It’s spring cleaning season once again, but this year, rather than stick to safe, predictable tasks like cleaning your upholstery, you’ve decided to tackle something bigger—something outside of your comfort zone. That’s right…you’re finally going to organize the garage. Truly, you are a brave soul. However, courage alone isn’t enough to subdue an out-of-control garage—you also need a strategy. To help you, we’ve boiled down the process to five simple steps. Read more
Garage Organization in Five Simple Steps
Posted on March 22, 2018 by James Florence
Posted in: Seasonal, House Cleaning
Tags: home, spring cleaning
Video: How to Attach a Deck to a House
Posted on March 15, 2018 by James Florence
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.
Posted in: Decks and Patios, Diamond Certified Experts
Tags: home exterior, home
Diamond Certified Experts: Deck Construction 101
Posted on March 13, 2018 by James Florence
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
Posted in: Decks and Patios, Diamond Certified Experts
Tags: home exterior, home
Do Fence Me In: Why Every Home Needs a Good Fence
Posted on March 08, 2018 by Suzanne Carroll
For many folks in the Bay Area, the busiest room in the house is…the backyard. Grilling, playing and socializing outdoors puts neighbors in closer contact with each other, and while that can certainly lead to friendships, it can also cause friction. But you know what they say, good fences make good neighbors. This article covers why you might choose to invest in a high-quality fence and what options are best for your type of yard. Read more
Posted in: Hardscaping, Home Improvement
Tags: home, pet care, home security
Junk Removal: Do’s and Don’ts
Posted on February 27, 2018 by Matt Solis
If you’re moving, renovating your home or simply doing some overdue cleaning, you may find yourself knee-deep in junk and unsure what to do about it. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to this problem: junk removal services. Most hauling companies will handle every aspect of junk removal for you, which will allow you to focus on more important tasks. However, there are steps you can take to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. Read more
Posted in: House Cleaning, Moving, Home Tips
Tags: home
Do I Need All This Stuff?
Posted on February 22, 2018 by Chris Bjorklund
Since the recent California wildfires, many of us have been reassessing our relationships to our possessions. Since my home was safe, my immediate response was to find useful items to donate to the fire victims. In fact, many Sonoma County donation sites were overwhelmed with people’s generosity and had to turn away used clothing and furniture. They requested cash donations instead or things like toaster ovens, hot plates and electric teapots for those living in temporary housing.
The stories about what evacuees took with them and what they left behind made many of us think about which of our belongings have value and meaning and which don’t. Read more
Posted in: House Cleaning, Home Maintenance, Consumers, Home Tips, Personal Stories, Savvy Tips
Tags: home, consumer tips, house cleaning
Three Ways to Reduce Soil Erosion and Landslide Risk
Posted on February 15, 2018 by Suzanne Carroll
Soil erosion occurs when loose portions of topsoil are displaced, usually by wind or rain. For the most part, erosion is a natural process, but it can become a problem when weather conditions accelerate the rate of topsoil loss, such as on a cliff or hillside following heavy rains. With so many neighborhoods in the Bay Area built on steep terrain, many homeowners worry about soil erosion and the accompanying landslide risk during the rainy season. Making major investments in retaining walls or foundation reinforcement is one option, but there are less costly measures homeowners can take to help protect their properties as well. Read more
Posted in: Home Improvement
Tags: landscaping, drainage, home