Diamond Certified Blog

Welcome Aboard!

We’re pleased to announce that the following companies have recently been awarded Diamond Certified. That means they’ve passed our rigorous 12-step rating process and scored Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise®. Read more

I recently received an unexpected voicemail from a company representing a rental car agency. The caller said he was following up with me to collect on a damage claim for a vehicle I had rented at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona for my niece’s wedding in February. He said I hadn’t reported roof damage upon returning it and was responsible for $749.13 in parts and labor for repairs.

At first, I thought this had to be a scam call and wasn’t going to respond. But my husband convinced me to call back, ask more questions and request photos of the damage. The representative promptly sent an itemized list of repairs and pictures showing a half-dozen roof dents. Read more

Before going outside on a sunny summer day, you probably apply sunscreen, put on sunglasses and take other measures to protect yourself from UV exposure. However, did you know the trees on your property may need similar protection? It’s a little known fact that, under certain circumstances, trees are vulnerable to sun damage. But what are these circumstances? And what kind of impact can sun damage have on a tree? Read on to learn more. Read more

Earlier this week, we posted an article featuring expert tips for pest-proofing your home. One of the tips was about safe practices for combating a rodent infestation. To learn more about this topic, watch this informative video by Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Mario Martinez of All N One Pest Eliminators.

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“Termites and spiders and rats, oh my!”

Even if you don’t have a deep-seated fear of these pests, the last place you want to find them is inside your home. Pest infestation can leave a home vulnerable to everything from unsanitary conditions to structural damage. To help you avoid this situation, we’ve asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to provide some tips for pest-proofing your home. Read more

Have you noticed areas of your carpet that appear lighter or darker than the rest? At first glance, you might think it’s staining or fading, but what you’re more likely seeing is pile distortion—a phenomenon that occurs when certain sections of pile go against the natural “grain” of the carpet. In this article, we’ll go over some different types of carpet pile distortion and what you can do to minimize their effects. Read more

Installing pavers in your driveway or patio area is a great way to improve your home’s curb appeal, increase your home’s value and create something that reflects your unique style. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of decorative pavers and explore ways to use them creatively. Read more

Headed out on a road trip this summer? Watch this video for some tips on how to prepare your car for a long drive. Read more

Welcome Aboard!

We’re pleased to announce that the following companies have recently been awarded Diamond Certified. That means they’ve passed our rigorous 12-step rating process and scored Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise®. Read more

The last two times my credit card number was hacked, I can trace it back to using the card at convenience store gas pumps. The physical card itself was always in my possession, yet small fraudulent charges (under $50) started showing up on my account. Fortunately, I look at my account online almost every day and receive an alert whenever a charge of $10 or more is made. That’s how I caught the problem early before things got out of hand. Still, my credit card account had to be shut down, which meant I had to contact many companies that bill me automatically for payments. I also had to change the credit card number on file for Uber, Read more