Diamond Certified Blog

Overview
The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only independent national association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. By providing helpful resources for remodeling professionals and consumers alike, NARI seeks to fulfill its stated core purpose: “To advance and promote the remodeling industry’s professionalism, product, and vital public purpose.”

NARI’s roots go back to the Depression Era, when the Northeast Roofing, Siding and Insulation Contractors Association (NERSICA) was formed as part of President Roosevelt’s National Recovery Act. After changing its name to the National Remodelers Association (NRA) in the mid-60s, it merged with the National Home Improvement Council in 1983 to become NARI, which continues to flourish today with 58 chapters nationwide. Read more

Watch this video to learn how the “Vial of Life” program can help you effectively prepare for a disaster. Read more

With California experiencing one of the worst droughts in recorded history, it’s a great time to explore converting to solar. Not only can solar power help put the brakes on climate change, it’s also one of the least “thirsty” methods of generating electricity. According to Diamond Certified solar company Sungevity, coal-fired power plants require 100 to 1,000 gallons of water to generate one megawatt-hour of electricity. Solar, by comparison, requires zero gallons of water to produce the same amount of electricity (more details). With this in mind, we’re re-posting this timely article on how to get started with a  residential solar power system.

People have many reasons for switching to solar power, Read more

For more information on water conservation, visit our drought resource page here.

We’ve been encouraged to cut back on our water use for many months now, yet we’re still not conserving enough. So now the governor is ordering mandatory water use reductions with the specifics yet to be worked out by the individual water agencies.

Why have we been so slow to make changes in our water consumption habits? They say, “Replace your lawn with drought-resistant plants. Take shorter showers. Only do full loads of laundry. Get a rebate for a water-efficient toilet.” At some point, you wonder if we won’t change our behavior until our water bills skyrocket. Read more

Temperature regulation and air quality are key concerns in any indoor environment, which is why, in addition to keeping your home’s heating and cooling systems functional, you’ll want them working as efficiently as possible. We’ve asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to share their tips on basic HVAC maintenance and troubleshooting. Read more

April is here, which means it’s once again time to engage in the longstanding domestic ritual known as spring cleaning. In addition to tackling annual maintenance tasks like cleaning your carpets and flushing your water heater, spring cleaning offers a chance to optimize your home for enjoying the temperate weather and extended daylight. Here are some simple things you can do to brighten, freshen and rejuvenate your home.

Brighten
During the sunny season, you’ll want to bring as much light as possible into your home. Start by washing your windows. Regardless of the tools or methodology you employ (most professionals recommend using a squeegee and a 100 percent cotton cloth), there are a couple of important rules to follow. Read more

The Diamond Certified Directory has long been a valuable resource for Northern California consumers—in addition to full-page profiles of top rated companies across a wide range of service industries, it features a Consumer Help List with contact information for various consumer agencies, a detailed explanation of why the Diamond Certified Program is more accurate than most review sites and much more.

This year, we’ve included a brand-new section that makes the Diamond Certified Directory even more valuable: Diamond Certified Expert Contributor tips. Read more

As owner of Cupertino Podiatry Inc., Dr. Michael J. Cornelison has been serving patients in Santa Clara County for more than 15 years. We took a few minutes to speak with Dr. Cornelison to learn more about his field of expertise and gain some helpful knowledge. Here’s the interview:

Q: What is a podiatrist, exactly?

A: A podiatrist, also known as a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), is a health care specialist who deals exclusively with problems pertaining to the foot and ankle, including injuries, diseases and disorders. Read more

“People wish to be settled. It is only as far as they are unsettled that there is any hope for them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

There’s nothing like a change in perspective to help you see the world anew. And when that change involves getting a new view from your bedroom window, your daily routine is in for some jolts. In other words, whether you’re moving across the country or across the street, moving can be one of the best ways to get re-energized. That said, it can also be a real pain, so here are 31 ways you can minimize the stress of moving while maximizing the adventure.

One month before you move

1. Create a binder.

Read more

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s not surprising that our vehicles often get taken for granted. However, considering the vital role they play in our daily routines, ongoing vehicle maintenance should be a top priority. Fortunately, most aspects of maintenance are fairly simple and, in many cases, can be performed independently. Take a minute to review these car care tips from five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors. Read more