Author: Platinum Team

This post is part of our Conversations at Home series, which aims to help spark positive and fruitful discussions in your home. It’s born out of the spirit of one of our company core values here at Platinum — Gratitude: “We focus our minds on the good stuff.” We hope you find these conversation starters to be helpful!

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How do you approach the transition into a New Year? Are you gungho about goals… or more skeptical about resolutions?

We’re in the “a bit of both” camp! Sure, it can be a tad cliche to get all reflective, but it also seems a shame to not embrace the chance to process where we’ve been and what’s to come. In our humble opinion, it’s helpful to have a marker that breaks up the flow of the year. It keeps us from living life on autopilot or getting into a rut!

So, we’d love to offer a few questions at this time of transition. If you’re up for it, feel free to choose one (or multiple!), and see what bubbles up…

• What word or theme would you like to guide your year?
• What would you like to see change?
• What are you excited about?
• Who do you want to connect with?
• What do you want to try?
• WILDCARD: Make up your own!

It’s up to you how you choose to use them. Take ‘em on as journal prompts. Pepper them into your conversations with friends, family or coworkers! Save ‘em for a rainy day. You get to decide what will help you in this moment of your life :)

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Got home repair needs that are weighing you down? We get it! The realities of homeownership are ever present, but you don’t have to take it all on yourself. Reach out to us at 602.733.5000. 

When buying a new home, it can bring peace of mind to have the locks changed. With brand new locks and keys in hand, you don’t have to fret about who may have had access to your property prior to your ownership. 

And, it doesn’t have to be complicated figuring out a locksmith to use because…

Your home warranty includes rekeying coverage!

Yep, rekeying is included with all of our major home warranty plans! It’s one of the lesser known benefits of having a home warranty with Platinum. Instead of searching for yet another service provider, you already have a go-to! Simply call us :)

When you schedule rekeying as part of your home warranty coverage, you pay a reduced cost – just the service fee, as opposed to the full rate for the service. The coverage includes up to 6 keyholes and 4 copies of keys, and you can add on additional keyholes or keys as needed. 

Here’s when to schedule rekeying…

If you’re buying a new property, be sure to factor rekeying into your closing schedule. It’s great to have the locksmith out as soon as you’re able to after closing. Keep in mind – your new home warranty must be in place to schedule the service as part of that coverage.

A bonus point for real estate agents – many agents have shared with us how much their clients appreciate their help with rekeying. You can be the one to point out this coverage and help them ensure it’s scheduled appropriately within the timeline of closing on the property. They’ll love you for it!

FAQs about rekeying

Q: Do all home warranties include rekeying?

All Platinum Home Warranty plans include rekeying. Other companies may vary.

Q: If I don’t have a home warranty, can you help me with rekeying?

Yes! We’re glad to help you get scheduled with a trusted locksmith. Call 602.733.5000 for more info. 

Q: If I’m not buying or selling a home, can I still request rekeying?

Yes! Though rekeying is most commonly requested when buying or selling a home, you can choose to use the service at any time you desire. Our home warranties include one single rekeying service within the one-year policy term – whenever you choose to use it.

Have questions about rekeying or our home warranties?

Give us a call at 602.733.5000, and we can walk you through our offerings and any questions you may have!

It’s a good idea to flush your water heater once per year or anytime you change your element. Your water heater builds up sediment and minerals that break down the tank liner and components. This can lead to premature failure and excess energy use.

To flush your gas water heater:

1. Set your pilot light valve down to the “pilot” setting. Do not turn off the gas to the heater.

2. Turn off the water supply, both hot and cold.

3. Attach a garden hose to the drainage valve at the bottom of your tank.

4. Round the other end of the hose to the outside of your home or garage to drain.

5. Turn on a hot water faucet in the house from a nearby source to allow air into the top of your tank.

6. Turn on the drain valve, and allow the tank to empty for five minutes.

7. Once the tank has completely emptied, turn on the cold water supply to flush out any remaining sediment from the tank.

8. After 5 minutes, inspect the water being evacuated and look for any sediment. If it’s clear, you’ve properly flushed your tank of accumulated matter. Disconnect the hose.

9. Return the pilot control to the previous setting and allow ample time for the water to heat back up. Next, turn on the hot water supply.

10. Your tank should now be ready to use.

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Need support in taking care of your water heater or another system or appliance? We’re happy to help! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000.

This post is part of our Conversations at Home series, which aims to help spark positive and fruitful discussions in your home. It’s born out of the spirit of one of our company core values here at Platinum — Gratitude: “We focus our minds on the good stuff.” We hope you find these conversation starters to be helpful!

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When Thanksgiving rolls around, what do you crave? Turkey and stuffing? A massive pile of mashed potatoes and gravy? Perfectly spiced pumpkin pie? 

Yep, we’ll have double helping of all those, please! ;) 

Beyond the food cravings, many of us are craving something else – meaningful connections and heartfelt moments with family and friends. To help facilitate those thoughtful connections, we’re revisiting our good ole’ Conversation Starters series! These questions can help you bring more reflective and uplifting conversations to your holiday table.

Pick one or more question(s) to create positive conversation:

• What are you grateful for? – Gotta include this classic, of course ;)
• What’s brought you joy recently?
• When has someone’s generosity really touched you?
• What do you want to experience more of in your life?
• Who inspires you, and why?
• WILDCARD: Make up your own

Whoever you’re with, however you’re celebrating, may your day be filled with loads of gratitude, good eats and good vibes! 

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And yes… life is full of practical logistics too, isn’t it?! If home repair needs pop up along the way, we’re here to help! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000. 

If you’re asking this question, you’re not alone! We hear it most frequently from first home buyers, but it can be an area of confusion for seasoned homeowners too. Home warranties and homeowners insurance each protect your home, but they cover different things. 

A home warranty covers repair and replacement costs of systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Some commonly covered items include air conditioning and heating issues, plumbing stoppages, water heater repair and replacement and garbage disposal replacements. 

Homeowners insurance provides insurance against natural disasters and calamities, such as a fire, tornado or burglary. It typically covers structures of the house, personal belongings and liability protection. Homeowners insurance is often required if you purchase a home with a mortgage. 

Neither a home warranty nor homeowners insurance can completely safeguard you from problems and expenses that may arise as a homeowner. However, each helps provide some protection to reduce unexpected expenses. Homeowners can benefit greatly from having both a home warranty and homeowners insurance in place. 

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Looking for more information about our home warranties and the protection they provide? Give us a call at 602.733.5000! We’re glad to answer any questions and help ensure you get the coverage you need.

 

 

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This post is part of our Life at Home series. Here we explore different thinking, techniques or tools related to the concept of a home and what it means to live well in ours.

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Our days demand a heck of a lot of us. The outside world often feels like an unpredictable and uncomfortable rollercoaster, which makes our homes especially important!

Home is our place of grounding. It’s a safe space we can return to again and again for comfort, renewal and strength. And, we have a hunch that most of our homes could use a little more joy these days.

So, we’ve come up with three easy ways to infuse more of that positive spirit…  

1. Turn on the tunes

This one is so dang easy. Why do we forget how powerful it is?! Choose some music that lifts your spirits and invites you to sing or dance along. Whether it’s an 80’s playlist, some classic Elton John, poppy Harry Styles or something else entirely – crank it up! 

Apparently listening to music can release dopamine – that naturally-occuring feel good chemical – in the brain, so be sure to enjoy the mood boost!

2. Add a flair of fun to your environment

What small changes can you make to lighten the mood in your home? Give your imagination the reigns. Do you want to… spice up your throw pillows? Paint your front door a vibrant color? Add some houseplants?

Pay attention to your emotional response to each idea. Which feels exciting, uplifting or intriguing? Let positive feelings guide you to the best shifts for you! Soak up those feelings and seize the opportunity to make a shift.

3. Invite your favorite people over

It doesn’t have to be a formal thing. Who do you love being around? Who do you love laughing with?

Invite them over for a casual gathering – perhaps some simple snacks, good conversation and lots of laughs. Or, make it a baking party with a simple cookie recipe. Whatever you choose –  gear your conversations towards topics that feel positive and nourishing for your spirits. 

Make joy a priority

Strangely, we often don’t feel like we have the permission to make joy a priority. But, go ahead, and write your own permission slip. 

You’re meant to experience joy daily. Take whatever small steps you can to let more joy unfold. After all, if it puts you into a lighter, more positive mood it’s bound to bring goodness to all around you :)

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PS – If the not-so-lovely realities of home repairs are sapping your joy – we’re here for you! Give us a call at 602.733.5000.

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This post is part of our At Home In Metro Phoenix series. Here we explore conversations or local happenings related to this wonderful city and community.

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You may have noticed – things are booming here in Phoenix! Clearly folks have gotten the memo that our wonderful city has so much to offer. As people flock to the Valley of the Sun, let’s celebrate five of the many reasons we love Phoenix…

1. Sunshine - It’s called the Valley of the Sun with good reason :) For the better part of the year, the sun offers us an ongoing invitation to enjoy the great outdoors. With an annual average of around 299 days of sun, it’s easy to get your regular dose of natural vitamin D! True, those rays of sunshine can get intense in the peak summer months, but for most of us, that beats living where gray days are the norm for extended periods. 

2. Desert Beauty - There’s something special about the mountain ranges that define our city, isn’t there? The grounding vibes. The natural beauty. An opportunity to get in touch with nature right here in town. Whether you’re gazing at Papago, hiking Camelback Mountain, or adventuring around South Mountain, the mountains are wonderful companions. Add in incredible desert sunsets filled with vibrant hues and distinct desert plants and cacti… there’s just so much natural beauty to appreciate in the desert!

3. Location - It’s that oft-repeated phrase in real estate – location, location, location! Phoenix’s location is indeed prime! When we want a getaway, we have solid options. A voyage to one of the seven natural wonders of the world – the Grand Canyon? A trip out to the coast? Road trips to these destinations are very doable. Not to mention all the other wonderful spots in the state to explore – Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff, Jerome, Tombstone… We could go on and on!

4. Good Eats - As far as dining goes, Phoenix just keeps upping the ante! We’re constantly seeing new local spots popping up, boasting a lively ambiance and tasty eats. Whether you’re a full on foodie or an occasional diner, there’s much to delight your taste buds. 

5. Sports & Such - Phoenix is a great city for sports lovers too! We have strong professional sports teams to cheer on, spring training, golf tournaments, horse and auto shows… the works! Even if you’re not a sports fanatic, the activities that roll around offer a nice change of pace. And if you’re the hosting sort, these events are the perfect reason for out-of-town family and friends to come visit!

These five are just the beginning! Let this inspire a moment of appreciation for your own favorites about Phoenix. And, if you’re having one of those “grass is greener” moments envying another locale – particularly in the summer – revisit this one to revive your appreciation for your home town :) 

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PS – Our support team – based right here in Metro Phoenix too – is here for you! Give us a call at 602.733.5000 for help with your home warranty or other home repair needs!

This post is part of our Conversations at Home series, which aims to help spark positive and fruitful discussions in your home. It’s born out of the spirit of one of our company core values here at Platinum -- Gratitude: “We focus our minds on the good stuff.” We hope you find these conversations starters to be helpful!

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If you’re anything like us, you may find that sometimes… a lot of times… moments at home become a bit of a dash (remember this post?). Instead of savoring our tasks and conversations, we hurry through it all, endlessly diving into the next task.

But, we’re hungry for more than that. We crave more meaningful conversations. We want to slow things down a notch... or two… or 20… ;) And, we want to make sure we focus our minds on the good stuff.

To help us do just that, we’re equipping ourselves with a few thoughtful questions, and we hope you’ll join us in putting them to use. It’s your call when and where to bust them out -- be that at the dinner table, before bedtime or on a walk in the neighborhood!

Pick one or more question(s) to create positive conversation this week:

• Name one person you deeply admire. Why do you admire them so?

• What is something you want to do this month that you’ve never done before?

• What’s your favorite trip you’ve ever been on?

• What’s one beautiful quality about yourself?

• What’s something that made you smile recently?

• WILDCARD: Make up your own!

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And, as far as all the practical life logistics go, remember – you can count on us for help taking care of your home! Reach out to us at 602.733.5000. 

You know what’s beautiful about this day and age we live in? The endless options that exist to suit your preferences! To be able to choose precisely what color, material and pattern you desire – in anything from your car to your socks is pretty amazing.

You know what’s challenging about this day and age we live in? Deciding between all the options ;) Really, decision fatigue is no joke. 

We recognize making a decision about which home warranty plan is right for you can feel like just another addition to the decision overload. To help simplify your decision-making process, we’re walking you through the key questions to ask.

1. What type of property do you need coverage for?

• Single family (under 5,000 sq ft)
• Mobile home, condo or townhome
• Duplex
• Triplex
• Fourplex
• Single family (over 5,000 sq ft)
• New build

You’ll need to specify this for the proper coverage.

2. Do you need any of these big items covered?

• Washer and dryer + refrigerator

Our Prime and Superior plans include these coverages.

• Built-in pool and spa

Our Superior plan includes this coverage.

3. Do you want some of the extra bells and whistles that Platinum Plus includes?

This would be:

• Haul away 
• Additional modifications
• Disposal and recovery fees
• Enhanced garage door coverage
• Code violations
• Slab leaks
• Permit
• Improper installations and mismatched units
• Jetted tubs
• Dishwasher racks, rollers and baskets
• Coverage for labor on manufacture warrantied parts

Platinum Plus is offered as part of our Standard Plus, Prime and Superior plans. Be sure to select one of those plans if you want to ensure this added protection.

4. What optional coverages do you need?

• Additional fridge
• Washer/dryer
• Built-in pool/spa
• Salt pool upgrade
• Additional pool pump
• Drip and sprinkler system
• Septic coverage
• Soft water system
• Additional dishwasher
• Additional garage door opener
• Built-in kitchen freezer
• Enhanced appliance aggregate

These items can be individually added to the main plan of your choice to customize to your specific needs. For more details on specific coverages, be sure to see our Terms and Conditions too. 

5. Did these questions help you define the right plan and options for you?

If so, you can get a clear chart with pricing on all of this over on our Plans and Pricing page and proceed to order through the website. 

If you need more support, give us a call at 602.733.5000. We can help you get clear on what plan and options you need to protect your home.

What is covered in a Platinum home warranty? And, what isn’t covered? We’re asked these questions often! 

In a dream world, a home warranty would cover ALL things related to your home. But the reality is — we don’t cover everything. We think it’s important that you know that from the get-go. Though we aim to provide fair coverage, there are items that lie beyond our offerings. Some basics as to what we do and don’t cover are included below. 

What are some examples of covered items? 

Your home warranty covers systems or appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. These systems and appliances must have been maintained in line with manufacturer recommendations and meet federal, state and local manufacturer specifications and industry codes and standards. Some commonly covered items include:

• air conditioning and heating issues
• appliance repairs
• plumbing stoppages
• water heater repair and replacement
• garbage disposal replacement
• electrical repair and replacement

This is just the tip of the iceberg! For more specifics, see our Coverage Terms and Conditions. 

What are some examples of non-covered items? 

It is important to understand that a home warranty will NOT cover all possible repairs on your home’s systems and appliances. Common non-covered items include:

• improper maintenance
• damage from pets or pests
• acts of God
• manufacturer recall
• obsolete parts
• cosmetic repairs

While maintenance is not included as part of your warranty contract, we can help arrange assistance for reduced fees. Maintenance includes items such as air conditioning coil cleaning, hot water heater flushing, and pool filters and filtration cleaning.

For more specifics, see our Coverage Terms and Conditions. 

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If you have more coverage questions, give us a call at 602.733.5000. We’re glad to help you understand what to expect!

Ready to order your warranty? Check out your Plan & Pricing options here.