Diamond Certified Blog

Have you ever been lured by an ad for a low-priced ticket to a baseball game or concert? How many times have you seen an exceptional price for a hotel room and were motivated to make an online reservation? What may have stopped you in your tracks (or not) were all the hidden fees that weren’t disclosed at the outset. As you get close to completing the transaction, other hidden charges are added: a service fee, a processing fee, a convenience fee, a COVID-cleaning fee, a parking fee, a resort fee, and a fee to use the gym and even the swimming pool. Read more

There are many factors to consider when planning your home’s landscape. You need to determine what varieties of plants will thrive, how the topography of your lot can best be utilized and, of course, what your budget will permit. When imagining a landscaping project, we often envision what the garden will be like during the daytime, but it’s equally important to consider how your property will look at night. Choosing the right exterior lighting will not only enhance your landscape’s beauty, it’ll also make your home safer. Read more

Have you received your free copy of the 2021 Fall Diamond Certified Directory Update in the mail? It provides instant access to hundreds of local, top rated Diamond Certified companies across a wide range of service industries, from auto repair and pest control to eye care and dentistry. Read more

It’s autumn once again—the season of scarves, colorful leaves and pumpkin everything. However, with winter right around the corner, it’s also a time to prepare for the upcoming cold, wet weather. One of the most important aspects of winter preparation is making sure your furnace is in proper operating condition, which isn’t as easy as it sounds. To help you hit all the bases, we’ve asked seven Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to provide their furnace-related tips. Read more

Are you planning to remodel your kitchen? One of the most important choices you’ll need to make is which type of material to use for your countertops. To help you decide, we’ve created a basic overview of 10 popular countertop materials and their key attributes. In this article, we’ll cover the following materials: Read more

As one of your most important senses, your vision is something you shouldn’t take for granted. Here are some helpful tips for maintaining healthy vision. Read more

Welcome Aboard!

We’re pleased to announce that the following companies have recently been awarded Diamond Certified. That means they’ve passed our rigorous 12-step rating process and scored Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise®. Read more

One of my proudest moments as a consumer news producer was a story that prompted a national recall. A mother of a 20-month-old had called the TV station where I worked to report that she discovered her toddler had been playing with a dangerous toy. The stuffed bear had a wire protruding from its belly, and luckily, the mom noticed it before the child injured himself. She couldn’t believe the toy manufacturer could get away with selling unsafe stuffed bears nationwide at big retail outlets. Read more

Are you concerned about the quality of air in your home? Do you have questions about how to maintain or improve indoor air quality? Unsure whether you need to hire a professional to help you with this? Below, we answer several commonly asked questions about indoor air quality, as well as hiring and working with a professional service provider. Read more

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