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Ask HN: Who wants to help build a home inventory tracker?
My idea is simple: built a Web 2.0 app that allows people to track the stuff in their home/garage. That way if/when it gets lost/stolen/burned up they know exactly what they had. You can use the info to file an insurance claim faster/better. Or you can use it when you sell your house. Or we can build a system to update you when/if there is a recall on an appliance you own. etc...
I can do the programming (I ♥ RoR) but the design side leaves me befuddled. :) Any budding design wizards want in on the action?
- michael_dorfman 17y agoOuch, no thanks. I can't think of anything more mind-numbingly boring than trying to catalog all of my possessions for insurance purposes. I'd much rather just walk around slowly with a videocamera, and leave it at that. I can't think of anything on the design-side that would make this a winning proposition. Sorry!
- synnik 17y ago... But it could tie into an idea I had for people trying to simplify their lives and sell their excess posessions: If the inventory could be tied to either a custom sales/swap site, or even craigslist or e-bay, it could actually manage your possessions and help you make money off the stuff you no longer need.
- Corrado 17y agoHey, there are all kinds of integration you could do. A mashup with Craigslist is a great idea. Want to sell an old microwave oven? Just click the "List this item on Craigslist" button, give some details, and your good to go! Additionally you could find a replacement item for something that is broken. Need a new couch to replace your old one? Just click the "Find something similar on eBay" button and your golden! I like it.
- Corrado 17y agoHey, great feedback. I understand that you might not want to go around the house and inventory everything you currently have, but what about stuff you buy from now on? I am getting a new clothes dryer right now as I type and it would be simple to hit the site and fill in a few details. At least I hope it would be. Hey, why not host simple home walk-through videos as well? That way when the insurance company complains you have video proof. :)
- tirrellp 17y agoI am not interested, but I know of another hacker that you might want to be introduced to that made an app with a similar purpose for the iphone.
- Corrado 17y agoCool. I was actually thinking that an iPhone app would be great. It would really help out with the inventorying process: enter some details; take a picture; file it away. Sweet!
- eric-85255 17y agoYes, inventory tracking and amortization is simple