Erika Skorstad is an editor for USA TODAY Homefront. She covers topics ranging from home warranties to lawn care. Previously, Erika edited content about venture capital, marketing and cloud computing. She has a BS in professional writing with a minor in interactive narrative. Her fiction has been published in Marathon Literary Review, Levitate Literary Magazine and the Burlington Writers Workshop Cold Lake Anthology. Outside of work, Erika enjoys reading psychological thrillers, doing yoga, going on nature walks and spending time with her sassy black cat, Cassie. She lives in Washington.
Gexa Energy is a retail electricity provider (REP) that serves every deregulated energy market in Texas. Since its inception in 2002, Gexa has focused on providing renewable energy options for its customers. Its commitment to renewable energy sources, variety of plan choices and competitive pricing give Gexa Energy a place among the leading REPs in…
If light streaming through rectangular glass above a door — or a frosty-paned semicircle smartly positioned above another window — reminds you of yesteryear, it’s for good reason: Transom windows have been around since at least the 14th century. These compact windows serve many style and functional purposes, from adding natural light and airflow to…
Termites are small but mighty and can cause costly damage to buildings and infrastructure. Often, homeowners insurance does not cover termite damage, according to Joe Malinowski, vice president of pest management at Pest Authority. Luckily, several treatment options can remove termites from your home. But how long will these treatments last? Typically, termite treatments last…
A well-designed roofing system keeps a house comfortable and protected from the elements. Proper attic ventilation is a key part of that system, and roof ridge vents are among the most popular ventilation options. So, what is a ridge vent, and how does it benefit you to have one? A ridge vent is a low-profile…
Maybe some of your rooms feel drafty, making you wonder whether your home’s heating or cooling is working effectively — or maybe you’ve noticed visible signs of caulk peeling off or cracking. It could be time to recaulk your home’s windows. Some windows have caulk along all of the seams, inside and out. As your…
Sunday Lawn Care is a subscription-based lawn care company that delivers tailored lawn care product combinations to your door. The company analyzes your property via satellite imaging, asks questions about your lawn and sends tailored items that best suit your needs. During my research, a Sunday rep offered me the ability to test its Grow…
Home warranties are service contracts that companies offer homeowners to cover repairs or replacements for home appliances and systems. However, customers’ general consensus on home warranties isn’t favorable — many customers rate home warranty companies poorly on third-party review sites such as the Better Business Bureau. We found that one of the most common complaints…
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