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Template Builder

The Template Builder is your design workspace for creating custom inspection templates. Build the perfect template for your specific inspection needs with our intuitive and easy to use interface and powerful customisation options.

Open the Template Manager to view your existing templates and start building new ones.

Templates are the foundation of your inspections, defining what you'll inspect, how information is organised, and what your final reports will contain. The Template Builder gives you complete control over every aspect of your inspection workflow.


Getting Started with Templates

Before you can conduct inspections, you'll need at least one template. Templates must be created in your web dashboard before they can be used in the mobile apps. Create your first template to get started.

Using Pre-Made Templates

The quickest way to get started is with our professionally designed templates:

  • Building Inspection - Compliant with AS 4349.0-2007 standards
  • Pest Inspection - Compliant with AS 4349.3-2010 standards
  • Combined Building & Pest - Both inspections in one comprehensive template
  • Asbestos Inspection - Comprehensive asbestos detection and management assessment
  • Pool Barrier Inspection - Pool safety and barrier compliance inspection
  • Electrical Inspection Coming Soon - Electrical safety and compliance assessment
  • Building Compliance Coming Soon - Building code and regulatory compliance inspection
  • Plumbing & Gas Coming Soon - Plumbing systems and gas installation inspection
  • Smoke Detector Inspection Coming Soon - Smoke alarm compliance and functionality testing
  • Termite Management Coming Soon - Termite prevention, detection and treatment assessment
  • Automotive Inspection Coming Soon - Vehicle safety and mechanical condition assessment
  • Roof Inspection Coming Soon - Roof structure, waterproofing, and maintenance assessment

Staged New Home Inspections Coming Soon

For new home construction, we provide comprehensive staged inspection templates that perfectly complement the scheduler. These templates ensure quality control throughout the building process:

  • Stage 1 - Plans & Specifications - Review and verification of building plans, specifications, and compliance documentation
  • Stage 2 - Site Preparation - Assessment of site preparation, excavation, and preliminary works
  • Stage 3 - Foundation - Inspection of footings, foundations, and below-ground structural elements
  • Stage 4 - Frame & Lockup - Structural framing, roofing, and external envelope inspection
  • Stage 5 - Plaster & Waterproofing - Internal fit-out preparation, waterproofing, and surface treatments
  • Stage 6 - Fixout - Final fittings, fixtures, and completion of internal works
  • Stage 7 - Handover/Report of Practical Completion - Final inspection and practical completion assessment

These templates include pre-written agreements and terms & conditions, making them ready to use immediately. You can customise them later if needed.

While these cover common inspection types, it's possible to design a template for any industry or specialised inspection requirement using our flexible template builder.

Creating Custom Templates

For specialised inspections or unique business requirements, create a custom template from scratch. This gives you complete control over every aspect of the inspection process, from the initial client agreement through to the final report layout and content.

Custom templates are ideal when your inspection needs don't fit standard industry templates. This might include niche industries like marine surveys, aviation inspections, specialised manufacturing quality control, heritage building assessments, or unique compliance requirements specific to your region or business model.

When building from scratch, you have complete flexibility to:

  • Design your inspection workflow - Organise sections and features in the exact sequence that matches your methodology
  • Create industry-specific terminology - Use the exact language and technical terms your clients and industry expect
  • Implement custom data collection - Design field types and validation rules that capture precisely the information you need
  • Build specialised reporting - Control exactly what appears in reports and how it's formatted for your specific audience
  • Integrate unique legal requirements - Include specific disclaimers, certifications, or compliance statements required in your field

Examples of businesses that benefit from custom templates include environmental consultants conducting contamination assessments, insurance adjusters performing damage evaluations, food safety auditors with unique certification requirements, or equipment maintenance companies with manufacturer-specific protocols.

While custom templates require more initial setup time compared to using pre-made options, they ensure your inspection process perfectly aligns with your business needs and industry standards. The investment in building a custom template pays dividends through increased efficiency, professional presentation, and compliance with your specific requirements.

Modifying Default Templates

To save time, it is possible to use a default template as a starting point for your new template.

Template Builder Features

The Template Builder provides powerful tools to create exactly the inspection workflow you need. Here are the key features that make building and customising templates intuitive and efficient.

Building Template Structure

Creating and Managing Sections

Sections organise your inspection into logical areas like "Internal Rooms", "External Buildings", or "Site Services". Create new sections by clicking the "Add Section" button, then customise the title, description, and display options.

Reorder sections by dragging them to new positions, or use the move buttons to adjust their sequence. This flexibility lets you organise inspections in the most logical flow for your team.

Section Management

Watch how to create, edit, and organise sections in your template

Creating and Managing Features

Features are the specific items you'll inspect within each section, such as "Hot Water Unit", "Power Points", or "Door Frames". Add features to sections using the "Add Feature" button, then configure their properties and inspection fields.

Move features between sections by dragging them, or reorder them within a section to match your preferred inspection sequence. Each feature can have multiple fields for collecting different types of information.

Feature Management

Learn to add features and organise them within your template sections

Creating and Managing Fields

Fields capture the actual inspection data for each feature. Add different field types like text inputs, multi-selection, photo gallery, or status indicators.

Reorder fields within features using the grab handle to the left of the field to create the most logical data entry flow. Set default values to speed up inspections for commonly selected options.

Field Types and Configuration

Available Field Types

Choose from a comprehensive range of field types to capture exactly the information you need:

  • Text Input - Single line text entry for short information like equipment serial numbers, dimensions, model numbers, or simple observations. Examples: "Hot water unit serial: HW123456", "Room dimensions: 3.2m x 4.1m"
  • Dropdown - Single selection from predefined options, perfect for standardised assessments. Examples: "Condition: Excellent/Good/Fair/Poor"
  • Multi-select - Multiple selections from a list of options for items that can have several attributes. Examples: "Construction Materials: Timber, Steel, Concrete, Brick, Glass", "Safety Features: Smoke detector, Fire extinguisher, Emergency lighting"
  • Accessibility Control - Smart field that shows or hides entire sections based on whether an area is accessible for inspection. Examples: "Roof Space Accessible: Yes/No" (if No, hides all roof inspection features in the section)
  • Status Select - Colour-coded condition indicators that provide visual status assessment. You can fully customise these status items (text, colours, and meanings) from the sidebar to match your industry standards. Examples: "Satisfactory (Green)/Minor Defect (Yellow)/Major Defect (Red)/Safety Hazard (Red)"
  • Address Input - Formatted address field with autocomplete and validation for property locations, including support for lot numbers. Examples: "123 Main Street, Suburb, State, Postcode" or "Lot 15, 45 Development Drive, Suburb, State, Postcode" with automatic formatting and map integration
  • Date Picker - Calendar-based date selection with proper formatting. Examples: "Installation Date", "Last Service Date", "Warranty Expiry Date"
  • Time Picker - Formatted time selection for scheduling and timing information. Examples: "Inspection Start Time: 9:30 AM", "System Test Time: 2:15 PM"
  • Section Notes Sections Only - Informational content displayed above features in a section, useful for instructions or context. Examples: "Check all electrical outlets with safety tester", "Measure room dimensions before proceeding"
  • Text Editor - Rich text editor for detailed, formatted observations with styling options. Examples: Detailed defect descriptions with bold headings, bullet points, and formatted recommendations
  • Comment Box Details Only - Plain multi-line text area for detailed observations and notes without formatting. Examples: "Detailed description of crack pattern in foundation wall extending from northeast corner..."
  • Photo Gallery - Multiple image capture with annotation tools and automatic organisation. Examples: Before/after photos, multiple angles of defects, progress documentation with notes and arrows
  • Single Photo Details Only - Simple single image capture without editing capabilities, ideal for cover photos and basic documentation. Examples: Property front view, equipment nameplate, compliance certificate, overview shots
  • Phone Input Details Only - Numeric input with phone number formatting and validation. Examples: "Emergency Contact: (02) 1234 5678", "Property Manager: 0412 345 678"
  • Email Input Details Only - Email address input with validation and formatting. Examples: "Client Email: client@example.com", "Property Manager: manager@realestate.com"

Adding Options to Dropdowns and Multi-select Fields

For dropdown and multi-select fields, define the available options that inspectors can choose from. Add options one by one, or import them from a list. Options can be reordered to match your preferred sequence.

Set default selections to speed up data entry for commonly chosen options. You can also mark certain options as "highlight in report" to draw attention to specific conditions.

Setting Default Values

Speed up inspections by setting default values for fields that typically have the same answer. This is particularly useful for dropdown fields with common selections.

Default values appear automatically when inspectors start entering data, but can be easily changed if different conditions are found. This saves time while maintaining accuracy.

Default Values

See how default values speed up data entry during inspections

Advanced Content Management

Managing Status Items and Colours

Status items provide colour-coded indicators for quick visual assessment of conditions. Create custom status items with specific colours and meanings that match your industry standards or business requirements.

Define the text, colour, and reporting behaviour for each status. Common examples include "Satisfactory" (green), "Minor Defect" (blue), "Major Defect" (red), and "Safety Hazard" (amber).

Status Items and Colours

Learn to create and customise colour-coded status indicators

Comment Library Integration

Link features to pre-written defect statements from your comment library. This ensures consistent, professional language in reports while saving inspectors time during data entry.

Associate multiple comment library items with each feature, allowing inspectors to quickly select appropriate defect descriptions. Comments automatically populate into reports with proper formatting and professional terminology.

Comment Library Integration

See how to connect pre-written comments to template features

Using Variables in Terms and Agreements

Create dynamic legal documents using variables that automatically populate with client and job information. Use shortcodes like Client Full Name, Inspection Address, and Inspection Type to personalise agreements.

Variables ensure consistency while saving time - no need to manually edit agreements for each client. The system automatically replaces variables with actual data when sending agreements or generating reports.

Variables in Legal Documents

Learn to create dynamic legal documents with automatic data population

Available Shortcodes

The following shortcodes are available for use in your templates, agreements, and terms & conditions:

Client Information
  • Client Full Name - Complete name of the client
  • Client First Name - First name only
  • Client Last Name - Last name only
  • Client Email Address - Client's email address
  • Client Phone Number - Client's contact number
Inspector Information
  • Inspector Full Name - Complete name of the inspector
  • Inspector Email Address - Inspector's email address
  • Inspector Phone Number - Inspector's contact number
Company Information
  • Company Name - Your business name
  • Company Email Address - Your business email
  • Company Phone Number - Your business phone number
Inspection Details
  • Inspection Type - Type of inspection being performed
  • Inspection Address - Property address being inspected
  • Inspection Date - Scheduled date of inspection
  • Inspection Time - Scheduled time of inspection
Template Details
  • Template Price - The set unit price of your inspection template

These shortcodes automatically populate with the relevant data when agreements/report emails are sent to clients or when reports are generated. Simply type or insert them anywhere in your text content and they will be replaced with the actual values.


Template Components

Inspection Details

These are the essential fields that capture key information about each inspection:

  • Property address - Automatically formatted and searchable
  • Client information - Names, contact details, and preferences
  • Inspection timing - Start and end times for accurate records
  • Weather conditions - Important for certain types of inspections
  • Custom fields - Add any specific information your business requires

Mark fields as "required" to ensure inspectors don't miss critical information. Select "Include in Report" for details that should appear in the final PDF document.

Sections and Features

Organise your inspection into logical sections (like "Kitchen", "Bathroom", "Electrical") and add features within each section (like "Hot Water Unit", "Power Points", "Lighting").

This hierarchical structure makes inspections easier to navigate and ensures nothing is overlooked. You can reorder sections and features by dragging them to new positions.


Advanced Features

Table Layouts

Table layouts transform repetitive inspections into efficient, organised data collection. Perfect for apartment buildings, multiple units, or any systematic inspection where you need to assess the same features across multiple areas or items.

When you enable table layout for a section, the features become column headers and you can add multiple rows representing different locations, units, or items to inspect. This creates a grid where each cell captures the status and details for that specific feature/location combination.

Setting Up Table Layouts

To create a table layout:

  1. Enable Table Layout - In the section settings, toggle "Set as table column" to convert the feature into a table column
  2. Configure Table Rows - Expand the sub-features to add your table rows underneath a feautre (e.g., "Walls", "Ceiling", "Flooring", "Windows")
  3. Define Status Options - Set up your status indicators (e.g., "Satisfactory", "Minor Defect", "Major Defect") with appropriate colours

Table Layout Configuration

Learn how to set up table layouts for systematic multi-location inspections

Table Layout Limitations

Each section can only contain one table layout. When you enable table columns in a section, all features within that section share the same rows. All table columns will use the same set of row data to ensure a consistent layout for the table.

Benefits of Table Layouts

  • Efficient Data Entry - Quickly assess multiple locations with the same criteria using a familiar spreadsheet-like interface
  • Visual Organisation - Clear grid format makes it easy to see patterns and identify areas needing attention
  • Comprehensive Documentation - Each cell can contain status, comments, and photos for detailed record-keeping
  • Professional Reporting - Tables automatically format into clean, readable PDF sections with status legends
  • Scalable Structure - Add as many rows as needed without changing the template structure

Table Layout in Reports

In your PDF reports, table layouts are presented as professional grids with colour-coded status indicators. A legend shows what each status colour means, followed by the table showing all inspected items. Any detailed comments or photos are displayed in dedicated sections below the table.

Table Layout Preview

This shows how a table layout appears in your PDF reports:

S Satisfactory
MID Minor Defect
MAJ Major Defect
SH Safety Hazard
Living Room Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom 1
Walls S S S S
Ceiling S MAJ S S
Flooring MIN S S S
Windows S S MIN SH
Flooring: Living Room Minor Defect
Inspector Note:
Minor scuff marks visible along the baseboards. Recommend touch-up during next maintenance cycle.

Common Use Cases

  • Multi-Unit Properties - Inspect the same features across multiple apartments, offices, or retail spaces
  • Room-by-Room Inspections - Systematically assess common elements (walls, ceilings, floors, fixtures) in each room
  • Equipment Inspections - Check multiple similar items like HVAC units, electrical panels, or safety equipment
  • Compliance Assessments - Verify the same compliance criteria across multiple areas or installations
  • Quality Control - Inspect repeated elements in construction or manufacturing environments

Table layouts maintain all the powerful features of regular inspections - you can still add detailed comments, capture multiple photos, and use all available field types. The table format simply provides a more efficient way to organise and present repetitive inspection data.

Status Items

Define colour-coded status indicators that make your reports easy to understand at a glance. You are able to create your own statuses or use the default ones. Common examples include:

  • Satisfactory - Green for items in good condition
  • Minor Defect - Yellow for items needing attention
  • Major Defect - Red for serious issues
  • Safety Hazard - Red for immediate dangers

Legal Documents

Pre-Inspection Agreements

Send professional agreements to clients before inspections begin. These legal documents outline the scope of work, limitations, and terms of service.

Use our provided templates or create custom agreements. Include shortcodes to automatically insert client-specific information.

Terms and Conditions

Add legal disclaimers and terms to the end of your reports. These protect your business and set clear expectations with clients about the inspection's scope and limitations.

Legal Disclaimer

While InspectEasy provides template agreements and terms, we recommend having them reviewed by a legal professional to ensure they meet your specific business needs and local regulations.

Publishing and Using Templates

Draft vs Published

Draft templates can be saved with incomplete information, allowing you to work on them over time. However, they can't be assigned to inspectors or used for actual inspections.

Published templates are validated and ready for use. They can be assigned to team members and used for conducting inspections.

Assigning to Team Members

Once published, assign templates to specific inspectors. This ensures team members only see templates relevant to their work and maintains quality control over who can use which inspection types.

Making Changes

You can modify templates at any time, but changes only affect new inspections. Existing inspections continue using the template version they were created with, ensuring consistency in ongoing work.

Version Control

InspectEasy automatically maintains version history for your templates, so you can track changes over time and understand how your inspection processes have evolved.