Diamond Certified Blog

Like most people, I have a tendency to assume the minutiae of details surrounding my life will continue to function smoothly, whether or not I acknowledge them. However, once in a while, an uncommon occurrence rouses me from my usual state of complacency. A recent instance followed the Napa Valley earthquake of August 24, 2014.

As a resident of Santa Rosa, I was on the outskirts of the quake’s radius and only mildly felt its effects. The next day, however, as I walked onto my back deck, I was immediately struck with an eerie sensation. “Do we always get shade at this time of day?” I thought, as I looked up at the towering California Redwood that stood in my backyard and saw the tip of its crown eclipsing the midday sun. Read more

Most homeowners understand the importance of regularly changing their furnace filters, but when it comes to choosing a product, few realize the extent of their options. Far from a one-size-fits-all affair, furnace filters range from disposable fiberglass units to high-efficiency pleated models, so it’s important to consider several factors before making a decision. Read more

In the market for new bedding? Watch this video for some helpful buying tips. Read more

Most people are aware of the critical importance of dental hygiene, but what isn’t so well-known is the danger of overdoing it. While routine brushing and flossing are crucial for maintaining dental health, brushing too vigorously and too often can actually harm your teeth and gums.

Whether you brush too fast, too hard or too often, over-brushing can lead to several adverse effects, including enamel abrasion, which is when a tooth’s protective enamel layer breaks down. Read more

With the growing popularity of solar power, more and more homeowners are making the switch to this affordable, environmentally-friendly energy source. However, many are unaware of the scope of their options, particularly in regard to on- and off-grid systems. While the majority of solar power systems are connected to the main utility grid, off-grid installations remain independent of central power, which can be a beneficial option under the right circumstances. Read more

Since plumbing is an often-overlooked aspect of home maintenance, it’s no surprise that the majority of service calls are remedial rather than preventative. Most people tend to ignore their homes’ plumbing until an issue arises, but it’s far more cost-effective to be proactive about inspection and maintenance. For the average homeowner, however, this can seem like a daunting task. Besides being one of the most neglected systems in the home, plumbing is also one of the most intricate, consisting of a varied network of interconnected components.

If you’re intimidated by the prospect of maintaining your plumbing system, consider contracting a service agreement with a local plumbing company. Read more

Consumer Reports has come up with a list of the marketing tactics that bother consumers the most. Did your top gripe make the list? Read more

Let’s face it: in this day and age, a vehicle is more than just a means of transportation—it’s an investment, and a substantial one at that. From the price of engine repair and body work to ongoing fuel and insurance costs, owning a vehicle constitutes a major financial obligation, which is all the more reason to be proactive about maintenance. With this in mind, we asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to weigh in on key areas where maintenance matters most. Read more

Gum recession is a unique condition in the realm of oral health. Since there’s no associated pain or irritation, it can progress gradually over time without being noticed. Also, unlike issues such as cavities and misaligned teeth, there’s no simple way to reverse the effects of gum recession. While missing gum tissue can be restored through a surgical procedure, a technique for naturally regenerating tissue has yet to be discovered.

Due to its subtle yet permanent nature, it’s crucial to take preventative steps against the various factors that contribute to gum recession. Read more

Water conservation is always a priority in California, but it’s even more important during times of drought, which is why now is a great time for Bay Area residents to focus on minimizing their usage and waste. Here are some helpful tips from three Diamond Certified Expert Contributors on how to maximize water conservation in your home and on your property.

1. Go low-flow. According to Jamie Rogers, president of Rogers Remodel Inc., one of the simplest ways to conserve water in your home is to replace faucet aerators, shower heads and toilets with low-flow models. Read more