Category: Post Notes

Pillar To Post Newsletter VOLUME 22, NO. 3

Posted on May 16, 2022 by - Post Notes

NEWS AND INFORMATION - VOLUME 22. NO. 3

Flowers in a small vase

SEASONAL SENSE

Your Summer Checklist

Spread these tasks over a few weeks and you’ll be set for a worry-free,
comfortable summer.

INDOORS              

  • Change the rotation of ceiling fans to the summer setting (usually counterclockwise) and give the unit a good dusting.
  • Close the chimney damper to prevent insects from entering and to help keep cool air in.
  • Switch out heavy bedding for lightweight summer fabrics. Have the winter bedding cleaned before storing it away for the season
  • Repot houseplants to give their roots a fresh start for the summer.

OUTDOORS

  • Power wash decks and patios and seal surfaces as appropriate.
  • If paint is peeling, cracking, or chipped, repair and repaint now to limit damage to the underlying materials.
  • Remove window screens and clean them with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse well and allow them to dry in the sun before reinstalling.
  • Have the air conditioning unit serviced to ensure peak operation. Promote good air flow by keeping plants around the outside unit trimmed back.
  • Clear dirt and debris from gutters and eaves.
  • Seal driveway cracks and keep walkways clear of debris and overgrown plants.

INSPECTION INSIGHTS

After Closing Inspections For Peace Of Mind

If you had to waive your home inspection to get your offer accepted, you are not alone. But that doesn’t mean it’s too late to benefit from a home inspection.

Why get an After Closing Inspection:

  1. Safety: Detect safety or health hazards
  2. Planning: Identify needed repairs/upgrades so you can budget for them
  3. Documentation: Recorded condition of the home could be important for home warranty claims or something not disclosed by the seller
  4. Learning: It’s the perfect opportunity to learn about the operation and features of the home
  5. And much more: Get a floor plan, a 360° visual inspection summary, recall notifications and more

There’s no better way to get to know your new home than a thorough, professional home inspection. Schedule an inspection today!

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
Couple on the Couch

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
PTP Estimates, Hammer on Shingles

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.

SMART LIVING

Vacation Planning For Your Home

Ready to hit the road? While you may already monitor a security setup remotely, here’s some more good advice to give you added peace of mind about your home while you’re away.

  • Make your home appear occupied. Schedule lights throughout the house to turn off and on at various times after dark using simple plug-in timers or a smartphone/smart speaker-controlled app.
  • Use extra caution when referencing your vacation on social media. Information spreads quickly, and you don’t want it to get into the wrong hands. Consider refraining from posting photos and updates until you’re back home
  • Tell your close friends and trusted neighbors of your travel plans. Let them know when you’re expecting to return and how you can be reached if there’s an emergency.
  • Have the post office hold your mail and suspend any newspaper and package deliveries, or ask a neighbor to collect them for you.
  • Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway on occasion so it looks like there’s someone at home.
  • Arrange to have someone mow the lawn in your absence if you’ll be gone for more than a week or so.
  • Close the window coverings on the first floor so would-be thieves aren’t tempted by valuables and other items visible from outside.
  • If possible, load your vacation gear into the car while it’s in the garage so you’re not announcing to passersby that you’re on your way out of town.
  • Lock the garage, gates and sheds. Don’t forget to lock any side doors and doors leading into the house from the garage.

    • Now relax and enjoy your time away!

Scenic Lake View

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

Pillar To Post Newsletter Volume 22, No. 2

Posted on March 14, 2022 by - Post Notes

logo

postnotes

NEWS AND INFORMATION

VOLUME 22, NO. 2

The Ultimate Home Inspection ExperienceSM

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
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

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.

Here’s what our homebuyers are saying about

The Ultimate Home InspectionSM

“Pillar To Post is the most thorough and engaging inspection experience we have had. The 3D record will help us plan to move in, and the appliance records in our PTPHomeManual will last us long after the closing.”

“Very thorough. Explained all findings. Really liked the thermal imaging, PTPFloorPlan, and interactive Visual Summary. Would recommend to others looking to have a thorough inspection.”

“Quick response time. A very thorough inspection with photos, a binder and 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+.”

“As a new homeowner, I now have confidence in my home and the tools 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.”

“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.”

“We were able to request a no-cost third-party estimate for recommended repairs called out in our report. I don’t know of any other inspection company offering anything like PTPEstimates.*”

“Our inspector was amazing. He was very thorough throughout the entire process and so communicative. The PTPFloorPlan and PTPHomeManual are useful and awesome!”

Technology coupled with deep knowledge allows us to provide an exceptional home inspection with unique and innovative features, all 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.

HOUSE WISE

Say Yes To The Home Inspection

With so many homes selling “as-is” these days, a home inspection is truly a must-have. Why? 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.

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 electrical system up to date? Is the furnace on its last legs? Is the attic properly vented? These are just a few more examples of how buyers can benefit from an inspection.

Contact your local Pillar To Post home inspector to learn more and schedule an inspection.

HOME & GARDEN

Ready, Set, Garden!

Has poring over seed catalogs sparked your spring spirit? Here’s our handy checklist to make sure you’re ready for a new season in the garden.

• As soon as weather allows, rake up winter debris and old mulch from planting areas.

• Remove any plants that have died over the winter. But first make sure they aren’t just dormant!

• Have mower blades, pruners, loppers, hoes and other tools sharpened.

• Read up on how and when to prune fruit trees for best production.

• Pulling weeds when they’re still small makes the job easier.

• Add compost to planting beds for better soil and healthier plants.

• Check the irrigation system for leaks and broken sprinkler heads and emitters.

• If you don’t have a “smart” irrigation controller, consider getting one to help conserve water.

• Sketch out your planting plan for summer crops and flowers.

With these tasks completed, you’ll be ready for a beautiful and healthy garden.

Pillar To Post Newsletter Volume 22, No. 1

Posted on January 18, 2022 by - Post Notes

Pillar To Post blog post
logo

postnotes

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!