Our Story

Most people buy a home without ever truly being shown how it works.

They receive paperwork, inspection reports, and closing documents. But after moving in, many homeowners are left wondering:

Where is the main water shut-off?
How often should the HVAC filter be replaced?
What should be maintained each season?
What systems actually keep the home running?

For many homeowners, the answer is simple: no one ever showed them.

Know Your Home was created to change that.

Derek Aarstad

For more than 15 years, Derek Aarstad has worked inside homes solving problems that homeowners didn’t even know existed.

His career began as an apartment maintenance technician where he handled everything from plumbing leaks and electrical issues to mechanical system failures. That role gave him a rare perspective — seeing the same types of problems appear again and again in residential homes.

Derek later moved into the HVAC industry, where he spent years diagnosing heating and cooling systems, airflow problems, moisture issues, and comfort complaints. Working inside thousands of homes, he began to notice a pattern.

Most homeowners weren’t neglecting their homes.

They simply had never been taught how their homes worked.

Know Your Home was created to bridge that gap. Derek now walks homeowners through the major systems in their home, explaining what they do, where they are located, and what maintenance keeps them operating properly.

This service is designed to educate and empower homeowners. It is not a home inspection and does not replace one.

Laura Aarstad

Laura Aarstad brings over 15 years of customer service experience and is often the first person homeowners interact with when scheduling a Know Your Home orientation.

She understands that many homeowners feel overwhelmed when it comes to home systems and maintenance. Laura’s role is to make the process simple, welcoming, and easy to navigate.

From scheduling appointments to answering questions and helping homeowners feel comfortable throughout the process, Laura ensures that every homeowner has a positive and supportive experience.

Why We Do This

A home is one of the most important investments people make, yet many homeowners are never given the opportunity to truly understand it.

Know Your Home was created to give homeowners something they rarely receive after buying a house — a clear understanding of how their home actually works.

Through a guided home orientation, we help homeowners locate critical shut-offs, understand mechanical systems, and learn what maintenance helps protect their home long term.

Because when homeowners understand their homes, they can take better care of them.