Category: News

Don’t Ignore a Leaky Roof

Posted on July 29, 2024 by oi_admin - News

NEWS YOU CAN USE

SPOTLIGHT:

Don’t Ignore a Leaky Roof

Roof leaks are one of the major types of property damage caused by storms, flooding and high winds. A leaking roof is disruptive, costly and can eventually cause mold, damage to interior finishes, and structural damage. Any of these can adversely affect a home’s value.

Older roofs or those in disrepair are at greater risk for leaks, but one of the most common causes of roof failure is faulty workmanship during installation. This isn’t always readily apparent because it often takes a few years for a poor installation to manifest itself as a leak. Using a licensed, qualified roofing contractor for any installations or repairs is always recommended.

What causes leaks? Wind and rain in just the wrong combination can cause a roof to leak by compromising critical components. Many roof leaks can be traced to poorly installed or worn flashing. Flashing usually consists of pieces of metal that cover gaps between the roofing material and items that penetrate through the roof such as chimneys, skylights, dormers, and roof/wall intersections. In cold climates, ice damming can cause a perfectly good roof surface to leak. In this situation, ice blocks the flow of water to the edge of the roof or to the drain. The water can then back up under the shingles and leak into the house.

Leaks can have interior causes as well. Condensation in the attic due to leaking household air or heating and/or air conditioning ducts can cause damage to the roof decking and structural framing. In severe cases it can cause water to drip back into the house. This can lead to mold and even structural damage if not corrected.

Proper installation and maintenance of roofs are key to preventing problems down the road. After the storm, reach out to your Pillar To Post home inspector to make sure everything is okay.

Are You Legally Protected When You Refer a Home Inspector?

When you refer your clients to Pillar To Post, you are. Unlike some other home inspection companies and many independent home inspectors, all Pillar To Post home inspectors must carry E&O insurance. We take seriously our responsibility and our accountability to provide to your clients – and therefore to you – a home inspection experience that does not put you at legal risk for wrongful referral.

If the home inspector you refer doesn’t carry E&O insurance, you could be at risk if a client includes you in a legal claim against the inspector. To us, that is an unacceptable and avoidable occurrence. You can always refer Pillar To Post with confidence that you will be protected from such legal claims.

Why You Need a Home Inspection

WE’RE READY FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

Easy scheduling – just call, click or book online (where available)
Get a Market Ready inspection for your listings
Buyer, seller and post-sale inspections available
Add even more value to your services
Printed and digital reports
E&O insured to protect you
Ask about our added inspection services

*Where available. Not all services are offered by every office.

Budgeting for Homeowners

Posted on July 1, 2024 by oi_admin - News

NEWS YOU CAN USE

SPOTLIGHT:

Budgeting for Homeowners

A new home often means new and significant financial adjustments. Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance add up quickly and can easily throw the best of financial intentions out of whack.

Following a budget gives homeowners a roadmap for their financial needs and goals. Yes, monthly home-related expenses need to be met, but they’ll also need to consider much more: food, clothing, education, healthcare, transportation and savings for both retirement and emergency expenses. Homeowners will definitely have unexpected costs that arise at inconvenient times – the water heater needs replacing, or the roof urgently needs repairing. Having a way to cover these expenses is critical not only to the home but for peace of mind.

Here’s how to get started on budget planning:

Examine household income against expenses. First, list monthly income – take-home pay, self-employment income and any other outside sources of income. This amount will form the basis of the budget.
Next, make a list of monthly fixed expenses including the mortgage payment, car payments and insurance, internet, phone, health insurance, etc. For expenses that are sometimes billed less frequently, such as property taxes, home insurance and childcare, divide the total yearly amount by 12. Fluctuating costs such as utility bills can be averaged to a monthly total and added to this list as well. Credit card payments will need to be factored in, too. Long-term and emergency savings should also be considered fixed expenses – making this commitment to the future will pay off, literally, in the years to come.
Then list variable expenses: food, clothing, cable or streaming subscriptions, online subscriptions, gas, entertainment, gym memberships, and even haircuts are some typical examples. Track these expenses for a few months to arrive at accurate numbers. It’s important to be realistic about current spending because once the overall expense budget is developed, homeowners may need to look for reductions in these variable items.
Add the fixed and variable expenses together. If the income is enough to cover everything, homeowners can still look for ways to budget in their favor. Reducing some variable expenses and shifting the difference into savings, for example, is a great way to boost one’s financial situation without making major changes.

And if expenses exceed income? If an increase in income isn’t on the horizon, they’ll need to reduce expenses so that they’re in line with what they can actually afford. First, go to the list of variable expenses and closely consider each line item. Are all those streaming services really necessary? Can more meals be prepared at home? Is the latest gadget a must? Reducing expenses in these categories can really make a difference.

If reducing the variable costs still isn’t enough, reexamine the fixed expenses. Consider trading down to a car with affordable payments and raising the deductibles on home and auto insurance. Check into cheaper plans for mobile devices. The differences can be significant over the course of a year.

No matter how careful the budget planning, it won’t work if the budget isn’t followed. Personal finance software can be helpful for tracking cashflow, and adjustments can continue to be made over time. By keeping to a budget, homeowners will come out ahead and sleep better at night, too.

PTP360 brings the Inspection Report to life!

WHAT YOU NEED, WHEN YOU NEED IT

Buyer, seller and post-sale inspections available
Easy scheduling – just call or click
Printed and digital reports
E&O insured to protect you
Ask about our added inspection services

*Where available. Not all services are offered by every office.

Pillar To Post's Culture Nurtures Success for Franchise Business Owners

Posted on June 14, 2024 by oi_admin - News

Pillar To Post's Culture Nurtures Success for Franchise Business Owners

Embark on a transformative journey with Pillar To Post, where we specialize in turning aspiring entrepreneurs into accomplished leaders in the home inspection industry! Our franchise model is not just unique, it's a proven pathway filled with robust support systems and innovative tools designed to set you up for success right from the start. Discover how our nurturing company culture and strong community foster an environment where each franchise business owner can thrive and build a flourishing business.

Unlocking Potential with Elite Training

At Pillar To Post, we believe that empowering our franchise business owners goes beyond basic training. Our 11-week training program is designed to provide comprehensive education that encompasses industry knowledge, sales training, technical skills, operations, and hands-on business management experience.

This training is broken into phases:

Pre-training: 90-120 hours of online self-paced training, focusing on home inspection basics.
Phase 1: Technical/Pillar To Post Orientation
Phase 2: Business Leadership Training
Phase 3: Sales and Marketing - Pillar To Post Predictable Greatness
Phase 4: Ongoing Continuous Learning for the lifetime of the business

Training days are structured with daily sessions from Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 3 PM ET, complemented by additional independent study (4 hours per day), including interactive inspection demonstrations, virtual classrooms, practice inspections, and roleplay.

Holt Team photo with 6 people standing in front of a wall that says Victory means a little more here — Team Holt

Franchise business owner Paul Holt from Fayetteville, NC, reflects on this blend of training and discipline: “Becoming a home inspector seemed like the perfect blend of my disciplines. As a soldier, I was trained to look at projects in finite detail, as well as from a macro vantage point. Dedication to the accomplishment of my mission was paramount. I work until the job is done, not when the clock says it’s time to go home. These are the characteristics that have also driven my team’s success with Pillar To Post.” The rigorous training and support provided by Pillar To Post have allowed Paul to transition smoothly from a military career to a successful business owner, showcasing the company's commitment to comprehensive training.

Crafting Local Market Mastery

Understanding the local market is crucial for success in home inspection. We support our franchise business owners with detailed research tools and resources to grasp their specific territory and clientele, enabling them to tailor their services effectively. By crafting targeted marketing efforts and engaging directly with the community, franchise business owners can build a solid customer base and expand their business footprint in meaningful ways.

Danny Shetter, our 2023 Rookie Of The Year from Amarillo, TX, shares, “When we first started, it was tight, even with having an employee. But man, I'm sure glad that we did it because the numbers and success that we have today, I wouldn't have been able to achieve by myself. Pillar To Post’s system and support have been invaluable in getting us where we are now." Danny's experience highlights how the company's support and resources have been critical in navigating the challenges of a new business and achieving significant growth.

Team Shetter Portrait Photo of two people — Team Shetter

Networking: Building Bridges to Success

Networking is a powerhouse tool for business growth. At Pillar To Post, we leverage our vast network of real estate professionals across North America to enhance our franchise business owners' connections. This strategic networking helps establish our franchise business owners as trusted local experts and opens doors to new business opportunities, crucial for sustaining long-term growth.

Innovative Tools to Set You Apart

Embrace the future of home inspections with Pillar To Post’s cutting-edge technologies, such as PTP360. This exclusive tool offers comprehensive visual summaries and detailed reports, modernizing the inspection process and greatly enhancing client satisfaction. By utilizing these advanced tools, our franchise business owners can offer superior services that clearly distinguish them from the competition.

Jesse Durham Portrait Photo — Jesse Durham

Jesse Durham, 2022 Rookie of the Year from Fort Worth, TX, highlights the impact of these innovations, “The company fast-tracked new groundbreaking technologies that were in the works and came out with ‘contactless’ inspections and many more programs now known together as The Ultimate Home Inspection. I see things going nowhere but upwards from here in this industry and with this franchisor.” Jesse’s experience demonstrates how Pillar To Post’s commitment to innovation keeps franchise business owners at the forefront of the industry, providing them with the tools needed to deliver exceptional service.

Integrity and Excellence at Our Core

Pillar To Post has been synonymous with integrity and quality for over thirty years. These foundational principles are deeply ingrained in every franchise, ensuring our network maintains the highest standards of service. Our steadfast commitment to excellence has strengthened our reputation and fostered trust and reliability among clients.

Cultivating Community and Customer Engagement

We encourage our franchise business owners to immerse themselves in local community activities and real estate events. Engaging with community members and participating in local events are excellent strategies for raising brand awareness and building a loyal customer base. Pillar To Post's marketing strategies and resources support this active community engagement, ensuring that franchise business owners have what they need to become community leaders.

Dave Dalfino from Livonia, MI, emphasizes the importance of consistency in marketing efforts, “I've had months where it's been painful, but when you make a plan and you stay consistent with it, you have a way of measuring whether you're successful or not because of the support and tools provided by Pillar To Post.” Dave’s story underscores the importance of sustained marketing efforts and how the company’s resources help franchise business owners stay on track, even during challenging times.

Join Our Winning Team and Experience a Million-Dollar Executive Model

At Pillar To Post, while we don’t require specific work experience, we are selective about who we award a franchise to. We are looking for business owners and team builders. Industry experience can be helpful but is not required. We are an executive model, where the owner has full-time involvement in the business but does not have to be a home inspector. The owner is focused on building a local team to scale with at least one million plus in revenue. This model empowers owners to leverage their leadership skills and business acumen to build a successful enterprise, especially with the support of Pillar To Post behind them.

Step forward into a role that's tailored for your success and aligns with your entrepreneurial ambitions. Join the Pillar To Post family and transform your business dreams into reality! With our industry-leading technology, unparalleled support, and robust industry connections, we're dedicated to your success in the dynamic home inspection industry. Contact us today to apply to become a Pillar To Post franchise business owner and start your rewarding journey toward building a successful business.

Preparing for a Home Inspection

Posted on June 3, 2024 by oi_admin - News

SPOTLIGHT:

Preparing for a Home Inspection

Sellers can use these guidelines to ensure their home is ready for its close up. They will also help the inspection process go more smoothly.

Provide keys to any locked areas and ensure that the basement/crawl space, garage, attic and yard are easily accessible.
Repair leaky faucets and fixtures, and repair or replace grout around tubs and showers.
Recaulk around exterior door and windows
Test the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace the units if necessary.
Move items from around the water heater, furnace, central AC units and electrical panel to allow clear access.
Store medications and valuables securely and out of sight.
Ask your agent how long the inspection is expected to take and plan to be away from the home for the duration.
Take pets with you or crate them for safety.

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 from our partners at BOSSCAT Home Services.

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
Depending on location, your client can choose to contract with BOSSCAT to have repairs completed

Download A Copy

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

Get a Market Ready inspection for your listing
Buyer, seller and post-sale inspections available
Easy scheduling – just call, click, or book online (where available)
Printed and digital reports
E&O insured to protect you
Ask about our added inspection services