Creating a Budget Backyard Waterpark Without a Pool

For many, summertime evokes images of trips to water parks with massive slides, expensive theme park vacations, or days spent lounging around a luxurious pool. However, with rising costs on everyday items and many people unable to even afford their homes in today’s economy, that type of vacation isn’t a reality for many families.

Fortunately, there are many ways to create summer magic on a budget in your own backyard (and the truth is, your kids won’t know the difference!). While it might sound expensive, the truth is you can do it on nearly any budget. Here are some tips on how to create a budget backyard waterpark for a fraction of the cost of an expensive vacation.

Read More

Ep 035 – From Honey-Do to Honey-Done: Smarter Home Maintenance

Summary

In this episode of the Be a Smarter Homeowner podcast, hosts Elizabeth Dodson and John Bodrozic discuss essential home maintenance tasks that homeowners often overlook. They emphasize the importance of understanding different categories of maintenance, including preventative and inspection-oriented tasks. The conversation covers various inspection tasks, such as checking roofs and foundations, and highlights the significance of using technology for home inspections. The hosts also share practical maintenance tips for appliances, cleaning routines, and safety considerations, ultimately encouraging homeowners to take proactive steps in caring for their homes.

Takeaways

Home maintenance is an ongoing journey for all homeowners.
Different homes require different maintenance tasks based on location and age.
Preventative maintenance can save homeowners from costly repairs.
Regular inspections can help detect issues before they escalate.
Technology can assist in home inspections and maintenance tracking.
Cleaning tasks are often as important as maintenance tasks.
Safety should always be a priority during home maintenance.
Garage doors require periodic maintenance to ensure safety.
Sewer line maintenance is crucial for preventing clogs and backups.
Tree maintenance is essential to protect your home from potential damage.

Sound bites

“You could always be smarter.”
“Avoidance is not a good thing.”
“Safety is the first priority.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Home Maintenance Awareness
03:07 Understanding Home Maintenance Categories
05:57 Inspection Tasks for Homeowners
09:06 The Importance of Roof and Foundation Inspections
11:57 Utilizing Technology for Home Inspections
15:03 HVAC Maintenance and Inspections
17:57 Cleaning and Maintenance Tasks for Homeowners
20:45 The Importance of Cleaning and Maintenance
23:01 Safety First: Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces
24:11 Garage Door Care: Springs and Lubrication
25:53 Understanding Home Components: A Homeowner’s Guide
27:09 Dryer Vent Maintenance: A Hidden Hazard
30:04 Washer and Dryer Connections: Preventing Leaks
31:00 Sewer Line Maintenance: Avoiding Costly Repairs
33:01 Tree Maintenance: Protecting Your Home
37:59 Final Thoughts: Embracing Home Care

Storing Summer Gear: Organization Tips Every Homeowner Needs

As summer winds down, your home probably looks like it’s been living its best life—pool toys scattered in the yard, bikes leaning against the garage wall, camping gear stacked in the hallway. All that fun comes with one problem: where does everything go when you’re not using it?

Read More

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Grill This Summer: 6 Tips for a Sizzling Season

There are still a lot of great days left this summer to fire up your grill, but before you throw on those burgers or steaks, take a moment to make sure your grill is clean, safe, and ready to deliver top-notch flavor.

Regular maintenance not only helps your grill last longer, but it also ensures better-tasting food and fewer flare-ups. Here’s how to get it done.:

Read More