Blog - Rosie on the House

Thinking about having the ducts in your home cleaned? Before you grab one of the many ductwork cleaning coupons that came in the mail, let’s talk about why, when, and who should clean your home’s ductwork...

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Replacing windows in your home is no small decision, and the choice of materials used in the window frame and sashes have a powerful impact on the price you’ll pay and how long they will last. Two of the most popular choices are vinyl and fiberglass windows. “We often find ourselves comparing the pros and cons of each, so that our customers have enough information to make a decision, but hands down, fiberglass replacement windows are our top choice,” says Sal Sucato, owner at DunRite Windows & Doors, a Rosie-Certified Partner. It’s not always the right choice for every homeowner, though there are key differences to each material that can determine which one is the best choice for your home...

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No doubt you have seen the stories on the news about the water shortages in the Southwest. We even made national news! KTAR reported on May 4, 2022, that the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced plans to hold back approximately 480,000 acre-feet of water in Lake Powell to maintain Glen Canyon Dam's ability to produce hydropower for millions of homes and businesses in the region. That's roughly enough water to serve 1 million to 1.5 million average households annually. What Does The Drought Mean For Homeowners?...

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Living in Arizona is unlike living anywhere else. Where else can you wander amongst the saguaros and within four hours, cruise through the pinions, up to the pines, and to the most amazing geological spectacle on Earth? Arizona. Where else can you go skiing and an hour later soak up the warm sun and go swimming all on the same day? Tucson. Where else can you see the original London Bridge without going to London? Lake Havasu. Are you one of Arizona’s newbies? If so, welcome! Being new to the Grand Canyon State there are some important things you need to know ...

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The property may not be how it appears in the listing photos | In the market for a new-to-you home? Have you noticed that some look amazing in the listing’s photos and then when visiting find that looks can be deceiving? Home sale listings are kind of like dating profiles -- what is presented online isn't always reality. The real estate market across the country is loaded with investors who are buying and flipping houses for a profit. While the updates may look great, they may only be cosmetic to attract buyers...

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The Benefits of Hardwood Flooring | With all the innovations in flooring, it can be easy to forget that wood floors have been around for centuries. Wood has withstood the test of time as a flooring material. A solid wood floor is more than a covering; it adds strength and stability to the floor system. A one-inch thickness of wood has the same insulating value as fifteen inches of concrete. Wood is durable and long-lasting – occasional sanding and refinishing essentially results in a brand-new floor. The smooth surface of a wood floor does not retain mildew or absorb dust or dirt, therefore, greatly simplifying cleaning while keeping allergens down in your living space...

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When the summertime temperatures start soaring, you need an air conditioning system that can keep your home, and thus, you, comfortable. This year is not the year to forego maintenance or replacement of worn-out parts. Supply chain challenges continue to make procuring parts and equipment very challenging. Plus, cost increases and labor decreases are making service unusually difficult. Learn why you should not wait to schedule your air conditioning maintenance, repairs, or replacement...

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This Old House, pioneered home improvement TV and debuted on February 20, 1979, before some of today's home improvement reality TV personalities were born! Today there are 30 home improvement shows on HGTV alone. At Rosie on the House, we are thrilled that homeowners are inspired to start home improvement projects! There are some great, inspiring, and educational home improvement shows out there. When watching these shows, keep in mind that first and foremost, these shows should be considered entertainment. The networks they appear on are looking for ratings, and they will go to great lengths to get them and that is the problem...

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When it comes to comparing roofing estimates, education is key. Knowing and understanding what you are reading in the quotes and what the estimators are telling you will help you make an informed decision. A new roof can be a costly investment. You want to be as informed as possible before signing a contract. Rosie on the House Certified Partner, Canyon State Roofing offers these tips when evaluating your options and comparing quotes...

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When it comes to buying windows and doors, there are many things you need to consider, ask, and prepare. Most importantly, you must have a realistic idea of how much new windows and doors cost. Then you can budget appropriately and look at products in your price range. In essence, don't look for a Bentley when your budget allows for a Honda. Let’s go through the process...

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You might have noticed kitchen remodel trends shifting recently, with open shelves replacing upper cabinets and bright colors replacing pale neutrals. Bathroom trends have shifted, too, moving away from pale colors to an abundance of natural textures and more luxury spa features. Major trends in home improvements and remodeling shift several times each decade, and windows are no different. The newest hot trend in Arizona? Black windows...

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Your home’s windows are the windows to your world. To get a clear picture of what is in your world and to ensure your windows are working efficiently, it is crucial that cleaning, checking for, and repairing damage are a part of your home’s regular maintenance plan. In addition, certain things could affect your windows that you should and should not do...

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How old are the windows and doors in your home? If you have an older home, it may be time to consider replacing them with better-engineered versions. Don't put up with the aggravation any longer. Pella, a Rosie-Certified Partner, explains the top five benefits of replacing old or inefficient windows and doors...

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Whether your walls were painted recently or a while ago, they must be part of your cleaning regimen. Regularly cleaned walls will keep the paint looking its best and extend the life of the paint. Check out our tips on general interior paint cleaning, cleaning by finish type, and cleaning other painted materials...

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With the inventory of resale homes on the market at a low and the inflated costs of buying one still rising, many homeowners are choosing to remodel rather than sell and buy a new home. A remodel can make your home feel brand new. At Rosie on the House, we love remodeling! However, there are a couple of issues that you must be mindful of – asbestos and lead. We’ve discussed them before and because they are so important, we are talking about them again, especially now as remodeling projects have been on the rise and will continue to do so...

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There's not much that can as easily refresh the look and feel of your home as a fresh coat of paint. But before you slap a coat of paint on the wall, there are a few things to consider and do to ensure the paint will look its best and last as long as intended such as proper prep and having the right tools...

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Are you still spending more time at home than before 2020? It may be time for a change of scenery. If traveling is not an option, a refresh of your home may be just what the doctor ordered. Updating your home’s pallet can infuse new life into your home and you. Discover the best way to pick your paint color, the 2022 colors of the year, and how to determine if you want to tackle a painting project as a DIY or not...

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We all have one, maybe more – the neighbor who drives you nuts. How do you avoid ending up in a house with such neighbors? How do you deal with them if they just moved in or after years of putting up with their shenanigans, how do you make them stop? There are all types of "bad" neighbors. Discover what you can do to scope out the community before you move in. If you have an existing problem or a problem that just moved in, let’s start by learning how we can resolve the neighborly conflict - it is possible for everybody to get along...

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Being a good neighbor is more than just loaning someone a tool or a cup of sugar. The cleanliness and tidiness of your outdoor spaces can affect your neighbors. ... Even if you don't live in a community that enforces rules, it’s important to keep your front and back yard clean and tidy. If you don’t, you may find yourself unpopular with your neighbors. Instead, earn some popularity points with these tips...

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A front porch provides opportunities for people to meet and connect with their neighbors, often developing close, life-long friendships. Spending more time outside at the front of the house will improve communication between you and your neighbors. Keeping the lines of communication open through in-person contact is an important part of being a good neighbor. It’s hard to do that from your backyard or inside your house. Move some of your outside activities from the backyard to the front porch, such as enjoying your morning coffee or happy hour. Wave and say "hi" to your neighbors out for their walks. In time, you will become familiar with everyone's walk schedules. If you build it, they will sit! Here's how to create a cozy and welcoming front porch...

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