Category: Post Notes

Pillar To Post Newsletter, Vol. 25, No. 3

Posted on May 12, 2025 by - News, Post Notes

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postnotes

VOLUME 25, NO. 3

SMART LIVING

Small Updates Today,
Big Value Tomorrow

Whether you’re staying put or planning to sell in the future, a little forward thinking can go a long way. Some of the smartest home improvements aren’t the flashiest—they’re the ones that quietly build value over time.

Here are some low-stress, high-impact updates that homeowners can do today to protect and even boost their future resale value. It’s also a great resource for Realtors to pass along to clients—especially those who may not be ready to list now but want to be smart about their property.

Happy father with daughter on his shoulders as she paints the wall with yellow paint
  • Replacing dated light fixtures, cabinet hardware, and faucets with modern finishes can instantly freshen a space for a fraction of the cost of a full renovation. It’s an easy weekend project that elevates your space.
  • A fresh coat of light, neutral paint (think soft grays, warm whites, or greige) can make rooms feel bigger, brighter, and more inviting. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to update your home—and appeal to the widest range of future home buyers.
  • Today’s buyers love tech. Installing a smart thermostat, video doorbell, or smart locks adds everyday convenience while showing your home is keeping up with modern trends. Many of these devices also increase energy efficiency and home security—making them great selling points.
  • Keep up with the little things. We’re talking sticky doors, chipped tile, cracked outlet covers—small issues signal neglect to a potential buyer. Taking care of them now avoids a long repair list later and tells buyers (and inspectors) the home has been well cared for.
  • Plan ahead: one small-to-medium project per year can be easier to manage financially and mentally. Whether it’s redoing the front landscaping, updating flooring, or modernizing a bathroom, these changes can significantly boost resale value.

These small steps help you enjoy your home now, while laying the foundation for a smoother, more profitable sale down the road. Think of it as future-proofing your investment!

SEASONAL SENSE

Get Ready for Outdoor Season

As warmer weather approaches, it’s time to get your outdoor spaces ready for summer enjoyment. Whether you’re planning to relax, entertain, or simply enjoy the fresh air, a little prep now will help ensure your patio, deck, or garden is in top shape.

Start by giving everything a good cleaning. A power wash can remove dirt and grime from decks, patios, and furniture, making your space feel refreshed. While cleaning, check for any small repairs. Things like loose boards or cracked pavers can become safety hazards if left unchecked.

FEATURE FOCUS

Why Get a Market Ready Inspection?

A Market Ready (pre-listing) home inspection can give your listings a clear advantage. Here are the top benefits we hear about from agents and homeowners:

  • Gives sellers the opportunity to make recommended repairs
  • Homes in better condition sell for more
  • Helps with setting pricing
  • Great marketing tool
  • Sellers have confidence they’re getting the best price

Next, consider updating your outdoor furniture. If cushions are faded or furniture is worn, it’s easy to refresh with new pieces or a coat of outdoor paint. Adding some throw pillows or an outdoor rug can instantly make the space feel cozy and inviting.

Finally, don’t forget the lighting! Solar lights, lanterns, or string lights can create a relaxing atmosphere, perfect for evening gatherings or quiet nights outside.

A little prep now means more time enjoying your outdoor space all summer long. Make the most of the season with a clean, comfortable, and well-maintained space!

view of a the front porch of a beautiful white house with a maroon colored door
  • Avoid surprises from a buyer’s inspection
  • Use PTPFloorPlan in the MLS listing
  • Get to closings faster

With a Market Ready inspection in hand you can market your listing with greater confidence about its condition. Schedule a Pillar To Post home inspection for your next listing!

Here’s What Home Buyers Are Saying About
Pillar To Post Home Inspectors

“10/10 experience with Pillar To Post. We were impressed by how much care went into not just the inspection itself, but the way it was presented afterward. The Pillar To Post HomePage made it easy to access everything in one place – including a detailed floor plan, 360° views of the home, attic crawlspace photos, appliance documentation, and more. It really gave us a full picture of the home, and their tools made reviewing and sharing the findings simple. Highly recommend them to anyone looking for a modern, transparent, and detail-oriented inspection team.”

Man and woman looking over their home inspection report on a tablet

“Easy to book appointment, thorough inspection, great communication, wonderful overall experience!”

“The items are put together very well and easily navigated through the online portal. I enjoyed the home inspector’s work and now being able to review everything whenever I need!”

Home inspector showing a couple the home inspection results on a tablet.

“Rarely do service companies provide service like this. What a pleasant interaction I had with my inspector! He took the time to explain the inspection results thoroughly, answered my questions, and was just a pleasure to have around. I would highly recommend Pillar To Post!”

“They were professional, thorough, and incredibly knowledgeable. They took the time to explain their findings clearly and made sure we understood every detail. The inspection report was well-organized and delivered promptly. Thanks to their expertise, we feel confident and well-informed moving forward. Highly recommend for anyone in need of a top-notch home inspection!”

home inspector and real estate agent greeting a couple outside a home

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

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
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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!

Pillar To Post Newsletter, Vol. 25, No. 1

Posted on January 13, 2025 by - News, Post Notes

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postnotes

VOLUME 25, NO. 1

HEALTHY HOME

For Peace Of Mind,
Test For Radon

Colorless and odorless, naturally occurring radon gas seeps into homes from underground. Exposure to dangerous levels of radon can put the health of your clients and their families at risk. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Any home can have a radon problem – old or new, drafty or snug, with or without a basement
  • An estimated 1 in 15 homes in the US and Canada has an elevated level of radon
  • Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer after smoking
  • Illness from radon exposure is preventable if measures are taken to reduce high levels in the home
  • Radon can and does occur everywhere and levels can vary from home to home, even within the same neighborhood
  • Radon can cause cancers in household pets, too
Mother and daughter working on and playing with a modal doll house together
Home inspector setting up a Radon test

The only way to know if a home has excessive levels of radon is by testing. Your Pillar To Post Home Inspector conducts radon testing using continuous monitoring technology, then reports on results and recommends steps to reduce excessive radon levels if found.

Be sure to request radon testing when you book your Pillar to Post home inspections!

Young African woman working on laptop at office cafe

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

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
  • 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
  • Easy navigation for a seamless, enjoyable user experience on any device
  • An ongoing resource with access to PTPConnects, our free moving concierge, and PTPHomeManual* (access to appliance user manuals and recall checks)

Start using this new feature with your next inspection!

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

New for you

Online Booking
Now Available!

Save time by booking your Pillar To Post inspections online! It’s fast, easy and convenient.

Home Inspector climbing through an attic with a flashlight
  • 24/7 Accessibility: Schedule at your convenience
  • Real-Time Availability: View our schedule and select your time
  • Full Mobile Compatibility: Easily book from your phone
  • Automatic Notifications: Receive email and text confirmations after booking
  • Flexibility: Either you or your client can easily book the inspection

Experience all of these advantages every time you book online.

Smart phone with the Pillar To Post online booking form on the screen

How Pillar
To Post Can
HELP
YOU

Make More Money

  • Homes with a pre-listing inspection sell for more
  • Buyer confidence = better offers

Save Time

  • PTP Virtual Open House and PTP360
  • Fewer in-person visits to the home

Get to Closings Faster

  • PTPEstimates for repairs
  • Less negotiating
  • No surprises

Be a Hero

  • Expand the value of your services
  • Deepen your engagement with clients

Take advantage of our exciting new tools! Learn more about how Pillar To Post can help you expand your offerings and deliver even more value for your clients.

Pillar To Post Newsletter, Vol. 24, No. 6

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

Pillar To Post blog post
ptp logo

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!