Category: News

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

Posted on April 28, 2025 by - News

PTP

NEWS YOU CAN USE

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SPOTLIGHT:

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

Preparing for a home inspection is important for sellers to ensure the process goes smoothly and to avoid any surprises that could affect the sale. Sellers can use these guidelines to ensure their home is ready for its close-up. Here's a checklist of things a seller should do to get their home ready for an inspection:

  1. Make sure all utilities are on: Ensure all utilities (water, gas, electricity) are turned on. Your home inspector will need these on to check systems like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
  2. Clear access to key areas: Make sure your basement, attic, and crawl spaces are accessible, and items like the water heater and electrical panel are not blocked by storage or other items.
  3. Address small repairs: Fix any minor repairs that could cause red flags. This includes ensuring all lightbulbs are working, leaky faucets and fixtures, grout around tubs and showers, and caulking around windows and exterior doors.
  4. Test systems prior: Testing major systems (heating, plumbing, electrical, etc.), smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and appliances (dishwasher, oven, dryer, etc.) to make sure they are working properly.
  5. Limit your presence: While it’s not necessary, many sellers choose to leave the home during the inspection to allow the inspector to do their job without distractions. If you decide to stay, remain respectful of the inspector’s work.
  6. Keep pets away: If possible, remove pets from the home or crate them for safety.
  7. Secure personal items: Store medications, valuables, or private documents securely and out of sight.
  8. Stay flexible with timing: Sometimes a home inspection can take longer than expected, depending on the size of the home and systems involved. Be ready for the possibility that your inspector may need additional time to complete a thorough inspection. 

Book Online Today!

HOW MUCH WILL THESE FIXES COST?

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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 from our partners at BOSSCAT Home Services.

  • Accessible via their Pillar To Post HomePage personal dashboard
  • 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

HOW PILLAR TO POST CAN HELP YOU

Download Here

HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

  • Choice of Home Inspection Packages
  • Added inspection services available
  • Save time and book online
  • Get a Market Ready inspection for your listings
  • E&O insured for your peace of mind
Home Inspector showing a married couple their home inspection results on a tablet

April is National Home Inspection Month

Posted on March 31, 2025 by - News

Home inspector looking over the external foundation of a home
PTP

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Home inspector looking over the external foundation of a home

SPOTLIGHT:

April is National Home Inspection Month

April marks National Home Inspection Month, a time to highlight the importance of professional home inspections for buyers, sellers, and homeowners alike. Whether your clients are buying or selling a home, a trusted inspection can make all the difference. This month is the perfect time to educate your clients on why inspections matter, and how they can prevent costly surprises down the road.

For Buyers:

  • Uncover hidden issues: Structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC problems aren’t always visible
  • Avoid unexpected expenses: Knowing about necessary repairs before closing helps with budgeting
  • More negotiation power: Buyers can request repairs or price adjustments based on the report
  • Gain peace of mind: A thorough inspection ensures they’re making a sound investment

For Sellers:

  • Eliminate unexpected issues: Addressing problems before listing helps ensure a smoother sale with no last-minute surprises
  • Attract serious buyers: A Market Ready (pre-listing) inspection builds trust and can lead to quicker offers
  • Increase sale price: Homes with a clean inspection report may sell at a better price
  • Get to closings faster: With fewer contingencies, transactions are less likely to stall

Encourage your clients to invest in a home inspection this April – it’s a small step that can make a big difference in their real estate journey! 

Book Online Today!

EXPERIENCE PTP360

Screenshot of the PTP360 interactive 360 degree visual inspection summary


PTP360 is our interactive 360° Visual Inspection Summary, included with all Pillar To Post Home Inspections.* PTP360 is an engaging tool that help buyers get to know the home, enabling them to make a confident home ownership decision.

  • View key findings from the inspection from within the PTP360 Inspection Summary
  • Buyers can revisit the home virtually from a smartphone, tablet or desktop
  • Share a link to PTP360 with family and friends
  • Delivered within 24 hours of the home inspection

WHY GET A HOME INSPECTION?

Infographic about why you need a home inspection
Download Here

HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

  • Choice of Home Inspection Packages
  • Added inspection services available
  • Easy scheduling – call us or book online
  • Buyer, seller, and post-sale inspections available
  • E&O insured for your peace of mind
Inspector showing couple inspection results on a tablet

Pillar To Post Newsletter, Vol. 25, No. 2

Posted on March 17, 2025 by - News, Post Notes

Home Inspector checking steps on a porch outside
ptp logo

postnotes

VOLUME 25, NO. 2

HEALTHY HOME

Spring
Maintenance
Checklist

As the seasons change, it’s important to give your home the care it needs after the winter season. A well-maintained home not only looks great but also helps prevent costly repairs down the line. Follow this essential spring maintenance checklist to keep your property in its best condition.

Home Inspector checking steps on a porch outside
  • 1. Clear Gutters and Downspouts
    Clean out gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage after the winter build up.
  • 2. Inspect Walkways and Patios
    Check for cracks, loose bricks, or damaged pavers. Address these issues early to prevent costly repairs later.
  • 3. Assess Trees and Landscaping
    Look for damaged limbs and branches that could become a risk to your home or property.
  • 4. Check Exterior Siding and Paint
    Repair and repaint siding, stucco or wood to protect your home from moisture and prolong its lifespan.
  • 5. Inspect Windows and Doors
    Check the caulking around windows and doors for gaps or deterioration. Recaulking helps improve energy efficiency.
  • 6. Repair and Clean Window Screens
    Fix any tears or holes in your window screens, and give them a thorough cleaning before reinstalling.

By following these simple maintenance steps, you can keep your home safe, comfortable, and looking its best all season long. A little effort now goes a long way in protecting your investment for years to come!

Close up view showing a person's hand using a laptop

feature focus

Pillar To Post HomePage is Here

Pillar To Post HomePage allows you and your clients to access your individual, personalized dashboards, featuring all elements of the home inspection in one place. This exciting new feature was developed with your needs in mind: Ease of access, timeliness, accuracy and convenience. 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
A laptop and smart phone with the new Pillar To Post home page showing on each screen

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

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

HOME SENSE

Steps to Improve Indoor Air Quality

The air inside your home plays a crucial role in your overall health. Over time, pollutants, allergens, and irritants can build up, leading to potential health concerns. With a few simple changes, you can enhance indoor air quality and create a healthier living space.

1. Manage Moisture Levels
Excess humidity fosters mold and dust mites, two common indoor air pollutants. Aim to keep indoor relative humidity below 50% to minimize their growth. Use exhaust fans in moisture-prone areas like the kitchen and bathrooms, ensure your dryer vents outside, and fix any leaks or condensation issues. A dehumidifier is particularly useful for high-humidity spaces such as basements.

2. Keep Dust Under Control
Dust is a magnet for allergens such as pollen, mold spores, lint, and pet dander. While eliminating dust entirely is impossible, you can significantly reduce its presence. Use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to trap fine particles and clean or replace furnace filters regularly. Investing in high-quality air filters can improve air circulation in your home.

3. Embrace Fresh Air
One of the easiest ways to improve air quality is to let in fresh air. When weather permits, open windows and doors to increase ventilation and reduce indoor air stagnation. This natural airflow helps flush out pollutants and revitalize your home’s atmosphere.

4. Opt for Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Many conventional cleaning products contain chemicals that release harmful fumes into the air. Choose environmentally friendly cleaners that are free from harsh toxins. Additionally, properly dispose of old paint, pesticides, and solvents to prevent them from emitting dangerous fumes into your home. Check local guidelines for safe disposal methods.

Small changes can lead to big benefits when it comes to the air you breathe!

Market Ready Home Inspections

Posted on March 3, 2025 by - News

PTP

NEWS YOU CAN USE

SPOTLIGHT:

Market Ready Home Inspections

Let Us Help You Get More Listings

A Market Ready (pre-listing) inspection by Pillar To Post Home Inspectors can help you give your listings a real advantage and close the deal with less headaches.

Why have a Market Ready Inspection?

  • Homes with a Market Ready inspection sell for more
  • Gives sellers the opportunity to address any issues found
  • List the home with confidence in its condition
  • Full-transparency, which means less negotiating back and forth
  • Gain seller confidence that they’re getting the best price
  • Get to closing faster

What do we provide?

  • A selection of multiple services (in addition to an impartial inspection report):
    • PTPFloorPlan – A measured floor plan of the entire home
    • PTPEstimates – Cost estimates for items in the inspection report
    • Virtual Open House – An interactive 360° tour of the home
    • PTPHomeManual – A digital owner’s manual for all appliances in the deal, with recall checks and more
    • Home Highlights sheet for potential buyers

Whether you need a Market Ready inspection, buyer’s inspection or any of our added inspection services, Pillar To Post is ready for you and your clients!

SAVING YOU TIME WITH HOMEPAGE


Say goodbye to printed reports and hello to a new way to receive your home inspection report with Pillar To Post HomePage – personal inspection dashboards for you and your clients.

  • Access all of your Pillar To Post inspections in one place
  • Keep the transaction moving with notifications when new reports are added
  • Easy access anywhere, anytime
Open laptop showing the new Pillar To Post Home Inspection report Home Page

How Long Will Your House Last?

How long will your house last - infographic on how long different parts of a home usually last
Download Here

HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

  • Choice of Home Inspection Packages
  • Added inspection services available
  • Easy scheduling – call us or book online
  • Buyer, seller, and post-sale inspections available
  • E&O insured for your peace of mind
Home inspector showing a home buyer couple a tablet with inspection results