This new on-line application allows inspections to be entered on-line for both residential and commercial properties
Last year, over 87,000 building inspections were scheduled and completed — all by voice mail and transcribed to paper.
The inspection process is one of the biggest hurdles in starting a business, especially if an entrepreneur is renovating or constructing a new business. Entrepreneurs cite that the process is often inconsistent and that failed inspections cause unnecessary and expensive delays. Building inspectors cite misinformation, lack of education, and mistakes with the scheduling process as frustrating and a waste of staff time.
To make this process more efficient for both business owners and City staff, we developed the Inspector Gadget application, which allows for inspections to be entered on-line. Online submission automates the mapping, scheduling, and tracking process for inspections saving time for everyone and reducing the number of errors, unnecessary and failed inspections.
OUR UNIQUE PROCESS
ENGAGING THE RIGHT USERS
We engaged both city staff and entrepreneurs from the very beginning, which increased our chances of owner adoption and initiative longevity.
BUILDING A TEAM
Code for America helped us build the on-line platform faster and more efficiently than we could have ourselves, saving time and allowing for more user testing during the process.
AGILE DEVELOPMENT
Inspector Gadget is only an interim solution for the way City staff operate and interact with business owners. This small beta ensures the success of larger future initiatives.
