As a professional home inspector, I’ve always been open to tools that enhance efficiency and accuracy in my work. Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about using AI to generate inspection reports. The idea is appealing: let AI handle the report writing so we can focus more on the actual inspection and our clients. However, I’ve realized there’s a significant flaw in relying too heavily on AI for this critical task.
Let me share an experience to illustrate this point. After a long day inspecting a property, I decided to test an AI tool designed to help write reports. I input a single word: “Garage.”
The ChatBot promptly generated a detailed description that looked like this:
- Structure and Condition: The attached garage is constructed of a wood frame with vinyl siding and appears in good condition.
- Garage Door: The door operates smoothly, and the safety reverse mechanism functions properly.
- Flooring: The concrete floor shows minor cracks consistent with normal settling.
- Electrical Components: Outlets and lighting fixtures are operational, but upgrading to GFCI-protected outlets is recommended.
- Ventilation: Adequate ventilation reduces the risk of moisture buildup.
- Fire Safety: A properly rated fire door is installed between the garage and the main living area.
The Root of the Problem
At first glance, this seems comprehensive. But here’s the problem: the AI doesn’t actually see the garage. It generates a generic, predictive description based on what a typical garage might include. It doesn’t account for the peeling paint I observed, the significant crack in the foundation, or the outdated wiring posing a safety hazard.
This experience highlighted several concerns:
- Inaccuracy: AI can’t accurately describe specific conditions because it lacks sensory perception (feel, see, taste, hear, etc).
- Omission of Defects: Critical issues may be overlooked because the AI doesn’t know they exist.
- Generic Reports: The output is impersonal and doesn’t reflect the unique aspects of each property.
As inspectors, our clients rely on us to provide precise and accurate reports based on our firsthand observations. Our reputation and, more importantly, our client’s safety depends on it.
It’s a Tool
Here’s what we need to remember:
- Trust Your Senses: Only we can observe the subtle signs of wear, damage, or potential hazards.
- Describe What You See: It’s essential to document precisely what we observe, including all defects and noteworthy conditions.
- Use AI as a Tool, Not a Crutch: AI can assist with formatting or reminding us of standard checkpoints, but it shouldn’t replace our professional judgment and expertise.
While AI has its place in modernizing our workflow, it can’t replace the crucial human element in home inspections.
We must be cautious not to let predictive algorithms overshadow the real-world observations only we can make. After all, an LLM might predict what a garage should look like, but it can’t see the garage right in front of us.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -