Hvac Repair Tools

HVAC, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, repair can be a daunting task usually better left for the experts. HVAC professionals go to trade school to specialize in this career and target their skills to this specialized area. Professionals in HVAC repair use a specific set of tools for maintenance and repair of heating and air conditioning units. According to Dwayne Miller, of Miller and Sons Heating and Cooling, some tools are specifically designed for HVAC repairs. Does this Spark an idea?

Digital Clamp Meters

Digital clamp meters are an important part of HVAC repair. Many times a heating and air unit will not be receiving the correct electrical voltage levels to function properly. Too little or too much electricity will cause a multitude of problems with the unit and could reduce the life of all major components. A digital clamp meter measures the voltage and electrical frequency of the unit. It will determine if there is a live current running through a wire or if there is a leakage at any point.

Tubing and Tools

HVAC units use tubing that run throughout. It is used to carry heat and air to the various rooms and housing components. These tubes can be made of stamped steel or copper. HVAC repairmen install, repair and replace this tubing in the course of their work and use a variety of tools specifically to do so. Tube cutters are scissor-like devices used to cut the tubing into specific lengths, tube benders and tube brushes are also used for working with tubes.

Anemometers

Anemometers are used to measure the velocity of air coming from fans and ducts. They may also have the ability to read the temperature as well, depending on the type. They do not require batteries or a power source and are more like hand tools. They are a mainstay of the HVAC repairman's tool kit.

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Find An Apartment In Cypress Texas

Some landlords don't advertise their rentals online, and instead hang up "for rent" signs outside the properties.

Cypress, Texas, is a small community in the northwest suburbs of Houston. With amusement parks, theaters, museums, golf courses and other attractions nearby, Cypress offers residents an opportunity to take part in big-city events while living in the suburbs. If looking to rent rather than buy, try using online sources, newspapers and referral agencies to find listings of available apartments. If already in the area, driving around the Cypress area surveying possible places to live also may yield results. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check newspapers and online sites such as apartments.com, forrent.com or rent.com, which are national databases that feature apartment complexes in the Cypress, Texas, area with units available for rent. Look at local newspaper websites as well for available apartments. Nearby Houston has several newspapers with online classifieds that feature rental units -- not only units found in large complexes, but apartments and rooms rented out by homeowners as well. Hard copies of local newspapers also feature classifieds. Newspapers that serve Cypress include the Houston Chronicle, The Cypress Times and the community newspaper site yourhoustonnews.com. The Greensheet, a local classifieds database for Houston area residents, also lists apartments available in the suburbs, including Cypress.

2. Check in with local rental agencies. These types of agencies work with people interested in finding an apartment as well as landlords to find the right match. ASAP Apartment Locators in Houston, for example, works with apartment hunters, giving them advice on which apartments meet their needs. The company then matches the apartment hunters up with local leasing agents who can further answer questions.

Apartment Living Houston is another rental agency that serves the Cypress area. The agency has two offices in the Houston area, both of which are located on the west side of the city, less than 30 minutes from Cypress. Apartment Living Houston also has a website directory that features apartments available for rent, including ones located in Cypress.

3. Hit the grocery store. When leaving, look for the magazine racks that have local apartment rental books. Many are free, and highlight local apartment complexes. The Apartment Guide and the National Apartment Association, for example, publish books listing local available apartments. The guides feature a wide array of apartment complexes.

4. Do some leg work. Online sites and newspapers don't always list every apartment that is available for rent. Often times, landlords will simply hang a "for rent" sign in the window or front yard. Drive around the areas of Cypress you are specifically interested in, and jot down the phone number listed on the "for rent" sign if you see a possible apartment you wish to know more about. Some large complexes have offices that are open most days of the week as well, including Grand Cypress, Broadstone Coles Crossing, Verde Cypress Creek, and Stonegate Villas.

Tags: apartment complexes, available apartments, available rent, Cypress Texas, apartment hunters

Clean Smoke Damage From Walls And Fixtures After A Small Fire

Soot from a small kitchen fire can stain walls and textiles.

Smoke and soot from even the smallest fire can spread far. Cleaning up after a fire is equal parts fast action and caution. Improper cleaning techniques can worsen fire damage, pushing gritty soil deeper into fibers, allowing mildew to grow on damp surfaces and allowing soot to etch metal trims. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clear the air in the house. Open the windows if possible. If your house uses forced hot air or an air conditioner, change the filter daily until it is clear of soot. Tape or tack cheesecloth over the intake and outlet air registers to collect any soot particles in the air and in the house's heating and cooling system.

2. Vacuum furniture, carpeting, mini-blinds and draperies. Hold the nozzle slightly above or away from the textiles to avoid pushing oily soot deeper into the fibers. Remove dust and loose particles before washing any textiles. Blinds and drapes may need to be washed or dry cleaned to eliminate smoke odor. Wipe down all the leaves of houseplants, as the soot can kill them.

3. Clean quickly with household cleaners. Chrome, stainless steel and appliances will permanently tarnish and porcelain and marble can etch if not cleaned quickly. Wipe down switch plate covers, ceiling fan blades casings and windows. Wipe down wood surfaces with wood soap. Rinse and finish with orange oil. Wipe appliances and mop floors with a solution of 1 cup vinegar to 1 gallon of water.

4. Wipe walls and washable wallpaper with non-water based cleaner. Test cleaners in an inconspicuous area. Water-based cleaners will cause the soot stain to bleed and penetrate deeper and it is likely you will need to repaint and re-paper walls if the stain is extensive.

5. Vacuum loose soot from the carpet, holding the nozzle above the carpeting so carpet brushes don't force dust deeper into the pile. Remove the soot before shampooing or cleaning the carpet. Extract water from the carpeting if water was used to douse the fire. Use a spray made for odors in carpets and fabrics. Put small bowls of vinegar out to help absorb odors.

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Remove Internal Binocular Fogging

Internal fogging can be fixed easily if you know what to do.

Internal fogging can be a serious headache for birdwatchers, or anyone else who uses binoculars. Fogging on the inside of the binoculars interferes with the viewing, and can't be easily wiped away like external fogging can. The moisture on the inside of the binoculars that causes fogging can also damage the binoculars, by promoting the growth of fungus inside them. Fortunately, the treatment of internal fogging is a fairly simple procedure, though it requires patience.

Instructions

1. Leave the binoculars in a warm dry place for several days. Most binoculars are not airtight, so any moisture inside the binoculars should evaporate into the drier air outside.

2. Seal the binoculars inside an airtight plastic bag along with some commercial desiccant. The desiccant will absorb the excess moisture, eliminating the source of the fogging.

3. Keep the binoculars as dry as possible on future outings, once the moisture has been removed. If you are using the binoculars during wet weather, keep them covered when you are not looking through them. Wipe off any outside moisture as soon as possible.

Tags: inside binoculars, moisture inside, moisture inside binoculars

Buy Bank Owned Homes

Buying a foreclosed home can be tricky.

Buyers hoping to purchase a bank-owned home -- one that a bank had to take over after its previous owners fell into foreclosure -- should have plenty of choices thanks to the housing crisis that hit the U.S. in recent years. But while there are plenty of homes to choose from, buying a bank-owned home can be complicated. Follow a few important steps to simplify the process.

Pre-Approval Is Key

Get pre-approved for a mortgage loan before you begin searching for bank-owned properties. Because bank-owned homes sell for prices that are below market rate, they often attract many buyers. You want to be as attractive a buyer to banks as possible. and one way to do this is to get pre-approved by a mortgage lender. When you are pre-approved, a lender has already studied your finances and credit score and has promised to give you a certain amount of mortgage money. Banks know that pre-approved buyers will have the mortgage dollars they need to actually close a sale. To get pre-approved, you'll have to provide lenders with copies of financial documents such as your last two tax returns, two most recent paycheck stubs and last two months worth of savings and checking account statements. Lenders will also run your credit score to make sure you have a history of paying your bills on time.

Find the Right Real Estate Agent

Find a real estate agent who has a history of working with bank-owned properties. Many real estate agents form long-term relationships with banks and can therefore help buyers find bank-owned properties before they are even listed on the market. Real estate agents who know the local foreclosure market can also tell buyers if bank-owned homes are being offered at a fair price based on similar homes in the area.

Order a Home Inspection

Order a home inspection before signing on the dotted line. An inspector will tour a home to uncover possible trouble points, which can everything from an aging roof to a cracking foundation. Bank-owned homes often arrive on the market in especially bad condition. This is because many owners who were foreclosed on could not afford to spend the money necessary to properly maintain the home and grounds. There are even cases where owners deliberately damage homes out of anger at being foreclosed on. A home inspector can help you determine how much money you'll need to sink into a bank-owned home after purchasing it. This can impact how much you'll be willing to pay for the home.

As-Is Condition

Bank-owned homes come as is, meaning that no one will make any repairs to these properties before you take ownership. Yo will be responsible for making any necessary repairs to bank-owned homes. Make sure the cost of these repairs isn't so high that it offsets the lower purchase price of the home.

Tags: bank-owned home, bank-owned properties, bank-owned homes, Bank-owned homes, credit score, estate agents

Make Money Quick And Pay Off Christmas Debt

Did you break the budget this Christmas?

Ah...Christmas. It's that magical time of year when carolers sing, Santa visits and the old credit card bill grows exponentially. If you've overspent this holiday season and need to make money quick to pay off those debts here are some fast and easy suggestions for making quick Christmas cash online. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Can You Write?

1. Write what you know. Everyone is an expert, or at least knowledgeable, about one topic. Think of your profession, hobbies or everyday talents that you possess. Write down a list of all the things you know do well or subjects you are knowledgeable about.

2. Review the list. Decide which ones you could write an informative article about. Topics could include do simple home repairs, computer maintenance, tips on specific hobbies or crafts or helpful tips relating to your profession. The possibilities are endless.

3. Write an informative article of between 500 to 1000 words. Break it up into easy to short and easy to read paragraphs including an introductory paragraph that describes your topic, several paragraphs within the body of the article and a closing paragraph that sums up what you've explained in the article.

4. Proofread your article. Remember, you're hoping to get paid for this article so make sure your spelling and grammar are excellent. Have a second person read the article if necessary in order to spot mistakes you may have missed. Articles can make money quick but not if they're not well written.

5. Offer your article on various article directories which will pay you either up front or when your articles are sold. See the resource box for a link to the best places to submit your articles.

6. Repeat the process with another article.

Sell Items on Ebay and Make Money Fast

7. This one is a tried and true method. Thousands of people flock to eBay everyday in order to save money on items that they want.

8. Register for an eBay account if you don't already have one. See the link in the resource box of this article on sign up for your free eBay account.

9. Register for a PayPal account if you don't already have one. This is the preferred payment method on eBay and is the quickest way to get your auction cash. See the resource box for a link on sign up for your free PayPal account.

10. Browse through some of the eBay auctions and see what's selling well. Some electronics do well as do certain types of collectables. Clothing, especially brand name children's clothing in good condition usually sells quickly. See what's hot and make a list of the same or similar items you have in your home.

11. Go through the items in your home. Do you have unwanted items that seemed to be popular during your eBay auction searches? Chances are your trash is someone else's treasure so list them up for auction on eBay.

12. Another smart way to make money quick is to go to the after Christmas sales and scoop up items at super low prices that are popular. Many times people's Christmas wish list isn't fulfilled and they go to eBay to buy what they didn't get at a cheap price.

13. Take pictures of your item(s) with a good quality digital camera. Take several to ensure you have at least one that shows the item off well.

14. List your item on eBay. Include a really good and honest description of the item and upload your pictures. Set a price and an end time for your auction. Let the auction go live and watch the bids come in.

15. When the auction is over get in contact with the winning bidder, request payment and ship the items quickly once you've been paid.

Tags: make money, make money quick, money quick, account already, account already have

About Terminix

No one likes unwanted guests in their home, especially those that carry disease and crawl around your home at night, threatening your investment. Terminix can help you sleep easy knowing your home is bug-free -- at a cost that won't break the bank. Does this Spark an idea?

What is Terminix?

Termite infestation is a leading cause of major home damage in the U.S., and one company that homeowners have come to trust with their investment is Terminix. A front-runner in the termite and pest control industry, Terminix provides a variety of pest control services at an affordable cost, all designed to give homeowners peace of mind. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, Terminix employs more than 12,000 people and services more than 3 million customers throughout 45 states and the District of Columbia.

Terminix Background Facts

Terminix was the first pest control company to patent a pesticide to kill and successfully control termites in 1932. Originally known as the Bruce-Terminix Co., Terminix was also the first termite control company to offer franchises. Terminix was so confident in it's product and service that in 1955, the company became the first to offer termite protection guarantees and contracts to its customers. In 1986, industry giant Service Master purchased Terminix from Cook Industries and has expanded to more than 450 service centers across the U.S.

Terminix Adds New Services

In 1958, Terminix continued to capitalize on its growing success by offering full-service pest control services, in addition to its termite services for both homes and commercial businesses.

Terminix Provides Low Cost Protection

Termite damage and protection are not usually covered through homeowner insurance policies, and once a home is infested, the removal and treatment of a termite colony can be costly, averaging at least $2,000 to $3,000. Terminix has fine-tuned their pest control products and techniques, and homeowners can fully protect their home from destructive termites for less than a dollar a day. The patented Terminix Termite Baiting Program is receiving accolades, not only for its effectiveness, but the fact that it is environmentally friendly -- a plus with the push for everyone to go green.

Other Pest Control Services

Whether it's ants, roaches, spiders, mice or other unwelcome invaders in your home, Terminix provides homeowners with a complete line of service for the treatment and removal of pests, and offers both interior and exterior services.

Tags: pest control, more than, your home, control company, control services, investment Terminix

Repair A Faulty Dvd

Repairing a damaged DVD is a creative process.

Repairing faulty DVDs is a process much closer to folklore and legend than to scientific process. The hundreds of home remedies for making DVDs play despite various levels of damage cover a huge range of effectiveness and creativity. These remedies include practical measures such as cleaning and drying, as well as radical measuring including toothpaste, peanut butter and microwaves. While no DVD repair treatment can guarantee results for every situation, the most reliable treatments can easily be implemented as a first response to skipping or damaged DVD, while some methods should be saved as a last resort.

Instructions

1. Clean the disc carefully using a solution of liquid dish soap and water, applying the solution with a damp cloth in a direct motion from the center of the disc to the outside. Dry with a clean, dry cloth in a similar motion, or allow the disc to air dry in an area out of direct sunlight.

2. Purchase a commercial CD/DVD disc repair kit, and place the faulty disc in the cleaning apparatus. Follow the instructions provided to repair the disc. Commercial disc repair kits do not always work, but they are the cleaning and repairing method that is least likely to cause more damage to the disc, and should be used first whenever possible.

3. Apply a small amount of liquid car wax to the scratched area, and allow the wax to dry until it is hazy rather than wet in appearance. Gently buff the area by rubbing it softly back and forth with a clean cloth, working from the center of the disc to the outside, avoiding a circular motion.

4. Apply non-gel toothpaste that does not have excessive whitening ingredients to the disc in small amounts near the scratched area. Gently buff out the toothpaste with a clean, soft cloth, working from the inside to the outside, avoiding buffing in a circular motion.

5. Wipe the inside of a banana peel around the surface of the disc. Dry the disk using a soft, dry cloth and wiping from the center of the disc in a direct motion to the outside.

Tags: center disc, from center, from center disc, with clean, center disc outside, circular motion, clean cloth

Decorate For A '60s Party

Bell Bottoms? Check. Mod print shirt? Check. Groovy tunes? Check. With all these things checked off your list, the only thing left to do is transform your home into a '60s commune with peace signs, protest posters and flower power. Before you know it, everyone will be feelin' groovy. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Hang beaded curtains in the doorways. What better way to welcome your guests than with this popular '60s trend?

2. Buy lava lamps. Let your guests become mesmerized by this '60s decor staple.

3. Make your walls scream "flower power." Buy posters with brightly colored flowers and hang them on your walls.

4. Buy slogan buttons. Choose buttons with peace symbols, yin-yangs and smiley faces and have them in a bowl next to the entryway for guests to choose from.

5. Purchase colored bulbs. Replace light bulbs with different colored bulbs such as red or blue to cast a groovy hue all around.

6. Hang posters of popular '60s bands. Choose posters of the musicians that defined the decade such as The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin.

Tags: colored bulbs, flower power, with peace, your guests, your walls

What Is Maintenance Homeowners Insurance

Know what is covered under your homeowners insurance policy.

Maintenance homeowners insurance most commonly refers to plans available for purchase which would repair or replace major appliances in the event of a breakdown. This term does not refer to the standard homeowners insurance policy required to secure a mortgage. Since your home is one of the biggest investments you are likely to ever make, you should know how routine maintenance and homeowners insurance are related to one another.

Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is designed to repair or replace the structure of your home as well as the contents therein against losses covered by the policy. Many policies also pay to temporarily relocate a family after a covered loss and cover legal costs for which a family is liable. These policies are not designed to have frequent claims and should be used for large losses such as fires, burglaries and major structural damage.

Insurance Misconceptions

Homeowners insurance is not meant to cover routine maintenance. In fact, "normal wear and tear" is a common exclusion on these policies. Damage occurring from a lack of maintenance, such as an unrepaired leak or uncleaned gutters, may not be covered in the event of a claim.

Warranties Upon Purchase

Some real estate transactions come with certain warranties. For example, if appliances that are sold with the home fail within two years of the purchase, the seller or broker can agree to replace them. These agreements are not standard, nor are they backed by an insurance company.

Home Warranty Contracts

Some companies offer "warranty" service protection. In exchange for a monthly fee, licensed contractors will repair or replace large appliances in the event of product failure. Despite the common term "maintenance homeowners insurance," these agreements are service contracts, not insurance policies. Some insurance companies partner with these service providers as a value-added product for their customers.

Maintenance and the Homeowner

Routine maintenance is ultimately the homeowner's responsibility. Like servicing your automobile, your home will need periodic repairs, improvements and upgrades. Failure to perform this maintenance carries potential insurance consequences, such as raised premiums, canceled contracts or denied claims. Keeping your gutters clean, promptly fixing leaks in the pipes or roof, unclogging stopped drains and replacing faulty electrical outlets are all ways to avoid much larger problems through regular maintenance.

Tags: homeowners insurance, repair replace, your home, appliances event, homeowners insurance policy, insurance policy

Financial Help For The Elderly In South Carolina

Each type of financial help for the elderly in South Carolina may have unique requirements to qualify.

Some elderly people receive hefty pensions or other retirement benefits that meet all their financial needs, but some do not. Some elderly people need financial help just to make ends meet. They may need help paying for food, medical care, heating bills and other basic needs. Elderly people in South Carolina can apply to several agencies for financial assistance.

SSI

SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, provides monthly payments to some people ages 65 and older in South Carolina if they have limited incomes and resources. Elderly people that do not qualify for Social Security retirement benefits may qualify, as well as those that receive only small sums in retirement benefits. Apply at any Social Security Administration office in South Carolina (see Resource section) or call 800-772-1213 to begin an application for SSI.

Healthy Connections

Healthy Connections, the Medicaid program in South Carolina, covers a wide range of medical services for some elderly people who have low incomes. Elderly people who receive Medicare may still qualify for Healthy Connections if they meet the income guidelines. Healthy Connections may even help with their Medicare premiums. Elderly people who receive SSI in South Carolina automatically qualify for Healthy Connections, but others must apply. Apply for Healthy Connections at the Department of Health and Human Services office in the county in which you live (see Resource section).

Food Stamps

Food stamps help some elderly people in South Carolina purchase nutritious foods each month. People must meet income guidelines in order to qualify. Apply for food stamps at the Department of Social Services office in the county in which you live (see Resource section). You must provide proof of all household income with your application.

LIHEAP

LIHEAP, or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, helps some elderly people in South Carolina pay home heating and cooling bills. People must meet income guidelines in order to qualify. Contact the South Carolina Office of Economic Opportunity at 803-734-0662 for more information or to request an application. You must provide proof of all household income when you apply.

Other Sources of Assistance

Many local agencies help elderly people in South Carolina meet their basic needs. Churches, food pantries, senior citizens' centers and various charities help elderly people with rent, utility bills, food, transportation, health care and other necessities of life. Ask about other sources of assistance at the Department of Social Services when you apply for food stamps, or call your local United Way office and ask if they can refer you to other services you need.

Tags: South Carolina, Healthy Connections, elderly people, people South, people South Carolina, elderly people South

Bookkeeping Associations

Joining a professional association can open avenues for career growth.

Membership in a professional bookkeeping association communicates to clients, employers and potential employers that you're serious about your career. A bookkeeper often learns needed skills on the job, but without formal training, he may have knowledge gaps. Membership in a professional bookkeeping association provides advanced training and professional certifications. Preparing for a bookkeeping certification exam, a service offered by all the associations, has the added benefit of helping a bookkeeper add to his knowledge.

American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers

The American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers has 30,000 members and has been in business since 1987. The AIPB provides free assistance to members with accounting and payroll questions through the Member Answerline service, staffed by professionals. AIPB offers continuing education courses to members that cover subjects in accounting, payroll and finance. AIPB also offers discounts on services useful to a freelance bookkeeper, including FedEx shipping and professional liability insurance. Become a certified bookkeeper by taking a AIPB-designed national examination and meeting additional standards, including two years experience as a bookkeeper and signing a code of ethics.

National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers

The National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers exclusively supports the needs of bookkeepers who provide services to the public. The NACPB provides many standard bookkeeping-related forms and letters that you can customize for your own use. The NACPB has checklists for common bookkeeping tasks that you can use to increase your bookkeeping efficiency. Take the Uniform Certified Public Bookkeepers Examination online to become a NACPB Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB). If you're a CPB, you can list yourself in the NACPB Directory. The NACPB markets this directory to the public using targeted marketing methods. The NACPB also offers licensing exams to become a certified payroll specialist and certified QuickBooks advisor.

National Bookkeepers Association

The National Bookkeepers Association represents, informs and supports bookkeepers throughout the U.S. The NBA offers training and practice for the Uniform Bookkeeper Certification Examination offered by the NACPB. This exam tests the bookkeeper's competency with 50 multiple-choice questions, according to NBA. The NBA also offers bookkeeper training at discounted rates. Guidebooks on subjects including bookkeeping, payroll and QuickBooks software are available at discounted rates. The NBA also offers payroll, Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks Certifications.

Tags: also offers, Certified Public, Certified Public Bookkeepers, Public Bookkeepers, accounting payroll

Energy Grants For North Carolina Residential Housing

North Carolina residents can take advantage of grants for becoming energy efficient.

In North Carolina, homeowners can receive government grants for making energy-efficient choices in home building and remodeling. Homebuilders can receive discounted building permits for green building, and The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides grants to homeowners for making energy-efficient modifications to their homes. Does this Spark an idea?

Federal Money for Home Builders

Home builders in North Carolina have incentives for building green, energy-efficient homes. For example, the Green Building Incentives program provides discounted building permit fees for using energy-saving construction practices such as solar energy, geothermic heat pumps, and more.

Federal Tax Credits for NC Residents

North Carolina residents who retrofit their homes with energy-efficient products can receive tax credits. Eligible products include heating and cooling equipment, replacement windows, and more. Energy rebates for Energy Star-qualified appliances are also available.

North Carolina Grants for Existing Homes

The North Carolina state government has a multifaceted grants program totaling $7 million in funding that will allow for energy audits for existing homes. The grants will partially fund the audits themselves and the improvements for homeowners. The grants will also help homeowners finance the more costly improvements.

North Carolina Grants for Manufactured and Affordable Homes

The state of North Carolina also has grants totaling $3 million for qualified affordable new housing and to offer incentives for manufactured home builders to make their products more energy efficient.

Tags: North Carolina, Carolina Grants, Carolina residents, discounted building, energy efficient, grants will, making energy-efficient

Charge Labor For Handyman Services

Offering handyman services allows a skilled tradesman to supplement his income when other employment options may be hard to find. One challenge in starting a handyman business is setting labor rates.

Instructions

1. Call around to other handyman service companies and inquire about their rates for different services. This will help you figure out what your competitors are charging. Rates for different services can vary significantly; for example, simple outdoor work like landscaping usually costs $8 to $10 per hour, while more vigorous work like cleaning a heavily junked area could be billed at $20 per hour or more.

2. Develop a rate card, listing each of your services plus the appropriate labor rate. Some services might be "per hour" and others might be "per project." For example, splitting wood or raking might be contracted at $10 per hour, while painting a house might be contracted at a flat project rate of $300.

3. When you negotiate services with a customer, use the rates listed on your rate card. Be wary of giving discounts to your billable rates--your rates should reflect fair market value, and usually the customers who are stingiest on price are the ones who are the most difficult overall.

4. If the project requires an investment on your part of more than $50, or if you plan on delivering services that will be billed at more than $200, provide a written quote, and get your customer's signature. This will protect you in case the work ever gets litigated.

5. When the project is complete, provide an invoice to your customer that clearly lists the charges and rates you are assessing. If you wish to provide some discount to the customer, do it off the final total and not off of your hourly rate charges.

Tags: different services, hour while, might contracted, more than, rate card, This will, work like

What Is The Cost For Home Health Care

Home health care provides an opportunity for patients to remain in the home while receiving medical services.

Home health care costs vary greatly and are determined by clinical need, location and the number of hours a patient requires assistance. Generally, the less clinical assistance that is required, the lower the cost of care will be. Patients requiring more advanced clinical care may find placement in a long-term care facility to be less costly than home health care.

Companion or Homemaker Care

Companion care is one of the most affordable types of home health care services. Companion care does not provide any clinical care for the patient but does offer assistance with meal preparation, medication setup, errands, light housekeeping and transportation. In many states, companion caregivers can watch a patient self-administer medication or set up medication in a pillbox. However, companion caregivers are generally not certified to administer medications. Similarly, companion caregivers do not assist with toileting or bathing. The average cost for companion care is $19 per hour.

Nursing Assistant or Homecare Aides

A certified nursing assistant, or CNA, is an individual who has received some clinical training and is licensed through the state. A CNA can provide all of the services provided by a companion caregiver and additional clinical services. In most circumstances, CNAs can assist patients with toileting, bathing and feeding. CNAs are also training in proper body mechanics and can assist patients who are prone to falls with ambulation and range of motion activities. The average cost for CNA care is $21 per hour.

Licensed Practical Nurses or Registered Nurses

Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, and registered nurses, or RNs, are among the most clinically experienced home health care providers. Both types of nursing require extensive education and clinical training. To achieve licensure in either position, nurses must graduate from a college, university or hospital nursing program. An RN, can provide total patient care including wound care, colostomy care, tracheotomy care and IV care. Nursing care is one of the most expensive home health care services. Nursing care costs very greatly and are determined largely by how advanced the patient's care needs are. The average cost of in-home care provided by a registered nurse is $30 per hour.

Additional Costs

It is important to remember there are several additional costs associated with home health care. All medications, medical equipment and medical supplies are purchased by the patient. For example, if a patient requires the use of a hospital bed, wheelchair and incontinence briefs during in-home rehabilitation from a hip replacement, the patient is responsible to cover those costs. In addition, if that patient were to require rehabilitation services provided by an occupational or physical therapist, those costs also would come at the expense of the patient. Specialty food and dietary supplements, such as meal replacement shakes, are also provided by the patient.

Hiring a Home Health Care Provider

Home health care providers are often represented by local agencies. Agencies are managed by skilled care providers who will individually assess the medical needs of each client and form a care plan for the patient. While using an agency can be more costly, they are insured heavily and are accredited in most states. Contact your local Agency on Aging to obtain a list of accredited home health care agencies.

Some families may elect to interview and hire health care providers who are not represented by a home health care agency. Privately hiring a care provider is considerably less expensive than using a home health care agency. Always ask for at least three references, complete a background check on the care provider and insist upon first aid and CPR certification.

Tags: health care, care providers, health care, home health care, average cost

Requirements For Teaching Auto Mechanics In Texas

All teaching positions in public schools require education and certification by the state. Requirements vary depending on the subject and by the state. This article will outline the specific requirements to be an auto technology teacher in the state of Texas.

Field Experience

Texas requires five years of hands-on automotive experience in the field in order to qualify for the vocational certification program. Experience must be proven by work record and employers' ability to verify performance.

Teaching Credentials

A bachelor's degree in industrial technology with a minor in teaching certification is one path to certification. The other is a bachelor's degree in education with the requisite automotive field experience. Again, field experience must be verifiable.

Field Observation

Each candidate will be observed in the school he is working for. Alternately, the candidate will enter the apprentice teaching program and be placed in a school where he will be observed for a set number of credit hours.

ASE certification

Most schools prefer an automotive teacher to be Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified. Testing is available in most schools with an automotive program and at stations that service vehicles.

Advisers

It important to get a good adviser to walk you through the certification process. This will prevent you from taking courses you don't need and will keep you on track with your requirements. Be aware that some education departments are unaware of the requirements for an automotive vocational teacher; they may suggest courses that are necessary for those majoring in education only.

Tags: bachelor degree, candidate will, field experience, will observed

About Lowincome Home Improvement Loans

About Low-Income Home Improvement Loans

Home-improvement loans for people with low incomes are readily available through government-sponsored programs and local nonprofit organizations.

Qualifications

Low-income means that your income levels are lower than the median income for your area (state, county or city). Some loan programs vary based on a percentage of median income. For instance, when a lender offers a "20 percent median income" loan, that means you need to make 20 percent of the median income or less. If you make more than that, you will not qualify.

Proof

To prove that you qualify, you will have to show the lender your tax returns and W-2s from the last two years. They will compare these numbers with the published median income figures for your area and determine the best program to fit your needs.

Interior vs. Exterior

Most loan programs for low-income homeowners are reserved for interior rehabilitation and bringing the house up to local building code. The goal is to ensure the home meets the minimum allowable standard of living.

Exterior repairs and additions, like adding a new bedroom or refinishing vinyl siding, are typically larger, more expensive projects and require a more significant construction loan through commercial lenders.

Disaster Loans

HUD has made available, through its local lending partners, loan programs for low-income homeowners to make repairs on immediate safety hazards and to install necessary items like broken windows, moldy walls and leaky roofs. These loans are offered at extremely low interest rates and with relaxed underwriting guidelines so low-income residents don't have to wait for long loan approvals.

Seniors and the Disabled

Many disabled and senior homeowners qualify for low-income home improvement loans because they are receiving fixed incomes, like disability payments or social security, that often fall below the median income levels. In both cases, HUD offers loans for these residents to make their homes more accessible.

Tags: median income, loan programs, available through, Home Improvement Loans, income levels

Polish Powder Marble

Polish marble with powder.

Marble is an attractive stone that is a luxurious decorative addition in homes and commercial buildings. It is a strong and durable stone, yet its surface area is somewhat delicate. Marble polishing powder is an effective cleaner that you can use to remove etches in natural stone. Etches are dull areas in the surface of the marble caused by contact with acidic substances like cleaning products, orange juice, tomatoes, soda pop and other chemical compounds. Polishing powder can restore the marble by removing the acidic residue and eliminating the etches. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean the marble area. Use water and mild liquid dish detergent to wash the surface of the marble. Add a half cup of liquid detergent to one gallon of warm water for the best results. Clean the marble surface with a soft cotton cloth or cotton fiber mop. Avoid using any chemicals during the cleaning process.

2. Sprinkle a light dusting of marble polishing powder on the marble surface. Commercial marble polishing powder can be purchased at a local hardware store. Apply powder only to the dull etched area. There is no need to apply the powder to the entire marble surface because undamaged areas won't need the treatment.

3. Mist the lightly powdered area with water. Use a mister bottle filled with warm water to spray the powder. Choose a "light mist" setting on the nozzle of the spray bottle. Do not use a strong jet-like stream of water or the marble polishing powder will dissipate.

4. Rub the marble polishing powder into the stone. Choose a soft damp cotton cloth or a non-abrasive buffing pad to rub the damp powder into the etched area of the marble. Use light circular motions to clean the dull areas on the marble surface. Avoid using a large amount of pressure to polish the area.

5. Continue buffing the surface area until the dull etch marks fade. Add more marble polishing powder and re-mist the surface for difficult etches. Repeat the circular motion buffing until the etch marks fade away.

Tags: marble polishing, marble polishing powder, polishing powder, marble surface, Avoid using

How Much Deduct From My Taxes If I Donate My Junk Vehicle

Getting rid of an old or junk vehicle can be more time and expense than the car is worth. Donating that jalopy to charity can eliminate the hassles. Many charities are happy to accept junk vehicle donations and even provide free pickup. You get to avoid the headaches and help a worthier cause. Just to top things off, you can probably get a nice tax write-off in the bargain.

IRS Policy

In most cases, IRS regulations say you must use the gross proceeds of the sale of the vehicle as the amount of your tax deduction. This applies to boats and small aircraft as well as cars, vans and light trucks. Once you've donated a junk vehicle, the receiving charity or its donation service normally sells the vehicle at auction. The charity must send you a statement acknowledging the sale and stating the sale price within 30 days of the sale.

Exceptions

There are situations in which you may use fair market value instead of a sale price as the amount of your tax deduction for a vehicle donation. This is important if you are donating a junk vehicle because one exception is if the sale price is under $500. In this case, you may use either fair market value (up to $499) or the sale price, whichever is greater. You can also use fair market value when the charity chooses to keep the vehicle for its own use or make substantial repairs.

Preparation

There are a couple of things you should do before donating a junk vehicle. First, verify that the charity is qualified to accept donations under IRS rules. If it's not, the IRS won't accept your tax deduction. Many eligible charities are listed in IRS Publication 78 (Qualified Charities), which is available online at IRS.gov. You can also call the IRS at 877-829-5500 if you aren't sure a charity is qualified. Second, since there's a very good chance a junk vehicle will sell for less than $500, follow IRS guidelines to estimate the fair market value before you make the donation. IRS publication 561 (Determining the Value of Donated Property) is available at IRS.gov.

Tax Procedure

To take a tax deduction for donated cars or other property, you have to file an itemized tax return. You must complete and attach form 8283 (Noncash Charitable Donations). Only complete section "A" unless you have donated property with a total value of $5,000 or more for the year. In the latter case, complete section "B."

Tags: junk vehicle, fair market, fair market value, market value, sale price

Remove Single Hung Windows

Remove Single Hung Windows

Hung windows are a type of residential windows which operate vertically by sliding a frame holding the glass up or down to open and close. The designation "single hung" and "double hung" refer to whether one or both panels of glass in the opening are operable and can be opened. To repair the glazing, clean the windows or repaint the window's frame, removing the window assembly from the jamb is required, and this procedure for tilting and removal applies to both types, with steps specific to single hung windows. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the window screen, if applicable.

2. Raise the lower window unit, called the "lower sash," until the bottom is approximately 5 to 6 inches above the sill.

3. Pull the top of the lower window frame toward you to release the top of the sash frame from the side channels. For windows equipped with a tilt lever in the sash lock, pull the lever out horizontally until it is fully extended, then pull of the sash frame toward you to release the top of the window. For windows with retractable neoprene channel slides, depress the slide on either side to free the top of the window frame from the side channel, then repeat on the opposite side to bring both top corners out of the side channels.

4. Rotate the top of the bottom window unit toward you until held horizontal. Then raise the entire unit upward to the approximate middle of the lower opening.

5. Grasp the sides of the window unit and lift the right side up to free the lower sash guides from the side channel cams. Remove the window sash from the frame.

6. Manually position the cam pivots on both sides to the mid-point of the lower sash opening for reinstallation of the lower sash. These pivot cams are connected to the sash cord on both sides.

7. Locate the shear blocks supporting the upper sash on both sides of the window frame. Remove the fixed upper sash by releasing these shear blocks supporting the upper sash frame. These blocks are typically held in place with flathead wood screws on wood window frames or a sheet metal screw on metal window frames. Be certain the support the upper sash as these blocks are removed.

8. Lower the upper sash to the approximate middle of the window opening.

9. Grasp the top and bottom of the upper sash on the right side and, applying a slight pressure toward the left side, swing the frame toward you to remove the sash from the window frame.

10. Reverse this procedure to replace the sashes and screen.

Tags: upper sash, window frame, lower sash, both sides, frame toward, from side

Replace Lost Canada Post Mailbox Keys

Replacing your Canada Post box key is easy

Canada Post has several options for types of mailboxes. Some communities or apartment buildings have Community Mailboxes, to which each member has his own key. Canada Post Postal Boxes are individual mailboxes that vary in size from small to large. If you lose the keys to a Canada Post box, no matter the type, replacement keys are very easy to get and Canada Post does all of the work; you only need to go pick up the keys when they're finished. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Replacing Postal Box Keys

1. Go to your local Canada Post Office or contact Canada Post at 1-866-607-6301.

2. Request a change of lock and a set of replacement keys. Canada Post does not provide new keys without changing the lock.

3. Canada Post will replace the lock on your mailbox. They will leave a Delivery Notice Card on your front step with the address of the Post Office where you can get your replacement keys.

4. Bring the Delivery Notice Card that you receive to the Post Office indicated along with photo identification. You'll need to pay the current key deposit fee ($15 as of 2010) to get a new pair of keys.

Replacing Community Mail Box Keys

5. Contact Canada Post online to request new keys.

6. Canada Post will change the lock and leave a Delivery Notice Card on your front step with the address of the Post Office where you can get your replacement keys.

7. Bring the Delivery Notice Card that you receive to the Post Office indicated along with photo identification. As of 2010, the fee for two replacement Community Mail Box keys was $25 plus tax.

Tags: Canada Post, Post Office, Delivery Notice, Delivery Notice Card, Notice Card, replacement keys, keys Canada

Rv Parks Near Austin Texas

Austin, Texas offers a variety of facilities for RV campers.

Austin is a diverse city where musicians, entrepreneurs and artists offer more than 200 live music venues, historical tours and sites, museums, botanical gardens and the symphony. The city also offers an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants, and recreational activities such as hiking, biking, swimming and boating. Texas’ capital city enjoys a moderate climate with mild winters and an average temperature of 68.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The Austin area offers a variety of parks for RV campers.

Oak Forest RV Park

Oak Forest RV Park is adjacent to 15 acres of forested land in Austin,. The park is less than 10 minutes from downtown Austin and accepts RVs of all sizes and types. The park has 26 daily and weekly sites and 134 monthly RV sites. Amenities include bathrooms with shower facilities, laundry facilities, garbage pickup, swimming pool, hot tub, picnic areas/pavilion, recreation room and community activities. Rates in 2010 start at $44 per night. Rates include full hookups with either 30- or 50-amp electric service, cable television, free Internet and daily garbage pickup. The park offers discounts for member of groups such as AARP, AAA, Passport America, FMCA, TACO and ESCAPEES. Pets are welcome; however, dogs must remain on a leash at all times while outdoors.

Oak Forest RV Park

8207 Canoga Avenue

Austin, TX 78724

800-478-7275

oakforest-rvpark.com/

La Hacienda RV Resort

La Hacienda RV Resort is minutes from downtown Austin and a short drive to nearby Lake Travis. The park features 250 RV sites, both pull-through and back-in, with full hookups. Sites are easily navigated and can accommodate oversized RVs; many sites have views of the hill country and sunset. Park amenities include restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, fitness center, swimming pool, heated spa, business center, pet area and pavilion for events. Rates in 2010 start at $44 per day. The park also has special weekly and monthly rates. Daily and weekly rates include full hookups, wireless Internet, daily garbage pickup and cable television. Monthly guests are charged for electricity.

La Hacienda RV Resort

5220 Hudson Bend Road

Austin, TX 78734

512-266-8001

lahaciendarvpark.com/

Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

Lake Travis Inn and RV Park, in Austin Texas, is located on eight acres in Texas hill country. The gated community is 15 miles from downtown Austin and less than a mile from Lake Austin and Lake Travis. The park has 80 RV sites, including six pull-throughs, 45 that can accommodate double slideouts. All sites include full hookups with 30- or 50-amp electric, cable television, free wireless Internet . Park amenities include restrooms, laundry services, storage facilities and onsite management. Rates for 2010 start at $40 per day, including electricity. Pets are welcome, but must be on a leash while outdoors.

Lake Travis Inn and RV Park

4511 Doss Road

Austin, TX 78734

512-266-9329

laketravisinnandrvpark.com

Tags: Lake Travis, full hookups, 2010 start, Austin Texas, cable television

How Much Does An Auto Body Painter Make Annually

Auto body painters find employment in repair shops and with vehicle manufacturers.

The largest number of auto body painters work in repair shops, where they refinish older or damaged vehicles. Others manage automated painting processes in new vehicle manufacturing or touch up flaws. Most auto body painters make at least $31,000 annually as of 2010, but some earn more than twice that amount.

Job Description

Painters of transportation equipment who work in repair shops mix paint to match colors that may have faded over time, and perform detailed work with a manual spray gun. These are highly skilled workers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Painters who work on new cars operate equipment that performs automated steps, or they fix problem areas in the paint that occurred during automated painting or vehicle assembly.

Salary Range

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics combines salary data for painters of automobiles, airplanes, boats, buses, trains and trucks, noting this includes painters in auto body shops. The average salary for this occupation was $20.27 per hour as of May 2010, or $42,160 per year. The middle 50 percent of these workers were making $14.91 to $24.92 per hour, or $31,010 to $51,830 per year. The bottom 10 percent had hourly wages at or below $11.88, and the top 10 percent were earning $30.82 and more per hour, or $64,110 per year and higher.

Common Types of Employment

Vehicle body painters working in automotive repair and maintenance earned $20.58 per hour on average in 2010, or $42,810 per year. Others find employment with motor vehicle body and trailer manufacturers at an average pay rate of $36,630 annually, with automobile dealers at $44,760 and with automotive parts, accessories and tire stores at $47,150.

High-Paying Industries

The highest pay for auto body painters was in spectator sports employment, which includes car racing. The average salary in that industry for auto body painters was $30.40 per hour, or $63,240 per year in 2010. Employment opportunities are extremely limited in this field; only about 40 auto body painters worked in spectator sports in 2010. The next-highest paying industry is motor vehicle manufacturing, where the painters earned $23.42 per hour on average, or $48,720 per year.

Tags: body painters, auto body, auto body painters, hour year, repair shops, 2010 year, auto body

Repair A Rewritable Dvd

Repair a rewritable DVD (CD-RW).

You can repair a rewritable DVD (DVD-RW) by using items found in the cabinets around your house, such as rubbing alcohol, furniture polish and toothpaste. Although you might have to go to the store to pick up one of these items, you should be able to find most of these items lying around your house. Once you repair your rewritable DVD, be sure to copy its data to your computer in case the DVD becomes unreadable after further wear and tear.

Instructions

1. Apply rubbing alcohol to a soft cloth and then rub the cloth in a circular motion on the surface of the DVD. Move from the inner to the outer edge while doing so. It should remove the dirty smudges from the DVD. Allow the rewritable DVD to air dry before using it in a DVD player.

2. Polish light scratches and scuffs on a rewritable DVD using furniture polish. Apply the furniture polish to a soft cloth and then rub the cloth in a circular motion on the surface of the DVD. While polishing, start at the inside edge of the DVD and move to the outside edge. The polish will fill the scratches and make it easier for a DVD player or computer to read the rewritable DVD. Refer to Step 1 to clean the rewritable DVD before using it in a DVD player.

3. Squirt the toothpaste onto a soft cloth and then rub the cloth in a circular motion on the surface of the DVD to buff out moderate scratches from a rewritable DVD. The gritty texture of the toothpaste will aid in removing the scratches from the DVD while polishing. Polish the DVD, starting at the center of the disc and moving towards the outside edge. Refer to Step 1 to clean the rewritable DVD before using it in a DVD player.

Tags: before using, before using player, circular motion, circular motion surface, cloth circular, cloth circular motion, cloth then

Repair River Rock Fascia

River rock has a smooth, round appearance.

A river-rock fascia adds an earthy appearance to a home. The thin rock wall can be beautiful and long-lasting. Over time, however, it can become weathered and damaged, developing cracks. Pieces of mortar and stones may even fall out. Repairing a rock wall-facing requires replacement stones and some mortar. Any damaged mortar must be removed, then fresh mortar can be used to fill in cracks and apply replacement stones to the fascia. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Examine the rock fascia to determine the extent of the damage. If the mortar between stones is cracked and falling out, you'll only need to replace the mortar. If the rocks are cracked or broken, you'll need to find replacement river rock. This can often be purchased at hardware or home improvement stores.

2. Chisel out any damaged areas of the fascia with a small chisel and hammer. Try to save any reusable river rocks. Avoid damaging the rest of the wall. Brush the remaining dirt and mortar out of the area. Save the old mortar to mix with the new grout.

3. Powder the old mortar in a heavy stone bowl with a pestle or similar item. Crush the mortar until it's smooth.

4. Pour a small amount of mortar into a plastic bucket. Add in the powdered mortar you ground up. Stir in water until you have a mixture that is the consistency of mud. The mortar should stick to an upside-down trowel without falling off.

5. Scoop some mortar onto the wall face, spreading it out with the trowel. Pick up the replacement river rock and spread a layer of mortar on the back of the rock. Press the rock into the wet mortar on the wall. It should stick in place.

6. Fill in spaces between the rocks with mortar. Scoop up a small dab of mortar on the edge of the trowel. Scrape that mortar off the trowel into the space between the river rocks. Keep adding mortar until the spaces are filled. Scrap excess mortar off with the edge of the trowel.

7. Allow the river rock fascia to dry for at least 24 hours to give the mortar time to set. The mortar may look slightly different in color from the rest of the rock wall, but it should blend in with time.

Tags: edge trowel, mortar until, mortar with, replacement river, replacement river rock

About Federal Home Improvement Loan Programs

About Federal Home Improvement Loan Programs

Federal Home Improvement Loans are offered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to low and medium income households to help them to pay for their home improvements. Private lenders administer the program, but it is subsidized by the federal government. In most cases, the loans are used to provide for critical infrastructural improvements, such as plumbing and electrical maintenance.

Significance

The Department of Housing and Urban Development generally administers this loan program through the various state housing administrations. The primary goal of the program is to assist in the renovation of run-down low income neighborhoods throughout the country. The majority of the recipients are landlords renovating properties for low income renters, but people of all sorts use these loans to finance improvements like garages, barns and more.

Function

The three main qualifications for a federal home improvement loan are: the property must be a one to four family dwelling; the home needs to be more than a year old; the loan cannot be more than 100% of the growth in home value caused by the improvement.

The program, called Section 203(k), must be requested from private lenders.

Features

Under certain conditions, a person who is leasing property can also qualify for a federal home improvement loan. The loan is also insured by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for $25,000 in case any problems involved in the improvement. The amount of the loan needs to be $5,000 or more, and the work it pays for needs to be more than minor cosmetic repairs.

Effects

In most cases, these loans pay for the repair of structural damage, modernization, eliminating health hazards such as toxic paint and asbestos, improving accessibility for the disabled, energy conservation improvement and major landscape work. One important thing to understand is that after taking out the loan, designated work needs to begin within 30 days. Work cannot be interrupted for more than 30 days and must be completed within six months.

Considerations

The 203(k) financing program mostly applies to home buyers who are looking to finance renovations without turning to expensive short term financing options from purely private lenders. Although private lenders administer the loans, the rates are set by HUD, and the financial institutions receive money from the government to help finance them. As long as you fulfill the requirements in the agreement, a low-interest federal home improvement loan can help you finance home renovations that greatly improve your living conditions and increase the equity you have in your home.

Tags: more than, Department Housing, Department Housing Urban, Federal Home, Federal Home Improvement, federal home improvement

How Does An Auto Body Repair Technician Spend A Workday

Starting the day

Auto body repair technicians typically start their day around 7 a.m. They need to get to the auto body shop by about that time because some people need to drop off their vehicles early in the morning before they go to work. The technician will get to work and help open the garage. This entails checking messages, emails and the overnight drop box to see if there are any keys that have been left in there for vehicles that were parked at the shop during the previous evening or before the shop opened that morning.

Once all of the vehicles have been brought in for the morning, the work begins. The technician will look at the list of cars that has been logged and figure out which ones need to be looked at first. Once he has put together his workload for the day, he will begin work. Sometimes this consists of finishing projects on vehicles from the previous day. Those almost always get worked on first, before a new vehicle is started on. An exception to this may be when a vehicle is in need of parts that haven't been delivered yet.

The real work begins

The technician must be able to bang out dents in a vehicle's body. In addition, he must also know paint vehicles and use tools such as rubber hammers, primer, paint guns, Bondo and various other tools used in the vehicle repair industry. The technician must also be able to follow directions, because often he will have to do that when installing new parts such as bumpers, grilles, headlights, mirrors and a plethora of other automotive parts that have been damaged during an auto collision. The technician will spend his morning repairing damaged vehicles and will usually take a break around noon.

Wrapping it up

After the technician returns from lunch, he is faced with yet more repair work. Again, this can range anywhere from repairing a dented fender to completely repainting a vehicle or simply touching up scratches. When the technician gets a new vehicle in the shop, he will assess the damage to the vehicle and let the shop manager know which parts will be needed to fix the damage. The shop manager will then order the parts for the vehicle, and the technician will let the manager know approximately how long the job will take so that the manager can relay the information to the vehicle owner.

After the repairs of the day have been done and the shop is ready to close, the technician will take inventory of how many vehicles on his list for that day still need work and their current stages of repair. This will determine his priorities for the next day. After that is done, he begins to clean up his work area, which includes cleaning all of the tools and putting them away for the next workday. In addition, he will take the vehicles that are still being repaired and drive them around the back of the shop so that he can continue working on them the next day. After all tools are put away and the cars are parked, the technician will check any messages and return any calls that he may need to return.

Tags: technician will, have been, will take, begins technician, manager know

Assistance Grants For Wheelchair Ramps

Many types of wheelchair ramps are necessary to provide equal access in communities.

For wheelchair users, wheelchair ramps that provide access into their homes, businesses and recreational venues are a necessity. Funding to provide ramp construction is available via local, state and federal grants, and is fairly easy to access.

The Easter Seal Society

The Easter Seal Society has a long history of promoting independence for individuals living with physical disabilities in the United States. The Society has funding available to help individuals and businesses provide wheelchair access via ramp construction. The Easter Seal Society can be contacted by calling 416-421-8377 to find out access funds locally.

Rebuilding Together

Rebuilding Together, Inc. is a national nonprofit organization that focuses on rehabilitating homes for individuals with disabilities and the elderly. The agency provides funding to make living spaces accessible which includes construction of wheelchair ramps. You may send a letter of interest to Rebuilding Together to explain your needs. The administration office will put you in contact with the organization chapter closest to you.

Community Development Block Grants

Community Development Block Grants, or CDBG, are funds funneled down from the federal government for dissemination by local governmental agencies. Generally, these grants are due late in the year and funding is then announced for the fiscal year following the application and review process. When applying for CDBG funds, you or your agency will most likely be asked to give a presentation to the review committee. CDBG funds are an excellent resource for wheelchair ramp construction in communities across the nation. You must contact your state office to apply.

Multiple Sclerosis Society Home Modification Program

The Multiple Sclerosis Society Home Modification Program accepts requests from individuals in need of assistive devices such as wheelchair ramps, bath and shower grab bars, and handrails. Requests may be submitted in letter form. Requests may be submitted year-round; there are no specific deadlines. To contact the branch nearest you, fill in the form provided at the national website.

Muscular Dystrophy Association

The Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) provides assistance throughout the year to individuals and families coping with muscular dystrophy and related illnesses. The organization provides equipment and accessibility devices, including wheelchair ramps, to those in need. The simple-to-use application is available on the MDA website. MDA also provides a myriad of support services, including home and school visits, social activities and assistance with funeral expenses.

Tags: wheelchair ramps, CDBG funds, Easter Seal, Easter Seal Society, ramp construction

About Doityourself Home Remodeling Repairs

About Do-It-Yourself Home Remodeling Repairs

Do-it-yourself (DIY) remodeling repairs are worth the effort for homeowners who want to save money and enjoy rewarding hobbies. A wide variety of websites, home improvement television shows and magazines promote the interest and offer help and suggestions to DIY home remodeling enthusiasts. A home remodeling project can take the shape of a simple paint job or the construction of an entire room. Although experienced do-it-yourself remodelers can do major construction jobs, most homeowners stick to the smaller jobs that include redecorating, minor improvements and repairs. Does this Spark an idea?

Trial and Error

Some DIY home remodeling repairs make for better learning situations than others. If the power needs to be turned off to install a new light fixture or ceiling fan, the homeowner should be confident that she can do the job in a relatively short period of time. While knocking down walls to make a room larger may sound fun and easy, the finishing work may put the room out of commission for a very long time. Necessary utilities such as water and sewage should only be interrupted by a do-it-yourselfer with experience in the procedure to avoid long shutdowns of the services.

Safety

Safety is a major concern for do-it-yourself home remodelers. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that accidents caused by inexperienced home improvement buffs increased more than 200 percent in the first decade of the 21st century. Homeowners often tackle projects with little or no experience, and little knowledge of basic safety precautions. Unexpected holdups or time constraints cause the DIY remodeler to rush and cause an accident. Falls from ladders, severe cuts from saws and caustic eye splashes are the most common injuries reported in emergency rooms nationwide.

Time Management

Most home improvement projects take longer than planned. A simple faucet replacement gets complicated when the connecting pipes won't come off smoothly or the water is not turned off properly and flooding ensues. Simple wallpaper removal turns into a nightmare when you discover two or three more layers of wallpaper underneath the top layer. Halfway through a job, you realize you don't have the right tools and enough materials to finish the job and need to make another home improvement store run. Build extra time into any job to avoid frustration and accidents caused from rushing. Plan to block off the area you're working on if you have to stop and continue at a later time.

Training

Before tackling a project for the first time, take a step back and find some training on the subject. Many local home improvement stores offer regular classes on DIY home remodeling and repair projects for free in hopes you will purchase the supplies there. Websites such as Good Housekeeping and Do It Yourself.com provide advice and tips on most every kind of home improvement project.

Supplies

While many people do their own repairs and remodeling for the joy and satisfaction of seeing their finished work, most everyone is pleased with the savings, too. To increase those savings, consider second-hand home improvement products. Look for supplies at salvage centers and re-use shops such as those run by Habitat for Humanity.

Tags: home improvement, home remodeling, accidents caused, Remodeling Repairs

Physical Therapist Salary Range In North Carolina

Physical therapists do for the body what mental therapists do for the mind --- exercise it. Physical therapists help their patients regain control over torn, sore, diseased or recently repaired body parts and teach basic tasks such as lifting, raising arms, walking and standing up. In North Carolina, physical therapists earned slightly-below-average salaries overall, but were paid highly in certain pockets of the state.

Prerequisites

North Carolinians interested in earning salaries as physical therapists must pursue a longer-than-undergraduate educational path. The field requires either a master's degree or doctorate, depending on employer. Students traditionally begin with a bachelor's degree in pre-physical therapy, then transfer to one of the schools accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. North Carolina is home to six institutions: Winston-Salem University, Duke University, Western Carolina University, East Carolina University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Elon University. This schooling prepares prospective physical therapists to take the National Physical Therapy Examination, required to get their licenses.

Carolina to Country

North Carolina's approximately 4,340 physical therapists earned a statewide average salary of $74,480 as of 2009, slightly below the national average for the profession of $76,220, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The state, which has 100 counties, also had a wide range of salary percentiles. Physical therapists earning at North Carolina's highest 90th percentile averaged $96,230, while their opposites at the 10th percentile took in $55,750.

Highest Salaries

Physical therapists working in certain areas of North Carolina not only earned higher than the state's average salary, but also earned higher than the national average for their field. The city of Wilmington paid the highest average salary, at $83,070. Physical therapists in Jacksonville and Rocky Mount also earned higher-than-average pay, at $81,640 and $80,930 respectively. The Hickory-Lenoir-Morgantown offered an above-average 50th percentile salary of $76,800, but its 90th percentile salary of $113,460 was the highest in the state. Rocky Mount placed second with a 90th percentile salary of $112,900, followed by Greensboro-High Point, at $103,550.

Lowest Salaries

The city of Greenville earned the lowest place for average salaries for the physical therapy field, paying $63,230. Physical therapists in Raleigh-Cary didn't earn up to the state level either, receiving $69,590. But it was the city of Burlington which paid North Carolina's rock-bottom 10th percentile salaries, paying $43,150. Also low on the 10th percentile were Greenville at $44,940 and Raleigh-Cary at $51,880.

Tags: North Carolina, 10th percentile, 90th percentile, average salary, percentile salary, Physical therapists

Make Concrete Driveway Repairs

Quick repair of cracks prevents water from seeping under the concrete.

With the right tools, a crack in concrete is quickly returned to like-new quality. The wind, rain and other elements sometimes take their toll on concrete driveways. The weight of vehicles and ground water also put stress on a driveway. When cracks occur, it is important to repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage. A professional contractor may cost a mint, but the repairs are fairly affordable as a do-it-yourself project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wash the concrete. Use a dish detergent and water on the area and scrub with a push broom. Allow to dry.

2. Fill cracks or holes with construction or clean sand about half-way up.

3. Mix quick drying concrete in a bucket according to the manufacturer's directions. Stir with a shovel to mix.

4. Apply the concrete to the cracks or holes. Drop concrete in with a shovel along the entire crack and fill the holes.

5. Even out the new concrete with a trowel. Spread the extra along the edges of the crack to blend with the old concrete. Allow to dry for at least 12 hours.

6. Seal the concrete. Once the repair is dry, apply a concrete sealant to the entire driveway. Pour on the sealant and spread with a push broom.

Tags: cracks holes, push broom, with push, with push broom, with shovel

Fix Broken Glass In Storm Windows

The glass in storm windows is susceptible to wear and tear and breakage. Replacing a storm window's damaged glass is an easy DIY project. Metal storm windows are used to shield your home from the elements and keep cold air out while keeping warm air in. You can purchase replacement glass at most hardware stores that specialize in windows or at home improvement centers. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay a dropcloth under the window to catch broken glass. Break out the rest of the glass with a mallet. Broken glass can fall from the window frame while you are moving it and can cut you so remove glass before moving. Dispose of the broken glass.

2. Align the sash hangers at the top of the sash with the notches in the windows side channels. Remove the sash by pressing on the release tabs at the bottom of the lower rail. Pull the sash down and out of the window.

3. Lay the sash on a flat surface. Remove any pieces of glass that may still be clinging to the frame. Pull the rubber gasket to remove it from around the inside of the sash.

4. Measure the length and width of the frame from the inside edges of the frame, using a tape measure. Double the thickness of the removed rubber gasket and add it the window measurements to get your length and width measurements.

5. Unscrew the screws that hold the top rail to the sides of the frame. Pull gently on the top rail in a downward motion to reveal the L-shaped corner brackets.

6. Press the rubber gasket around the edges of the glass pane. Cut small slits in the gasket with a utility knife to help it bend around the corners of the glass pane. Remove excess gasket material when all edges of the glass are covered.

7. Slide the glass pane into the channels of the sides and bottom rails of the frame. Press the top rail gently down over the top of the glass pane and gasket so the L-shaped brackets are aligned. Push the top rail down until the ends of the top rail and side rails form the corners of the frame. Set the screws that hold the top rail and side rails together back into the holes in the corners of the frame. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

8. Slide the window sash back into the window by aligning the sides of the window frame into the side channels of the window. Push the window back up into place with the top rail touching the top of the window.

Tags: glass pane, back into, rubber gasket, corners frame, edges glass, frame Pull, hold rail

Fundraising Ideas For Cub Scouts

Cub Scouts use money from fundraising for going on trips and for purchasing equipment.

Cub Scouts are young members of the Boy Scouts of America organization. As Cub Scouts, boys participate in many of the same activities and events as the older, more experienced Boy Scouts, such as building and racing pinewood derby cars. Part of being a Cub Scout also involves raising funds for the troop so that it can afford to pay for trips and events like camping, fishing and museum visits.

All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Party

One fund-raising idea for Cub Scouts is to hold an all-you-can-eat pizza party. According to Scoutorama, the best way to pull this off is for a troop to join forces with a local pizza restaurant and to hold the event at their establishment. While you could bake your own pizzas, or order them from somewhere and hold the event at a function hall, the pizza restaurant venue will be much more functional and likely much less expensive. This is because the restaurant can keep churning out pizzas so long as participants want them, which means no worrying about running out. Try to work a deal where each participant can pay around $12 for an all-you-can eat stamp or ticket. Then, the troop and the restaurant can split the profits.

Auction

The best part about holding an auction, in addition to it being a fun experience, is that it will net a Cub Scout troop 100 percent of the profits, provided it can utilize a venue, like a church parking lot or municipal building, for free. One strategy for obtaining your items is to go around to local businesses and ask for donations of products or services. For example, you could try to get an automobile repair center to offer a free tune up as an auction item. Alternatively, you could see if any parents or supporters of the Cub Scout troop have a cottage or vacation home that they are willing to auction off for a weekend.

Product Sales

Cub Scout troops often teams up with companies that specialize in providing products for fund-raising. According to Boy Scout Trail, some of the most popular products that scouts sell are $1 candy bars, which come in an assortment of different flavors. In most instances, the troop and the company providing the bars will split the profits 50-50. Another fund-raising option is to sell tulip bulbs. Scouts can first gather paid orders from people, and then the troop can use the funds to purchase the bulbs in bulk.

Tags: hold event, pizza restaurant, Scout troop, split profits

Estimate Drywall

Estimate Drywall

Estimating Drywall and or the total square foot of drywall needed for a home or building can be done in a few simple steps. This article will cover the basics to estimating drywall for ceilings and walls. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. It is best to use a floor plan/blueprint of the building or hand draw one out to the measurements of the perimeters. Then figure out the different kinds [Water Resistant Drywall for bathrooms] and sizes of drywall [ceiling thicker then wall?] needed for the project.

2. Estimating ceiling drywall, This can be done using the floor SQFT of the living area being drywalled. Example: a 20'x20' room would have 400 SQFT of ceiling area. Then take the size of the drywall being used [standard is 4'x8'] and multiply the length times width [4x8={32}] to divide it by the ceiling SQFT to come up with a number for the amount of sheets of drywall needed to cover the ceilings total area.

3. Estimating drywall for interior walls, First note: [the drawing showing two ways of running drywall on the walls both will give you the same number when doing the estimate just one way will end up taking more time, work and materials to finish.] To estimate walls just take length times height then divide by the SQFT number of the drywall being used {32}, you should figure the SQFT of each wall one at a time. Before you divide the SQFT number by {32} to get a sheeting count you must take any window or door SQFT off the total for each wall being figured. Take length times height then [if there was a door and window] add the total SQFT together. Next subtract it from the total SQFT number of the wall then divide it by the SQFT of the sheeting {32} to get a number of sheets of drywall for each wall. After all walls are figured add the material together for each kind/size that's it.

Tags: divide SQFT, each wall, length times, SQFT number, being used