Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about VuSpex — how it works, what it integrates with, how it's priced, and how it helps agencies stay compliant.

About VuSpex

What is VuSpex?

VuSpex is the industry-leading virtual inspection software, purpose-built for government agencies and private companies. Founded in 2011 in Northern California, VuSpex lets inspectors conduct remote inspections anywhere, on any device — with no special downloads required. The platform integrates directly with your existing permitting, CRM, or land management systems and holds four issued U.S. patents on virtual inspection technology.

How do you pronounce "VuSpex"?

It's pronounced "View-Specs" (/vju:spɛks/). Hard to pronounce, easy to use.

Who founded VuSpex, and when?

VuSpex was founded in 2011 by Dane Demicell, the owner of a construction company, who pioneered the concept of virtual inspections to eliminate the need for contractors and homeowners to wait hours for an inspector to arrive for simple inspections. VuSpex launched the first app for building departments to perform virtual inspections in 2012.

Has VuSpex won any industry awards?

Yes. VuSpex received the 2023 NACo (National Association of Counties) Achievement Award for Innovation, recognizing its impact on government inspection operations.

How It Works

How does a virtual inspection work?

VuSpex supports four distinct inspection modes: (1) Live Virtual Inspections — real-time video with two-way communication between the inspector and contractor; (2) On-Demand Inspections — contractors or homeowners join a real-time queue and get inspected immediately; (3) Offline Field Reports — inspectors capture data in the field without connectivity and sync automatically when back online; and (4) Appointment Scheduling — contractors pick a time slot, and VuSpex automatically routes the inspection to the right inspector based on discipline, record type, or other configurable criteria, using Daysmart or Outlook calendars.

Do contractors or homeowners need to download an app?

No. Contractors and homeowners join inspections directly from any smartphone, tablet, or computer browser. There is nothing to install and no app store required, which means higher participation rates and no IT burden on your staff.

What devices does VuSpex work on?

VuSpex works on any device with a modern web browser — smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. The platform is available on Web, iOS, and Android.

Does VuSpex work in areas with poor or no internet connectivity?

Yes. VuSpex holds multiple patents specifically covering low-bandwidth and offline inspection environments. Inspectors can capture photos, video, and notes in the field even without a signal; the data syncs automatically to the platform once connectivity is restored. This makes VuSpex suitable for rural counties, basements, and disaster-affected areas.

What kind of reports does VuSpex produce?

VuSpex generates detailed inspection reports complete with photos, video, timestamps, and inspector notes. All records are stored and attached directly to the corresponding permit or case record in your permitting system. The reporting suite also provides inspection counts, pass/fail outcomes, and compliance metrics for agency administrators.

Integrations & Technology

What permitting and land management systems does VuSpex integrate with?

VuSpex integrates directly with Tyler Technologies, Accela, CentralSquare, Infor, Cityworks, Selectron, Computronix, CitizenServe, and IMS, among others. Inspectors launch virtual inspections straight from their permitting dashboard, and all photos and results are automatically attached to the permit record — no copy-paste, no double-entry.

Does VuSpex integrate with Salesforce?

Yes. Private sector customers get first-class Salesforce integration out of the box. You can trigger inspections, track status, and sync results without leaving your CRM.

Does VuSpex offer an open API?

Yes. VuSpex's open API lets you integrate with virtually any system of your choice, at no extra charge. This is available to all customers and supports custom workflows across platforms like Zapier, Procore, QuickBooks, and more.

How many patents does VuSpex hold?

VuSpex has 4 issued U.S. patents covering virtual inspection technology, including patents specifically covering low-bandwidth and offline inspection methods. Two additional patents are pending review by the USPTO.

How many configurable options does VuSpex offer?

VuSpex provides over 300 configurable options, giving organizations precise control over how inspections are performed, scheduled, routed, and reported.

Pricing

Is there a free trial?

Yes. VuSpex offers a free 30-day trial with no credit card required. The trial gives you full access to verify that VuSpex meets your requirements before you commit.

How much does VuSpex cost for private sector customers?

Private sector customers who conduct fewer than 50 inspections per month pay $399/month after the free trial period. For higher inspection volumes, contact VuSpex for custom pricing.

How is pricing determined for government agencies?

Government agencies (public sector) subscribe to an annual plan priced based on jurisdiction size. The annual subscription includes unlimited inspectors, unlimited inspections, unlimited contractors, all features, and all inspection types — with no per-inspection fees.

What factors affect the overall price?

Pricing depends on: (1) the number of inspections conducted per month; (2) the level of integration required with your existing software; (3) for public sector agencies, the size of your jurisdiction; and (4) whether you require custom branding for your agency or company.

Government Agencies & Compliance

Which government agencies use VuSpex?

VuSpex is trusted by agencies of all sizes, including the State of Montana, State of Minnesota, City of Philadelphia, City of Las Vegas, City of Omaha, City of Sacramento, City of Tampa, Santa Clara County (CA), Sonoma County (CA), Nevada County (CA), Yavapai County (AZ), Pima County (AZ), Manatee County (FL), Pasco County (FL), Charlotte County (FL), Pinellas County (FL), Gaston County (NC), and the Village of Tequesta (FL), among many others.

What is California AB 1738?

California Assembly Bill 1738 adds Section 17970.9 to the Health and Safety Code and requires every California city, county, and charter city to offer homeowners and contractors the option of a remote virtual inspection for building permit work on 1- and 2-family dwelling units. The compliance deadline is July 1, 2027, with annual HCD reporting beginning April 1, 2028.

Is VuSpex compliant with California AB 1738?

Yes. VuSpex is already in active use by California agencies including the City of Sacramento, Nevada County, Santa Clara County, and Sonoma County — both Santa Clara County and Sonoma County are cited by name in AB 1738's own legislative findings as leading examples of remote inspection programs. VuSpex deployments are typically completed within 30 days of contract execution, so agencies can be fully operational well before the July 1, 2027 deadline.

Does VuSpex support HCD compliance reporting for AB 1738?

Yes. VuSpex's reporting suite provides administrators with instant access to inspection counts, outcomes, and compliance metrics — exactly the data California's Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) will require in annual compliance reports.

Can VuSpex be used for disaster recovery inspections?

Yes. Sonoma County uses VuSpex for remote inspections that proved especially critical during disaster recovery operations following regional wildfires, when inspector access to affected areas was restricted. VuSpex's offline and low-bandwidth capabilities make it particularly effective in post-disaster environments.

Can VuSpex be used without an existing permitting system?

Yes. While VuSpex offers deep integration with major permitting systems, it can also be used as a standalone virtual inspection platform. Organizations without a permitting system can use VuSpex independently and add integrations later as needed.