Olivia Hart
Services Writer
Olivia Hart is HomeStyle & Beyond's resident expert on all things home services. With a background in consumer advocacy and a passion for creating comfortable and efficient living spaces, Olivia joined HomeStyle & Beyond after leading a successful campaign for transparent pricing in the home repair industry. She was previously awarded the 'Golden Hammer' award for outstanding contributions to consumer education in home maintenance. When she isn't diving deep into the world of HVAC systems and plumbing, Olivia enjoys gardening and experimenting with sustainable home solutions.
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Latest Articles
Nine Arizona Cities Rank Among Nation's Best Places to Live
Nine Arizona cities, including Gilbert and Chandler, received recognition among the '250 Best Places to Live in the U.
Jun 29, 2026 · 3 min read
US Home Age Sparks Renovation Boom Amid Affordability Crisis
Home renovation spending reached a record $450 billion in 2023, a staggering sum poured into an aging housing stock where the median home is now 40 years old.
Jun 28, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 5 Essential Homeowner Tools for DIY Repairs and Maintenance
For the vast majority of home repairs, a single 20-volt cordless drill and a 25-foot tape measure are all you truly need to keep your household running smoothly.
Jun 28, 2026 · 4 min read
How Professional Home Cleaning Services Work
In one documented instance, a homeowner discovered their cleaning staff had been involved in a security breach, revealing a hidden risk in the pursuit of a pristine home.
Jun 28, 2026 · 2 min read
Seattle homeowners update aging bathrooms and plumbing
Last year, insurance claims for water damage from burst pipes in Seattle surged by 18%, costing homeowners an average of $15,000 per incident.
Jun 26, 2026 · 4 min read
Volunteer plumbers fix homes, but sustainable solutions remain elusive.
In a small, aging home in rural Kentucky, a leaking pipe had forced 72-year-old Martha Jenkins to collect water in buckets for months.
Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Find Affordable Soft Comforters For Summer 2026
A $32 comforter provides comfort for the author's son, according to Apartment Therapy .
Jun 25, 2026 · 2 min read
Amazon Offers Discount on Popular Red Light Therapy Masks
The Inteo Red Light Therapy Mask, a coveted beauty technology item, is currently available on Amazon for an astonishing 53% off, according to Harper's BAZAAR .
Jun 24, 2026 · 2 min read
Phoenix homeowners face leak crisis, prevention avoids costly damage
Phoenix's water, averaging a staggering 230 parts per million in hardness, quietly corrodes home plumbing systems, leading to a surge in emergency repairs.
Jun 24, 2026 · 3 min read
AI Will Dominate Home Services by 2026, Experts Predict
When Sensi.ai's microphone overheard the word "fall" in the author's father's home, the private exchange was automatically sent to his caregivers. This immediate, automated alert transformed a deeply
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Maintain Your Water Heater for Max Lifespan and Efficiency
Most homeowners are advised to annually inspect a critical safety component on their water heater, yet are simultaneously warned never to touch it.
Jun 23, 2026 · 4 min read
AI marketplace for home renovation contractors now available
Homeowners can now receive competitive bids from vetted, licensed, and insured contractors for their renovation projects within just 24-48 hours, thanks to a new AI-driven marketplace.
Jun 23, 2026 · 2 min read
Collectors Flock to Antique American Mirrors, Driving Market Boom
Last week, a modest 18th-century American Federal mirror, estimated at $5,000, shattered expectations by selling for $75,000 at a regional auction, according to Heritage Auctions.
Jun 23, 2026 · 3 min read
AI Platforms Connect Homeowners With Contractors For Home Improvement
An AI tool can now analyze a roof photo and generate a detailed narrative comment in roughly 7 seconds, according to Inspectordata .
Jun 22, 2026 · 2 min read
Understanding Your Home HVAC System: A Maintenance Guide
A single dirty HVAC filter can force your furnace to work so hard it trips a breaker, potentially leaving your home without heat on the coldest day.
Jun 22, 2026 · 3 min read
AI bidding tools drive profit surge for home services firms
In five major metropolitan areas, the overall cost for complex home repairs has risen by 8% due to dynamic pricing algorithms identifying peak demand, even as initial quotes might appear lower, accord
Jun 21, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 9 Questions to Ask Your Home Services Contractor in 2026
Many homeowners discover too late that their 'bargain' contractor wasn't insured, leaving them personally liable for on-site injuries or shoddy work.
Jun 21, 2026 · 8 min read
Home Renovation Spending Stays Strong Despite Inflation and Smaller Projects
In 2025, 76% of homeowners cited maintaining or repairing their existing homes as the top reason for improvement activity, marking a significant departure from aspirational remodels, according to Hard
Jun 21, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Fix Common Home Plumbing Issues: A DIY Guide
In minutes, a home repair novice can often clear a clogged toilet, saving an immediate headache and a potential service call.
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read
Pro Home Services Cost More Than DIY But Offer Superior Protection
Despite 60% of homeowners prioritizing ease of installation and flexibility, many unknowingly trade comprehensive protection for perceived savings with DIY home security systems, according to Home Sec
Jun 20, 2026 · 3 min read