Category: Post Notes

Pillar To Post Newsletter Volume 22, No. 1

Posted on January 18, 2022 by - Post Notes

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NEWS AND INFORMATION

VOLUME 22, NO. 1

INSPECTION INSIGHTS

Radon Testing For Peace Of Mind

Colorless and odorless, naturally occurring radon gas seeps into homes from underground. Exposure to dangerous levels of radon can be harmful to your family’s health. Here’s what you need to know:

radon testing
  • Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer after smoking.
  • Radon can cause cancers in pets, too.
  • Illness from radon exposure is preventable if measures are taken to reduce high levels in the home.
  • An estimated 1 in 15 homes in the US and Canada has an elevated level of radon.
  • Any home can have a radon problem – old or new, drafty or snug, with or without a basement.

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.

Keep your family safe and schedule a radon test for your home today.

BUYER AWARE

Do I Really Need A Home Inspection?

There is simply no better way to get to know a home, learn about any issues and understand its features than by getting a complete, professional home inspection.

  1. Learn about any major defects or damage that will need to be addressed. Things like a new roof or repairing a foundation are costly but necessary.
  2. The home inspection can reveal potentially dangerous conditions, including problems with the electrical system or a malfunctioning furnace.
  3. A home inspection is also the best way to get to know the general condition of the home. Is the attic adequately insulated? Is the water heater on its last legs? Is the dryer vented properly? These are just a few more examples of how buyers can benefit from an inspection.

You'll gain peace of mind (and a lot of knowledge) by getting your home inspected.

Do I REALLY need a home inspection?

The Ultimate Home InspectionSM

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.

inspection

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
PTP360

PTPEstimates*

Powered by PunchList

Cost estimate for Inspection Summary items

  • Learn what recommended repairs will cost
  • Estimate based on local costs
  • Request an estimate with just a click
PTPEstimates
inspection

Also included with Premium and Prestige Packages:

PTPFloor Plan

An accurate floor plan of the entire home

  • Use to determine furniture fit and placement
  • Share dimensions with contractors for estimating
PTPFloorPlan

PTPHomeManual

Powered by Centriq

The digital owner's manual for the home

  • Download user manuals/warranty information
  • Find safety recalls on appliances
  • Indicated age and useful remaining life of systems
PTPHomeManual
Get a preview here

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

HOME SMARTS

Controlling Indoor Humidity

High relative humidity (RH) in your home encourages mold growth and dust mites, can make the house smell musty and can potentially damage your home and belongings. Here are our top tips for identifying and controlling humidity in the home:

MEASURE IT

Use an inexpensive hygrometer from the hardware store to measure humidity levels in several locations. 50% RH is normal for summer; in winter it depends on the outdoor temperature—RH may be less than 30% on colder days.

CONTROL IT

If your whole house is humid, it could be due to:

Lack of ventilation. Without fresh air circulation humidity can build up indoors, especially in newer, well-sealed homes. Consult an expert on ventilation.

Oversized air conditioner. Central air is an excellent dehumifier, but if the system is oversized for the home the on-cycles are too short to effectively remove humidity.

A gas-fueled appliance that isn't vented properly. If you suspect this issue, contact a qualified contractor to investigate.

Localized high humidity can be caused by overcooling a particular area, not using bathroom exhaust fans, or basement/crawlspace dampness. Correct these conditions to resolve the problem.

In some cases, a dehumifier may be the only way to control moisture in a damp area. Be sure to use a unit sized appropriately to the space. An undersized unit won't reduce moisture effectively. But be aware the dehumidifiers use quite a bit of energy, even as much as a small window air conditioner.

controlling indoor humidity
storage solutions for smaller homes

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS

Storage Solutions for Smaller Homes

It's no surprise that one of the biggest challenges in smaller homes is a lack of storage. Take a look at these tips to help find a place for everything!

Office Space

Home offices aren't used just for video calls and other day-to-day work activities, but for evening schoolwork, projects, and more. Repurpose closets by replacing hanging rods with shelving and a small desktop for homework.

The Drop Zone

Create a drop zone near the most-used entry door where everyone can unload their backpacks, shoes, jackets and more. Baskets under benches provide both seating and storage. Or consider adding a dedicated shelf or cubby for each family member's gear.

Pantry Solutions

The smaller kitchens found in smaller homes need to at least accommodate kitchen staples and bulky items such as mixing bowls and seldom-used small appliances. Shallow pantry shelving for food items ensures that everything is easy to find and reach. This type of shelving can even be added to a niche in the wall between two studs.

Smaller homes continue to be especially popular as starter homes and with downsizers. With efficient and practical storage solutions, even a smaller home can accommodate the needs of almost any family.

Experience the Pillar To Post difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!

Pillar To Post Newsletter Volume 21, No. 6

Posted on November 15, 2021 by - Post Notes

Pillar To Post blog post

The Ultimate Home Inspection Experience

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

PTPEstimates*

Powered by PunchList

Cost estimate for Inspection Summary items

  • Learn what recommended repairs will cost
  • Estimate based on local costs
  • Request an estimate with just a click

Also included with Premium and Prestige Packages:

PTPFloorPlan

An accurate floor plan of the entire home

  • Use to determine furniture fit and placement
  • Share dimensions with contractors for estimating

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

Home Inspection At Its Best

Technology coupled with deep knowledge allows us to provide an exceptional home inspection delivered within a seamless brand experience. This experience, and the people who deliver it, has made Pillar To Post North America’s largest home inspection company.

SAFE AT HOME

7 Tips For Holiday & Winter Fire Safety

Taking some simple precautions around the home can
help keep your family safe during the holidays, especially
when it comes to decorating.

  1. Always use non-flammable decorations both indoors and outdoors.
  2. Check holiday light strands for damaged or broken wires and plugs. Enjoy indoor lights only while someone is at home and turn them off before going to bed.
  3. Keep live Christmas trees in a water-filled stand and check daily for dehydration. Dried-out trees are extremely dangerous and should be discarded immediately.
  4. Candles add lovely ambience to your holiday home. Place them in stable holders and keep them away from flammable items, drafts, pets and children.
  5. Children should not have access to or be allowed to use matches, lighters or candles.
  6. Keep space heaters away from bedding, curtains, paper—anything flammable. Never leave a space heater unattended while in use.
  7. Busy with holiday cooking and baking? Kitchen fires are leading cause of house fires. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher within easy reach and know how to use it. Here’s to enjoying a happy and safe holiday season!

HOME MAINTENANCE

How To Hire A handyman

Whether it’s a big project such as a bathroom remodel, something small like putting up shelves, or repairs and routine maintenance, many homeowners turn to handymen to get the job done. Here are our favorite tips to ensure that you choose the right person for the job:

  1. MAKE SURE THEY’RE QUALIFIED
    Certain projects require specific skills that all handymen may not have. Professional licenses may be required to perform certain work. Electrical and plumbing often fall into this category.
  2. ASK FOR REFERENCES
    Online referral sites can give you a good indication of overall customer satisfaction. You can also ask the handyman for references from previous customers. Ask about the quality of the work, timeliness, professionalism and how satisfied they were with their project.
  3. CHECK ON INSURANCE COVERAGE
    Ask for evidence of liability insurance coverage before agreeing to any work. If the handyman or another worker is injured while working on your property, you may be held liable for medical costs.
  4. GET WRITTEN ESTIMATES AND A CONTRACT
    Ideally, ask three handymen for written estimates for the work you have in mind. Be sure that each estimate contains enough detail so that you can make an accurate comparison. Read all contracts carefully and ask about anything that you are unsure of.
  5. DETERMINE THE PAYMENT SCHEDULE BEFORE YOU SIGN
    Asking for 100% payment up front is not an accepted business practice and could leave you open to fraud. Handymen will often ask for 50% when the contract is signed, which will allow them to purchase materials for the job and assure them that you’re committed. Request receipts for all payments and keep them for your records.

HOME MAINTENANCE

Home Sweet Home Security

We all love coming home to a place where we feel safe. Here are some tips for keeping your home, family and belongings secure.

Secure Entrances – Thoroughly evaluate all entry points to your home. Make sure all doors have a secure lock and reinforce the door frames. Windows should be closed and locked at all times when you are away.

Secure Lighting – Lighting is a basic but important crime deterrent. Indoor lights can thwart intruders by creating the appearance that the house is occupied when you’re not home. Strategically placed outdoor lights create visibility and minimize the places crooks can hide at night.

Secure Garage – Garages are a favorite target for thieves because they contain easy-to-sell valuables like bicycles, tools and sports equipment. Garages can also provide easy access into the home. Keep all garage windows and access doors securely locked. Look into installing tempered glass in windows, or cover the inside of the windows with a sheet of durable polycarbonate.

Security System – There are lots of options available for homeowners who want to take this extra precaution.

The latest systems can be operated using a mobile device and/or smart speaker, allowing you to arm the system and remotely monitor indoor sensors and outdoor security cameras. More conventional alarm systems include third-party monitoring and unmonitored alarms that simply make a loud noise when triggered.

YOUR HEALTHY HOME

Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is caused by fuel-burning sources such as furnaces, water heaters, generators, stoves and even fireplaces, and can result in illness or death. Take these precautions to help prevent a tragedy in your home:

  • stall CO detectors and learn what to do if an alarm activates. This is the most important step you can take!
  • Don’t use a gas stove or oven to heat the home, even temporarily.
  • Never use camp stoves or charcoal grills indoors.
  • Generators must only be used outdoors and kept at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and vents. Do not operate a generator in a garage.
  • Make sure furnaces, water heaters, gas dryers, stoves and ovens are properly vented to the outside.
  • Never start or idle a vehicle in a closed garage.
  • Have the chimney swept and inspected annually by a certified professional.

Thousands of people are accidentally poisoned each year by carbon monoxide, and hundreds die. Be proactive and lower the risk to yourself and your loved ones.

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

Pillar To Post Newsletter Volume 21, No. 5

Posted on September 10, 2021 by - Post Notes

Realtor Safety Month

September is Realtor Safety Month. The safety of Realtors is paramount to all of us at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors, so this special issue of PostNotes is dedicated to actions and strategies brokers, agents and their teams can use to stay safe in their day-to-day business activities.

Additional resources:

Please visit these websites for additional safety information, tools and resources:

www.nar.realtor/safety

www.beverlycarterfoundation.org

Top 10 Tips for Personal Safety

Summer will be here before you know it! Here are a few suggestions for homeowners to get their home in shape and help protect their investment.

  1. Touch base. Always let someone know where you’re going and when you’ll return. Arrange for your office to call you to check in.

  2. Don’t get lost. Always know the exact address of where you’re going. If you use a navigation app, pull over and stop in a safe place if you’ve made a wrong turn.

  3. Sense your surroundings. Is there questionable activity in the area of a property you’re showing? Is anyone loitering? Follow your instincts if you feel you should leave. Leave!

  4. Don’t go it alone. Have an associate or other colleague host open houses with you.

  5. Limit the view. If you’re working late, use window coverings so that you’re not visible to passersby or a potential attacker.

  6. Go on the defense. Learn some self-defense skills. Many health clubs, martial arts studios and community colleges offer basic classes.

  7. Choose flight over fight. Self defense is a good idea, but the primary goal in any threatening situation is to escape from immediate danger and call for help.

  8. Park for protection. Always park in a well-lit, visible location whether you’re parking at your office, an open house, or an empty property.

  9. Make calling for help easy. Program important numbers into your cell phone, including your office, roadside assistance and 911.

  10. Know who you’re dealing with. Ask for ID, take a photo of a client’s license plate. A criminal won’t be comfortable with this and may be thwarted.

Source: NAR Realtor Safety Resource Kit.

Office Safety Action Plan

Personal safety in the office is important to everyone. Here are some elements to include in your office safety action plan.

Initial meeting with clients
Hold the first in-person client meeting in or just outside your office rather than at properties or at home. It’s also a good idea to introduce them to a colleague on-site.

Client ID
All first-time clients must provide a driver’s license, state ID or other official photo ID. The office will retain a copy of the ID for security purposes. You can download a Client Profile Form at www.beverlycarterfoundation.org.

Distress code
Implement a verbal distress code—a secret word or phrase that can be casually worked into conversation if you feel threatened and the person you are with can overhear your conversation.

Buddy system
If you’re uncomfortable meeting with clients alone or hosting open houses alone request another agent or employee to accompany you.

Privacy first
Keep personal information private. Don’t discuss where you live, after-work, or vacation plans in front of prospective clients, new colleagues, or anyone with whom you’re not comfortable.

Limit access
Make sure all doors other than the main entrance are secured and have a clear exit route from the front desk to the door.

Solo security
If you encounter a stranger while working late or alone, say something like “My supervisor will be right with you.” to give the impression you’re not there alone.

Be aware of surroundings
Get to recognize the staff of other nearby businesses and be aware of their schedules. This will benefit everyone.

Sources: NAR; Beverly Carter Foundation

Showing Empty Properties

When you are showing an empty property, take these simple steps to protect and empower yourself against attack or theft.

  1. Be sure to use the lockbox property-key procedure that has been established to improve real estate agent safety so that keys don’t fall into the wrong hands.

  2. Show properties before dark. If you must show a property after dark, alert an associate, turn on all lights as you go through, and don’t lower any shades or draw curtains or blinds.

  3. Try and call the office once an hour to let people know where you are.

  4. If you think it may be some time before a property sells (and you may, therefore, be showing it often), get acquainted with a few of the immediate neighbors. You will feel better knowing they know your vehicle, and they will feel better about the stranger (you) who frequently visits their neighborhood.

  5. Prepare a scenario so that you can leave or encourage someone who makes you uncomfortable to leave. Examples: Your cell phone went off and you have to call your office; you left some important information in your car; another agent with buyers is on his way

  6. When showing a property, always leave the front door unlocked for a quick exit while you and the client are inside. As you enter each room, stand near the door.

  7. Lock your purse in the car trunk before you arrive. Carry only non-valuable business items (except for your cell phone), and do not wear expensive jewelry or watches, or appear to be carrying large sums of money.

  8. Park at the curb in front of the property rather than in the driveway. It is much easier to escape in your vehicle if you don’t have to back out of a driveway. And while parked in a driveway another vehicle could purposefully or accidentally trap you.

Sources: Louisiana REALTORS® Association; Washington Real Estate, Safety Council; City of Albuquerque, NM; Nevada County Association of REALTORS®; City of Mesa, AZ

Tips for Holding a Safe Open House

Safety during open houses is a concern for all real estate agents and their teams. Use these tips to stay safe:

  1. Always try to have at least one other person work- ing with you at the open house.

  2. Check your cell phone’s signal strength on the premises before the open house. Program emergency numbers on speed dial.

  3. Upon entering a house for the first time, check all rooms and determine several “escape” routes. Make sure all deadbolt locks are unlocked to facilitate a faster escape.

  4. Make sure that if you were to escape by the back door, you could escape from the backyard. Yards with swimming pools or hot tubs often have high fences.

  5. Have all open house visitors sign in with their full name, address, phone number and e-mail.

  1. When showing the house, always walk behind the prospect. Direct them; don’t lead them. Say, for example, “The kitchen is on your left,” and gesture for them to go ahead of you.

  2. Avoid attics, basements, and getting trapped in small rooms.

  3. Notify someone in your office, a friend or a relative that you will be calling in every hour on the hour. And if you don’t call, they are to call you.

  4. Inform a neighbor that you will be showing the house and ask if he or she would keep an eye and ear open for anything out of the ordinary.

  5. Don’t assume that everyone has left at the end of an open house. Check all rooms and the backyard before locking the doors. Be prepared to defend yourself, if necessary.

Sources: Washington Real Estate Safety Council; City of Mesa, Arizona; Nevada County Board of REALTORS®; Georgia Real Estate Commission

Experience the Pillar To Post difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!

Pillar To Post Newsletter Volume 21, No. 4

Posted on July 12, 2021 by - Post Notes

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NEWS AND INFORMATION

VOLUME 21, NO. 4

HOUSE WISE

Don't Skip The Home Inspection!

With so many homes selling “as-is” these days, a home inspection is truly a must-have. There is simply no better way to get to know a home, learn about any issues and understand its features. The inspector will objectively evaluate the home’s major systems and components and note their findings in your inspection report. Accompanying the inspector during the process is strongly encouraged so you have the opportunity to ask questions along the way.

Already settled into your new home? Even after the sale has closed, a home inspection will provide peace of mind about the home’s condition and safety. Know what you’re buying by getting a complete, professional home inspection!

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

5 Tips For Your Summer Garden

Your garden is established and growing great. Keep it going strong by staying on top of these summer garden tasks:

  1. Water thoroughly where needed. Container plants normally dry out faster than plants in the ground, so you may need to water them daily when the weather is very hot and/or dry.

  2. Practice smart pest control. Some offending insects, like aphids, can be washed off with a blast from your garden hose. Familiarize yourself with both harmful and beneficial insects and worms in your area so you know who to target and who to leave alone.

  3. Deadhead faded blooms and trim dead or wayward growth. Removing dried flowers keeps your plants looking good and can help certain types reflower.


  4. Mulch for maximum benefit. A 3”-4” layer of mulch helps keep weeds down, promotes moisture retention in the soil and makes your garden look clean and neat. Keep mulch at least a few inches away from the base of the plant to allow for good air circulation.

  5. Fill in bare spots in beds with summer annuals or mulch to keep things looking fresh

Row of colorful, red, yellow, blue, white, green painted residential townhouses, homes, houses with brick patio gardens in summer

COLOR YOUR WORLD

Pick Your Palette: Choosing Exterior Paint Colors

You’ve decided to update your home with fresh paint in a new color. Here are some guidelines that will help you find colors you’ll love now and in the years to come.

  1. Look around. Take photos of homes with colors that catch your eye, and check out design websites for inspiration. This is the easiest and most direct way to start narrowing down your options.

  2. Take a good look at your home. If it has existing brick, stone or other surfaces that won’t be painted, you’ll need to take their tones into account when selecting your new colors. Avoid clashing tones by painting sample swatches next to these materials. The color of your roof may need to be considered as well.
  1. Get outside. Be sure to look at color swatches outdoors before you decide on paint samples. Outdoor light is much brighter than inside your home and has a significant effect on how colors look.

  2. Test, and test some more. Paint colors will appear very different depending on the time of day, direction of exposure, and in full sun vs. shade. Be sure to view painted samples under all of these conditions tomake sure you’re happy with what you see.

A fresh, new color palette will make you fall in love with your home all over again.

SEASONAL SENSE

Beat The Heat!

House heating up? Try these practical ideas to cool off
in comfort.

  1. Close window coverings on south- and west-facing sides of the house until dusk.

  2. Switching ceiling fans to the summer rotation setting (usually counterclockwise) creates a downward breeze and makes the room feel cooler.

  3. Give the stove a rest and opt for the microwave and outdoor grill instead.

  4. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to raise the AC temperature when you’re away from home. Be sure to raise the temperature overnight, too.

  5. Take a break for an ice-cold drink or a frozen treat. Enjoy!

HEALTHY AT HOME

Lead-based Paint – Should You Worry?

If your home was built before 1960, it probably has some lead-based paint. If built between 1960 and 1990, there is likely to be lead-based paint on the exterior. A home built after 1990 is unlikely to have lead paint because household paints in the U.S. and Canada were no longer manufactured using lead.

How can I learn if my home has lead-based paint?

An approved testing kit provides instant results, or you can sent a sample to a lab for testing. The most common areas where lead-based paint is found is on walls and interior trim, door jambs and window frames.

If my house has lead-based paint, should I worry?

Lead poisoning doesn’t happen overnight, so there’s no need to panic. But living with lead should not be an option, especially if there are very young children in the home. You can have your children tested for lead poisoning with a simple blood test by your family physician.

What can be done about it?

Painted surfaces that are in good condition with no flaking or chipping can be painted over with two coats of high-quality paint to encapsulate the underlying paint. Wear surfaces can be replaced rather than encapsulated. For example, you can remove and replace door jambs with new wood.

When encapsulation or wood replacement is not practical, the paint can be removed using chemical strippers. This should only be done by a professional contractor since proper containment of the lead material is essential.

Experience the Pillar To Post difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!