Innovations in Kitchen Remodeling Print

Callers:

• Tim - He noticed his apple tree has a grub worm on it and a damaged area. What should he do? Also, his nectarine fruit was covered with a sticky residue and the skin was damaged, so he got no edible fruit.

Recommendation - Jerry talks through Tim's options to get rid of the insects and when it might be okay to cut the damaged part off of it. Most of the time, letting a wound heal naturally is the best option. Think about adding a fungicide on the wound, just don't cover it up.  The sticky residue is probably a thrip, that can be treated with a spray.

*If you find a specific critter and don't know what to do. Put it in a plastic bag and take it to your local nursery for help! 

*The "Thrip" residue is a nuisance, but not harmful. Tim can just wash the fruit off and its still edible.

Callers:

• Cheryl - She recently lost 4 Chilean mesquite trees in a storm this year and needs to replace them. Should they stick with the mesquite again and what can they do to make sure the damage doesn't happen again.

Recommendation - The mesquite tree is a good fit. Jerry talks through the common mistakes in watering and tree care that make them susceptible to damage.  Over-watering causes damage to the root system...slow and deep watering. 

*The crew discusses how most "trees" in the desert are actually bushes and how to correctly water and care for them here.

• Richard - He lives around 2100 feet of elevation and wants to know how deep he should bury his irrigation to ensure it won't freeze and burst.

Recommendation - Polyethylene piping is becoming more and more popular because its less rigid as PVC and has some flexibility to prevent damage when it freezes.  Burying the line at 6 inches should be more than good enough. Chris from Vicente Landscaping knows a ton about this and Richard could call him to ask.

• Josh - He's building a raised bed planter and wants to know if it's too early to plant and what kind of soil should he use?

Recommendation - It's right in the middle of the winter garden season, but winter plants have a quick turnaround and he can get to work right now.  Go for it now!! (Just protect them from freezing for a short-time)  Rosie is pumped Josh is using stacked blocks from Superlite!

We continue answering Josh's question and cover what soil he should be using.....amending the soil is critical here in the desert.

*More on eliminating critters and why we love raised garden so much!

Caller:

• Kyle - He wants advice on getting his lawn to turn green.....

Recommendation - One common mistake is forgetting to fertilize before the cold winter temps.  Use an all-purpose fertilizer and when it thaws a bit, it will start working.  Don't over-water either!

Thanks to Jerry from Harper's Nursery & Landscaping Company for joining us!

Jennifer covers why you should be using lithium instead of an alkaline battery:

The reason?! When an alkaline battery dies, it simply beeps for a few hours (while you're at work) and you might miss it, not knowing the battery died. Lithium batteries die slowly and give you time to figure it out. Thanks to Tekna Security!

*Rosie talks about an event at the Rockler Woodworking & Hardware Company.

Callers:

• Caroline - She just installed a new AC unit and the company she's using told her that the indoor coil is oxidizing and rusting. They want to install a coil guard to prevent this. Have we ever heard about this?

Recommendation - Rosie happens to know the Trane representative and is going to send over a rep.  We're going to give her a second opinion.

Romey takes us into the Digital Newsroom:

• Matt - Testimonial! He recently had Arizona Chimney Sweep out and was so impressed with their service, he posted a note on his blog.
• Jan - She says she'd "Kiss you if I could!" Knight Air Conditioning was fabulous!
• William - "Big Mike" from Acme Locksmith had just been out to his house and he loves his service. Acme is also adding 3 locations in Arizona!

Callers:

• Tom - His waterline broke between the water main and his house. The pressure in his line is a little high and the crew he's using, wants to put in a water pressure gauge. How necessary is this and should it cost $500.00 - $600.00?

Recommendation - A pressure regulator will help your appliances last longer and can be a necessary addition. Rosie thinks the price may be a little high, but he could check with San Plumbing Supply or Ferguson Plumbing Supply to verify the costs. Some insurance companies won't replace warrantied appliances if the water pressure is too high.

Callers:

• Mary - First, she wanted to thank Arizona Foundation Solutions for such great and helpful information. She wants a recommendations on flooring.

Recommendation - Visit our referral network and she'll find East Valley Flooring, Floor Covering International or Hauptman's Floor Covering!

• Lori - She's considering adding foam insulation into the block walls. Is it worth the extra money to have insulation without formaldehyde as one company insists?

Recommendation - Call Thermal Advantage!  This is a scare tactic..don't worry about it.

• Sharon - She's in the process of purchasing a home and the realtor selling, doesn't want to have a home inspection. Once they put in the offer, there's a line item stating that a home inspection must be done within 5 days. Do we have someone we would recommend?

Recommendation - Call Rosie's favorite inspector, his son-in-law, Bruce at AFJ Engineering in Scottsdale. 

Don't forget to sign up for the Sanderson Ford Arizona Staycation!!!

Question from Facebook:

• Mike - He wants to know why his sunken living room fill with water?

Recommendation - It would take a site analysis, but hopefully it's just a drainage/grading issue.

Caller:

• Karen - She had a new powder-coated iron fence installed 3 years ago and now it's starting to rust. Do we have any recommendations on fixing it?

Recommendation - Call the Arizona Painting Company! They'll have to take a look and give here the best options. 

• Fran - She was told the wind turbine in her garage should be covered to conserve energy.

Recommendation - We get this a lot, but your attic has very very little to do with your energy costs. Focusing on another part of the home is much more important.  She doesn't have too much to worry about.

**John with The Mighty Electricians called in to offer his help to inspect the home of a previous caller during the last hour. Thanks to John!!!

Ann Lyons, Rosie-Certified interior designer,  joins us to talk through the latest innovations in kitchen remodeling!

If you're considering a kitchen remodel, consider these Rosie partners:

Phoenix:

• Kirk Development
• TWD
• BC Renovations

*Ann shares her story and how she got into Interior Design. She was born into!

*We recap some bad trends from the 80's and beyond.....ugh! 

*Appliances are more $$$....more accessories.

Rosie and Ann share a story that will help you understand the remodeling process....

• Start with Cabinets
• Back splash with lighting
• How long do you plan on staying in the home?

Cabinet costs are usually much more than you'd expect.  It will change the whole scope of your remodel, so start there!

• Kitchen Remodeling.....go with a gas stove or electric? We break it down!
• Have you heard of HOUZZ? It's a great site to get started and to help the builder know what you are going for.
• We share some innovations....like adding a water spicket behind the oven so you're not having to fill pots and take them across the kitchen.

Rule of Thumb:  Start with your cabinets.....whatever the cabinet costs are, multiply it times 4 and that should be close to your cost estimate. 

*Microwaves...."A necessary evil" Where to put them?

*Induction cook-tops; is it worth the increase in cost?

*Cabinet Options; The Big Box Stores, Custom shop options.

We Love Wellborn Cabinets! Ann toured their facility and walked away impressed!

Jan, an appliance representative calls in to share some thoughts:

• Jan explains how induction cook-tops work. 
• Pricing is about 50 % more cost than the comparable traditional oven.

*We've increased the natural lighting and work space lighting. It's always more than you'd think!   Under cabinet lighting is very popular.

Join Rosie On The House every Saturday Morning from 8 to 11!!!