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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 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.
- 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.
- The home inspection can reveal potentially dangerous conditions, including problems with the electrical system or a malfunctioning furnace.
- 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.
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.
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:
PTPFloor Plan
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
- Indicated age and useful remaining life of systems
*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.
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!