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NEWS AND INFORMATION
VOLUME 21, NO. 2
HEALTH & SAFETY UPDATE
During this time of Covid-19, 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 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.
AROUND THE HOUSE
Spring Maintenance Tips
Ah, spring – it’s almost here! Here are our top suggestions on how to get your home ready for the months ahead.
- Clean gutters and downspouts of debris.
- Check walkways and patios for cracks and any loose bricks or pavers and have them repaired.
- Walk around and look for damaged tree limbs and branches. Have a qualified professional address any big problems.
- Check the caulk around windows and doors and correct any problems.
- Inspect wood, stucco and other types of siding and have damaged areas repaired and repainted for lasting protection.
- Fix tears or holes in window screens and clean them before reinstalling.
Remember, keeping your home in good condition also helps protect your investment!
HOME SMARTS
How’s Your Home’s Water Quality?
Water quality in the home is concerning to many homeowners. While municipal supplies are rigorously tested and monitored, certain conditions in the home can affect water quality after it’s delivered from the water main.
- Galvanized pipes are not uncommon in older homes. They are usually corroded and should be replaced. They can rust away from the inside out, causing leaks and water damage. They can also trap contamination from old lead service lines.
- Whenever possible, replace pipes and fixtures containing lead with new materials.
- Filtration systems can effectively reduce many environmental contaminants. Options include faucet or pitcher filters, plumbed, and reverse-osmosis filters that treat the entire home’s water supply.
- Other contaminants that don’t affect health may adversely alter water taste, odor, and/or color.
- Well maintenance should be on a regular schedule and the water tested regularly for safety and quality.
PERSONAL BEST
S-T-R-E-T-C-H
For Health And Comfort
Starting your day with a short stretching routine can go a long way toward shaping how you’ll feel for the rest of the day, and will help with your range of motion. Look online for specific stretches that suit your level of flexibility, then follow these basic guidelines to prevent injury, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.
- Warm up with at least 5 minutes of light activity.
- Stretch gently and slowly, without bouncing.
- Be sure to breathe through your stretches – don’t hold your breath.
- Hold each stretch for about 30 seconds on each side
to the point of a slight pull. - Be sure to exercise both sides of your body for equal flexibility.
Talk with your doctor about which stretches are best for you if you have an existing injury or other health conditions. Now get out there and give it your best!
MATERIAL WORLD
Q & A: Countertops
With so many countertop materials available, it’s no wonder homeowners have a lot of questions. Here we answer some common queries.
Q: What’s the difference between quartzite and quartz?
Quartzite is an all-natural material that’s mined and cut into slabs. Hard and durable, it can handle cookware straight out of the oven. Quartzite is available mostly in shades of white or gray and has a slightly grainy feel. Quartzite needs to be sealed yearly to provide stain resistance and antibacterial protection. It’s also more expensive than quartz.
Quartz is manufactured from ground quartzite mixed with resins and color pigments, and comes in a wide range of colors and patterns to suit any kitchen. While it is durable, hot cookware can scorch it. It’s easier to maintain than quartzite because it never needs to be sealed.
Q: I love the look of marble but I know there are downsides. Tell me more.
Marble is gorgeous, we agree! Each slab is unique, with the veining in different types ranging from bold to subtle. It’s heat resistant, too.
Yes, there are caveats. Marble is expensive and prone to scratching and chipping, and acidic foods like lemon or wine can etch the polished surface. It’s high maintenance, too, needing resealing as often as twice a year.
Q: What’s great about natural granite?
Almost everything. Much more durable than marble, it’s heat resistant and available in a range of colors. Granite is porous, but is stain resistant with proper sealing. Resealing is usually required far less frequently than other natural stone options.
Q: What about wood?
Nothing rivals the warm, organic look and feel of wood countertops. They’re made from a number of hardwood species. While wood is obviously not as hard as solid countertops, shallow scratches can be sanded out and the wood re-oiled.
Alternatively, some homeowners opt to install just a section of wood countertop, such as butcher block for food preparation, while choosing another material for the rest of the counters.
Whichever type of surface you choose, be sure to bring home samples so you can see colors and patterns in your home’s lighting conditions and judge how well they work with your cabinet and wall colors.
Experience the Pillar To Post Difference. Schedule your next home inspection today!