Diamond Certified Experts: Top Tips of 2020 (Part 1)
In addition to being top rated for quality and customer satisfaction, Diamond Certified companies are known for providing Helpful Expertise®. This is especially true for companies whose owners and managers have become Diamond Certified Expert Contributors by sharing their industry expertise via articles and videos on the Diamond Certified website. In 2020, the number of Diamond Certified Expert Contributors continued to grow, bringing another abundant harvest of Helpful Expertise. In this first installment of a two-part series, we’ve published 10 of this year’s top expert tips.
Gary Robertson — President, Robertson Renovations
Testing Layout Changes
Getting ready for a major remodeling project? If you’re planning to alter your home’s layout, put some masking tape on the floor to demarcate the location of the new wall/counter space/etc. Live with that for a few days and see whether the changed layout fits within or disrupts your daily flow.
Gabriel Martinez — Owner, Supreme Comfort HVAC, Inc.
Changing Your HVAC Filter
By catching airborne particles and allergens, air filters keep indoor air quality levels high and help HVAC equipment operate more efficiently. That’s why changing your filter at least twice a year can both protect your family’s health and extend your HVAC system’s operating lifespan.
Rashid Yahya — CEO/Chief Pilot, Pacific States Aviation
Flight School Certification
When choosing a flight training provider, be sure to ask about its certification. Part 61 and Part 141 refer to different parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) that set minimum standards for flight training. If you’re planning to become a professional pilot, you’ll need to choose a Part 141 school.
Liliana Reyes-Avalos — Owner, The Magic Mop, Inc.
Preventing Stone Countertop Damage
Countertops made of natural stone like granite or marble are certainly beautiful, but without proper care, they won’t stay that way for long. Residue from citrus fruits and other acidic substances can leave permanent stains on stone countertops if allowed to sit, so be sure to clean up promptly following use.
Chris Marcus — CFO, Miracle Plumbing Inc.
Plunger Warning
Never use a plunger on a toilet—it might clear the clog, but the long-term results can be costly. When you use a plunger, you risk blowing out the toilet’s wax ring, which could cause leakage that starts underneath the toilet and ends up at the subfloor. A better tool for clearing toilet clogs is an auger or a snake.
Rolf Bell — Principal, Green Living Builders LLC
Accessory Dwelling Units
As of January 1, 2020, new laws have gone into effect that make it easier for California homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties. Whether you choose to convert your garage or build a detached unit in your backyard, an ADU provides a great opportunity for additional housing.
Niv Goldman — Owner, Alley Cat
Responding to a Rodent Infestation
Rodents can do a lot of damage in a short period of time, so don’t wait to call a professional if you think you have an infestation. Besides producing copious amounts of feces, rodents can chew up and damage your home’s wiring and insulation. The longer you wait, the more work will be needed to repair the damage.
Forest Kirk — President, Forest Tree Services Inc.
Trimming Your Trees
Trimming your trees is an important annual maintenance task. With the exception of fruit trees, mulberries and sycamores, a tree’s limbs should be trimmed to leads, meaning one-third the size of the original branch. This will enable the tree to continue growing without losing its structural integrity.
Paul Gerrard — President, Big Blue Plumbing
High Water Pressure
Low water pressure is a common issue, but did you know water pressure that’s too high can also cause problems? If needed, have a plumber install a pressure-regulating valve. This simple, inexpensive fix can prevent high water pressure from stressing and prematurely wearing out your appliances and fixtures.
Scott Yeaman — President, Yeaman Auto Body Inc.
Auto Insurance Advice
Make sure your auto insurance policy specifies the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. To minimize costs, insurance companies typically direct auto body shops to use cheaper aftermarket parts when performing repairs. Opting for OEM parts will ensure a repair that won’t devalue your vehicle.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog series on Thursday. In the meantime, you can visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports Hub for more tips, including full-length articles and videos!
