Diamond Certified Blog

In addition to regularly cleaning your hardwood floors, take preventative steps to protect them against dents, scratches and similar kinds of damage. Here are some things you can do: Read more

After nearly 40 years of practical application, solar power has established itself as a viable alternative energy source—clean, renewable and reliable. As a result, thousands of homeowners in Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area have made the switch to solar, and more continue to follow their example. Besides the practical benefits, a major aspect that attracts prospective solar owners is the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), a benefit offered by the federal government. The ITC allows any homeowner who installs a solar PV system to deduct a percentage of the installation cost from their federal taxes. Both residential and commercial solar installations are eligible for the ITC, and there’s no price cap on its value. Read more

Whether it’s for work, for school or for socializing, the video call is a communication tool that’s here to stay. Over the last year, these calls have given us glimpses into each other’s homes, and one trend that has consequently developed is the presence of a well-curated bookshelf in the background. Celebrities, political leaders, and regular folks alike are using their bookshelves to display meaningful objects and titles. Built-in bookshelves are not only functional and attractive, they can also be a site for self-expression. If your video chats have you thinking about installing a built-in bookshelf, here are some things to consider before you get started. Read more

Nobody wants to pay for auto insurance, but it’s a necessary protective cushion when it comes to dealing with the consequences of an unforeseen accident. Since auto insurance is something you must have, it makes sense to assess your policy and make the most of your investment. Also, when working with an auto insurance provider, it’s helpful to collaborate with someone who can show you how to navigate these sometimes-confusing waters. Read the following insurance-related tips from five Diamond Certified Experts in the auto body industry. Read more

Chances are you’re driving a lot less than you were a year ago. California’s COVID-related regulations mean that more people are working from home and in-person socialization is discouraged. Additionally, those with serious health concerns are mostly homebound. In these circumstances, it can be easy to forget about your car. However, vehicles need regular maintenance no matter how often you get behind the wheel. Here are some ways to make sure your car will still run optimally even if you don’t drive very often. Read more

Planning to install an in-ground swimming pool? The first thing you’ll need to do is find a good swimming pool contractor. When interviewing a contractor, it’s common to ask about things like licensing, scheduling and price. However, there are a few questions many homeowners don’t think to ask, but should. Here are five examples: Read more

I was so delighted when, after complaining to a grocery delivery service online, I received an email response within 30 minutes. I’d been unable to use a discount code on the website even though I tried three times. I placed the order anyway because I needed groceries. The customer service rep apologized in her email, acknowledged having other complaints and offered to manually apply the discount code for me. 

Most consumers have higher expectations for companies that are operating during the pandemic. In fact, a recent study surveying more than 1,000 consumers in different age groups (conducted by Hiver, a customer solution company) found that people want customer service to be not only more responsive but also more empathetic. Read more

Are you ready to remodel your home? Before you knock down any walls, you’ll need to figure out your design. What style are you aiming for? What are your aesthetic and functional requirements? What kinds of products do you want to incorporate? These are all important questions that need to be answered before the building can begin. To help you find the answers, we’ve asked six Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to provide their professional insights on remodeling design. Read more

We rely on our household appliances to make life easier. So, when your dishwasher no longer rinses as well as it used to or your stove top won’t turn on, your efficiently run home can screech to a halt. Determining whether to repair or replace a broken appliance can be tricky. In this article, you’ll find some guidelines to help you decide whether to call a local appliance repair technician or head to an appliance showroom to find something new.  Read more

Have you received your free copy of the 2021 Winter Diamond Certified Directory Update in the mail? It provides instant access to hundreds of local, top rated Diamond Certified companies across a wide range of service industries, from auto repair and landscaping to optometry and dentistry.

Every Diamond Certified company must continue to deliver on its promises to you, the consumer. That’s why we conduct ongoing customer satisfaction research, perform credential-based ratings, monitor each company’s performance, and back you up with mediation and the Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee. Read more