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

Following a longstanding drought, a major rainstorm in late October blindsided the Bay Area, with some regions receiving seven to 10 inches of rain in a single day. During the storm, many residents discovered they had water leaking from their roofs and windows—an occurrence that seemed unthinkable just a week earlier. This event highlights the importance of waterproofing one’s home exterior, even during interminable periods of dry climate. After all, you never know when the weather might turn, and as the saying goes, “when it rains, it pours.” Read more

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

California winters may be mild compared to what other parts of the country experience, but the weather can nonetheless take a toll on local residences. When a home isn’t properly winterized, the heavy storms and occasional freezes can cause everything from dry rot and roof leaks to cracked water pipes and crawl space flooding. That’s why, even in California, it’s crucial to perform preventative winterization measures on your home and property in the fall. Read more

Earlier this week, we posted an article featuring expert tips on building a new deck. One of these tips expressed the importance of proper waterproofing when attaching a deck to a house. To learn about this process in greater detail, watch this informative video by Steve Labourdette of Labourdette Construction.

  Read more

Few things can augment a home’s livability like the addition of a deck. This is especially true in the Bay Area, where the prevalence of warm, sunny weather can translate to many hours of outdoor enjoyment. If you’re thinking about adding a deck to your home, it’s a good idea to learn about the process so you can make educated choices. To help you do this, we’ve asked four Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to share their insights on deck construction. Read more

Much emphasis is put on maintaining the interior of the home, but an equally (if not more important) aspect to address is its exterior. That’s why Dennis Thompson of Thompson Construction says homeowners should take proactive steps to protect the outside of their homes from the elements. Here are Dennis’ top five tips for exterior maintenance: Read more