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Report templateInspection elements

Inspection elements

Inspection elements are the fields the inspector fills in within a sub-section: textual description, method used, materials observed, measurements, dates. This page lists the 6 available types, shows how to configure them, and explains the Automatic narrative mechanism on options.

Access

Inspection Elements block with list of elements and + Add button

In a sub-section’s editor, the Inspection Elements block lists the existing elements. Click an element to edit it, or + Add an element to create a new one.

By default, + Add an element creates an element of type Checkboxes (Multiple) named “Untitled item”. You change its name and type next via the editor.

Element anatomy

Each element, when expanded, shows:

  • Label (FR) + Label (EN) — element title in the inspection and report.
  • Type — dropdown of the 6 types (see below).
  • 2 checkboxes: Required (the inspector must fill it), Visible in report.
  • An Options section (only for types that have them) with a + Add an option button.

The 6 available types

1. Text field (text)

Free field where the inspector enters text. The most flexible but also the most time-consuming to fill.

Typical use cases:

  • Description — short sentence describing the observed component.
  • Inspection method — summary of the procedure followed.
  • Notes or free observations.

No Options section.

2. Number (number)

Numeric field. The inspector enters a digit or decimal value.

Use cases:

  • Estimated year of construction.
  • Height or thickness measured.
  • Number of floors, rooms, etc.

No Options section.

3. Date (date)

Date picker. The inspector chooses a date in a calendar.

Use cases:

  • Date of last chimney sweep (chimney).
  • Installation date of equipment.

No Options section.

4. Dropdown (Single) (dropdown)

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

Use cases:

  • Inspection status (Inspected / Not Inspected / Inaccessible / Not Present).
  • Main material (Poured concrete / Concrete blocks / Wood / Stone / Rubble).
  • General condition (Excellent / Good / Average / Poor).

Options section with FR/EN label per option and Automatic narrative checkbox.

5. Dropdown (Multiple) (multi_select)

Multiple-choice list with dropdown display. The inspector can select several values.

Use cases:

  • Tools used (Lamp / Ladder / Thermal camera / Moisture detector).
  • Codes consulted (NBC / GCR / BNQ / Municipal code).

Options section with FR/EN label per option and Automatic narrative checkbox.

6. Checkboxes (Multiple) (checkbox_group)

Checkboxes all visible at the same time (not a dropdown). The inspector checks as many boxes as applicable.

Use cases:

  • Limitations encountered (Furniture / Blocked access / Weather / Excessive height).
  • Secondary materials observed (Render / Bricks / Wood siding / Vinyl).

Options section with FR/EN label per option and Automatic narrative checkbox.

This is the default type when adding a new element.

Configure options (types 4, 5, 6)

For types with options, the Options section appears below the Required / Visible checkboxes. For each option:

  • Drag handle to reorder.
  • Label (FR) + Label (EN).
  • Lock indicator if the option is locked (system).
  • Automatic narrative checkbox (see below).
  • Delete button (disabled on locked options).

+ Add an option button above the list to create one.

The Automatic narrative mechanism

If an option has the Automatic narrative checkbox checked, selecting this option during an inspection automatically inserts a pre-written narrative in the sub-section.

Example — Limitation element type Checkboxes

Suppose a Limitation element with:

  • Option Partially observable — Automatic narrative checked, attached to a pre-written Limitation narrative: “The component was partially observable at inspection time due to furniture or insulation. Hidden elements could not be evaluated.”
  • Option Furniture — Automatic narrative checked, different Limitation narrative: “Furniture obstructed access to certain areas. A complete inspection was not possible.”
  • Option Blocked access — Automatic narrative checked, Limitation narrative: “Access to the component was physically blocked (locked door, encased structure).”

When the inspector checks Furniture in their inspection, the corresponding narrative is automatically added to the sub-section’s narratives list. No need for the inspector to search the Bank or retype the narrative.

What narrative the option is linked to

The link between an option and its narrative is set when you configure the template. Lumos links the option to an existing narrative in the Narrative Bank (see Chapter 8).

Without Automatic narrative

If the box is unchecked, selecting the option in the inspection is just recorded as data. No narrative is automatically inserted.

Reorder and delete an element

Elements in the Inspection Elements block have, on the right of each row, ↑ ↓ arrows to move them and a 🗑 icon to delete them. You can also drag & drop directly.

Options inside an element reorder by drag & drop with their handle on the left.

Best practices

  • Favor structured types (dropdowns, checkboxes) over free text for standard elements. Faster to fill, more consistent to analyze, compatible with the Automatic narrative mechanism.
  • Reserve Text fields for truly unique narrative passages (fine description, particular context).
  • Systematically link your options to Automatic narratives when the mapping is stable (“If the inspector observes X, the narrative to insert is always Y”).
  • Test your elements by creating a test inspection after modifying the template. You’ll immediately see if labels are clear and if Automatic narratives insert correctly.

See also

Last updated on
Inspection status and automatic narrativesNarrative configuration per sub-section