Top 2020 Trends: Universal Design & Multigenerational Housing Print

The Pond Gnome's Paul Holdeman talks about natural water feature ponds installed at homes. 

How features like waterfall, fountains, moving water blends into neighbor noise.  Living water features with fish, frogs and turtles is a large part of what they do.

Biggest trend now is recreational ponds that you can swim in with the fishes.

The Regents Apartments in North Scottsdale is a great example of their work.

Discussion of pond water management.  Water sources from municipal and rainwater collection.

Stacking functions of a pond.  Types of fish like koi, goldfish, catfish and game fish.

Pets like turtles, frogs and depending on your tolerance snakes.

A healthy pond full of fish is your top defense against mosquitos.  Paul explains.

Discussion of maintenance of a pond.  A relaxing past time for gardners.  Can you convert a swimming pool to a pond?

Justin Rohner of Queen Creek Botanical Gardens talks about the world's first all edible botanical garden.  Featuring theme gardens  like Japanese, Tropical, English, Greek and more!  Using pond features including a working waterwheel for grinding grain.  Justin describes the layout.  (Opening October 15th)

Discussion of recreational living ponds.  Ponds you can swim in with the fish, frogs, etc.  Various depths.  Paul tells about his most extreme pond 13 feet deep near Chicago.  Are their fencing rules?

Discussion of Universal Design with Todd Wittaker and Ron LaBrie of TWD Design Build Remodel.  Designing a home environment for access, understood and used to the greatest extent by people regardless of age, size, ability or disability.

Example of what questions to ask if you're moving a family member back to your home.  Needs for their ability to function in the home.

Some of the universal designs include grab bars in the bathroom, heights of door thresholds, countertops and electrical outlets.  Pull functions replacing knobs on cabinet doors.  Appliance controls.

Discussion of TWD's operation at the beginning of Covid to now.

Explanation why remodeling activity is 'off the charts'!

More universal design ideas on lighting.

Motion detection for hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms.  How ambiant lighting is now known as task lighting.  Controlling lit areas thru smartphones.  Developing blacklighting.

Demand for 2 master suites for multi-generational families.  Compare remodeling of an added master suite to the cost of assisted living.

Discussion of laundry rooms and private entrances.

Discussion of some of the Rosie customers who use Rosie Certified companies.  

Todd and Ron talk through what they do starting with that initial appointment.

Rosie thanks listeners for their concern about family members in the path of Hurricane Laura in Louisiana.

CALLER:  Has a soft water system in the garage.  When it gets hot, the water remains warm for minutes before it cools off.  Can you insulate the water softening loop?  

CALLER:  The astragal verticle door seals on french doors are bad and need replacing.  Need help in finding new seals.

Email response from a listener who thought Rosie was exaggerating about the many gallons of condensate you can get from the air conditioner for watering plants and trees. :)

Rosie On The House updates include complements from East Valley Floors, our video ban on You Tube and the big selling items at our E-Store.

CALLER:  Has a 1982 Malouf Builders home with hot spots in the home.  10 year old air conditioner with the original rigid duct work.  Where to begin to solve those hot spots.

Rosie's experience with Cloud based information source for Smart Thermostats.  

Most Asked Question Of The Week:  How to renew cultured marble tops.  Rosie explains.

The Rosie On The House Calendar offers from our partners.

Our Tip Of The Week:  Updating lighting for home security

CALLER:  Suggestions on how to sound proof double doors for a home studio.