Category: News

Franchise Players is Entrepreneur's Q&A interview column that puts the spotlight on franchisees. Read why Denver franchise partner Lee Kastberg chose Pillar To Post Home Inspectors to start his franchising business and his experience starting up to what's next - click here.

It’s winter, and shorter days will still be here for months to come. Temperatures are down, and spring seems a long way away. But winter doesn’t mean your home needs to feel drab for months on end. Here are some easy ideas to bring some springtime into your home and life right now.

• Fresh flowers are a quick pick-me-up that will instantly brighten your mood and any room in the house. Choose a bouquet of beautiful, colorful blooms to display in the kitchen, family room, or wherever you spend a lot of time. Or divide a large bunch of flowers into several smaller vases that you can place in a bathroom, by the kitchen sink, and on your nightstand.
• If you live in a mild climate, put a pot or two of bright flowering plants outside your front door for instant cheer. Your neighbors (and the mail carrier) will appreciate it, too!
• Give your powder room or laundry area a lift with a fresh coat of paint in a fun new color. Painting a small space can be a great winter project that doesn’t require a big investment of time or money.
• Start your day with a healthful tropical fruit smoothie. Whirling chunks of pineapple, mango, and banana with plain nonfat yogurt in the blender will bring a taste of summer to a dark, damp morning. It’s a healthy treat that will give your day a delicious jump start and bring a smile to your face.
• Be a quick change artist. Try new throw pillows or pillow covers in bright, fun fabrics to add a punch of color to your sofa and chairs. There so are many great-looking, inexpensive options available that you don’t have to splurge to give your room a fresh look.
• Treat your family to an indoor picnic on a chilly winter weekend. Bring out the paper plates, potato salad, and the burgers and dogs for a taste of July. Make a playlist of some summer music favorites, and don’t forget the lemonade.

Your local Pillar To Post office looks forward to serving real estate professionals and homeowners all year round. Contact us today!

CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING: AVOIDANCE AND PREVENTION

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the combustion of fuels such as natural gas, oil, and propane in mechanical unit including furnaces, water heaters, and stoves. These items are normally designed to vent the CO to the outside, but harmful interior levels of CO can result from incomplete combustion of fuel, improper installation, or blockages, leaks or cracks in the venting systems. Very high levels of CO can lead to incapacitation or death, with victims sometimes never having been aware they were being poisoned.

Homeowners can take action against potential carbon monoxide poisoning by taking the following steps:

• Have all fuel-burning appliances professionally inspected annually, preferably before the start of the cold-weather season when heaters and furnaces are first used.
• These appliances include gas stoves and ovens, furnaces and heaters, water heaters, generators, and clothes dryers.
• All such units should be properly installed and safely vented to the outside.
• If repairs are necessary, be sure they are performed by a qualified technician.
• Always use the proper fuel specified for the unit.
• Have flues and chimneys for fuel-burning fireplaces or wood stoves inspected regularly for cracks, leaks, and blockages that may allow a buildup of CO to occur.
• Never use gas stoves or ovens as a home heating source, even temporarily.
• Do not idle a vehicle in a garage, even with the garage door open. When starting the car, open the garage door, start the engine, and drive out as soon as possible to prevent dangerous CO emissions from accumulating.
• For additional protection, purchase a CO detector (either battery operated or plug-in) and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper location and installation. Installation of working CO detectors in residential properties is now required by law in many areas.
• 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 the alarm sounds but no symptoms are felt, open doors and windows immediately and shut off all fuel-burning devices that may be potential sources of CO.