Summary
Learn how to create a layout template in Inspection Manager to reuse areas and items across similar properties.
This article covers:
About layout templates
Layout templates let you standardise the areas (for example, kitchen, bathroom) and items (for example, Walls, Lights) used during inspections. Create a template once, then select it later when setting up inspections for similar property types.
A layout template is built from:
Layout name (so it is easy to find in drop-down lists)
Layout type (drives which default areas and suggested items appear)
About layout templates (added, removed, reordered, and optionally renamed)
Tip: Use a naming convention your team will recognise, such as Typical 2 Bed Unit or Office - Standard. This makes templates easier to pick later from a layout drop-down list.
Create a new layout template
Create the template first, then add areas and items.
Select Layout Templates from the left menu
Select New Layout (top-right)
Enter a Layout Name
Select a Layout Type (for example, Residential, Office, Retail Shop, Factory, Building)
Note: After you select a layout type, the page updates to show the Areas section, including Add Area, Add Items, and Suggested Items. The areas shown can change depending on the layout type you select.
Add, remove, and reorder areas
Use the Areas list to tailor the template to your property inspection process.
In Add Area, start typing an area name in New Area
Set the Quantity if you need multiples of the same area (for example, 2 Bathrooms)
Select Add to include the area in the template
Newly added areas will include a blue bin from the default red one.
To reorder areas, click and hold the drag handle (horizontal lines) next to an area, then drag it to the new position
To remove an area you do not need, delete it from the list using the bin icon
Tip: Keep area names consistent with your reporting standards so owners and tenants see familiar terminology.
Add, remove, rename, and reorder items in an area
Once areas are in place, set which items appear for each area.
Select an Area from the Included Areas list (for example, Entrance Hall)
Review the items that appear in the middle Add Items column for the selected area
To add a new item:
In New Item, type the item name
Select Add
Newly added areas will include a blue bin from the default red one.
To reorder items within the area, drag an item using its horizontal lines
To remove an item from the area, delete it from the list using the bin icon
To rename items:
Select Edit Item Names
Update item names as needed
Select Edit Item Names again to finish
Note: When you remove an item from an area, Inspection Manager moves it to Suggested Items. You can add it back later from Suggested Items.
Understand suggested items
Suggested Items helps you quickly add commonly used items for the selected area.
Suggested Items includes:
Items you removed from the current area
Other items Inspection Manager considers relevant for that area (for example, a Bidet might be suggested for a Bathroom)
To add a suggested item back into the area:
Find the item in Suggested Items
Select Add next to the item
Review your layout name and layout type
Select Save new Layout (or equivalent save button in your version)