Category: Post Notes

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!

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

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

ptp logo

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!

Pillar To Post Newsletter, Vol. 24, No. 5

Posted on September 16, 2024 by - Post Notes

Real Estate Agent showing options to prospective buyers
ptp logo

postnotes

VOLUME 24, NO. 5

SEPTEMBER IS REALTOR SAFETY MONTH

8 Tips
for Personal Safety

  1. Know who you’re dealing with. Meet a new client in the office first and take a photo of their I.D. and license plate. A criminal won’t be comfortable with this and may be thwarted.
  2. Touch base. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Have them call you to check in.
  3. Don’t get lost. Know the exact address of your destination. If you use a navigation app, pull over and stop in a safe place if you’ve made a wrong turn.
  4. Sense your surroundings. Is there questionable activity in the area of a property you’re showing? Is anyone loitering or making you uncomfortable? Follow your instincts if you feel you should leave.
  5. Don’t go it alone. Have an associate or other person host open houses with you.
  6. Park for protection. At open houses or showings, park on the street instead of in the driveway so you can get away quickly if necessary.
  7. Go on the defense. Learn some self-defense skills. Martial arts studios, many community colleges and police departments offer basic classes.
  8. Choose flight over fight. While self-defense is a good idea, the primary goal in any threatening situation is to escape from immediate danger and call for help.

Be aware and be safe!

Source: NAR Realtor Safety Resource Kit.

Real Estate Agent showing options to prospective buyers

Additional Resources

Your safety is of utmost importance to all of us at Pillar To Post. For more personal safety information, tools and resources please visit:
nar.realtor/safety
beverlycarterfoundation.org

FALL & WINTER
MAINTENANCE

Tackle these tasks and make sure your home is in shape for the months ahead!

Check

the roof for missing or loose shingles with binoculars

Clear

leaves and other debris from gutters

Direct

water away from the foundation

Repair

damaged caulk and weatherstripping

Arrange

for fireplace inspection and cleaning

Replace

the furnace filter

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

We're Here For You

Agent and clients and a desk

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is committed to helping you help your clients. Technology-led features including our Virtual Open House, PTP360 interactive inspection summary and measured PTPFloorPlan can help you increase your service offerings and deliver even more value for your clients.

Contact your local Pillar To Post home inspector to learn more.

The Ultimate Home InspectionTM

Pillar To Post Home Inspection Packages include even more exclusive and innovative features than ever. These new services deliver speed, ease and convenience, getting you to closings faster, saving you time, and delighting your clients.

Standard with every
Home Inspection:

PTP360*

Interactive 360° Visual Inspection Summary
  • Brings the inspection report to life
  • Includes every room and the exterior
  • Accessible any time
inside of a home with a slightly transparent image of a floor plan overlayed

Also included with Premium and Prestige Packages:

PTPFloorPlan

A measured floor plan
of the entire home
  • Use to determine furniture fit and placement
  • Share dimensions with contractors for estimating
generic floor plan

PTPEstimates

Powered by BOSSCAT
Cost estimate for Inspection Summary items
  • Learn what recommended repairs will cost
  • Estimate based on local costs
  • Request an estimate with just a click

PTPHomeManual

Powered by Centriq
The digital owner’s manual for the home
  • Download user manuals/warranty information
  • Find safety recalls on appliances
  • Indicates age and useful remaining life of systems
Mobile phone featuring the PTPHomeManual app

Experience
it today!

QR code for Ultimate Home Inspection link

*Where available Not all services are offered by every office.
Each office is independently owned and operated.