During the shelter-in-place orders, so many of us are spending more time at home than ever before. This has brought on a home improvement and decorating boom, along with another rather mixed blessing: the opportunity to uncover hidden problems. In my case, it was a slow water leak from a skylight.

For months, I’ve been ignoring some cracks and small bubbles in my bathroom ceiling near the skylight. After one of the recent rainstorms, the problem became more noticeable. I decided to poke a broom handle around the area and it was spongy. As my husband and I tore out the ceiling, we discovered mold in an area that extended several feet in all directions. Read more

A new carpet is an expensive investment, one that requires ongoing maintenance to sustain both appearance and performance. That’s why it’s wise to take proactive steps to protect your carpet from premature wear and tear. Consider these five tips for maximizing your carpet’s lifespan: Read more

The recent COVID-19 epidemic has upended many aspects of our economy, and the housing market is no exception. In addition to realtors, many rental property owners have been affected. If you own a rental property that’s been recently vacated, consider the following steps for preparing it to go back on the market. Read more

Now that Bay Area counties are finally reopening, many residents are playing catch-up with maintenance tasks that normally would’ve been completed earlier in the season. For example, your home’s windows may still be caked with residue from the rainy season. Before you reach for that bottle of glass cleaner, consider a better option: hiring a professional window washer. Here are a few reasons you should leave your panes to the pros. Read more

Everyone knows about spring cleaning, but some forget this annual ritual pertains to the yard as well as the home. After sitting dormant all winter, your lawn and plant beds need some freshening up to help them thrive throughout the spring and summer. Here are five maintenance steps to set your garden up for success: Read more

After being cooped up indoors during a rainy winter, many Bay Area residents are looking forward to spring. But before you start enjoying the longer days and milder weather, it’s a good idea to survey your property to see how it has come through the winter months. It’s time for springtime home maintenance. Read more

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