Author: oi_admin

HOW CAN PILLAR TO POST HELP YOU?

Posted on February 24, 2021 by oi_admin - News

MARCH 2021

How Can Pillar To Post Help You?

Real Choice For Your Clients

We offer a choice of Home Inspection Packages so your clients will get the level of information they want and need about the home.

Printed and Digital Inspection Reports

Our state-of-the-art inspection report, with color photos and complete inspection results, is delivered in both digital and printed formats. The report is also available online for easy access anytime, anywhere.

E&O Insured

All Pillar To Post home inspectors are required to carry E&O insurance. This protects you should a client decide to take legal action against the inspector and includes you in the action for wrongful referral.

Our Commitment

We are committed to ensuring confident home ownership. When you refer us, you will know that we will bring our professionalism, expertise, quality service and excellent reporting to every inspection, every home and every customer.

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Posted on January 27, 2021 by oi_admin - News

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Our homes harbor more than just our families and possessions. Home is also where pollutants, allergens, and other irritants accumulate and thrive, with possible harmful effects on our health. There are simple steps homeowners can take to improve the air quality in their home and increase their comfort and well-being.

GET A HANDLE ON HUMIDITY

Keep indoor humidity below 50% to help prevent mold and dust mite growth. Once mold gets established it can continue to grow even at lower humidity levels. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, make sure the dryer is properly vented to the outdoors, and address any leaks or condensation issues. A dehumidifier can help in especially humid locations such as basements.

REDUCE DUST

Dust can contain pollen, mold spores, lint, animal dander, bacteria and more. While it’s impossible to completely rid a home of dust, there are ways to help control it. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter that traps small particulate matter. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly, according to manufacturer’s instructions. High-quality furnace filters are more expensive but do a better job of filtering dust, pet hair and other particles.

VENT IT

Open doors and windows whenever possible to improve air circulation and allow the house to “breathe” fresh air.

CLEANER CLEAN-UP

Choose cleaning products with environmentally friendly formulations. Many of these products do an equal or better job than their conventional counterparts. Dispose of old paint, pesticides, solvents and other products so they aren’t leaking fumes into the home. Check local requirements on how to properly dispose of such items.

By taking these relatively easy steps, homeowners can truly make their home a breath of fresh air.

Pillar To Post Newsletter Volume 21, No. 1

Posted on January 7, 2021 by oi_admin - Post Notes

Photo of home buyers entering a home to inspect it

postnotes

Volume 21, No. 1

Our Commitment

During this time of Covid-19, Pillar To Post remains committed to providing the highest quality home inspection while adhering to the safety and cleanliness guidelines provided by the CDC and local governments. We are taking the following measures with the health and well-being of our clients in mind:

Inspectors are prepared with PPE to keep everyone safe Home Inspection Reports can be presented virtually or printed on-site
Your clients can choose not to attend or only attend the last hour of the home inspection
online and/or contactless payment options available on request

While our processes may have chanced, our commitment to ensuring confident home ownership has not. Our job is not complete until you no longer have questions concerning the home you have asked Pillar To Post to inspect.

Middle-aged man setting up his radon equipment

Safe at home

Is Radon On Your Radar?

Colorless and odorless, naturally occuring radon gas seeps into homes from underground. Elevated levels of radon can build up inside the home, endangering your family's health. Here are the facts.

Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer after smoking
Radon can cause cancers in pets, too
An estimated 1 in 15 homes in the US and Canada has an elevated level of radon
Any home can have a radon problem - old or new, drafty or snug, with or without a basement

Testing is the only way to know if a home has excessive levels of radon.

Your Pillar To Post Home Inspector conducts radon testing using continuous monitoring technology, then reports on the results and recommends steps to reduce excessive radon levels if found.

For peace of mind, schedule a radon inspection for your home today.

Personal Best

Banish The Winter Blues

Many of us are spending much more time at home these days. Here are some ideas on how to help you and your home look and feel cheerful during these winter months:

1. Have each family member create a personal playlist of their favorite music and ask everyone to take turns as digital DJs

2. Potted flowering plants will brighten up your coffee table or dining area

3. Set up a hot chocolate bar for the family. Don't forget the marshmallows, peppermint bits, whipped cream, rainbow sprinkles and anything else you like!

4. Use pillow covers in bold patterns or colors to change up the look of the sofas and beds

5. Don your brightest sweaters and coats for an instant pick-me-up

Inspection Insights

Are You In The Know??

Take Our Quiz!

1. A pre-listing home inspection:

A. Helps sellers decide about making specific repairs and improvements

B. Can help with setting the asking price

C. Helps agents with marketing the home

D. All of the above

2. TRUE or FALSE?

Radon gas doesn't affect homes built after 2001.

3. You've just learned that your home contains lead-based paint. You should:

A. Scrape off as much as possible and paint over it

B. Use a chemical paint stripper to remove it

C. Call a qualified professional to assess the conditions and advise about removal

D. Regularly wipe down affected surfaces with a micro-fiber cloth

4. The Pillar To Post Premium Home Inspection includes:

A. Infrared Scanning to detect signs of moisture and electrical overheating

B. Appliance Recall Safety Check to help keep your family and property safe

C. Lifetime Maintenance Advisory Service to help you care for your home

D. Enhanced Customer Satisfaction Commitment to ensure your complete satisfaction

E. All of the above

Answers

1. D. A pre-listing can do all this and more. Be sure to ask your Pillar To Post Home Inspector about getting a home inspection before the home goes on the market.

2. False. Radon can affect homes of any age or construction type. You can learn more about radon right here in this newsletter!

3. C. A qualified professional will be able to determine how to address lead-based paint. If removal is recommended, trying to do this yourself can create a much bigger problem by spreading lead dust around your home. Leave it to the pros!

4. E. These are just some of the reasons our Premium Home Inspection is our most popular offering. Ask about it when requesting your next home inspection!

Home Sense

Improving Indoor Air Quality

Our homes harbor more than just our families and posessions. Home is also where pollutants, allergens, and other irritants accumulate and thrive, with possible harmful effects on our health. Here are some ways to improve indoor air quality while increasing your comfort and well-being.

HANDLE HIGH HUMIDITY

High Humidity is one of the main contributors to mold and dust mite growth, both of which adversely affect indoor air quality. Keeping indoor humidity below 50% will help prevent further infestation, although once mold gets established it can continue to grow even at lower humidity levels. Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, make sure the dryer is properly vented to the outdoors, and address any leaks or condensation issues. A dehumidifier can help in especially humid locations such as basements.

COLLECT THE DUST

Dust is more than just dirt! It can contain pollen, mold spores, lint, animal dander, bacteria and more. While it's impossible to completely rid a home of dust, there are ways to help control it. Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter that traps small particulate matter. Change or clean the furnace filter regularly, according to the manufacturer's instructions. High quality furnace filters are more expensive than ordinary types, but are more effective at filtering dust, pet hair, and other particles.

GO AHEAD AND VENT

Open doors and windows whenever possible. Your home will have better air circulation and "breathe" more easily, and of course it's great to enjoy fresh air on a nice day.

CHEMICAL REACTION

Choose cleaning products with environmentally friendly formulations. Many of these cleaners and detergents do an equal or better job than their conventional counterparts. Dispose of old paint, pesticides, solvents and other products so they aren't leaking fumes into your home. Check local requirements on how to properly dispose of such items.

Discover the Pillar To Post difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!

JANUARY IS RADON ACTION MONTH IN THE UNITED STATES

Posted on December 22, 2020 by oi_admin - News

Any home can have a radon problem – old or new homes, well-sealed or drafty homes, homes with or without basements. An estimated 1 in 6 homes in the U.S. is affected by radon. Prolonged exposure to unsafe levels of radon can increase the risk of lung cancer; in fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking. There is real risk in not knowing if a home has a high level of radon.

WHAT IS RADON?

Radon is a naturally occurring, odorless radioactive gas formed by the ongoing decay of uranium in soil, rocks, sediments, and even well or ground water. While radon that escapes into the atmosphere is not harmful, dangerously high concentrations can build up indoors, exposing occupants to possible health risks.

HOW DOES RADON GET INTO A HOME?

Radon can migrate into the home in several ways. Openings or cracks in basement walls, foundations or floors are common avenues. Sumps, basement drains, and spaces between gas or water fittings can also allow radon into the structure. Other entry points can include gaps in suspended floors and cavities within walls.

HOW CAN I MAKE SURE MY CLIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AREN’T AT RISK?

Testing is the only way to measure radon levels. Your Pillar To Post Home Inspector will set up monitoring equipment and report on the results. If an elevated level of radon is detected, steps can be taken to reduce the concentration to or below acceptable levels inside virtually any home. Professional mitigation services can provide solutions for a home’s specific conditions.

Request radon testing when you book your next home inspection with Pillar To Post Home Inspectors.