Olivia Hart
Editorial byline
Olivia Hart is an editorial byline for HomeStyle & Beyond, with a focus on Services, Maintenance, Home improvement. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.
Learn more about our editorial process and use of automation in our AI & Automation disclosure.
Coverage Areas
Latest Articles

Cobb County Business Licensing: A Comprehensive Guide
Every business, from a new startup to an established alcohol vendor, must navigate Cobb County's specific licensing and renewal pathways.
Sep 20, 2026 · 3 min read

AI adoption gives small contractors a major edge by 2026.
In just two years, a local HVAC company in Arizona boosted its service call efficiency by 30% and reduced no-shows by 25% using an off-the-shelf AI scheduling assistant, fundamentally altering its com
Sep 20, 2026 · 4 min read

Emergency Plumbing Company Expands, Tackles Water Leaks
Just nine months after opening its doors, Emergency Repairs London Ltd.
Sep 19, 2026 · 2 min read

AI impact on small contractors reshapes project management efficiency
A new AI layer called Cortex identifies subtle changes on construction drawings human eyes often miss, preventing costly rework and saving hundreds of hours in preconstruction.
Sep 18, 2026 · 2 min read

How to Identify Household Pests in 2026
Even with advanced smartphone cameras in 2026, experts at the Mississippi Extension lab still prefer a physical insect specimen over a digital photo for accurate identification.
Sep 17, 2026 · 3 min read

Mr. Rooter Expands Residential Plumbing Services to Meet Growing Demand
In 2025, Mr. Rooter's top 10% of franchisees averaged over $8 million in gross sales, while the bottom 10% struggled with just $147,745, according to Franchisechatter . This stark financial gap exists
Sep 17, 2026 · 2 min read

Print Directories' Future: An Industry's Digital Reckoning.
In January 2019, the Yellow Pages printed its final edition, marking a definitive end for an industry valued at $3 billion just three years prior.
Sep 17, 2026 · 5 min read

Watsco Acquires Granite Group, Expands HVAC Plumbing Network
Watsco, a prominent HVAC distributor, significantly expanded its reach by acquiring The Granite Group, adding approximately $500 million in annual sales.
Sep 16, 2026 · 3 min read

How to Maintain Your Home Plumbing System
A small, unnoticed leak inside your wall can silently cause thousands of dollars in structural damage and mold growth before you even see a drip.
Sep 15, 2026 · 3 min read

Smart home costs & complexity limit mainstream adoption
A full smart home system from Vivint can cost upwards of $1,200 before monthly monitoring fees, presenting a significant upfront investment for comprehensive automation.
Sep 14, 2026 · 5 min read

Top 7 Questions Homeowners Should Ask Service Pros
Faulty electrical wiring alone causes 51,000 home fires annually, leading to 500 deaths and $1.
Sep 14, 2026 · 6 min read

Top Smart Home Devices for Proactive Home Protection
A smart home camera with AI-powered motion detection can now identify a package thief before they even touch your porch, sending an alert directly to your phone.
Sep 13, 2026 · 4 min read

MoveNoMove Expands MEP Engineering Contracting Services in Champaign
Just last week, MoveNoMove announced a $15 million investment in a new Champaign office, set to create 75 high-skill engineering jobs within the first year.
Sep 12, 2026 · 3 min read

Top 9 Home Maintenance Tasks for Winter
The American Red Cross recommends gathering a one-month supply of nonperishable food, water, and medicine in case of a storm, highlighting the severe, prolonged disruptions winter weather can inflict.
Sep 12, 2026 · 5 min read

Aging Homes Fuel Home Services Sector Growth
Nearly 79% of U.S. homeowners are planning a repair or replacement project in 2026, yet a significant portion, 77%, are simultaneously delaying these essential projects or reducing their scope due to
Sep 10, 2026 · 6 min read

AI's Ascent in Home Services: Automation Booms Amidst Emerging Divide
An AI employee named Larry now handles call answering, job booking, and lead qualification for home service companies, operating with a proprietary memory that never forgets a customer interaction.
Sep 10, 2026 · 3 min read

Smart Home Security Systems 2026: A Buyer's Guide
Despite widespread smart home privacy concerns, users place the most trust in dedicated security devices and thermostats, often overlooking vulnerabilities in voice assistants.
Sep 9, 2026 · 3 min read

The State Group Acquires MelKay, Expanding MEP Services
The State Group has acquired MelKay, adding over 400 union tradespeople to its roster.
Sep 9, 2026 · 3 min read

Plumbtech expands HVAC and plumbing services into Watertown, CT
Plumbtech, LLC now offers Watertown, CT property owners a three-year workmanship warranty for all expanded HVAC and plumbing services.
Sep 8, 2026 · 3 min read

Labor Day 2026 home improvement sales feature kitchen, patio deals
Walmart is slashing $200 off its Mainstays Chelsea Outdoor Patio 4-Piece Sectional Dining Set, a prime example of the deep discounts available this Labor Day.
Sep 8, 2026 · 2 min read