Just getting started with zInspector 3? This guide covers recommended first steps during the free trial and beyond.

1. Create an Account. Register here then sign in to the website.

2. Add Employees / Group Members. Select Contacts then Group from the menu bar. Click on the +New Member button. (In the popup box, click on the “Update billing later” link if it appears.) Enter details for the new group member and click Save.

3. Review the default Area Details list. Select Settings then Area Details from the menu bar. Click the Edit (pencil) icon to the left of any Area to make changes as needed. Add details from the auto-suggest list (just start typing and select what you need), or create a custom detail. You can also hide details in areas by default; just click “Hide” to the right of a detail.

• Common considerations:
  • Does your state require smoke detectors in all bedrooms? If so, Edit each “Bedroom” and add “Smoke/CO Detector.”
  • Do you prefer to address all smoke detectors as a separate line item under “Safety/Security”? If so, keep “Smoke/CO Detector” there (where zInspector has it by default).
  • Do you want your inspectors to check HVAC filters? If so, for example, add “HVAC Filter: Exp Date,” “HVAC Filter: Condition,” and ‘HVAC Filter: Size” under “Systems.”
  • Does your company have special inspection requirements or concerns (even pet peeves) that you want checked at every inspection? You can, for example, Edit “Garage/Parking” and add the new detail “Oil spotting” or Edit “Bathroom” and add the auto-suggested “Caulking” detail to ensure that detail is examined during each inspection.
  • Do your properties never have certain amenities, such as a microwave in the kitchen? If so, hide that detail by default.
• The current default areas and details will be applied to newly created and imported properties. Properties preexisting changes to the defaults can be edited individually and manually at any time.
• To control inspection flow (the area-to-area or room-to-room order of an inspection), you can set the default Area Groups as well.

4. Create a Test Property on the app or website.

• On the app, tap Property/Unit then tap +New at the bottom of the screen.
• On the website, select Properties from the Properties menu. Click on the +New button and select Property/Unit or Multi-Unit Property from the dropdown menu.

5. Download the app onto one or more devices (iOS or Android).

6. Log into the app and tap the Sync icon (green circling arrows) to get up-to-date with any recent website changes.

7. Use Quick Pictures on the mobile app: Pretend you are posting a 3-Day notice.

• Tap on Property/Unit and select a test property.
• Tap on Quick Pictures
• Tap on Activity… Tap to Select and select Notices.
• Tap the camera icon at bottom center of the screen to take a photo showing the notice posted on the door.
• Tap on Area, Action, or Comments to add additional information to the Notice activity as desired (optional).
• Tap the back button ( the < symbol at lower left) and confirm that you want a Report processed for the Notice activity.

8. Use Inspect on the mobile app: Pretend you are doing a Move-In Inspection.

• Tap on Property/Unit and select a test property.
• Tap on Inspect.
• Tap on Move In.
• Perform your inspection by taking photos, adding comments, and providing ratings. For items you mark as Damaged, make sure to provide both a photo and a comment, because this is required by default.  To change this for future inspections, see this article.
• At the end of the inspection, acquire the relevant signatures and submit the report.

9. Ensure Quick Uploading of your Inspection Data. Keep your app open when you return to WiFi. When your Queue on the mobile app (the number icon to the right of zInspector.com) is at 0 (zero) all your work has uploaded. Log in to zInspector.com and review your inspections in Timeline.

At the end of the free trial, here are some suggested next steps:

1. Enter or Update Payment Info. Before making any other changes on the Billing and Payments page, enter or update payment info as needed: Click on Show next to Payments Information (upper left), enter or update your credit card information, then click Pay Now / Update Billing.

2. Add or Change Plan Details. With valid payment info entered, make any changes to Max # of Group Members (determines your plan tier) and Billing Period (determines if a billing frequency discount applies). To save your changes, return to Payments Information and click Pay Now / Update Billing one more time. Confirm that your Payments Status is valid.

3. Set Up an Accounting Software Integration. AppFolio and Propertyware integrations are available at the Business plan level. Rent Manager integration is available only at the Enterprise plan level. Rentec Direct Integration is available at all plan levels—even the free one!

Questions? Email us any time at support@zinspector.com.