The Pillar To Post Information Series is a valuable resource to help buyers and sellers to learn about how their home works and how to keep it functioning properly. From safety tips to energy conservation ideas, the series is educational for both real estate professionals and homeowners. Here are just some of the topics covered:

1. High Humidity in the Home - High amounts of humidity in a residence can cause and accelerate mold growth, a musty odor, and can potentially cause health problems and property damage. This section in the Pillar To Post Information Series reviews causes, effects, and solutions.

1. Central Air Conditioning – Central air conditioning systems are a luxury in some areas of North America and a basic necessity in others. Whatever the purpose, it is in a homeowner’s best interest to understand how to choose the right system for their home, and how to maintain it for optimal use.

1. Garage Door Safety – The garage vehicle door is often the largest moving object in a home and can weigh up to 400 pounds. The Information Series offers tips on how to ensure garage door safety, including checking the weight and pulley system, as well as the operability of the springs and the balance of the door itself.

1. Zero-Clearance Fireplaces – Adding a wood burning fireplace to an existing home is appealing to many homeowners; however, it can be an expensive proposition as it usually involves foundation construction and a masonry chimney. This article details the merits of a zero-clearance wood burning fireplace, which can be installed in almost any home, using existing floor structures and a prefabricated chimney.

1. Insulating the Basement – The basement is usually the last place people think to insulate, yet it can account for up to 1/3 of heat loss in a home. Adding or upgrading basement insulation can significantly cut down on energy use. A finished basement also creates a comfortable space, which is especially appealing to people looking to affordably extend their recreation and living areas.

For a full listing of the Pillar To Post Information Series, or to obtain your copy of one or more articles, please contact your local Pillar To Post office or visit pillartopost.com.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
Michael.Almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost-sbergencounty.com

Detecting and Addressing Radon Contamination in the Home

More and more homeowners are considering radon detection a “must” - and with good reason. Health officials have warned that exposure to unsafe levels of radon can cause an increased risk of cancer. In fact radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in North America, yet it is easily preventable. The Environmental Protection Agency has dubbed January “Radon Awareness Month.” Read below to learn more about testing radon levels in your home and protecting your family.

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF RADON?

Radon is naturally occurring odorless, colorless, radioactive gas that is formed by the ongoing decay of uranium in soil, rocks, sediments, and even well or ground water. While radon that escapes into the atmosphere is not harmful, dangerously high concentrations can build up indoors, exposing residents to possible health risks.

HOW RADON ENTERS THE HOME

Radon gas can migrate into the home in several ways. Openings or cracks in basement walls or floors are common avenues.  Sumps, basement drains, and spaces between gas or water fittings can also allow radon into the structure.

HOW CAN MY CLIENTS FIND OUT ABOUT RADON IN A HOME THEY ARE CONSIDERING FOR PURCHASE?

A Pillar To Post Home Inspector can conduct a Radon test as either part of the home inspection process or on its own. An inspector will set up the testing equipment and report on the results once the proper measurement procedure is complete. If an elevated level of radon is detected, steps can be taken to lessen the concentration inside the home.

REDUCING THE LEVELS OF RADON IN THE HOME

Radon mitigation methods can include sealing likely entry points, improving ventilation, and a process called soil depressurization, which vents air from the house back into the surrounding soil, reducing the level of radon that can enter the home. Professional mitigation services are recommended to provide recommendations for a home’s specific conditions.

For more information about home inspection and radon testing, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
Michael.Almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost-sbergencounty.com

EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS

Pillar To Post is pleased to offer a series of free educational seminars for real estate professionals. These useful presentations cover a range of topics including termites, fireplaces, mold, and going green – and may qualify for CEU credit. Here’s a sampling of the courses offered:

• Problems in New Homes. Learn some of the characteristics and typical problems of newer homes and in doing so help your clients know what to expect, and serve them better.
• Going Green. This course offers instruction on the green movement as it applies to residential construction. Learn the benefits of modern energy efficiency in homes and how to answer clients’ questions about green homes.
• The Un-Sick House. The four most common house-health worries are mold, UFFI, asbestos, and lead-based paint. Learn how to put house-related health concerns into context and suggest viable fixes for health hazards in the home.
• Structure Tips. Identify structural problems and their significance. Learn how to recognize settlement cracks, shrinkage cracks, and foundation failure as well as sagging floors and cracks in the plaster or drywall.
• Termites. More than 600,000 North American homes suffer from termite damage totaling over $2 billion annually. Termite damage can takes a long time to occur. Homes that have termite infestations should be identified so that they can be dealt with using the proper methods. Help your clients to know what to expect if they have termites and what to do about them.
• How Old is this House? Learn tricks to determine the age of a house and impress your clients with your knowledge. Learn where to look for clues and how to identify the age and usage of various construction materials.

For a complete list of available course topics or to schedule a free seminar for your sales team, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
Michael.Almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost-sbergencounty.com

Overlooking the simple installation of an approved safety valve discharge pipe may slow down you sale!!!!!

I always encourage agents that we work with to take a walk around their new listing. If you see this call us. We all have didigtal phones with cameras now a days. Just take a pic and send it off to a reliable Home Inspector. We provide free consultation to all agents we work with over the phone.

Check this photo.

Safety and relief valve discharge pipes shall be of rigid pipe that is approved for the temperature of the system. The discharge pipe shall be the same diameter as the safety or relief valve outlet. Safety and relief valves shall not discharge so as to be a hazard, a potential cause of damage or otherwise a nuisance.

The discharge pipe needs to be long enough to be within typically 6 inches of the floor. If the pipe is undersized or made of an inappropriate material, it will need to be corrected. Another common issue that home inspectors find is that the pipe has been capped as a result of the heater leaking from the relief valve. This is also unacceptable and requires immediate correction.

We can schedule a condo inspection on-line or by phone: Here is a brief list of the towns we cover:

Homeowners should save their major remodeling projects (and budget) for their new home, not the one they are about to sell, but implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment of time or money.

Michael Almeida
Home Inspector Lic.#24GI00058900

201-998-9823

http://www.pillartopost-sbergencounty.com

I find it odd that some people do not feel it's important to conduct inspections on condominiums.

Check this photo.

The above referenced photograph was taken at a NJ condo inspection we just performed. As you can see the scorching to the wire is of particular concern. An electrician was called in and found that the complete replacement of the panel was required. Cost - $1,550.00

This was a recent condo conversion. It appears that the electrician doing the conversion accidently loosen some fitting during the process that caused the scorching and deterioration to the wiring.

This panel was located near the entrance. Should a fire have started at the panel, the occupant could not readily leave the unit. All buildings undergoing a conversion should have their electrical inspected for such reasons.

We can schedule a condo inspection on-line or by phone: Here is a brief list of the towns we cover:

Homeowners should save their major remodeling projects (and budget) for their new home, not the one they are about to sell, but implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment of time or money.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823

http://www.pillartopost-sbergencounty.com

Many homeowners often overlook easy and relatively inexpensive fixes that can add real value to a home’s selling price. While major remodeling is costly and may not address the needs and tastes of prospective buyers, these repairs and maintenance suggestions have universal appeal and may help a home sell more quickly – and for more.

• Bathrooms and the kitchen should be given a deep cleaning. Homeowners should consider hiring a cleaning company that offers “move in / move out” cleaning services to do the job.
• If kitchen cabinet surfaces are in bad shape, refacing may be an option. Far less expensive than new cabinetry, refacing can give old and worn cabinets new life and can visually update a kitchen.
• Consider replacing kitchen or bathroom counters with a neutral colored laminate surface if the current material is badly worn or stained. This gives everything a fresh look and prevents buyers from focusing on an eyesore. 
• Fresh paint on the walls and ceilings will do wonders for all rooms in the house. Stick to neutral colors so that buyers aren’t distracted by the color. They’ll be able to imagine themselves and their furniture in the space much more easily.
• If carpet is covering hardwood floors, consider having the carpet removed to expose the hardwood flooring. Hardwood floors are desirable, so they should be shown off. If carpet is to remain, it should be thoroughly cleaned.

• If the entire exterior needs painting, it should be done. Buyers notice if paint is faded and peeling. If the paint is in good shape overall, renew the doors and trim with a fresh coat.
• Clean the windows inside and out so they sparkle. It’s amazing what a difference this can make in a home’s appearance. Hiring a professional window cleaning company is the easiest and safest way to get the job done on a multi-story home.
• Clear clutter from the yard, keep the lawn mowed, and trim any overgrown shrubs that are detracting from the home’s appearance. The home should look well maintained even at first glance.
• Plant some bright, colorful flowers along an entry path and doorway to add a welcoming touch.

Homeowners should save their major remodeling projects (and budget) for their new home, not the one they are about to sell, but implementing some of the steps above can increase the appeal to prospective buyers without a huge investment of time or money.

Michael Almeida
888-800-8086
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

Whether you are making an addition to your home or remodeling your bathroom cabinets, eco-friendly choices can help you conserve resources and reduce your impact on the environment. As the demand for green building materials grows, major manufactures are expanding their affordable sustainable options, so the green choice may also be the less expensive one. Here are some green guidelines to consider during your next remodeling project.

• Consider renewable sources for cabinetry. Choose wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which will be harvested from sustainably managed forests. Spruce, eucalyptus or reclaimed wood are durable, sustainable options from sources that rapidly replenish.

• Use eco-friendly paint. Most paints release toxic fumes called VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that can be inhaled even after the paint is dry. They are potentially carcinogenic and contribute to indoor air pollution. But now low- or no-VOC paint is readily available for use. Most paints rely on petroleum based solvents, but eco-friendly paints are water based and are offered in all forms including primer, finish, sealer, wax and stain. 

• Opt for durable sustainable materials when replacing your floors. Linoleum is made from all natural ingredients (linseed oil) and has a life span of thirty to forty years. It resists damage and is easy to clean. Other popular choices include concrete, which can be decoratively embellished, and bamboo and cork flooring, which are both FCS endorsed.  Recycled-content carpet not only produces fewer emissions during manufacturing and less off-gassing in the home, it can also be recycled when its useful life is up.

• When replacing appliances, select models that exhibit the Energy Star label. This means the item meets or exceeds international guidelines for energy efficiency. The more efficient the appliance, the more energy and cost savings you will have over the long run. You may get a rebate on your purchase as well; check with your utility company.

• The less material in our landfills the better, so consider what to do with your remodeling waste. Can any of the materials be reused in another project? Can items be donated or sold?  Consider donating your deconstructed material to industrial recyclers so it can be reused in the product stream.

For additional resources, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

You’ve been in your new home now for all four of the seasons; you may have learned about a leak in the basement during the winter or a sticky window during the spring, but what other issues might you have missed? New homes are often plagued with structural defects and flaws in construction – both minor and major – that slowly come to light during the first year of occupancy. A professional inspection of your new home while it is still under warranty can help you find and address many of these issues at a minimal cost to you. At Pillar To Post, we recommend you have an inspection done after eleven months to ensure you have enough time to bring any flaws or defects to your builder’s attention before your warranty expires.

A Pillar To Post new home warranty inspection will cover up to 1,600 points on a typical home, and include a thorough investigation of its structural and material adequacy. Here are a few examples of the kinds of issues that a new home warranty inspection will address: 

• Has the builder correctly installed attic framing components and proper insulation?
  If an attic has not been built with proper ventilation, there is potential for moisture buildup and rot. Proper air flow in your attic reduces humidity and heat, which are elements that can compromise the energy efficiency of your home and the life expectancy of your roof.

• Is the water heater installed per the manufacturer’s warranty requirements?
  Are there missing furnace vent caps? This could potentially allow water to enter the heat exchanger and cause premature rust and failure.

• Are doors sagging and windows no longer easy to open or to lock?
  An out-of-square window can also be an indication of a greater structural problem.

• Are any of the roof tiles broken or cracked?
  It’s typical to discover problems in the flashing details, where the chimney meets the roof, or where the roof changes directions.

• Has water penetrated into the basement through foundation walls?
  If the ground of the backyard is graded so that it slopes toward the house, it is very likely that water is collecting and may find its way into your home.

• Are there any areas of the floor that are “soft”? Are any of the floor joists cut improperly?
  These could be indications of damaged or defective framing and may compromise the structural integrity of the floor.

For additional resources, please contact your local Pillar To Post office.

Michael Almeida
201-998-9823
michael.almeida@pillartopost.com
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty

KNOW THE FACTS AND AVOID COSTLY SURPRISES WITH A PRE-LISTING HOME INSPECTION.

As a real estate professional, you invest a great deal of time, money, and energy to market your listings. Between advertising, open houses, and meeting with clients, you need to get a good return on that investment. Don't be caught unaware of problems that could seriously undermine your dedicated efforts to sell a home. Having a home inspected before you list is more important than ever in this buyer's market, so make the most of your time and effort by getting a Pillar To Post home inspection prior to listing.

A pre-listing home inspection can uncover previously unknown problems - major and minor - allowing sellers the opportunity to make repairs or replacements as needed. By addressing these issues before the home goes on the market, you can list a home with confidence in its condition and will have a better chance of maximizing its value. Being aware of issues in advance will also allow for disclosure of problems when selling, which can result in cleaner offers and a smoother transaction for both parties.

WHY PILLAR TO POST?

• The Pillar To Post Inspection Report is generated on site at the completion of the inspection, so there's no waiting for results
• Our inspection reports are also available online, providing easy access for clients out of the area
• All Pillar To Post home inspectors are required to carry E&O insurance, which protects the referring agent against legal claims brought by the client

As North America's leading home inspection company, Pillar To Post is committed to provide the highest quality service to real estate professionals and their clients. You can always refer Pillar To Post to your sellers with confidence that their pre-listing inspection will be thorough, unbiased, and professionally conducted.

For more information about home inspection or to schedule a home inspection, click here to find your local Pillar To Post office.

Click here to find a New Jersey Licensed home inspector providing New Jersey Home Inspections.

Michael Almeida
888-800-8086
www.pillartopost.com/sbergencounty