Home DIY video tutorials with Modern Boca Mom
Home DIY videos in this series
- How to clean your washer and dryer
- How to easily replace a showerhead
- How to repair a running toilet
- How to drain a water heater
- How to change your air filter
Holiday shopping in 2020: Rethink your gift list!
Key tips to remember
- Smart home technology makes a great gift, even for non-tech-savvy loved ones.
- You can never go wrong with home accessories in soft, luxurious fabrics.
- Combine several smaller items to gift a full home experience.
5 must-do's to prepare your home for winter
Key tips to remember
- Schedule an annual service appointment for your heating system and fireplace.
- Insulate pipes to prevent them from freezing and potentially bursting.
- Sometimes, a simple change can make a big impact.
- Build or replenish your winter storm survival kit.
- Prevent ice dams by cleaning gutters and keeping roof insulation evenly distributed.
Service Provider: Universal Repair
Fast facts:
- Company: Universal Repair
- Service pro: Joel Mendoza
- Area served: Texas and Dallas/Ft.Worth
- Favorite tool: Multimeter
5 ways outsourcing can reduce your workload
Key tips to remember
- Time is your most valuable asset.
- Hire help to do your least favorite tasks.
- Spending time on what you do best can increase your profits.
Your next kitchen upgrade: 4 appliances to splurge on
Key tips to remember
- A high price tag doesn’t necessarily equal high quality.
- Determine your needs and wants — extra features can’t be added to an appliance after you purchase.
- Get a dishwasher with a stainless-steel tub — it will look better longer, and resist stains and odors.
- A good toaster oven is worth the splurge.
Survey: Being a host or guest during COVID-19
Key takeaways:
- 35.7% of people said seeing loved ones was worth the risk of someone contracting COVID-19
- 66% of people felt at least some pressure to attend recent social gatherings
- 40% of people have argued with loved ones about virus precautions for holiday gatherings
Refrigerator maintenance 101
Key tips to remember
- Keep your fridge and freezer well stocked to help the appliance cool efficiently.
- Test your refrigerator door seals periodically to ensure they’re in good shape.
- Vacuum underneath and behind your fridge to remove dirt and dust from the fan and condenser coils.
Thanksgiving at a distance
Key tips to remember
- Move your Thanksgiving gathering outdoors in order to maintain social distancing and reduce the risk.
- Fire up the grill, skip the buffet and focus on single servings to keep mealtime safer.
- If celebrating virtually, coordinate menus by sharing recipes or ordering from the same restaurant.
- Keep the games and entertainment outdoors or play online via gaming apps.
- Follow CDC guidelines and asking everyone to self-isolate a couple of weeks before the event.
What makes an oven smoke?
Key tips to remember
- New ovens come with a factory coating so manufacturers recommend a “burn in” period before use.
- Skip chemical oven cleaners, and clean the oven at least once a month with natural ingredients.
- Use the self-cleaning cycle sparingly to avoid a full-fledged fire hazard.
- Position food about 3 inches below the broiler, and check on meats and foods with higher fat contents that can drip.
- Get a home protection plan and save the hassle replacing a faulty heating element or other part.
Service Provider: Best Appliance
Fast facts:
- Company: Best Appliance
- Service pro: Jeff Jordan
- Specialty: Indoor appliances
- Area served: Ohio
- Favorite tool: Ratchet wrench
DIY tips for water heater maintenance
Key tips to remember
- Water heaters typically have an average lifespan of approximately ten years.
- Prevent sediment buildup in the water heater tank by draining the water heater periodically.
- Your water heater’s anode rod is an excellent gauge of the appliance’s overall health.
- The temperature on your water heater can be turned down — and doing so can save you money.
Decorating tips for every level of Halloween enthusiast
Key tips to remember
- Organizing and labeling decoration storage is key to making the process fun and easy.
- A wreath is a great way to add Halloween flair to your house without going overboard.
- Simple themes make for a stress-free decorating experience.
Complete the furnace maintenance checklist before temperatures drop
Key tips to remember
- Retire your A/C system for the season with a proper cleaning, and protect it with a cover.
- Change air filters, and check insulation and ductwork for inefficient gaps.
- Remove floor vents and registers to vacuum out debris, and have chimneys and fireplaces cleaned.
- Schedule a service appointment for your heating system for cleaning, care and inspection.
- Look into a home protection plan for peace of mind during the busy holiday season.
Perk up! It's International Coffee Day!
Fun facts:
- Coffee is second only to water in beverage popularity.
- Regular coffee drinkers have actually been noted to live longer.
- The espresso machine revolutionized coffee drinking.
- We have more ways than ever to bring the local cafe into our kitchens.
Service Provider: Affordable Appliance
Fast facts:
- Company: Affordable Appliance
- Service pro: Richie Isaacson
- Specialty: Indoor appliances
- Area served: Massachusetts
- Favorite tool: Screwdriver
Beginner’s guide to building a smart home
Key tips to remember
- Know why you want a smart home.
- Set a budget and stick to it.
- Build your system at your own pace.
- Understand any security risks and how to avoid them.
- Know when it's best to call the pros.
10 things for your fall home-maintenance checklist
Key tips to remember
- Address any structural issues to protect your home from fall weather.
- Perform annual maintenance and safety checks.
- Organize the garage or shed to keep essential tools handy.
- Fertilize the lawn, and start composting and planting for spring.
How to save money during tough times
Key tips to remember
- Keep your grocery budget in check through meal planning, shopping apps and buying generic.
- Swap coffee shops and meat for drinking more water and gardening.
- Streamline subscriptions, and trade gym memberships for home workouts.
- From home Wi-Fi to a mortgage refi, shop for better rates and lower payments.
- Turn off the lights, and get energy efficient at home.
10 easy-enough DIY home projects
Key tips to remember
- There are some projects that don’t require a big budget or expertise to complete.
- Get the best return on investment by painting your front door or garage and updating landscaping.
- Sometimes, a simple change can make a big impact.
- Home updates even minor ones can bring you greater enjoyment for years to come.