Diamond Certified Blog

With the holidays behind us, it’s time to get ready for the next seasonal milestone: tax season. While few would consider it “the most wonderful time of the year” (save for those expecting a substantial return), it doesn’t change the fact that tax season is something we all have to partake in. Anyone who has gone through the process knows that filing taxes can be difficult and frustrating, which is why it helps to know a few basics out of the gate. Whether you’re filing your taxes independently or having a professional handle it for you, check out these tips from industry experts on maximizing your return:

1. Get organized. Read more

Owning a dog or cat can certainly be rewarding, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. One of the biggest responsibilities is caring for your pet’s health, which includes both their physical and emotional well-being. To learn more about this, we’ve asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to weigh in with tips for keeping your pet happy and healthy. Read more

We can usually get the little things in life just the way we want them: our coffee can have the perfect amount of sugar; our pizza, the perfect toppings. Unfortunately, when it comes to the big things, we’re expected to compromise. We’re supposed to ignore the little flaws of our partners, muddle through the less-than-glamourous parts of our jobs and accept the fact that there’s no such thing as the perfect home…or is there?

Rather than deal with the continual maintenance of an older house or attempt to shoehorn remodeling plans on a pre-existing structure, some people choose to build a custom home from scratch. Read more

Whether or not you wear eyeglasses, you shouldn’t take your vision for granted. Here are five tips to maximize eye health and comfort:

1. Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from the harmful effects of UV light, which lead to the development of cataracts, macular degeneration and other vision problems. To ensure protection from an early age, young children should start wearing sunglasses as soon as they’re able.

2. Treat dry eyes. This condition can be instigated by numerous causes (including a sustained lack of sleep) and may even come as a symptom of aging. In addition to getting an eye drop prescription from your doctor, consider taking omega-3 supplements, which can further help alleviate this condition. Read more

Whether you’re thinking about remodeling your kitchen, renovating your bathroom or performing a complete home makeover, the best time to begin your project is now! Before you start searching for contractors or choosing appliances, you’ll want to set a budget.

Even if you’re working with a limited budget, there are numerous ways you can cut costs without compromising quality. Here are seven money-saving strategies to consider:

1. Design your project to accommodate existing systems. If your plumbing and electrical systems are in good condition, you can avoid the cost of rerouting pipes or wiring by designing your remodeling project to accommodate them. In addition to saving a substantial amount of money, Read more

I named it Lucifer because it couldn’t help being evil. I’m talking about the rat I could hear scrabbling around beneath the heater vent in my kitchen every morning. It didn’t mean any harm, but the rustles and occasional squeaks were too much for me—it had to go.

As it turned out, my first move didn’t involve a pest control company. Before I could set traps, I had to deal with the brand-new front door dug directly beneath my front door.

Before the rains came, these holes were caked with tufts of fur, eliminating any doubt that they were at least one major point of entry. Read more

If you’re like most home buyers nowadays, you probably started your search online, but what you found may have raised more questions than answers. This is because consumer-oriented portals (i.e. real estate websites like Trulia and Zillow) operate in very different ways and, consequently, can produce very different results. By gaining an understanding of how listings are published online, you’ll be able to avoid common pitfalls and shop for properties with greater accuracy and efficiency. Read more

Landslides are a yearly threat to residents of the Bay Area. The region’s sudden, strong autumnal rainstorms and steep slopes can combine to make the perfect landslide conditions. Because landslides occur with little warning, it’s important to learn how to keep your loved ones safe. There are also steps homeowners can take to minimize potential damage.

If you think your property is at risk:

1. Learn about the history of your property. Areas that have experienced landslides in the past are likely to experience them again. Your city may keep records of past landslides, and you can also try this landslide inventory-mapping tool (in beta) from the California Department of Conservation.

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Earlier this week, we posted an article featuring expert tips on bathroom remodeling. One of the aspects mentioned was shower enclosure design, which entails a wide range of options, as well as several practical considerations. To learn more about shower enclosure design options, watch this informative video by Diamond Certified Expert Contributor Joe Matthews, general manager of Schicker Luxury Shower Doors, Inc.

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It’s a new year, which for many Bay Area homeowners means it’s time to start thinking about their next remodeling project. While there are several areas of the home to consider remodeling, an ideal place to start is the bathroom. Since the bathroom tends to be one of a home’s smallest spaces, it’s typically more affordable to renovate than larger areas like the kitchen. However, along with the kitchen, it’s considered one the most lucrative spaces to remodel in terms of increasing home resale value. Furthermore, since it’s statistically considered the most dangerous room in the house (due to the increased chances for falls and other accidents), remodeling provides an opportunity to improve safety. Read more