You may have heard about Pillar to Post. But what do they actually do? And is it worth hiring them for your next home inspection? Read answers to this and more in our complete guide below.
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What Is Pillar to Post?
If you’re selling your home and need a home inspection, you have plenty of options. Fortunately, there’s one national franchise that sets the bar high for all other companies. Enter, Pillar to Post.
Pillar to Post is a Tampa-based home inspection company with a longstanding reputation in the real estate industry. Since its founding in 1994, Pillar to Post has made it a goal for home inspectors invite prospective home buyers along during the inspection process.
They believe buyers should be familiar with a property before purchasing it. If you’re new to home ownership, the inspection process might seem overwhelming.
We’ve broken down what exactly Pillar to Post offers and why they are a great option for your professional home inspection.
What a Pillar to Post Inspection Includes
A home inspection is a crucial part of the home-buying process. It is even a good idea if you are thinking about selling your home and want to know about any areas of concern.
That way, you can fix any potential issues before a potential buyer steps foot in the home. Thankfully, Pillar to Post has a standardized process so that you will know exactly what to expect.
- Request your inspection – There are many Pillar to Post franchises, so you can enter your zip code on pillartopost.com to find the Pillar to Post home inspector closest to you. Then, you can contact them by phone or email. Or, simply fill out the request form on your local Pillar to Post website.
- Schedule a time that works for you. You’ll hear from an inspector shortly after sending your request. You can then schedule a time that is convenient for your schedule. This is also a good time to ask any questions concerning your new home inspection.
- Tag Along – During the inspection, Pillar to Post invites you to com along during the inspection. You are welcomed—and encouraged—to ask any questions along the way.
- Get Your Results – At the end of the inspection, your home inspector will print you a detailed report on-site. You can also access your inspection report online at any time.
You can have confident home ownership after Pillar to Post’s thorough inspection. The detailed report will help you make an educated decision in your buying process.
Inspect Components
Pillar to Post will conduct a visual inspection of all components of the home and accessible systems including:
- Home structure and foundation inspection
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing systems
- Attic inspection
- Roofs
- Basement and crawl spaces
- Gutters and drainage
- Walls, floors and decks
Test Systems and Appliances
They will also test and operate the following systems and appliances:
- HVAC: furnace, heating and air conditioning
- Plumbing fixtures in kitchen and bath
- Laundry washer and dryer
- Water heaters
- Lights and receptacles
- Windows and doors
- Any other built-in appliances, like microwaves
Why are they examining these locations? Past damage to the home might not be visible on the interior, but the attic and roof can reveal potential issues.
Gutters can be infested with pests including rodents or bees. Of course, the foundation needs to be well supported. Porches and decks can also age and become dangerous over time.
Inside, it’s important to make sure electric is in working order before purchasing a home. Leaky or damaged pipes can destroy your home’s sewer and infrastructure.
Cracks, uneven spots and water damage can be found by inspecting walls and ceilings. This can reveal other larger issues.
Pillar to Post Package Upgrades
Pillar to Post also offers several upgraded packages for specialized needs. Some of the following options include the:
Premium and Prestige packages include:
- Infrared scan to examine any electrical overheating or signs of moisture
- Appliance recall safety check
- Rodent inspection
Healthy Home package featuring:
- Sample testing for common allergens and mold
- Results from a third-party laboratory
A La Cart add ons (location-specific) include:
- Radon*
- Well water quality and inspection for lead/Radon VOCs in well water
- Termites
- Septic inspection
- Swimming pool inspection
- Asbestos and lead detection
*Radon is a radioactive gas that can build up in homes and cause potential health risks. Some areas of North America have higher risks for the presence of Radon, especially in the northernmost United States and Canada. A radon inspection is an ancillary service that some inspection companies offer.
How to Prepare Your Home
Thinking of selling? Pillar to Post suggests homeowners do the following before a home inspection.
- Disclose major repair work as well as past fires or floods
- Provide permits or plans for any major renovations
- Include invoices and warranties for major appliances and roof improvements
- Repair any damages to exterior masonry
- Seal driveway cracks
- Re-caulk exterior windows and doors and repair any minor damages to the exterior wall
- Replace missing shingles
- Clean the gutter and drains
- Inside, repair any leaking faucets
- Re-caulk bathtubs and sinks
- Repair any broken windows and loosen any that may be painted shut
- Clean chimney
- Service HVAC
- Make sure new batteries are included in any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
Then, during exception day, scram! Not to be harsh, but it is best for the seller not to be present on inspection day if the buyer is going to be there. Though, Pillar to Post welcomes you in case you don’t want to follow our recommendation.
Leave keys for any locked doors and clear the entries to sheds and storage spaces. It is also a wise idea to remove any pets from the property.
Why Choose Pillar to Post?
Chances are, there are a lot of home inspectors in your area. Pillar to Post has standardized licensure and insurance for every inspector, so you can have peace of mind you are getting the best quality.
Pillar to Post is the preferred choice among real estate agents for their reliable inspections. All franchise owners ensure the following Pillar to Post standards are met for every home inspector:
- Fully Insured – Pillar to Post insures every professional home inspector. This means, they (and you) are protected for claims of damage or injury during your home inspection. Each home inspector also carries Professional Liability insurance. This means if anything is missed in your home inspection and damage occurs as a result, the home inspector can cover your claim.
- Intense Training – Home inspectors from Pillar to Post must undergo intense training. They adhere to proven procedures and are versed in Pillar to Post ethical standards.
- Detailed Reports – Standardized reporting means that you will have a detailed report after your home inspection. It will include photos and objective observations concerning the conditions of the home.
Pillar to Post, Pros and Cons
Pros (what we like)
- All home inspectors are insured so that you are protected against any potential issue that may arise during or because of your home inspection
- Inspectors receive standardized training and education so that they are experts in the field
- Detailed reporting is provided on site and is available online for any time
- With coverage in 49 U.S. states and eight provinces in Canada, chances are there is one near you
- Pillar to Post is the preferred home inspection company for Realtors.
Cons (what we dislike)
- Services can vary by franchise. While franchises are mostly standardized, there are some services only offered at a particular office like Radon testing
- Office staff will also vary by location and franchise
- Home inspection is not a perfect science. There may be new problems that arise after your home inspection, or from something that wasn’t apparent at the time. This is going to be the case with any home inspection company
Regardless of the cons, Pillar to Post’s insurance coverage and rigorous education offers peace of mind that your inspection will be as thorough as possible.
Pillar to Post Franchising
If you have used the inspection service and want to be part of the action, you can! Pillar to Post offers this by franchising their operation. This means you can buy into their system and they’ll give you everything needed to start your business.
In return, you’ll pay for their expertise and name. The initial franchise fee is $21,900 and you’ll pay them a 7% royalty along with a 4% advertising fee. This totals 11%, and is based on total sales.
Buying into an existing system can be expensive, but you’re buying a turn-key operation from a well-established name. That means you won’t need to establish your brand as if you were starting from scratch.
Should You Use Pillar to Post?
Pillar to Post is one of the largest and most reputable home inspection companies. All Pillar to Post home inspectors are trained to examine the major items of a home, inside and out.
They carry Professional Liability Insurance and are members of regional and national home inspector associations. The detailed report provided will make sure every box is checked and nothing was overlooked.
Whether you’re buying or selling, schedule an inspection by visiting pillartopost.com and filling out an inspection request.
You Might Also Like:
- Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers: A complete guide to ensure you’re adequately prepared for your home inspection.
- Complete Home Buying Guide: Our complete guide on how to buy a home.
- Home Inspector’s Career Guide: Learn about workloads, pay, and training for a home inspector.
