Diamond Certified Experts: Top Tips of 2020 (Part 2)

Earlier this week, we shared 10 of the top tips our Diamond Certified Expert Contributors provided in 2020. In this second installment, we’re serving up 10 more bite-size morsels of Helpful Expertise®.

Joel Gruber — Owner, Gruber Painting

Custom Paint Formulation

When choosing paint colors for your home, you don’t have to choose a color that already exists or settle for a shade that doesn’t quite match your existing paint. Visit your local paint store or hire a painting contractor to receive custom color formulation and color matching services.

Mike Im — President, Im Roofing Company

Roofing Shingle Warranties

While a limited lifetime shingle warranty generally covers issues caused by defective shingles, the payout is prorated depending on the shingles’ age at the time of the claim. That’s why, if an issue arises 10 or 15 years down the road, you shouldn’t expect to be reimbursed for the entirety of your investment.

Sandy Willis — President, Molly Maid of S. Silicon Valley

Disinfecting Home Surfaces

Before applying disinfectant to a surface in your home, you should first clean it with soap and water. This will make your disinfectant more effective by removing germs and grime beforehand. You should also let the disinfectant sit awhile before wiping it up—this will give it time to fully eliminate all germs.

Lior Zeevi — President, Insulation Guru Inc. dba HVAC Guru

Eco-Friendly Insulation

If you’re considering insulation upgrades for your home, look for an insulation contractor that prioritizes Green building practices. A lot of contractors still use fiberglass insulation, which isn’t very eco-friendly. A better option is Knauf EcoBatt insulation, which is made of recyclable materials like wool and glass.

Curt Glaze — Showroom Manager, California Custom Carpets

Flooring Upgrades

Refurbishing your floors can be a good investment when selling your home. However, make sure you understand the difference between a cosmetic upgrade (new carpet or vinyl) and a construction improvement (new tile or hardwood). While the former may increase appeal, only the latter will actually increase resale value.

Merlyn DeLeon — Office Manager, AMS Construction

Ordering Remodeling Materials

When it comes to home remodeling, choosing materials and products early can help you avoid project delays. For example, cabinets take approximately six to eight weeks from the time of ordering to delivery, so you don’t want to wait until a week before the work begins to order.

Kacey Copeland — Owner, autoTech Blackhawk

Is Your Car Worth Repairing?

The decision of whether to repair or replace a vehicle isn’t always clear-cut. For example, if you have a strong sentimental attachment to your car, that emotional value may justify the repair costs. If you don’t, it may be a simple matter of doing the math and taking the most cost-effective route.

David Liu — Office Manager, Anita’s Housekeeping Referral Agency

Working With Your Housekeeper

After hiring a housekeeper, set them up for success by setting clear expectations at the outset. Walk them through your home, explain your priorities and focus areas, and make sure they understand what you expect. This small step can go a long way toward ensuring long-term satisfaction with your service.

Steve Daniel — President, Steve Daniel Construction Inc.

Motivations in Remodeling

When planning for a remodeling project, some homeowners get overly focused on what their friends and neighbors will think. However, whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or your bathroom, always remember that it’s your space. If your friends like it, that’s great, but it’s more important that you like it.

Faren Reyes — Owner, Discover Plumbing & Rooter

Maintaining Outdated Plumbing

Can’t afford to update your outdated plumbing system? The next best thing you can do is maintain it. For example, if you have trouble with your sewer and drain pipes getting clogged up, have them hydro-jetted by a plumber every three to six months—this will keep them working and avoid backups.

Visit our Diamond Certified Expert Reports Hub for more tips, including full-length articles and videos!