Category: News

Understanding Carbon Monoxide in the home

Posted on December 2, 2024 by - News

Young Daughter sitting on her Father's lap while they look through an art book together.
PTP

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Young Daughter sitting on her Father's lap while they look through an art book together.

SPOTLIGHT:

CARBON MONOXIDE:
What you need to know

Carbon monoxide (CO) results from the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, oil, and propane in devices including furnaces, water heaters and stoves. Improper installation, incomplete combustion, or blockages, leaks or cracks in venting systems can cause CO to reach harmful levels inside the home. Colorless and odorless, dangerously high levels of CO can lead to incapacitation or death, with victims sometimes never having been aware they were being poisoned.

Prevention and working alarms are key to avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning:

  • Test CO alarms regularly and make sure they are properly located. 
  • Have all fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected annually, including gas stoves and ovens, gas, pellet or wood-burning fireplaces, furnaces and heaters, water heaters and gas clothes dryers.
  • Don’t use a gas stove or oven to heat the home, even temporarily.
  • Never start a vehicle in a closed garage or idle the engine in the garage even if the overhead door is open.
  • Gasoline-powered generators and charcoal grills must never be used indoors or close to the home.
  • Learn what to do if the CO alarm activates. If anyone in the home experiences symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, or confusion, everyone should leave immediately and seek medical attention. If no symptoms are felt, open doors and windows immediately and shut off all fuel-burning devices that may be potential sources of CO.

 Keep your family safe and avoid an unnecessary tragedy.

VIRTUAL OPEN HOUSE

The Pillar To Post Virtual Open House makes it easy and affordable to present your listings in a high-quality 360° virtual format. It transforms your listings into a navigable virtual walk-through, helping to increase engagement, visibility and impact. 

  • Reduces the need for in-person showings, saving you time
  • 24-hour turnaround
  • An average of just 15-20 minutes needed inside the home
  • Includes every room and the exterior
  • MLS ready
  • Measured PTPFloorPlan also available

Unlike ordinary virtual tours, the Virtual Open House allows potential buyers to explore the home at their own pace using navigation hot spots. It’s the closest thing to being there in person!

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WIN MORE LISTINGS WITH A MARKET READY HOME INSPECTION

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Download Here

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

  • Buyer and Market Ready inspections available
  • Easy scheduling – just call, click or book online
  • Report produced on-site
  • E&O insured to protect you
  • Ask about our added services
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Pillar To Post Newsletter, Vol. 24, No. 6

Posted on November 11, 2024 by - News, Post Notes

Pillar To Post blog post
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postnotes

VOLUME 24, NO. 6

What's New

Introducing Pillar To Post HomePage

Everything You Need,
All In One Place

Open laptop showing the new Pillar To Post Home Inspection report Home Page

Pillar To Post HomePage brings a revolutionary new dimension to the home inspection report for both you and your clients. Access your own personal user-friendly dashboard, developed with your needs in mind: Ease of access, timeliness, accuracy and convenience. All of your Pillar To Post home inspections are now located in one place! No more searching emails or documents looking for that report – it’s all housed on your Pillar To Post HomePage.

For you:

  • Access all of your Pillar To Post inspections from your personal dashboard
  • Receive updates in real time when a report is added or updated
  • Book an inspection with Pillar To Post right from your dashboard
  • 100% compatible on any device
  • Easy, secure access anytime, anywhere
  • Clients can easily refer or reuse you down the road – your contact information is highlighted on their dashboard

For your client:

  • All elements of the Ultimate Home inspection on one page including PTP360 (a 360° visual inspection summary), PTPFloorPlan* (a measured floor plan of the home), and more, will be delivered on their own personal Pillar To Post HomePage dashboard
  • All-digital report is produced on-site with options to download, print or share
  • All key information about their home is all in one place
  • An ongoing resource with access to PTPConnects, our free moving concierge, and PTPHomeManual* (access to appliance user manuals and recall checks)
  • Easy navigation for a seamless, enjoyable user experience on any device

We’re excited to introduce Pillar To Post HomePage to you and we look forward to sharing it with you for your next inspection!

*PTPHomeManual and PTPFloorPlan are available with Premium and Prestige packages.

summer rain with hail falls on the roof of slate
Very large tree that fell over severely damaging a home

Seasonal Smarts

Before And After The Storm

No matter where you live, winter storms can wreak havoc on property. Taking action before and after storms can reduce the chances of serious damage to homes and lives.

Before the storm

  • Outdoor furniture, grills, toys, birdbaths and the like should be stored away. Secure and anchor large objects such as prefab sheds and play structures.
  • Trees can look like they’re in good shape, but may be diseased or have other problems that can cause them to fail unexpectedly. Trees stressed by drought or rooted in saturated soil can be more susceptible to problems when storms hit.
  • Local ordinances may require that trees be trimmed a minimum distance from driveways, structures and power lines. For safety’s sake, a qualified professional should perform this work.
  • Use binoculars to check your roof for missing or damaged shingles. Flying shingles can damage structures, while missing shingles can allow water to leak into the home. Any roofing repairs should be done by licensed professionals to ensure the work is done safely and correctly.

After the storm

  • Look for downed or sagging power lines and report them immediately to your utility company. Always assume a downed power line is live, and never approach or touch it.
  • Check around for fallen branches or other damage to trees and structures. This is also a good time to re-inspect the roof for storm damage; any repairs should be made as soon as possible to prevent further problems.
  • Note any areas where water may have infiltrated siding, the foundation, or windows and have repairs done before the next storm hits.
Broken snapped wooden power line post with electrical components on the ground after a storm

Here’s what homebuyers are saying about The Ultimate Home InspectionTM

5 Stars

85K +

and counting!

5 Star

“Pillar To Post is the most thorough and engaging inspection experience we have had. The PTPFloorPlan will help us arrange our move in, and the appliance records in our PTPHomeManual will last us long after closing.”

5 Star

“Very thorough inspection. Explained all findings. Really liked the thermal imaging, PTPFloorPlan and interactive Visual Summary. Would recommend to others looking to have a thorough inspection.”

5 Star

“A very thorough inspection with photo sand explanations of each issue. The PTP360 video walk through is amazing! I love that we have everything we need to make improvements and keep accurate updates of our home moving forward. A+.”

5 Star

“As a new homeowner, I now have confidence in my home and the information I need to keep it in great shape for the future. Our inspector was kind, professional, and explained everything to me in a way I could understand. He was patient and helpful with all my questions.”

5 Star

“Pillar To Post was extremely thorough in their inspection and provided quality, easy-to-understand feedback, which I greatly appreciated as a first time home buyer. PTP360, the detailed PTPFloorPlan and list of repairs were extremely useful as we prepared to move in. I highly recommend using their services.”

5 Star

“Our inspector was amazing. He was very thorough throughout the entire process and so communicative. The PTPFloorPlan and PTPHomeManual are useful and awesome!”

Experience the Pillar To Post Difference. Schedule a home inspection today!

The Ultimate Home Inspection

Posted on October 28, 2024 by - News

PTP

NEWS YOU CAN USE

SPOTLIGHT:

The Ultimate Home Inspection  has more for you and your clients!

Pillar To Post Home Inspection Packages have technology-led features that bring more information and engagement to the inspection itself and our industry-leading report. These innovative features save you time, get you to closings faster and have quickly become agent and client favorites.

Standard with every Home Inspection:

PTP360 Interactive 360° Visual Inspection Summary*

PTPEstimates, a third-party cost estimate for Inspection Summary items – see below to learn more!

Also included with our Premium and Prestige Packages:

PTPFloorPlan, a measured floor plan of the entire home

PTPHomeManual, the digital owner’s manual for the home

Technology coupled with deep knowledge allows us to provide an exceptional home inspection delivered within a seamless brand experience. This experience, and the people who deliver it, has made Pillar To Post North America’s largest home inspection company.

PTPEstimates:
How Much Will These Fixes Cost?


Your client can request a third-party estimate to repair items called out in their Pillar To Post home inspection. PTPEstimates is included in their home inspection and is only a click away.

  • Repair cost estimates are based on local costs
  • Estimate is provided within approximately 1 business day
  • Your client can use the information to make repairs now or plan for them to be done over time
Close up of hands repairing a door

PTP360 BRINGS THE INSPECTION REPORT TO LIFE!

Info graphic thumbnail of the Ultimate Inspection Experience
Download Here

PILLAR TO POST IS HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

  • Buyer and Market Ready inspections available
  • Easy scheduling – just call or click
  • Report produced on-site
  • E&O insured to protect you
  • Ask about our added services
Happy couple sitting at a table viewing tablet

November is Radon Action Month in Canada 2024

Posted on October 28, 2024 by - News

Inspector setting up a radon test
PTP

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Inspector setting up a radon test

SPOTLIGHT:

NOVEMBER IS RADON ACTION MONTH IN CANADA

Any home can have a radon problem – old or new homes, well-sealed or drafty homes, homes with or without basements. Health Canada estimates that 1 in 14 homes in Canada has an elevated level of 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.

HOW DOES RADON GET INTO A HOME?

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.

PTPEstimates:
How Much Will These Fixes Cost?


Your client can request a third-party estimate to repair items called out in their Pillar To Post home inspection. PTPEstimates is included in their home inspection and is only a click away.

  • Repair cost estimates are based on local costs
  • Estimate is provided within approximately 1 business day
  • Your client can use the information to make repairs now or plan for them to be done over time
Close up of hands repairing a door

PTP360 BRINGS THE INSPECTION REPORT TO LIFE!

Info graphic thumbnail of the Ultimate Inspection Experience
Download Here

PILLAR TO POST IS HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

  • Buyer and Market Ready inspections available
  • Easy scheduling – just call or click
  • Report produced on-site
  • E&O insured to protect you
  • Ask about our added services
Realtor and Inspector talking and shaking hands