HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
As North America moves closer to
turning the corner on the pandemic,
Pillar To Post remains committed to
providing the highest quality home
inspection while adhering to the
safety and cleanliness guidelines
provided by the CDC and local
governments. We are taking the
following measures with the health
and well-being of our clients in
mind
- Inspectors are prepared with PPE to keep everyone safe
- Home Inspection Reports can be presented virtually or printed
- Your clients can choose not to attend or only attend the last hour of the home inspection
- Online and/or contactless payment options are available on request
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 101
Your Summer Place
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.
- Service the air conditioning system to ensure good operation.
- Pressure wash decks and patios (carefully!) to remove dirt and grime.
- Close the chimney flue to keep insects out and cool air in.
- Remove window screens and clean with a soft brush and soapy water, then reinstall.
- Make sure downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
Do a couple of these tasks each weekend and you’ll be ready for summer in no time!
SUMMER SMARTS
Get Splashing!
It’s almost pool season, so use these tips to splash into a safe and fun summer:
- Anyone using the pool should know how to swim. An experienced swimmer should always be present if anyone is still learning to swim.
- For younger children, an adult should be at the immediate poolside at all times. It is not enough to simply look out a window or door to check on them. Tragically, injuries and drownings can happen within moments.
- Enclose the pool with fencing a minimum of 4’ high. Gates should self-close and self-latch, with the latch inaccessible to small children. Local requirements for pool enclosures may be stricter or have additional specifications.
- To avoid possible injury, keep children away from pool filters and drains. Walk, don’t run, near the pool to avoid slips and falls.
- Keep rescue equipment nearby and easily accessible. For added peace of mind, consider having family members learn CPR skills.
From all of us at Pillar To Post Home Inspectors, enjoy your summer!
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Backyard Fire Pits
Thinking of adding a fire pit to enhance your backyard setup? Keep these recommendations in mind if you decide to make the move.
Portable or Permanent?
Portable fire pits are made of metal and should be set on a stable base of pavers, concrete, brick or gravel. Fire pits can be built from a kit, or custom designed to complement your house and landscaping.
Gas or Wood?
Natural gas, propane or wood are the most common fuels for fire pits. Gas fire pits are easy to light and extinguish, but lack the classic crackle and smoke of a wood fire. Before deciding on a wood-fueled fire pit, check to see if your community allows them.
If a fire pit is in your future, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Place seating areas a safe distance from the flames, and keep children and pets away
- Have a hose or fire extinguisher close by
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting sleeves
- Never use lighter fluid to light a wood fire
- Be sure firewood is seasoned and dry
- Periodically check gas connections for leaks or damage
A fire pit can make a great addition to almost any backyard. Enjoy!
HOME SENSE
Don't Throw Money Out The Window
Heating and cooling typically use almost half of the energy in the home. So it makes sense to look at one of the leading causes of energy inefficiency in the home: the windows.
Old and/or poorly constructed windows can mean heat loss in the winter, overheating in the summer, and higher energy bills. The average home may lose up to 30% of its heat or cooling through the windows. Properly installed energy-efficient windows can go a long way toward improving this situation.
Many factors affect a window’s energy efficiency. Whether they are single- or multiple-paned, gas filled, Low-Emittance (Low-E) coated, and even the material of the window frame all contribute to a window’s performance. One excellent resource is efficientwindows.org, which provides detailed information on these specifications and how to select windows appropriate for various climates. An experienced window contractor can also be a good source of information and recommendations.
Homeowners should check with their local utility provider to find out about possible rebates and other incentives for the purchase of new, energy-efficient windows.
Of course, replacing windows is not always a viable option. Making sure existing windows are properly caulked, keeping weather stripping in good repair, and using storm windows will help. Window coverings are another good way to reduce heat loss in winter and avoid overheating in summer.
Improving window energy efficiency means greater comfort as well as cost savings for homeowners in any climate.
Experience the Pillar To Post difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!