Category: News

Get Your Home Ready for Summer

With summer just around the corner, now is a great time to get your home in top shape for the months ahead. Whatever your weather, caring for your home now will help to ensure a worry-free, comfortable summer. Follow a few of these tips each week and enjoy the rest of the season knowing that your home is in good shape.

OUTDOORS

  • Inspect siding for cracks or other damage and make any needed repairs.
  • If paint is peeling, cracking, or chipped, repair and repaint now to limit damage to the underlying materials.
  • Remove window screens and clean them with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse well and allow them to dry in the sun. Repair any holes or tears, or replace the screen material before reinstalling. It’s a fairly easy DIY job to replace the screening, or you can check to see if your local hardware store offers this service.
  • Have the air conditioning unit serviced to ensure good operation. Promote good air intake by keeping shrubs and plants around the unit trimmed.
  • Clear dirt and debris from gutters and eaves.
  • Seal cracks in the driveway and keep walkways clear of debris and overgrown plants.
  • Test irrigation and sprinkler systems and replace any broken sprinkler heads or emitters. Check for proper water coverage and adjust if necessary.
  • Power wash decks and patios and seal surfaces as appropriate.

INDOORS

  • Vacuum or brush off refrigerator coils to help maintain energy efficiency. Depending on your model, the coils will be located either on the bottom or on the back of the appliance.
  • Empty dehumidifier pans and clean hoses according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • If possible, take area rugs outside and hang them over a deck or porch rail to air out.
  • Adjust ceiling fans for proper balance and change the rotation to the summer setting. While you’re at it, give the unit a good dusting to avoid blowing dust around the room.
  • Switch out heavy bedding for lightweight summer fabrics. Have the winter bedding cleaned before storing it away for the season.
  • Close the chimney flue to prevent insects from entering and to help keep cool air in during the months ahead.
  • Repot houseplants to give their roots a fresh start for the summer.
  • Check door and cabinet hinges and lubricate any that stick or squeak.
  • Open windows even on cooler days to get fresh air flowing throughout the home.

Convenient Scheduling

Home Inspections When You Need Them

When you need a home inspection, you want to be able to book it right away. That’s why Pillar To Post always makes scheduling our home inspections easy and convenient. You can choose the option that’s best for you:

  • Give me a call
  • Send an email
  • Visit my website

The Pillar To Post home inspection report, complete with photos, is generated the same day as the inspection, so there’s no waiting. This helps keep the transaction moving and can mean faster closings.

If your client has already completed the purchase, a home inspection is an excellent way for them to learn more about the place they’ll call home. We also provide pre-listing inspections, which enable sellers to identify repairs or upgrades they may wish to make prior to selling their home. Added services such as radon inspections, air quality sampling, mold testing and more can also be provided in conjunction with the home inspection.

It’s easy – request your next inspection today and discover the Pillar To Post difference.

Brighten a Basement on a Budget

Pillar To Post blog post

Your basement doesn’t have to be the dark and dreary spot in your home anymore.

Low ceilings, limited light and general dreariness can make the basement a hard spot to hang out in. Here are a few ways to brighten things up in what is often a dark and cramped looking space:

  1. Fresh Coat - Paint the walls a light shade and ceilings even lighter to give the illusion of height.
  2. Lighten Up - Use various lighting sources layered at different heights including wall sconces and lamps to brighten things up.
  3. Mirror Mirror - Place mirrors across from your basement windows in order to maximize the effect of natural light.
  4. Floored - Don’t break up the basement by choosing continuous flooring so that the space will appear larger.

These are just a few ways to transform your basement from dark and dreary to bright and beautiful. All it takes are just a few simple adjustments and before you know it, your basement will become one of your most popular hangouts!

Interior Shutters

Pillar To Post blog post

Shutters inside the home can be warm, beautiful and functional.

Interior shutters can be used inside a window in place of blinds. These offer both privacy and shade. In fact, some interior window shutters can help you save money on your energy bills.

Interior shutters are available in either wood or vinyl. Experts say that vinyl is better for those desiring a painted look while wood is best for customers that want a stained look. Vinyl shutters are available in a variety of colors, but white is the most popular. Shutters are available in stock sizes or custom sizes.

Shutters can be used in other areas beside windows, such as on louver doors separating rooms within the house. This allows a certain level of privacy without completely shutting off the room. It also offers a unique decorating opportunity.

Interior shutters offer many advantages, including privacy, shade, and décor. For a unique and classy window cover or room divider, consider installing interior shutters.