Patio Potential: A Guide to Revamping Your Outdoor Living Space

Posted on April 21, 2022 by James Florence

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

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Posted in: Hardscaping, Home Remodeling, Decks and Patios, Seasonal, Home Improvement, Landscaping Tips
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Diamond Certified Experts: Renovating With Concrete

Posted on September 14, 2021 by James Florence

From driveways and retaining walls to patios and pool decks, concrete can be used to build a variety of structures. Photo: Calnorthex Concrete ©2021

new concrete driveway

When it comes to hardscaping projects like installing a new driveway or patio, concrete provides a solid solution. However, before scheduling a project with a concrete contractor, it’s worthwhile to get a glimpse into the process so you know what to expect. To learn more about concrete design, installation and maintenance, we asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to provide their professional insights. Read more

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Posted in: Hardscaping
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Why You Should Fix That Crack in the Sidewalk

Posted on April 22, 2021 by Suzanne Carroll

broken concrete

A few weeks ago, I was walking down my street and stopped to talk with a neighbor. She was deeply worried. She just learned she was being sued by someone claiming they had been injured after tripping on a cracked portion of the sidewalk in front of her home. I looked at the sidewalk and saw that the county had placed some orange markers on either side of the cracked portion. This news was puzzling to me. The crack wasn’t especially large and had been there for years. It also made me think about all the cracked concrete in my backyard where someone could easily trip. I decided to learn more about homeowner liability regarding sidewalks and what options exist for concrete repair.  Read more

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Posted in: Hardscaping, Safety
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Diamond Certified Experts: Building Your Backyard

Posted on April 13, 2021 by James Florence

paver outdoor living space fireplace

Spring is in full swing and summer is just around the corner. If you want to be ready for fun in the sun, you’ll need to get the ball rolling on your backyard building projects. Whether you’re installing a patio or a pool, you can benefit from Helpful Expertise® provided by industry professionals. We talked to six Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to gain insight on various aspects of backyard building. Read more

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Posted in: Hardscaping, Swimming Pool & Spa, Decks and Patios, Diamond Certified Experts

What to Do About Soil Erosion

Posted on January 07, 2021 by Suzanne Carroll

retaining wall

California’s steep terrain and forceful winter rainstorms make soil erosion and landslide risk a yearly threat to homes. After months of bone-dry conditions, strong storms can quickly alter hillside terrain. While soil erosion is an inherently natural process, homeowners can take steps to reduce the negative effects erosion may have on their properties.  Read more

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Posted in: Hardscaping, Landscaping Tips
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Improve Your Home and Garden with Decorative Pavers

Posted on July 09, 2019 by Suzanne Carroll

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

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Posted in: Hardscaping
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Should Your Foundation Contractor be EPA Lead-Safe Certified?

Posted on June 20, 2019 by James Florence

If your home needs foundation work, you’ll obviously want to hire a contractor with plenty of experience and relevant industry certifications. However, one certification you may not have considered is EPA lead-safe certification. After all, that’s just for painters, right? The reality is that foundation contractors are just as beholden to the EPA’s rules on lead-safe protocol—a lesson Mark Corrallo of All Seasons Construction learned the hard way. Read more

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Posted in: Hardscaping, Home Remodeling, Consumer News