Virtual Inspections

A virtual inspection enables the City to conduct inspections without the need for physical visits to the inspection site. This not only saves time and money but also speeds up the inspection process. The City of Sugar Land uses the VUSPEX virtual inspections system to perform virtual inspections.

icn_CHeckMark

At this time virtual inspections are only available for residential water heater and HVAC replacements.

Keep in mind

  • No App – You will not need to download an app for the video inspection.
  • Privacy & Security – Nothing will be saved to your device and the Inspector cannot see or copy anything from their device – aside from seeing the live-streaming video and hearing audio during the video inspection.
  • Virtual inspections video sessions are efficient, a typical call uses between 12-20 MB of data during a 5-minute video call. Costs are minimal and there is no charge for the message, only data rates.

Preparing for a virtual inspection

  • Prior to the video call, make sure you are prepared for the inspection and understand any requirements.
  • Internet – Make sure you have a strong signal on your device to ensure a good connection with the Inspector.
  • Battery – Charge the smartphone or tablet, particularly for long video calls. Video inspections can drain a battery quickly.
  • Enable Do Not Disturb (DND) – Turn off iOS/Android phone or tablet notifications during the video call to prevent interruptions.
    • Black Screen – iOS/Android phone calls and notifications during a video call can cause the mobile screen to go black and cause performance issues with streaming video to the Inspector.

Virtual Inspection Process




1. Tap on the SMS Text Message link

You will receive an SMS Text Message with a link to join the video call at the scheduled time.


CLICK-01-SMS-Invite




2. Tap ALLOW permissions for Microphone & Camera

Once you click on the link, you will be prompted to “Allow” and/or “Enable” permissions for Camera, Microphone, and possibly Location. These permissions are temporary and constrained to the video call window in the web browser. When the video inspection ends, the permission’s end.


CLICK-02-Allow-Permissions




3. Wait a moment to CONNECT


CLICK-03-Connecting



4. Virtual Inspection Video Session

Once the video session has started, follow the inspector's directions.

  1. Chat: Send and read chat messages.
  2. Mute/Unmute the microphone.
  3. Screengrab: Save a screenshot of the device’s display. 
  4. Camera: Switch the camera to the Front/Back of your device.
  5. Hang up: End the video call.
  6. Call length: Elapsed time of the virtual inspection. 
  7. Markups: Select a color to draw on the screen with your finger.
CLICK-04-Video-Call




5. END CALL screen


CLICK-05-Inspection-Ended