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Report templateInspection elements

Inspection elements

Inspection elements are the fields the inspector fills out in a sub-section: text description, method used, observed materials, measurements, dates. In the editor, they appear as the inspector will see them and edit directly in place. This page lists the 6 available types, shows how to configure them, and explains the Automatic finding mechanism on options.

Editing an element in place

Hovered element with its toolbar and drag handle

Each element is a card in the sub-section’s main column. Three gestures are enough:

  • Click the label (for example “Limitation”) to rename it in place.
  • Hover the card: a toolbar appears at the top right with the type selector, the Required asterisk (the inspector will have to fill this field), and the trash; a drag handle appears on the left edge to reorder the element by drag and drop.
  • Click an option (for option-based types) to rename it; the × deletes it, + Add an option creates one.

Adding an element

Add an element menu with the 6 types

The + Add an element button (below the last element) opens the 6-type menu. The new element appears immediately in the form, ready to be named.

The 6 available types

1. Text field

Free field where the inspector types text — with formatting (bold, italic, links). The most flexible but also the most time-consuming to fill.

Typical use cases: Description, Inspection method, free notes.

Specificity: in the template editor, the text zone defines the pre-filled value. “This text will be pre-filled in the field for every inspection. Leave empty for a blank field.” You can also set a placeholder shown when the field is empty.

2. Number

Numeric field. Use cases: construction year, measurements, number of floors. You can set its placeholder.

3. Date

Date picker. Use cases: last chimney sweep date, equipment installation date.

4. Dropdown (Single)

Single-choice list. The inspector selects one value among the defined options.

Use cases: Main material (Poured concrete / Concrete blocks / Wood…), General condition (Excellent / Good / Fair / Poor).

5. Dropdown (Multiple)

Multi-choice list in a dropdown. Use cases: Tools used, Codes consulted.

6. Checkboxes (Multiple)

Checkboxes all visible at once (no dropdown). The inspector checks as many as apply.

Use cases: Limitations encountered (Furniture / Blocked access / Weather…), observed secondary materials.

Configuring options (types 4, 5, 6)

Options display exactly as in the inspection form. For each option:

  • Click the label to rename it.
  • On hover: × to delete, chevron > to open its advanced panel.
  • + Add an option at the bottom of the list.

The advanced panel — Automatic finding

An option’s chevron opens its advanced panel with the Automatic finding toggle: “When the inspector picks this option, a finding is automatically created in the report. Link a narrative from the bank: its type and severity are used.”

An option with an automatic finding carries the orange lightning bolt ⚡ — spottable at a glance in the form. The mechanism is identical to the Inspection status one, see RT.6.

Example — a Limitation element of type Checkboxes

  • Option Partially observable — automatic finding linked to a Limitation narrative: “The component was partially observable at the time of inspection due to furniture or insulation. Hidden elements could not be evaluated.”
  • Option Furniture — a different Limitation narrative: “Furniture obstructed access to some areas. A complete inspection was not possible.”

When the inspector checks Furniture in the field, the matching finding automatically appears in the sub-section. No need to search the Bank or retype the narrative.

Reordering and deleting

  • Reorder: grab the handle on the card’s left edge (visible on hover) and drag the element to its new position.
  • Delete: trash in the hover toolbar. The header’s Undo button recovers an accidental deletion.

Best practices

  • Favor structured types (lists, checkboxes) over free text for standard elements. Faster to fill, more consistent, and compatible with Automatic finding.
  • Reserve Text fields for truly narrative passages (fine description, specific context) — and pre-fill them when a standard starting text exists.
  • Systematically link your options to automatic findings when the mapping is stable (“If the inspector observes X, the finding to insert is always Y”). The ⚡ marks show you where automations are already in place.
  • Test your elements by creating a test inspection after modifying the template. You’ll immediately see whether labels are clear and automatic findings insert correctly.

See also

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