This article explains how to register as a home inspector with NACA, install the NACA HomeGauge Desktop software, write NACA-compliant inspection reports, and troubleshoot common issues with the NACA software.
What is NACA HomeGauge?
The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) uses a specialized version of HomeGauge 5 Desktop Software for writing and delivering inspection reports for NACA-eligible properties. The NACA HomeGauge Desktop Report Writer is tailored to meet NACA's specific report format requirements and guidelines for home inspections.
Getting Started with NACA HomeGauge
Before you can use the NACA HomeGauge software, you need to register with NACA and install the specialized software on your computer.
Registering with NACA
Step 1: Visit the NACA Home Inspector Registration page
Go to NACA Home Inspector Registration to begin your registration process.
Step 2: Complete the NACA inspector registration form
Follow NACA's registration requirements to become an approved inspector for NACA-eligible properties.
Step 3: Receive your NACA Email and Password
After completing registration, NACA will provide you with login credentials (NACA Email and Password) that you will use to access the NACA HomeGauge software.
Installing NACA HomeGauge Desktop Software
After you have registered with NACA and received your login credentials, you can install the NACA HomeGauge software on your Windows computer.
System Requirements
NACA HomeGauge runs on the same system requirements as HomeGauge Desktop Report Writer. For detailed system requirements, see this article: System Requirements and Device Selection Guide.
Installation Steps
Step 1: Download the NACA HomeGauge Installer here: https://downloads.homegauge.com/NACAHomeGauge5Install.exe
The NACA HomeGauge Installer will begin downloading to your computer.
Step 2: Run or Open the installer file
Depending on your internet browser, you may see options to "Run" or "Open" the installer file. Click the appropriate option for your browser.
Step 3: Follow the installer prompts to complete installation
The installer will guide you through the installation process. Follow all prompts to install the NACA HomeGauge software successfully on your computer.
Step 4: Open the NACA HomeGauge software for the first time
Launch the software from your desktop or Start menu after installation is complete.
Step 5: Click NACA in the top menu
Step 6: Select Enter NACA Account Information from the drop-down menu
Step 7: Enter your NACA Email in the email field
Use the NACA Email you received during registration.
Step 8: Enter your NACA Password in the password field
Use the NACA Password you received during registration.
Step 9: Click OK to save your NACA account information
Your NACA credentials are now saved in the software, and you can begin creating NACA-compliant inspection reports.
Using NACA HomeGauge Software
The NACA HomeGauge Desktop Report Writer is a specialized version of the standard Desktop Report Writer tailored to NACA's specific requirements. The process of writing inspection reports remains consistent with the standard Desktop Report Writer, but certain template editing features have been restricted to ensure reports meet NACA's required format.
Understanding NACA Guidelines and Requirements
Step 1: Read the Guidelines and Requirements on the software home screen
When you open the NACA HomeGauge software, guidelines and requirements for home inspectors are displayed on the home screen. These guidelines list all NACA requirements for inspection reports.
Step 2: Follow NACA's specific report format requirements
NACA only accepts reports in their specific format. Template editing features have been restricted so you can focus solely on creating the report content without accidentally changing the required format.
Report Writing Resources
Check out our resources for HomeGauge Desktop to help you navigate and use the NACA HomeGauge software effectively.
If you're interested in using the HomeGauge Companion app, contact HomeGauge Support to get a subscription started.
Uploading Reports to NACA
Step 1: Complete all required sections of your NACA inspection report
Ensure every inspection item is answered according to NACA's requirements before attempting to upload.
Step 2: Click the Upload button within the NACA HomeGauge software
The Upload button is located in the main toolbar of the software.
Step 3: Follow the prompts to submit your report to NACA
The software will guide you through the upload process to ensure a successful submission to the NACA server.
Keeping Your NACA HomeGauge Software Updated
Staying up to date with the most current version of NACA HomeGauge is important to take advantage of new features and bug fixes that improve your reporting experience.
Learn how to keep your software updated in this article: HomeGauge Desktop: Software Updates.
Troubleshooting NACA HomeGauge
Verifying NACA User Credentials
Issue: Cannot upload report to NACA server
Ensure that your NACA Username and Password are correctly entered in the software's NACA and HG Services sections.
Step 1: Click NACA in the top menu
Step 2: Select Enter NACA Account Information
Step 3: Verify your NACA Email is correct
Step 4: Verify your NACA Password is correct
Use the eye in the password field to see the text you entered.
Step 5: Click OK to save any corrections
Checking the NACA ID Field
Issue: Upload fails due to missing NACA ID
Verify that the NACA ID field is completed in the Customer section of your report.
Step 1: Open your inspection report
Step 2: Navigate to the Customer section
Step 3: Confirm the NACA ID field is filled in
Step 4: Add the NACA ID if it is missing
Step 5: Save your report
Completing All Inspection Items
Issue: Cannot upload because inspection items are incomplete
To meet NACA's stringent report requirements, every inspection item must be answered before you can upload the report to the NACA server.
Step 1: Click Edit in the top menu
Step 2: Select Find All Answers from the drop-down menu
This search will identify any missing or incomplete inspection items in your report.
Step 3: Follow the prompts to address any missing information
The software will guide you to each incomplete item so you can provide the required answers.
Step 4: Complete all flagged inspection items
Step 5: Run Find All Answers again to confirm all items are complete
Step 6: Attempt to upload the report again
Reducing Report File Size
Issue: Report exceeds NACA's 30MB maximum size limit
NACA inspection reports have a maximum size limit of 30MB. If your report exceeds this limit, you need to reduce the file size before uploading.
Step 1: Click Report in the top menu
Step 2: Select Show Report Data Size from the drop-down menu
This will display the current size of your report and identify what is taking up the most space.
Step 3: Check if the photo locker size exceeds the limit
The photo locker often contributes significantly to report file size.
Step 4: Navigate to File > Printing Options
Step 5: Click the MISC tab in the Printing Options window
Step 6: Enable the option to omit the photo locker from the upload
This will exclude the photo locker from your NACA report upload, reducing the file size.
Step 7: Click OK to save your printing options
Step 8: Attempt to upload the report again
Fixing Missing Print Format Errors
Issue: Error message about missing print formats (such as HomeGauge Orange.css)
If you encounter an error message regarding missing print formats, try one of these solutions.
Solution 1: Change the print format or color
Step 1: Navigate to File > Printing Options
Step 2: Select a different print format or color scheme
Step 3: Click OK to save your changes
Step 4: Attempt to upload the report again
Solution 2: Reinstall the NACA HomeGauge software
Step 1: Download the NACA HomeGauge Installer again
Step 2: Run the installer to reinstall the software
The reinstall will restore any missing default print formats.
Step 3: Re-enter your NACA account credentials
Step 4: Attempt to upload the report again
Avoiding Comment Formatting Errors
Issue: Cannot mark inspection items as complete due to asterisk characters
Do not use asterisks (*) in your inspection comments. Asterisks are reserved characters for "Smart Text" functionality in HomeGauge and will prevent you from marking an item as complete.
Step 1: Review your comments for asterisk characters
Step 2: Remove or replace any asterisks in your comments
Step 3: Use alternative formatting or punctuation instead
Step 4: Save your report and mark items as complete
Staying Informed with Release Notes
HomeGauge regularly updates the NACA HomeGauge Desktop Report Writer with features, bug fixes, and improvements. Staying informed about these updates helps you take full advantage of the software's capabilities.
How to Access Release Notes
Step 1: Visit the Desktop Report Writer Change Log
Click this link to access the latest Release Notes: Desktop Report Writer Change Log.
Step 2: Review recent updates regularly
Check the Release Notes periodically to learn about new features, bug fixes, and enhancements that improve your NACA reporting experience.
Contacting Support
For HomeGauge Software Issues
If you need help with the NACA HomeGauge software itself, contact HomeGauge Support. HomeGauge Support can help you with software installation, updates, report writing features, and technical issues with the NACA HomeGauge Desktop software.
For NACA Account or Upload Issues
If you encounter issues with your NACA account, NACA registration, or problems uploading reports to the NACA server, contact NACA directly. NACA Support can help you with account credentials, NACA-specific report requirements, and server upload issues.
Contact NACA by emailing hand@naca.com, or by calling (877) 952-6222.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NACA HomeGauge and regular HomeGauge Desktop?
NACA HomeGauge is a specialized version of HomeGauge Desktop Report Writer tailored specifically to meet NACA's report format requirements. Certain template editing features have been restricted in NACA HomeGauge to ensure all reports meet NACA's required format. The report writing process is otherwise the same as the standard Desktop Report Writer.
Do I need to register with NACA before using NACA HomeGauge?
Yes, you must register with NACA on the NACA Home Inspector Registration page before using the NACA HomeGauge software. NACA will provide you with login credentials (NACA email and password) that you need to enter into the software.
Can I use regular HomeGauge Desktop to write NACA reports?
No, you must use the specialized NACA HomeGauge software to write inspection reports for NACA-eligible properties. NACA requires a specific report format that is only available in the NACA version of the software.
How do I upload my NACA inspection report?
After completing your NACA inspection report, click the Upload button within the NACA HomeGauge software and follow the prompts to submit your report to the NACA server. Ensure all inspection items are complete and the report meets NACA's requirements before uploading.
What is the maximum file size for NACA reports?
NACA inspection reports have a maximum size limit of 30MB. If your report exceeds this limit, you can reduce the file size by omitting the photo locker from the upload via File > Printing Options > MISC tab.
Why can't I upload my NACA report?
Common reasons why you cannot upload a NACA report include: incorrect NACA credentials, missing NACA ID in the Customer section, incomplete inspection items, report size exceeding 30MB, missing print formats, or asterisk characters in comments. Review the Troubleshooting section of this article for solutions to each issue.
Will updating NACA HomeGauge delete my settings or reports?
No, updates and re-installs do not remove any of your custom settings or existing reports. However, updates may add any missing default HomeGauge material, including default templates, print documents, or forms.
I'm a home buyer with a NACA inspection report. Is this article for me?
No, this article is for home inspectors using NACA HomeGauge software to write inspection reports. If you are a home buyer trying to view your NACA inspection report, sign in at https://www.naca.com/ or contact your inspector for assistance accessing your report.