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About Horizon

The best home inspection software for home inspectors. It's fast, easy to use, flexible and delivers great reports.

Learn more about Horizon

Pros:

Integration ;with, Google calendar, payment processing, homebinder and several other 3rd party. Customization : make it feel the way you want, professional.

Cons:

I find the mobile app very difficult to use and maneuver. I just don't get it at times.

Horizon ratings

Average score

Ease of Use
4.6
Customer Service
4.8
Features
4.7
Value for Money
4.6

Likelihood to recommend

9.0/ 10

Horizon has an overall rating of <span class="">4.8</span> out 5 stars based on <span class="">105</span> user reviews on Capterra.

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Share your experiences with other software buyers.

Filter reviews (105)

Tom
Owner in Canada
Verified LinkedIn User
Real Estate, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Home Inspection Report Writing Software

4.0 6 years ago

Pros:

Horizon has a clean interface, is intuitive, has little/no learning curve and produces good looking reports. It is also quite customizable but not in an overwhelming way that some other programs offer.

Cons:

The inability to format text (bold, italic, colour, etc.) is frustrating at times and terrible page breaks which make some reports look a bit odd.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

6 years ago

We appreciate you taking the time to comment Tom! We're glad you and customers love the professional format, content and overall presentation. We'll reach out to show you more cool features to customize text and layout.

Dirk
Owner Home Inspector in US
Real Estate, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

It isn't for everyone, not everyone wants to have amazing reports they just want the bare minimum.

5.0 3 years ago

Comments: Honestly, if you take the time and effort this is the go-to product for myself and my customers.

Pros:

It can be used for many functions and add ons to make the software personal to each customer, it allows you to be in control and write it as if you were writing a manual for the homeowner.

Cons:

It takes a little time to get everything you want in the right section including verbiage.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

3 years ago

Hello Dirk, Thank you for your sharing your experience using Horizon. Homes are complicated, your software should help cover it for you.

Doug
Owner in Canada
, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1-5 months
Reviewer Source

Great check list software, but fails to allow for a library of specific narrative

3.0 8 years ago

Comments: I feel a need to describe specific issues of the inspection with narrative comments, and although 'Horizon' allows you to view the last comment, it has no allowance for reference to a library of past related comments that I have made, which I could reference to a current situation.
Horizon refers to a vast theory data base but doesn't allow for me to describe specifically the clients situation in my own words unless I type them in each report....which I feel is necessary in giving them a 'client specific' inspection report.
I prefer a narrative based report and being able to refer to my past comments, rather than a checklist report.

Pros:

The interactive nature of the reporting, scheduling , billing etc

Cons:

I have to type my 'client specific' comments each time they may be required instead of being able to reference each one and tweaking them to my specific report needs. I understand that one can refer to the last comment, but I don't think you can scan a library of comments for quick reference to one that meets ones specific needs.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

7 years ago

Hello Doug, We appreciate your feedback and trial of Horizon Inspection Software. Horizon comes loaded with over 6000 comments ready for Home Inspectors to use out of the box. Horizon lets you easily add custom comments on the fly to build your narrative library. Use our Power Search and SpeedWrite features to save time reporting. We'd be happy to arrange a free demonstration or help with your specific needs at carsondunlop.com or 800 268 7070 ext. 243

Mark
Home Inspector in US
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

This Horizon should be in your future

5.0 3 years ago

Comments: FANTASTIC support team - truly. Did not take very long to make the software "my own."

Pros:

Speed - ease of use - a searchable database of deficiencies and descriptions.

Cons:

The ability to describe a photo from within the mobile app. There needs to be a place to add a paragraph if needed under a picture from within the app itself. Even on the computer, there is a very limited amount of space for comment under a picture.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

3 years ago

Thank you for your feedback Mark! Happy you made the switch to Horizon and how easy the support and training team made it .

Allan
Home Inspector in US
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Unique in My Area

5.0 last year

Comments: There was a month or so when the desktop Offline version wasn't working and it took several calls to Support to get it going again.

Pros:

I started using Horizon about 7 years ago. It took a few reports to get the hang of it, Like any others.What i like the most is the way it fills in my writing that I have already written before. I also like the way I can work on it with my laptop when I dont have internet access. I like the descktop version. I do 99% of the reports ont he desktop version and then go into the online version to finish up.

Cons:

I have asked before if there was a way to start a new section without it going to the next Page. It leaves a big blank area and makes the report look longer. To me, I don't care, but I get comments back from realtors about how long they are.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

last year

We appreciate hearing your feedback and comments. Glad the support team was able to resolve the offline issues to get you back up and running.

Fletcher
Operations manager in US
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Exceptional Customer Service

5.0 last year

Comments: Harizons support team takes the time to listen to my issues and provided clear, concise answers to all of my questions. What truly stood out was their willingness to go the extra mile to ensure my issue was resolved promptly and to my understanding.

Pros:

I must say that this software was not difficult learn in the begining and has proven to be an easy read for my clients. It's user friendly interface, customization, comprehensive reporting, reliability and excellent customer support make it a top choice for any home inspection company seeking a powerful inspection software solution.

Cons:

No comments at this time. I haven't experienced it yet.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

last year

Thank you so much for your positive review! We're thrilled to hear that you found our software easy to learn and that it has been well-received by your clients. Our team has worked hard to create a user-friendly interface and provide customization options to meet the unique needs of home inspection companies like yours. Gratefully, The Horizon Team

David
Home & Building Inspector in Canada
Individual & Family Services, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Foley's software experience

5.0 last year

Comments: I found Horizon software system user friendly and the staff very helpful

Pros:

The reporting software is a very profession system and I found the [sensitive content hidden] staff were always very obliging and extremely helpful and patient in providing a resolution to my problem.

Cons:

I did not find the software difficult to use and found it was an easy transition into my inspection system.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

last year

We're thrilled to hear that you found our reporting software to be highly professional. Ensuring a polished and reliable reporting system is a top priority for us.

Matt
Home Inspector in Canada
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

13 Year Daily User of Horizon Inspection Software

5.0 last year

Comments: 100 % Happy with this product and this can be seen with 13 Years of loyalty to them! Thank You Horizon!

Pros:

I've been using Horizon Report Writing Software since my company was opened 13 years ago and I can honestly say that this software is the best out there. I've had a couple offers from other companies to try their software and after using their trial version, It's quite easy to see the difference between the various types of software. My client always tell me how easy the report is to read and navigate trough it. The report look very professional and this software is super easy to use. User friendly and updated with great diagrams and information for customers is hands down the best! I will continue to use them regardless of the price because I like paying for quality as do my clients for quality inspections and reports.

Cons:

I honestly have no cons about the software. The price tends to be a bit higher than some but paying for quality is a no brainer. Their customer service is always ready to help and this is very important to me.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

last year

Thank you Matt! We love to hear your customer feedback on your reports and professionalism. The Horizon Team

Winfred
Inspector in US
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Horizon software powerful and amazing software

4.0 last year

Comments: Horizon help desk is awesome every time I have called they have helped me and guided me through with the issues that I was having. And have called back when I have left messages in reference to issues and not leave you hanging!

Pros:

Horizon software is very easy to use and has awesome templates to make your reports Stand out. You can upload your own items such as photos, also you can use the illustrations that are provided in the software that looks amazing when added to the report. The speed write section is awesome once you get it down. This is a very powerful tool once you get everything down.

Cons:

The downside is unable to edit with the program on you devices have to wait until I get back home and connect with my laptop, and also add function like low, medium, and high priority items, but other than that awesome product.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

last year

Happy to hear your inspection business is growing so well! You have a powerful and professional report along with the greatest support team in the business!

Karen
Home Inspector in Canada
Consumer Services, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Adaptable

5.0 last year

Comments: Love the program, support system, clients find it easy to read, love the reference links even though I still purchase the Home Reference Book for clients.

Pros:

I do alot of mentoring and it is easy to train new inspectors on this system. If they have issues a phone call works to navigate it with them. Live the add on Tarion, WETT, commercial tabs life is easier 1 program for all business needs.

Cons:

None really it is all I have ever used and easy to use, new inspectors find it easy to navigate

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

last year

Thank you for your time to review Horizon! We use it for training new inspectors as well as many other educational institutions!

Eric
Certified Master Inspector in US
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Exceptional Value

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Excellent. I have referred other inspectors, not in my market, to use Horizon.

Pros:

Every product has issues. The team at Horizon has phenomenal customer service. Online or over the phone they are responsive and professional to work with.

Cons:

Not much. I have looked at other companies, most are more expensive and I cant imagine the service could be nearly as good.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

2 years ago

Thank you for your feedback Eric! Service is important in the service industry. Our team is well equipped to help with training, support and change management.

Yang
Supply Chain Manager in Canada
Real Estate, 1,001–5,000 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Excellent app, reliable and easy to use.

5.0 last year

Pros:

I like the report data export function. Which can export all your report data to an excel.

Cons:

It takes too long for customer to read the report.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

last year

Thank you for your Horizon review! You can included as much or as little details as you like. Buildings/Homes are complicated structures and can have comprehensive reports. Our Team would be happy to show ways to optimize your reports.

John
Home Inspector/Owner in US
Real Estate, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

A software partnership that can take any inspector to the next level

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Wonderful experience because of the support team that got me through the launch and now can realize the benefits

Pros:

#1 is the customer support. [sensitive content hidden] is my account manager and a former home inspector who helps in so much more that just the initial software launch. [sensitive content hidden] is my Tech support and has always been super quick to help with any issues (normally issues occur the morning before the inspection or late at night) and they have a wonderful help desk for after hours to help me stay up and running#2 is that we run a muti inspector team approach and Horizon is a perfect web based solution that allows multiple user interface uploads in the field to make a High quality most professional report I have seen to date#3 is the Report. Best in class professional report that I have seen on the market. Too many features to list

Cons:

The learning curve from one software to another is always a challenge. Horizon has a learning curve but once you get past it, you will never know how you managed without it

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

2 years ago

Thank you for choosing Horizon John. We think the reports are pretty good too. We appreciate your "best in class" review.

Geoff
Home Inspector in Canada
Education Management, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Horizon Software Success!

5.0 2 years ago

Pros:

The ease of the product and the support.

Cons:

I wish there would be more suggested template ideas.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

2 years ago

Thank you for your response and feedback. We love hearing great ideas and making them work. We're looking forward to the build/update that gives you more control for templates and makes them sharable.

Clint
Inspector in US
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 1+ year
Reviewer Source

Alternatives Considered:

Horizon keeps your head in the inspection and not looking at your device!

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: Technical support has been top notch! They are patient and personable, most of my interactions were errors on my end. You can tell they really love their jobs and are doing their best to give you a great product

Pros:

Everything is easy to customize and tailor to your specific needs, lots of built-in captions for defects so the homeowner knows exactly what you're trying to tell them.

Cons:

The mobile app is glitchy sometimes and occasionally fails to load photos on the first try.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

2 years ago

Thanks for making the switch. You've made a great choice and things are only getting better.

Andrew
Inspector/Owner in US
Consumer Services, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Why look elsewhere when you could be using Horizon Inspection Software

5.0 2 years ago

Comments: The staff at Horizon is very professional and knowledgeable. I have yet to have a bad experience while interacting with the Horizon staff and I do not see one happening in the future. They are very quick to respond to your email questions or in returning a call if they where on the phone helping someone else.

Pros:

Everything! I really like the mobile app. Being able to take a picture and knowing that it would populate into the right place in my report is huge. I still get on my computer to clean up and finish my report, but almost everything is there in the right place. The items that are not are me just not knowing the right spot for everything yet. Once you spend sometime in the software it gets easier and easier to move around in it. It truly makes me want to go inspect a house, so that I can implement all the features I have customized or just added to make the inspections and reports go smoother.

Cons:

I would like to be able to sign the pre inspection contract digitally like the client has the ability to do so. I have my own way to do this off the software, but being able to do it on the software would be very helpful.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

2 years ago

Appreciate reading your feedback Andrew! Keep your eyes out for more improvements to the digital contract and business suite.

Kyle
Home Inspector in Canada
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 6-12 months
Reviewer Source

Elevate your inspections

5.0 2 years ago

Pros:

I am a new inspector and the ease of use with this program has given me the confidence, the push, to put together quality reports as if I have been in the business for 20 years. Agents and clients don't want to stand around for longer than they have to at an inspection. The software keeps me on par or quicker than the competition. The feedback I have received from clients and agents has been 100% positive. The reports are detailed and comprehensive. I want to thank Horizon for making my first year in business less stressful. If I ever have had a question, the support team at Horizon has always been great and the Webinar's are extremely helpful.

Cons:

With how customizable this software is, it is difficult to find something I didn't like.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

2 years ago

Thank you for sharing your experiences with Horizon Kyle! Glad to hear your new business is taking off!

Matthew
Owner/Certified Master Inspector in US
Real Estate, 2–10 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

We get more inspections because our report looks the most professional!

5.0 6 years ago

Comments: Horizon has been great to work with and the support team is a great help whenever you need him. My other inspectors all love it as well and we have brief experimental moments with other software platforms, but always keep coming back complaining about the others. It's easy to navigate, easy for me to track my business, and allows great access options to I can monitor and check on my other inspectors work.

Pros:

The best thing about Horizon is the interface and the report appearance when the clients get it. When other inspectors are out there putting word documents together or excel sheets with a couple of pictures at the end they can't even come close to comparing. With Horizon we provide a 40-60 page report with 80-100 digital pictures that takes about the same amount of time as them putting together a word document that makes a bad impression on the client and the realtor along with anyone else that sees it. Combine a great inspection, with outstanding customer service and a report that will impress all on its own and we have a template for success in this business, and in fact, we grow about 20% every year.

Cons:

I'm picky because I work with it every day and after comparing the other software products there are a few things I wish was better. One was for more picture storage (you get like 200) but for those 4 families and such more would be better. Also we need a scroll bar for preset canned statements in the tablet/OS version like the PC version has. Lastly I would like to see more options for picture editing and flagging pictures.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

6 years ago

Great to hear from Inspection Professionals like you Matthew and much appreciated! And congratulations on your growing business! Horizon stores all inspection photos, report items, comments, communications, and more for you. Increasing the storage capacity was a big hit with Horizon Inspectors.

Alex
Home Inspector/Owner in US
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Horizon Brings Me More Business

5.0 6 years ago

Comments: I cannot say enough good things about Horizon. The reports come out well organized and clean. My clients and the realtors I work with love the ease of navigating through the reports with the section tabs. The reports provide so many helpful illustrations and links that assist with educating my clients. The additional tools such as the action list help me get more referrals and business from realtors. Realtors appreciate anything that helps make their jobs a bit easier. From a business standpoint it has really helped me stay on track and continue to grow. I enjoy the built in option of not releasing the report until the inspection agreement has been signed and payment has been received. This helps protect my business. If I ever have any questions, the staff is very responsive and takes care of any issues quickly. Horizon has put out a top notch product and great service to go with it. I can't thank them enough for helping me grow my business!

Pros:

Ease of use Clean reports Built in features that help educate my clients Additional features/links to help real estate agents put together inspection objections Business at a glance section helps keep me on track

Cons:

Photo limit is a little low Since it is internet based it does slow down from time to time and/or makes it difficult to write the report on site if inspection is in an out of service area.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

6 years ago

Hi Alex, thanks for your review. We're glad that Horizon is helping you grow your business and we always invite any comments for improving our product. We also have some terrific news for you. We just increased the photo limit to 200,. One of the many benefits of being a Horizon user is that we continuously provide updates. And your comments help us do just that.

Nathan
Home Inspector in Canada
Consumer Services, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

My review

4.0 2 years ago

Comments: Great customer support, a good product

Pros:

I like the descriptive illustrations added into reports, and how easy the reports are to use and they are laid out very well

Cons:

Apps are glitchy and sometimes unreliable, overall satisfied enough to keep using though

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

2 years ago

Thank you for your feedback Nathan, we're happy to hear your clients love your professional reports and added elements to help explain complicated issues. New and exciting updates coming this fall including new apps.

Turk
Home Inspector in US
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Easy for clients to navigate

5.0 4 years ago

Pros:

Horizon software is not only visually appealing but easy for clients to navigate. They periodically add new features or enhancements to make it easier for the agents as well. I hear a lot of good feedback from agents when they use added Action List. They click on the items they want to address and attach it with their inspection response. It ends up saving them so much time and they don't have to retype what I've already said in the report, its already there.

Cons:

It took a little while to set up the way I wanted it, but once set up it made my life so much easier.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

4 years ago

Thanks for your Horizon feedback and comments Turk! Glad to hear how effective your reports are with clients and agents. The Action List has been a game changer helping Realtors with their negotiations as well, with no added workload.

Jean
P. Eng. in Canada
Construction, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Long time user

5.0 6 years ago

Comments: As a long time user of the Horizon software I am very pleased with the product and the service. Over the years the software has been improved and updated regularly without my involvement. The customer service is excellent - an important feature for a one-man operation such as mine. I have received compliments from both clients and agents on the report quality. Although there was initially a learning curve to overcome the report writing time has now become very reasonable. I recently read an online comment about the Horizon software where it was referred to as the gold standard. I fully agree! representative

Pros:

My favorite feature is the off site data storage.

Cons:

It's not free. Kidding aside, it does represent excellent value.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

6 years ago

Thank you Jean! We appreciate the experience and knowledge you bring with your review. Glad the Horizon team and software has been a good fit for your business.

Guy
Property Consultant in Canada
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Horizon for Specway

5.0 6 years ago

Comments: Horizon has provided me with not just the report writing software, but a variety tools and third party integrations to simplify my work day. Horizon is continuously improving and growing it's capabilities with little to no monetary increase to the end user.

Pros:

Flexible platform which accommodates all my aspects of inspecting. Residential, commercial, Environmental, and others. This saves me from buying (or subscribing) multiple platforms.

Cons:

The billing is in USD only. All my accounting is in CND. Conversion must be done every month for accurate bookeeping.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

6 years ago

Glad to see you're taking advantage of advanced features in the Horizon toolkit. We use and trust our 3rd party partners and happy to make them available to Horizon Professionals.

TOM
owner in Canada
Real Estate, Self Employed
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

user friendly

5.0 6 years ago

Comments: very good

Pros:

total package . A complete business package

Cons:

Do not have issues with the software. it is basically my lack of skills that limit what I can do. The continuing support is very important. I do not like the thought of getting a Ticket for service because this adds to the response time.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

6 years ago

Hi Tom, Thanks for your review. We appreciate your feedback. We provide several webinars on a consistent basis that allow you to gain useful knowledge that will increase your user experience and the benefits you get from Horizon software. You can go to this link anytime to see what webinars are available. https://www.carsondunlop.com/horizon/horizon-training/

Andrew
Approved Inspector in Canada
Consumer Services, 11–50 Employees
Used the Software for: 2+ years
Reviewer Source

Why I Use Hirizon

5.0 6 years ago

Comments: Horizon allows me to prepare detailed, good looking reports that my clients love.

Pros:

Data entry - text and pictures - is easy and the published appearance is totally professional.

Cons:

Most homes contain similar data that will always reappear in from home to home. For ease of entry Horizon is best organized using simple templates which cover these items take which take time to draft and organize. Once you've invested that time though it's easy sailing.

Carson, Dunlop & Associates Response

6 years ago

Really appreciate your feedback. It's great to hear from multi-inspector firms like yourself and the folks at Mike Holmes Inspections.