos usually do the trick.
Marked-up photos are my go-to. Fast, clear, and way easier to organize.
Same here—photos with arrows or circles have saved me so much back-and-forth. If I’m dealing with a complicated vent run (like those hidden soffit exhausts in newer luxury builds), I’ll do this:
1. Snap wide shots for context.
2. Zoom in on connections, label anything unusual.
3. Quick markup—highlighting dampers, terminations, or any oddities.
I’ve noticed inspectors appreciate when you number the photos to match their checklist. Video’s just... overkill unless they ask. That said, some green certs want airflow readings or sound level clips—definitely more hoops to jump through. For regular jobs though? Photos + markups = less stress, every time.
Title: Marked-Up Photos Save My Sanity, But Inspectors Still Want More
Honestly, I don’t know how anyone keeps their head straight without marked-up photos these days. I’ve had inspectors try to nitpick every vent run, especially in those tight attic spaces where you can barely fit a phone, let alone your whole body. Last year, I had a job where the mechanical inspector wanted to see every damper and transition—no way I was crawling back up there twice. Labeled photos with arrows saved me hours.
That said, I’ve run into a few who still want video “for clarity.” Feels like overkill, but sometimes you just have to play along. The green certs are a whole other beast—airflow readings, decibel meters, you name it. I get why they want it, but it’s a lot for what should be a pretty straightforward process.
If you ask me, a well-organized photo set with clear markups should be the gold standard. Saves everyone time and headaches. Video’s fine if there’s something really weird going on, but for 99% of jobs? Photos do the trick.
I hear you on the attic acrobatics—been there, done that, and my knees still haven’t forgiven me. Marked-up photos are a lifesaver, especially when you’re trying to explain to someone who’s never even seen your crawlspace. I had an inspector once ask for a video walkthrough of my ductwork... I nearly laughed, thinking about squeezing my phone and myself through that maze. I get wanting to be thorough, but sometimes it feels like they’re just making sure we’re still paying attention. Photos with arrows and notes have always worked for me—if they want more, they can come climb up there themselves.
I get it—when we built last year, the inspector wanted “clear documentation” of every vent and damper. I ended up crawling around with a tape measure and my phone, trying not to drop anything. Marked-up photos were a game changer, but honestly, a video would’ve been impossible in that tight space. Sometimes I wonder if they realize how cramped it actually is up there.