Diamond Certified Blog

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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

It’s tempting to hire a contractor that you see working in your neighborhood. I recently noticed a company’s truck at three different houses near me and casually asked the supervisor if they trim trees or do concrete work. Right away, the “tree guy” gave me a bid of $800 to prune a large Japanese maple, and within minutes he offered a $100 discount because I was in their service area. The next day, their “concrete guy” made an estimate for $12,000 with no mention of permits or a written contract. Read more

A wood fence serves many functions: it creates privacy, increases security, delineates property lines and adds aesthetic beauty to a property. However, even the best wood fences don’t last forever, which is why homeowners should learn about the basics of fence replacement and maintenance. We asked three Diamond Certified Expert Contributors in the fencing industry to share their insights on this topic. Read more

The 2022 Diamond Certified Directory has started arriving at homes and businesses throughout the Greater Bay Area. We mailed more than 800,000 directories and we’ve been thrilled with the response! (If you didn’t get your FREE copy, click here.) Read more

Do you have questions about your upcoming plumbing job or plumbing work in general? You’re not alone. Below, we answer some commonly asked questions about plumbing, as well as hiring and working with a plumbing contractor. Read more

With spring in full swing and summer on the horizon, it’s a good time to survey your home and property and undertake some seasonal maintenance tasks. Here are some things to consider: Read more

Are you getting ready to remodel your kitchen? Here are some important things to consider when making choices on design and features: Read more

I was looking up at some cobwebs in the ceiling corners of my living room and they’re always a good reminder that it’s time for a deep clean. Many of us get motivated to do spring cleaning when the flowers start blooming, the days warm up and the sunlight lasts longer. In fact, one survey found that more than 70% of us do some form of spring cleaning every year. So, take our quiz to see how prepared you are for the job at hand. Good luck! Read more

Like most Bay Area residents, you’re probably looking forward to spending lots of time outside this summer. If that’s the case, you’ll want your outdoor living space to be ready—particularly your backyard patio. While most homes have patios, few are as comfortable or attractive as they could be. If you’re feeling underwhelmed by your patio’s current state, consider investing some time and money into helping it reach its full potential. Read more

Whether you want to bring new life to a treasured family heirloom or just freshen up the look of your living room, reupholstering your furniture might be the answer. Here are some answers to common questions about furniture reupholstering: Read more