COVID-19 Update
Pillar To Post is always committed to the health and well-being of our clients and homeowners, as well as our inspectors. This is especially true during this time of Covid-19. We remain highly focused on providing the highest quality home inspection while adhering to the strict safety and cleanliness guide-lines provided by the CDC and local governments.
While our processes may have changed, our commitment to Ensuring Confident Home Ownership has not. Our job is not complete until you no longer have questions concerning the home you have asked Pillar To Post to inspect.
MAINTENANCE TIPS
Your Summer Checklist
A well-maintained home is enjoyable in any season. Tackle a few of these tasks each week and reap the rewards!
OUTDOORS
- Decks and patios are much more inviting when they're clean, so get out that pressure washer. Be sure to follow directions to prevent damage.
- If house or trim paint is peeling, cracked or chipped, repair and repaint now to prevent damage to the underlying materials.
- Remove window screens and clean them with a soft brush and soapy water. Rinse well and allow to dry in the sun before reinstalling.
- Repair any holes in the screens or replace the screening material.
- Have the air conditioning system serviced. Promote good air flow by keeping plants trimmed back from around the condenser unit.
- Seal cracks in the driveway and walkways.
- Replace broken sprinkler heads and/or emitters in the irrigation system. Check for proper water coverage and adjust if necessary.
INDOORS
- Change the rotation of ceiling fans to the summer setting and give the blades a good dusting.
- Close the chimney flue to keep insects out and cool air in.
- Clean out the ashes from wood-burning fireplaces and inspect the firebox for cracks or other damage. Scheduling needed repairs in the summer means you won't be on a waiting list come fall.
- Hang area rungs over a deck or porch rail to air out.
- Swap out heavy bedding for lightweight summer fabrics. Have comforters and duvets cleaned before storing them away for the season.
- Repot houseplants to help promote growth and plant health.
SUMMER SAFETY
Time To Get Grilling!
Ahh, it's grilling season. Here are our top tips for a safe (and delicious!) experience.
- Keep young children and pets away from the grill during and after cooking. Especially with charcoal grills, the exterior can remain hot long for a long time.
- Do not use a grill under an overhang, carport, deck, or in a garage.
- Make sure the grill rests on a stable surface and can't be tipped over. If the grill has lock-ing casters, make sure they're engaged.
- A propane/gas or charcoal grill should not be used indoors.
- Periodically check hoses and connections on propane grills. Replace any cracked or brittle hoses before using the grill. Don't store pro-pane tanks in a garage or other structure at any time.
- Start charcoal fires using a chimney starter instead of charcoal lighter fluid. Not only is a chimney starter safer, your meal will taste better.
- To help prevent grease fires in a gas/propane grill, remove accumulated grease and residue from drip pans every few uses. Use baking soda, not water, to safely extinguish a grease fire.
Now grab that spatula and a cool drink. You’re all set!
INSPECTION INSIGHTS
Should you get a pre-listing home inspection?
In a word, yes! A pre-listing home inspection can uncover previously unknown issues — major and minor — so you’ll have the opportunity to make repairs, updates, or replacements as needed or as you wish. Addressing these issues before the home goes on the market can result in cleaner offers and a better selling price.
Make sure the home inspection is comprehensive and that you’ll get the report immediately upon completion of the inspection. Having this information right away is helpful when deciding on next steps prior to listing your home.
Photos should always be part of a professional report so that full documentation of conditions is available to both you and potential buyers. This is especially important when it comes to issues that are not addressed or repaired prior to sale. Make records available of any repairs or upgrades completed after the inspection so that buyers can see that the work was done.
HOME SMARTS
Controlling Indoor Humidity
High relative humidity (RH) in your home encourages mold growth and dust mites, can make your house smell musty and potentially damage your home and belongings. Here’s what you need to know:
MEASURE IT
Use an inexpensive hygrometer from the hard-ware store to measure humidity levels in several locations. 50% RH is normal for summer; in winter it depends on the outdoor temperature—it 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 dehumidifier, but if the system is over-sized for the home, the on-cycles are too short to effectively remove humidity.
A gas-fired appliance that isn’t venting properly. If you suspect this, contact a qualified heating contractor to investigate.
Localized high humidity can be caused by over-cooling a particular area, not using bath-room fans, or basement/crawlspace dampness. Correct these conditions to resolve the problem.
In some cases, a dehumidifier 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 will not reduce moisture effectively. But be aware that dehumidifiers use quite a bit of energy, even as much as a small window air conditioner.
Discover the Pillar To Post Difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!