Blog - Rosie on the House

When we think of neighbors, many of us tend to think of the people next door, across the street, or directly behind our houses. There are many more neighbors to consider and many factors that make each of us different. At the end of the day, we are members of the same community. Being neighborly, among other things, means being kind and helpful to those in our community...

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Mr. Rogers was on to something when he sang “It’s a beautiful day in this neighborhood, A beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?” - Do you know your neighbors? Do they know you? The Pew Research Center reported in 2018 that four-in-ten rural residents say they know all or most of their neighbors; the shares are smaller among those living in urban (24%) and suburban (28%) areas. Getting to know your neighbors is the first step to becoming a good neighbor. If you are new to your neighborhood, don’t wait for the proverbial welcome wagon to come calling. Be proactive, get out of your comfort zone and meet them!...

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At the end of each year we enjoy looking back on the topics that were of the most interest. Despite another year of uncertainty, people were still interested in home improvement. Regardless of working or schooling at home, things around the house still need fixing, improving, and updating. This week we revisit the five most popular blogs from 2021 and a couple of honorable mentions. Some of the most viewed blogs have been in our top five list before...

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We've spent all year talking about taking care of your home. If you are a DIYer who spends all weekend crossing tasks off your honey-do list, it's time to take care of yourself. Put down the caulking gun, hammer, weed whacker, or whatever gadget you are using, and go explore Arizona! The weather is perfect! From museums, monuments, state and national parks, Arizona is home to a bounty of activities that fit the adrenaline junkie to the leisurely stroller and everyone in between...

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The time will come when we seek some indoor heat. From your central heating system to your honey, there are a lot of heating options to choose from. Let’s take a look...

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I love stalking the National Hardware Show each year to find new products to share with our listeners and readers. I also love the sense of nostalgia that comes from the American-made products that return year after year and are household staples. This year I visited from afar via laptop computer. And though I missed the hands-on experience, I still enjoyed the hunt for new products and seeing our tried-and-true favorites. A big theme for this year was outdoor living. For many, that includes food: cooking it, storing it, prepping it! It is a great way to pass the time with those you love. I always gravitate to quality products that are well made and are intended to last...

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Thanksgiving weekend is the time many households start decorating for Christmas. If you are like many households, sorting through last year's decorations and gift wrap is nothing short of a nightmare of knotted ribbons, bows, broken baubles, and tangled lights. Before you start decorating and gift wrapping, get organized! Rosie-Certified Partner, Get Organized with Bridges + Co., offers these quick and easy organizing tips that will help decrease the stress and chaos during the holiday rush this month...

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Texture in interior design is more than how furnishings and surfaces feel. It is also about incorporating visual texture in the form of tactile objects such as fabrics, wood, metal, and stone. Mixing materials to complement surfaces while providing comfort and enhancing depth and dimension to a room takes the skill of an experienced interior designer. We consulted with Rochelle Horn, CKBD, sales and design, Rosie Right | Design. Build. Remodel. One of the trends Horn is seeing a lot of is leathered or...

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Vinyl flooring plank continues to be a popular flooring choice. According to Mitch Taylor owner of Bram Flooring, it's been trending for the past eight years. Now the system is seeing moisture failures requiring repairs that are catching contractors by surprise. Not all vinyl flooring that was installed in the past eight years is failing. Taylor noted that his company has only had to fix one of their original installations, which the manufacturer is funding. However, the industry has learned some things about how the flooring should be applied as a result...

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If you are like most homeowners, you don’t think you have enough storage space. Hmm, you may have more than you think. Here are some nooks and crannies that make excellent storage options...

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The throne. The porcelain goddess. The loo. No matter what you call the toilet, it needs to work when you do your business; so do the water heater and faucets. When these items don't work, leak, or are backed up, who do you call? A plumber – one licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors... A plumber’s duties, for lack of a better word, are much more than unclogging a toilet or fixing a leaky faucet...

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When the temperature in our homes is comfortable, we tend to forget about the people who make our comfort possible. On that first cold morning when the winter chill arrives and the heat doesn’t kick on, we may find ourselves scrambling for an HVAC contractor... There is a lot of skill and knowledge that goes with being an HVAC installer or technician. HVAC repair and installation is not a DIY project. Always hire an HVAC contractor licensed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors...

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Our homes will always need updating, repairs, and maintenance. The electrical systems are one of the most important functions of our homes that need such attention...“there are other home improvement jobs that you should not do under any circumstances without assistance from the pros. An electrical wiring job is a good example of this.” Safety is paramount, especially when it comes to electrical work...

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Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and ended on the 10th. Since 1922, the NFPA (National Fire Prevention Association) has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance. This year’s FPW campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about the different sounds...

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Fiberglass is a versatile material that’s used in many applications. You’ll find it in everything from boats and airplanes to the insulation in your own home. Now fiberglass has made its way into windows. Pella, a Rosie-Certified Partner, offer a different kind of window -- fiberglass...

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Pets are a big deal, and for those of us who have pets, they are considered part of the family. Some people refer to their pets as their furbabies or four-legged children. 90.5 million U.S. households own a pet, with dogs leading at 69.0%, cats at 45.3% followed by fish, reptiles, horses, and other small animals. Like us, our pets want to feel loved, secure, safe, and comfortable. Here are some ideas to help you create a space that makes your pet feel like a member of the family...

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Arizona is home to an assortment of stunning and mysterious wildlife and plantlife. As beautiful as the Arizona desert is, there are threats to your pets that you need to be aware of; animals on the prowl, plants that hurt, and a virus that could prove fatal. The Arizona Game & Fish Department, Carrie Pawpins, Animal & Surgical Center of North Scottsdale, PetMD, and the American Kennel Club offer these preventive measures. You will want to find the problem before your pets do...

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On October 1st, 2021, APS is scheduled to reduce its solar energy buy-back rate. This means that anyone who goes solar after September 30th will earn less when they sell their excess energy back to APS. The good news is that you still have time to lock in today's better rates for 10 years if you sign up to go solar before the deadline...

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Thinking about livening up your backyard? Perhaps you are also interested in attracting wildlife and birds? Now that fall is approaching, start planning your backyard habitat and enjoy the birds, butterflies, and lizards that pop by for a visit...

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After weeks of monsoon rains, you may have noticed a lot of puddles and dirt in your neighborhood. Or you may have noticed washouts as you skidded on loose dirt rounding a corner. Some of the water may have naturally flowed from small washes between homes, but some may have flowed from someone else's property and onto yours. What's a homeowner to do? Here are some basics regarding how drainage is determined in planning for homes and communities:...

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