Diamond Certified Blog

Given the hardships so many of us have experienced this year, the idea of giving thanks can be a tough pill to swallow. The fact that many families will spend this Thanksgiving separated from their loved ones further underscores this. However, in difficult times like these, it’s all the more important for us to identify the good in our lives and express our gratitude. While 2020 is certainly not a year of abundance, we nonetheless have plenty to be thankful for, even if it’s not immediately obvious. In the spirit of such persevering gratitude, we’re resharing this post from last Thanksgiving. We wish you all a safe and happy holiday. Read more

Let’s face it—this Thanksgiving is going to be really different for most of us. My family started talking about how we might safely get together for the holiday back in October. All options were discussed, ranging from everyone doing their own “thing” to having a socially distanced barbecue outside. We also thought people could stagger their visits and stay outdoors (there are only nine of us) with some overlap. We all agreed on the main thing: it’s a pandemic Thanksgiving, so everyone has to be flexible. The final plan isn’t finalized and it will most assuredly evolve until we get closer to the holiday. Read more

Do you have a door in your home that needs to be repainted? While there are professional companies that will do this for you, it’s also something you can do yourself if you’re DIY-inclined. However, painting a door isn’t as simple as it may seem—to achieve a successful result, you’ll need to use the right tools and techniques. Follow these steps: Read more

After a seemingly endless summer, the Bay Area is finally getting some authentic autumn weather, with cooler temperatures and rain on the horizon. As we close out a year marked by extreme weather, it’s anyone’s guess what winter will bring, which is why residents should be prepared for anything, including excessively cold and wet conditions. If you’re a homeowner, this means making sure your home is in adequate shape to withstand such conditions. To learn more, we’ve asked six Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to provide their insights on how to prepare a home exterior for winter weather. Read more

Homeowners in the Bay Area are increasingly turning to gravel for their landscaping projects. That’s because gravel can be the right solution for many local landscaping problems. Gravel helps reduce soil erosion by slowing the flow of rainwater, and it’s an attractive groundcover option for areas where plants have difficulty growing. Also, since it doesn’t need irrigation, it’s a great solution for homeowners who want to reduce their water usage. Gravel can even help protect your home by acting as a barrier against encroaching wildfire.  Read more

With our long stretches of dry weather, it can be easy for homeowners in the Bay Area to ignore drainage issues affecting their properties. Unfortunately, unaddressed drainage problems can often lead to serious and costly repairs. With the rainiest months of the year just ahead of us, we investigate the consequences of poor drainage and share solutions for some common issues.  Read more

Since California began its COVID-19 lockdown in March, many holidays and traditions have looked different this year. Graduation ceremonies were held online, Independence Day passed without local fireworks and baseball games were held in near-empty stadiums. Now, Halloween is just around the corner, and festivities promise to be more subdued than usual. While COVID-19 cases remain steady in California, they’re climbing rapidly in other parts of the country. State health officials still recommend wearing a mask when you’re outside your home, staying at least six feet away from others and washing your hands frequently. Read more

With many COVID-related lockdown measures still in place, the way we vacation has changed. Trips to amusement parks or festivals have been replaced by day trips to the beach or weekends in the Sierras. If you’ve spent the last few months taking advantage of California’s natural beauty, you’ve probably driven your car into harsher environmental conditions than normal. Read more

It’s said that a clean house provides peace of mind, and this has never been truer than in the present moment. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, cleanliness and sanitization are more critical than ever—not just outside the home, but inside as well. To help you clean your home effectively and efficiently, we asked seven Diamond Certified Expert Contributors in the house cleaning industry to provide their tips. Read more

When preparing to buy a home, it’s natural to be preoccupied with thoughts about your future residence. However, it’s important to not overlook the more technical (read: less exciting) aspects of purchasing a property, such as applying for a mortgage loan. Getting approved for a home loan has always been an involved process, but since the subprime mortgage crisis that preempted the 2008 recession, it has become even more rigorous, so you’ll want to be well-prepared. Here are three tips for making the most of your mortgage loan application. Read more