Alyssa Trostle is an editor at USA TODAY Homefront. Having read dozens of warranty booklets from every vehicle manufacturer and over 100 sample contracts from third-party providers, Alyssa is an expert in the auto categories of warranty and shipping categories. Alyssa earned an MFA in creative writing with a concentration in creative nonfiction from Chatham University, which honed her skills in writing and editing both creative and professional content. In her spare time she enjoys reading contemporary fiction and following Pittsburgh sports.
The block foundation is made from concrete cinder blocks. These blocks are a mix of cement, sand and water, and are reinforced with steel. This makes them strong, while the two holes in the blocks make them easier to handle and better for insulation. Cinder blocks are a cost-effective option. Choosing the proper foundation is…
A foundation inspection can uncover serious issues in your home that may otherwise go unnoticed. This type of inspection goes beyond surface-level charm and aesthetics to assess the foundation that holds your home together. If you have cracks in your foundation, an inspection will tell you if they’re nonstructural or serious. Whether you’re a homeowner…
Ignoring a foundation crack can lead to costly repairs and compromise your home’s integrity. You should address foundation cracks immediately to prevent further damage. Whether you notice a crack in your basement wall or crawl space, understanding the best repair methods is essential. To provide the most reliable advice on foundation crack repairs, we consulted…
While foundation cracks can be concerning, spotting a fissure on your basement wall doesn’t mean your house is doomed. However, as a homeowner, it’s important to understand the different types of foundation cracks, what they relay about your home’s structural health and whether or not you need your foundation repaired. We spoke with Joshua Parrish,…
What are you up to this evening? Chances are you’ll turn on the AC when you get home. You’ll make dinner. You’ll watch TV or scroll on your phone. In short, you’ll use electricity — a lot of it. Electricity has become so seamlessly integrated into our everyday lives that safety concerns can easily recede…
Mole crickets, which get their name from their mole-like burrowing habits, disrupt your grass’s root systems, leading to patchy spots and unsightly damage. To get rid of mole crickets, start by identifying these pests, then choose the appropriate control methods, which could include hiring one of the best pest control companies. Regular monitoring and proper…
Bedbugs and ticks have a few similarities but many differences. Bedbugs trigger more frequent calls to the best pest control professionals, while ticks, often outdoor pests, don’t usually establish long-term infestations in homes. Still, both of these tiny, blood-sucking pests can wreak havoc on your peace of mind and health. “Both bedbugs and ticks cause…
Portable air conditioners can work well when you need to cool individual rooms without using a more effective air conditioning system, such as a window unit from one of the best air conditioning brands or an evaporative cooler. You can plug these units into an outlet, but you’ll still need window access to vent out…
An extended warranty is worth it on a new car when you plan to keep the vehicle for longer than the duration of its factory warranty, when the factory warranty is too short for your needs, or when you purchase a car that may need expensive repairs further down the line. Though the best new…
Like earwigs and centipedes, silverfish are known in the pest industry as “occasional invaders” because they enter homes seeking more hospitable habitats than they can find outdoors. Homeowners taking a nighttime visit to the bathroom might spot a metallic creepy-crawly darting across the floor. Silverfish are common household pests, earning their moniker from their fish-like…
The Chevy warranty protects the brand’s models, including the Chevrolet Silverado, the second-most popular-selling vehicle in 2024 thus far. The Chevrolet factory warranty only has 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage, meaning it’s not the best new car warranty available. While its factory warranty isn’t the longest, you…
A residential service contract is also called a home warranty or home service contract. While it doesn’t protect everything in the home — home warranties don’t typically cover the repair or replacement of structural elements of a home or specialty systems such as solar panels — they do cover the repair and replacement of certain…
American Honda sold over 1.3 million vehicles in 2023, increasing its sales by 33% from the previous year. The company is generally praised for the reliability of its vehicles, with the Honda warranty providing 3 years/36,000 miles of bumper-to-bumper coverage and 5 years/60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. In addition to offering standard coverage, the Honda…
We ranked Endurance as the best car warranty company because it has six coverage options, long term limits and monthly costs that are cheaper than the industry average. Autopom is another top pick because of its customer reviews that speak highly of the company. Most of the best car warranty companies offer similar options when…
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