FAQ — Frequently asked questions

The questions most often asked by inspectors getting started with Lumos. Each answer points to the detailed page on the topic if you want to go further.

Getting started

How do I edit my inspection report template?

Go to Settings > Report Template > Inspection Templates tab. The BNQ 3009-500 system template is read-only, but you can duplicate it to create an editable copy. Click Duplicate on the template card, then Edit (pencil) on the copy. The template editor opens — you can adjust sections, sub-sections, severity levels, narrative configuration, and even the PDF design.

→ Choose, duplicate, create a template

How long does it take to write a report in Lumos?

It depends on your practice and the building type, but Lumos is designed to significantly reduce time spent writing compared to drafting a report from scratch. Speed gains come from three levers: mobile capture in the field (photos + dictated audio turned into pre-formulated narratives by AI), the reusable narrative bank (you draw from it rather than writing), and the AI assistant in the editor (rephrasing, enrichment). Inspectors who use all three report substantial time savings — but the final pace stays under your control since you validate every narrative.

→ Philosophy: AI as accelerator, not replacement

Field capture

When I make a capture, can I re-record my audio note after submitting it?

Yes. During capture, a Re-record button appears right after recording, before you tap Done. And after submission, in the To Review tab of the inspection editor, each audio capture offers a button to re-record the audio and regenerate the finding — the AI re-runs from your new recording and proposes an updated title, classification, and content. So you are never stuck with a rough first take.

→ Multimedia capture · To Review

Can I work offline in the field?

Yes — that is one of the key advantages of Lumos Capture  (iOS). Basements, crawlspaces, isolated properties: losing connection does not stop you. Your captures (photos, audio, notes) are stored locally and sync automatically when connection returns. The web app, on the other hand, requires an active connection.

→ Sync and offline work

Report and delivery

How do I change the PDF design for a single inspection?

In the inspection editor, open the 3-dot menu in the header, then PDF Settings. The available settings (density, photos per row, font style, accent color) apply only to this inspection, without affecting your default template. You can also force a page break on a specific sub-section or adjust the photos-per-row count for an individual narrative.

→ The report PDF

How do clients receive the final report?

From the project page, click Send report to client in the Quick Actions panel. Lumos generates a unique link to the interactive web report and an access code. You then have two delivery modes: automated email (Lumos sends the email directly with the link and code) or copy and share (you grab the link and send it through your own channel — Messenger, SMS, WhatsApp, etc.). The client clicks the link, enters the code, and gets to the interactive report (viewable online) with a button to download the PDF.

→ Send the report · The interactive web report

Can I edit my inspection even after sending it to my client?

Yes. The shared interactive report always reflects the current state of the report — your edits in the editor are visible immediately on the client side (link unchanged). For minor changes, adjust in the editor and let your client know by email that the report has been updated. For major changes (revisit, new findings), prefer to create a new inspection in the project and share the new link as an update — this keeps a clear trace of the original version.

→ Tracking consultation and post-delivery edits

Data and security

Are my inspection data stored securely, and can I download them as a backup?

Yes to both. Your data is hosted on a secure cloud infrastructure, encrypted in transit and at rest. You remain the owner of your reports, photos, and observations — Lumos only holds a usage license limited to providing the service, non-exclusive and revocable. You can export all your data at any time (CSV/JSON for structured content, ZIP for media) from the Projects page via the Export button, which lets you keep your own local backups.

→ Data collected and ownership · Your rights

AI

Why is it better to use Lumos AI rather than ChatGPT or Gemini?

Three main reasons:

1. Lumos AI is locked on factual sources — your captured observations, your narrative bank, and the BNQ 3009-500 standard. A general-purpose AI like ChatGPT or Gemini can hallucinate: invent a defect, cite a non-existent standard, or under-estimate a risk. Lumos makes that risk structurally improbable.
2. Inspection context is already loaded. Lumos knows your property type, the template in use, your existing narratives, your business identity. You don’t have to re-paste the full context with every query.
3. BNQ compliance requires traceability. Every narrative must be justifiable. With Lumos, the chain (capture → AI → your validation) is traceable. With copy-paste from ChatGPT, that link is broken and you remain professionally exposed.

Lumos AI is not “smarter” than a general-purpose model — it is better framed for your craft.

→ Philosophy: AI as accelerator · Working with the AI assistant · AI and data policy

Narrative bank

Can I save my own narratives in the bank?

Yes. You have two ways to create a custom narrative: from the standalone bank page (Narrative Bank in the side panel, Add button), or directly from the inspection editor when you write a one-off narrative you want to reuse later. The saved narrative joins your [Your Business] narratives source in the bank, alongside Lumos system narratives. You can also share it with your team (if your account is a master with sub-accounts).

→ Create a custom narrative · Narrative sources

Team and subscription

Can I share my custom narratives and templates with my team?

Yes, if your account is a master account with inspector sub-accounts. For a bank narrative, change its visibility from Private to Team in the edit modal. For a report template, change the Personal chip to Team in the template editor’s header. Every team member then sees the narrative or template in their selection.

→ Roles and permissions · Content sharing

What is the difference between Lumos plans?

Lumos offers several plans depending on your inspection volume and the AI capabilities you need (standard or advanced compliance analysis, writing assistant, audio transcription). A fully free student plan is also available for inspectors in training (Pro access for up to 2 months after program completion).

→ Plans and pricing · Student plan

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