Hearthstone is the field journal for the trades — written by people who've stood on the same roofs, pulled the same wire, and called the same inspectors. No fluff. Just the work.
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Briefing
Read by contractors at ServiceTitan, HomeAdvisor, and Angi Pro partners.
Hearthstone Field Report
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Code Watch:
2026 NEC Updates
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Roofing · Spring Prep
Hard water destroyed a new water heater in 14 months. Here's the pre-install checklist that prevents it.
"I've seen more callbacks from skipping the water test than from any other single mistake."
Dan Kowalski
8 min read
Weather windows, crew fatigue, and material lead times — the seasonal planning that separates $800K years from $1.2M ones.
Marcus Trevino
11 min read
The code text is 400 words. The enforcement reality is different in every jurisdiction. We called twelve inspectors.
"The code says 'all kitchen countertop outlets.' Three inspectors had three different definitions of countertop."
Priya Nair
14 min read
Retention isn't about pay alone. The interview question that predicts 24-month tenure — and the red flag that predicts two weeks.
Jennifer Okafor
9 min read
What every trade needs to do in the first eight weeks of the season. Built from interviews with 40 owner-operators across 12 states.
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Spring 2026 Field Report
"The contractors who pre-order materials in February are the ones who close out May with a full schedule. Everyone else is scrambling for crew and shingles at the same time."
In This Guide
Compiled from field interviews and warranty claim data. Items marked by trade — use what applies to your shop.
Inspect flashing around chimneys and skylights after freeze-thaw cycles
Flush water heaters and check anode rods before peak demand season
Test GFCI outlets in garages and exterior circuits — NEC 2026 compliance
Schedule permit pulls by March 1 to beat spring backlog at building departments
Clean evaporator coils and replace filters before first cooling cycle
40
Checklist items
12
States surveyed
40
Owner-operators
