How We Choose What to Recommend
Here’s why you can trust us.
Here’s the Deal
We get it—when you’re shopping for your home, you want honest advice from people who actually know their stuff. That’s exactly what we’re here for: Every product we recommend goes through a real vetting process because we know our suggestions influence your actual purchases and projects. We don’t take that lightly! So we’re giving you a peek inside how we choose the items you see on DrewandJonathan.com, whether it’s small decor or a larger investment piece you’ll use for years.
What We Look For
When we’re considering a product to feature, here’s what matters to us:
–Does it actually work in real homes? We think about whether it’ll fit different styles and setups, not just picture-perfect showrooms.
–Is it worth the money? We compare it to similar products to make sure you’re getting solid value. We also try and recommend options at different price points so there’s something for everyone.
–Will it last? We do our homework on durability and the item’s claims to hold up.
–Does it make sense financially? Not just the sticker price—we think about maintenance costs, how long it’ll last, and what you’re really paying over time.
How We Test and Evaluate
The Research Phase
Before anything makes it onto our site, we:
-Research what’s leading the market, as well as what’s new and exciting.
-When necessary, dig into manufacturer specs and certifications (the boring but important stuff).
-Read and consider customer reviews, professional ratings, and what people are saying in forums like Reddit.
-Consider sustainability and/or how long products typically last.
-Get hands-on with testing when we can.
-Talk to the pros when possible—contractors, designers, and tradespeople.
Keeping Up Over Time
Our job doesn’t stop once we recommend something. We:
-Keep tabs on how products perform long-term.
-Monitor customer feedback and satisfaction.
-Update our recommendations if there are recalls, new versions, or if something stops living up to our standards.
Our Editors’ Experience
Our Team of Experts
Our editors, writers, trend forecasters, and, of course, Drew and Jonathan, have decades of combined experience in home improvement and design. We’re committed to giving you the best advice based on real expertise—not just what’s trending or what pays the most.
Our Editorial Independence
In addition to our research, our team is also guided by the following:
-Merit matters most. We recommend products because they’re actually good, period.
-We’re upfront about sponsored content. If something’s an ad or partnership, we make it super obvious.
-When we recommend products, we’ll tell you if we earn a commission (you can find our affiliate link disclaimer at the top of our articles).
-We’ll be very clear when we’ve tested something ourselves and give it a staff stamp of approval.
–Bottom line: Our readers alway come first.
But We’re Always Getting Better
We regularly review and update our product picks to make sure they still meet our standards. Things change, products get updated, and we stay on top of it.
Want to Weigh In?
Got feedback on something we recommended? Had a different experience with a product? We want to hear about it. Your input helps us get better at what we do, and to serve you and the whole community better.
Thanks for trusting us with your home projects. We’re so happy you’re here.