Remote residential inspections are sticking around. See what’s changing in 2025, how it affects your jobs, and how to prepare to pass first time.
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If you thought remote inspections were a pandemic one-off, think again. Many jurisdictions kept them for smaller residential scopes because they speed things up and cut travel. The flip side? Inspectors now expect tighter documentation and cleaner proof. In this guide, we’ll break down the current state, the trends that are sticking, how it impacts your business, and practical steps to pass first time—without burning hours on admin.
Many contractors hoped we’d go back to all in-person. That didn’t happen. AHJs found remote works well for simple risk profiles.
In general, jurisdictions kept remote or hybrid methods for roughly 20–40% of residential scopes that are routine and easy to document.
Remote inspections reduce windshield time but raise the bar on proof. Many contractors struggle with unlabeled photos, missing measurements, and no evidence of testing.
A crew swapping a 50-gallon gas water heater passes on the first try by submitting: clear vent slope photos with a level, TPR discharge termination, combustion air openings, bonding jumper, gas leak test (soapy test in-frame), nameplate and manual page reference. Commonly, that 12–15 photo set is what inspectors expect.
What’s actually changing this year? Less improvisation. More structure.
Problem: Live video alone misses details; shaky walkthroughs lead to callbacks.
Solution: AHJs are asking for a pre-check photo set plus a short live segment for verification. Commonly, photo sets for re-roofs run 25–40 images; for water heater swaps, 8–15 images.
Example: Submit deck fastening patterns, underlayment laps, penetrations, and edge metal photos in advance; do a 10-minute video spot check on request.
Problem: Inspectors need to confirm location and recency.
Solution: Many AHJs prefer images with visible timestamps and geo-data. In general, this reduces disputes over “old” photos and speeds acceptance.
Example: Photos captured the morning of inspection with location metadata and a whiteboard in-frame showing address and date.
Problem: Uncertain arrival kills productivity.
Solution: Remote time slots are tighter. Commonly, remote windows are 60–90 minutes versus 2–4 hours on-site, which helps your day stack. Contractors often report a same-day pass or correction list with clear next steps.
Remote isn’t just a tech tweak—it shifts who does what, when, and how clean the documentation has to be.
Problem: Crews still lose time waiting, just differently.
Solution: Set a fixed, short window and prep the photo set before the slot. In general, this can save a full drive and 1–2 hours of idle time.
Example: Tech finishes install by 10:30, submits labeled photos by 10:45, remote spot check at 11:15, correction (if any) closed by 12:15.
Problem: Photo prep feels like extra admin.
Solution: Use a repeatable checklist. In general, contractors see first-time pass rates improve by 10–20% once a standard photo kit is in place. Commonly, failures cite labeling/measurement gaps in more than half of cases.
Example: A one-page per-scope photo checklist reduces reinspection cycles and cuts back-and-forth by half.
Problem: When things go sideways, you need proof.
Solution: Keep a clean, dated record of installation details, model numbers, and tests. Commonly, a well-structured photo set plus notes resolves homeowner or AHJ disputes quickly.
| Aspect | On-Site Inspection | Remote/Hybrid Inspection |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | You or inspector drives | Zero drive for either party |
| Window | Commonly 2–4 hours | Commonly 60–90 minutes |
| Proof Expectation | Inspector sees it live | You must document clearly |
| Reinspection | On next route | Often same-day with updated photos |
| Crew Impact | Idle time waiting | Prepped photo set speeds pass |
Let’s make this practical. Here’s the field-tested flow.
Problem: Random photos miss critical details.
Solution: Create a fixed list per scope with order and labels.
In general, a 12–20 photo set covers most simple scopes.
Problem: Inspectors can’t trust what they can’t see measured.
Solution: Put the instrument in the shot.
Problem: Inspectors shouldn’t guess.
Solution: Use simple, descriptive names: “Vent_Slope_QuarterInPerFoot_Level.jpg” instead of “IMG_4421.jpg.” Commonly, clear file names reduce follow-up questions dramatically.
Problem: Corrections drag on when you wait for the next route.
Solution: Fix, re-photo, resubmit immediately. In general, this turns a fail into a same-day pass in many jurisdictions.
Problem: Poor video walkthroughs waste everyone’s time.
Solution: Coach the client: good lighting, stable phone, landscape mode, stay on Wi‑Fi, and have a flashlight ready. Commonly, this cuts remote call time to less than 10 minutes.
Problem: If it’s not in the paper trail, it’s a debate later.
Solution: Outline inspection-readiness steps in your proposal and include what proof the AHJ expects. Capture project details using voice, text, and photo inputs in Donizo to generate a clean proposal fast, get a green light with e‑signature, then convert the accepted proposal to an invoice in one click. Contractors often report this saves 1–2 hours per small job and reduces back-and-forth with clients.
Commonly, water heater swaps, mini-splits, furnace/AC change-outs, minor electrical device changes, service reconnects, and re-roof finals. Always check your AHJ’s list; some require hybrid (photos plus a short live check).
In general, 8–15 for simple mechanical or plumbing replacements and 25–40 for re-roof finals. Focus on code-critical details, measurements in-frame, and clear labeling.
Submit a complete photo set first. If video freezes, record a short, steady walkthrough and upload immediately. Many AHJs accept asynchronous video when connectivity is unreliable if the photo set is solid.
Fix the item, re-shoot the exact angle, and resubmit labeled "Correction_…" images. In general, AHJs clear remote corrections the same day when the proof is obvious.
Commonly, no. You lose the drive but gain a documentation step. With a checklist, most contractors report adding 15–30 minutes for photos while saving 60–120 minutes of travel and waiting.
Remote inspections aren’t a fad—they’re a faster, more documented way to show your work on simpler scopes. If you standardize your photo sets, measure in-frame, label clearly, and close corrections the same day, you’ll pass more often on the first try and keep crews moving. Want the front end to move just as fast? Capture job details by voice, text, and photos in Donizo, send a professional proposal for e‑signature, then turn the accepted proposal into an invoice in one click. Less typing, fewer delays, more yes—before you even leave the driveway.
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