There are government grants available to fix old houses.
Government grants are available to pay for the costs of renovating, rehabilitating and improving old houses and housing units. Grants can also be used to demolish structures if they no longer can be occupied. These government grants do not have to be repaid. Some grant programs require recipients to acquire funds from outside sources to match a percentage of the award amount.
HOPE VI Revitalization Grants Program
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors the HOPE VI Revitalization program, which provides grants to public housing authorities (PHA) to improve the living conditions of public housing residents. Grants may be use to demolish old housing projects or to rehabilitate and repair those that can be improved. The program was designed to provide housing choices that decrease the concentration of low-income families and to pay for other projects that revitalize the area and build sustainable communities. Only PHAs are eligible to apply for this grant.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh St. SW
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-1112
hud.gov
Neighborhood Stabilization Program
Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides grants to communities hit hard by abandoned and foreclosed homes. Grants may be used to demolish old homes and residential structures, purchase, rehabilitate and repair residential homes and redevelop vacant properties. Eligible applicants are communities that have a population of more than 50,000 and counties with more than 200,000 residents. At least 25 percent of the grant must be used to purchase and rehabilitate abandoned or foreclosed homes that will be occupied by families whose income doesn't exceed 50 percent of the area's median income.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 Seventh St. SW
Washington, DC 20410
202-708-1112
hud.gov
Housing Preservation Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds housing preservation grants to pay for renovations, repairs and improvements to old houses, housing units and co-ops in rural areas. Grants are open to communities of fewer than 20,000 residents, and recipients must use the funds within a two-year period. Sponsors for this grant include nonprofit organizations and state, local and tribal government agencies. Eligible recipients include very low- or low-income homeowners, landlords, co-op and rental property owners who provide housing units to low-income or very low-income tenants.
Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Room 5014, South Building
14th Street and Independence Avenue SW
Washington, D.C. 20250
202-720-9619
rurdev.usda.gov
Tags: Department Housing, Department Housing Urban, Housing Urban, Housing Urban Development, Urban Development, housing units
The idea of a family camping trip evokes a mixed bag of memories for people, depending on whom you ask. Restless nights sleeping in a cramped tent brought on dreams of owning your own travel trailer for that comforting home away from home feeling. Others remember childhood RV vacations and long to have them again. You can make vacationing in a travel trailer a reality, cheaply: You can buy an old RV travel trailer literally for just a couple hundred dollars and refurbish it. Doing most of the refurbishment work yourself you will save you money and give you an opportunity to add the personal conveniences that are expensive upgrades when buying new.
Instructions
Safety
1. Examine the tires and wheel to ensure that they are capable of carrying the load of both the trailer and any additional contents that you load for your trip. Replace tires and wheels with new ones if there are any signs of cracking on the tires, if the tread is worn, or if there is rust on the wheels.
2. Have the trailer brakes inspected and repaired by a professional. This will include mechanical components as well as the electrical controls used to connect the towing vehicle to the trailer.
3. Examine the wheel bearings and axles to ensure that they have not rusted together. Replace wheel bearings with new ones in conjunction with new wheel and tire assemblies.
4. Examine the trailer platform to ensure there are no large holes from rust or other damage. Holes in the platform can be repaired by welding in pieces cut to fit.
5. Repair brake lights and old wiring by purchasing simple brake light kits that come complete with all wiring harnesses, taillight lenses and light bulbs.
6. Examine the license plate mounting bracket to ensure it will properly hold the legal identification required along with a small light bulb above it for illumination.
Functionality
7. Clean out the water system by using full-strength bleach. Allow the bleach to stay in the water system for about an hour to ensure all the germs are eradicated. Rinse the system with clean water several times until the system is clear.
8. Replace any worn-out propane gas lines with new lines and fittings . Make sure that the propane tank brackets hold the tank securely. Use new nuts and bolts if necessary.
9. Add a new electric generator to your old travel trailer, along with solar chargers mounted to the roof for convenience.
Comfort
10. Tear out the old foam rubber seating and bedding surfaces and replace them with new padding and upholstery.
11. Cover the floor of the old travel trailer with new indoor/outdoor carpet in your choice of color and texture, or maybe just use linoleum that you can glue over the old surface.
12. Add curtains or mini blinds over the windows for privacy.
13. Sand and paint all of the interior wood surfaces with your choice of latex paint and primer, or just apply a coat of clear polyurethane to maintain the natural wood surfaces.
14. Add your choice of a new propane stove and small electric refrigerator for cooking and food storage.
Tags: travel trailer, your choice, along with, ensure that, ensure that they
Be honest and specific when explaining what renovations you want.
When you need extensive renovations on your house -- even if it's just one room -- it's generally best to contract a professional to do it for you. That being the case, not all professionals are equal, either or price or in quality. It's up to you to multitask and negotiate with several contractors at once. That way, you can make sure you get the best deal possible, while forging a relationship that you can count on should you need more renovations in the future. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Figure out exactly what you want. It's virtually impossible to negotiate renovations and get accurate quotes when you don't have a fully developed concept of what renovations you want done. For example, don't tell a contractor that you want to "fix up our bathroom." Explain in detail where you want the new shower to go, what sort of tile you want for the floor, what kind of hardware you like for the sink and other important aspects of what you want done.
2. Contact at least three different contractors. Lay out your specific wants and needs for your remodeling job, and ask for specific quotes. Don't accept vague estimates -- insist on detailed bids that include quotes for things like labor and supplies. Make sure that you get the brand names for supplies as well -- one contractor might charge the same amount for cheap supplies as another contractor charges for top-quality supplies.
3. Show them the money. Contractors may be willing to shave money off the price if you're willing to start the project immediately and start paying them. Though you pay in installments over the course of the project, the sooner you can start making those payments and start the project, the better. See who is willing to cut you a deal for an immediate start.
4. Compare bids from your contractors, paying special attention to lowball offers. If a contractor offers a particularly low price, ask how and why, as this could be a red flag. For example, the contractor may not be insured or may not insure his workers, or he may be excluding certain costs that he plans to tack on at the project's completion.
5. Check references for your contractors. Ask them for references. If they don't have any, don't waste any more of your time with them. If you aren't sure that you trust their references, check with consumer watchdog sites that track consumer reviews of private businesses. You can even check with the local courthouse for any formal complaints and/or lawsuits filed against the contractor and his subcontractors.
6. Be honest with potential contractors. Let them know that you're shopping around, and explain what you like and dislike about their offers. If they really want the job, they may be willing to make concessions based on what their competitors are offering.
7. Get everything in writing with a full contract. Don't hire a contractor without one. Make sure you get a full, signed contract that details the cost and time frame of the renovation.
It is easy to replace a muffler. As far as car maintenance goes, muffler replacement is one of the simplest tasks you can undertake, provided the bolts are not rusted in place (however, they usually are). Still, stuck bolts aside, replacing a muffler is major car maintenance that just about anyone with basic mechanic tools should be able to complete without too many complications.
Instructions
Remove the Old Muffler
1. Raise the car. Before you can replace a muffler, you have to be able to get to it. Firmly support the vehicle on a lift, jack stands or ramps. Never get under a car supported only by a jack.
2. Examine your muffler setup. It should be held to the rest of the exhaust system by three or four bolts per pipe. It should attach to the body of the car with rubber muffler hangers.
3. Spray the bolts liberally with a penetrating lubricant, such as PB Blaster. Tap the flanges that hold the bolts a few times with a hammer or wrench to get the lubricant to start working its way into the rust. Let it work for a while. If your bolts are severely rusted, you may need to spray them heavily and let it sit for up to 24 hours.
4. Use your floor jack to raise the muffler enough to reduce tension on the muffler hangers. Then use your hands to pull the hangers off.
5. Unbolt the muffler with ratchets, box wrenches or crow's foot wrenches. If the penetrating lubricant has not work to loosen the bolts, you may need to use a propane torch to release them. If you do need to use a torch, lower the exhaust system as far as possible before you begin applying heat. Carefully heat the bolts with the torch, then immediately try to loosen them. If all else fails, you may need to cut the muffler bolts with a hacksaw.
6. Lower the muffler with the floor jack. Make sure it is balanced so it does not fall on you. Get someone to help you to prevent the muffler from falling onto your face, if possible. The gaskets that seal the two sections of exhaust should fall away. If they do not, tap them with a hammer to remove them.
7. Clean the forward mating surfaces of the exhaust with a rag and automotive cleaner.
8. Loosen the muffler hanger brackets by loosening the bolt that holds them to the main vehicle.
Replace the Muffler
9. Replace a muffler by balancing the new muffler on the floor jack. Raise it until you can fasten it to the forward sections of the exhaust system.
10. Attach the muffler to the forward sections of exhaust with new bolts and nuts. Use a ratchet or wrenches. Be certain not to neglect placing the replacement gaskets in between the two sections of exhaust.
11. Hang the replacement muffler from the body with new exhaust hangers. Simply raise the muffler to the highest level you can with the floor jack, being careful not to crush it against the bottom of the car. Slip the new hangers over the mounting brackets on the muffler itself and on the car body.
12. Lower the floor jack until the muffler is at the desired height. Snug up the muffler hanger brackets by retightening the bolts you loosened in Step 4 of Section 1. The muffler will now be firmly attached to the vehicle.
13. Remove the floor jack. Carefully start the car and check the attachment point for leaks. Move your hand around the attachment points and feel for pulsating air. If you have a leak, check the tension on the bolts. If the bolts are firm, then you probably neglected to reinstall the gaskets properly. Separate the exhaust and try again.
14. Turn the car off, carefully lower it to the ground, and you are done.
The headlight switch on the 1995 Ford Aerostar lets the driver change between low and high beams as well as dim the headlights. If any of these functions are not working, you might have to replace the headlight switch. The job isn't hard in a '95 Aerostar. The headlight switch resides to the left of and below the instrument panel. Few fasteners keep it in place. No specialty tools are needed. The job should take less than half an hour.
Instructions
1. Turn off your Ford Aerostar. Prop open the hood.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Sit in the driver's seat and pry or pull off the sides of the lower dashboard. It's the large, rectangular bezel unit that fits below the instrument panel and steering column and abuts the left side of the ashtray and radio.
4. Remove the two Phillips head screws above the ashtray.
5. Remove the torx head screws below the instrument panel and pull the lower dashboard completely out.
6. Remove the two screws securing the headlight switch bracket.
7. Press the button on the bottom side of the headlight switch and pull out the headlight switch knob.
8. Disconnect the rear wiring harness. Pull the headlight switch off of its bracket.
9. Reverse the preceding steps to install the replacement headlight switch.
Get access to your music again by repairing your CD.
You could purchase a commercial CD scratch repair kit to try to fix your damaged compact disc, but you might want to first try some remedies that use household products. If you notice that your CD is scratched and skipping -- or it often freezes up -- try a do-it-yourself repair. Make sure the disc is completely dry before using it in your computer or CD player.
Instructions
1. Hold the CD by the edges and clean the entire bottom of the disc with a lightly soapy water on a cloth. Dry it with a clean, lint-free cloth. Make sure the motion is from the center out to the edges. Do not wipe in circles.
2. Dampen a corner of a cloth with water and apply plain white toothpaste -- or metal polish -- if you see scratches. Gently, moving from the inner part of the disc to the outer part, smooth over the scratch with whatever you're using. Do this a couple times. Then gently clean it off with water, and wipe it dry with another section of the cloth. The scratch will most likely still be there, but smoothing it out will usually prevent the disc from skipping.
3. Polish the disc with a chamois cloth and an oil-based clear shoe polish or petroleum jelly. Remember to wipe in straight lines from the inside out.
4. Repeat the process if the disc still skips.
Tags: cloth with, disc with, Make sure, with water
Learn make several hundred to several thousands dollars when removing trash from real estate owned (REO) foreclosures. With today's market, finding REO foreclosures that are in need of trash removal is easy. When foreclosures are reverted back to the lender or bank, this gives REO trash removal businesses the opportunity to jump in and make a profit. Many foreclosures are left in extremely bad condition needing trash removed, cleaning, and minor repairs. Removing trash and debris from foreclosures can be a profitable business with the proper knowledge.
Instructions
Establish Services
1. Write down exactly what services you will offer your clients. Consider offering other services as well as trash removal such as carpet cleaning, floor maintenance, cleaning of the entire home, and window cleaning. Also consider offering additional services such as minor repairs of walls, window replacement, minor painting, changing locks, lawn care, pressure washing, and gutter cleaning.
2. Determine your fees. Charge $75 per yard for debris removal, this covers labor and dumpster charges. If you are cleaning beyond the removal of the debris, consider charging .10 per square foot for general cleaning. For any repairs and replacements, charge the cost for materials, times two and a half.
3. Prepare to remove trash. In order to successfully operate an REO trash removal business you need to have the proper equipment and materials. Call local waste management services and obtain a quote for an average 5 yard dumpster; obtain a dumpster for the removal of debris. To do a general clean up, bring a vacuum, cleaning supplies and rent a local carpet cleaner to begin work.
Market your Services
4. Banks work with agents and brokers to sell their REO properties. Find these types of brokers and agents in your local real estate magazine, real estate directories, local newspapers, or simply by driving though your local neighborhoods. Foreclosures are typically easy to spot as they generally have overgrown grass, look unmaintained, and are abandoned. Usually with these types of properties there is a real estate agent's sign visible. Contact the agent or broker and them know you are available for removing trash at an affordable rate and ask to bid the job.
5. Broaden your client base, call all your local property management companies and offer them your REO trash removal services. Offer a free estimate and let them know that having trash removed from a foreclosure can aid in renting or selling the property.
6. Prepare fliers and leave on houses. Prepare a simple flyer using any word processing software. List your REO trash removal services and your phone number for potential customers to call for a bid. Leave fliers at the homes that have obviously been abandoned when you have been unable to make contact with anyone. Spend a day or two driving around the local neighborhoods searching for these homes.
7. Get the appointment and make a bid. After you have successfully made contact with the agent or broker offer a free estimate for the project. When doing a walk-thru and making your bid, take digital pictures to show the extent of the work that has to be done. Remember to take after photographs as well; you need these in order to show the client the work that has been done.
Tags: trash removal, real estate, your local, your trash removal, agent broker, contact with
Projects are quickly planned out with the use of a planner.
A combination of binder and index dividers are helpful when planning home projects, as well as craft and other projects. These supplies allow you to build a planner to house the ideas that you have for all of your upcoming projects, in an organized manner.
This type of binder aids you in planning each project completely, laying out each step in order and providing all of the information that you will need before beginning. It will also provide you with a place for keeping receipts together. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Create project sheets within your word processing program, saving them in your computer files for quick printing whenever a new project is begun. Make these one or two pages long. Provide a space at the top for the name of the project, the projected start date and the estimated end date, as well as the amount of money budgeted for the project.
Add sections to each page, with headings, for a materials list and a shopping list. Have another section for a project overview, as well as a place for project details. Insert an area for important numbers, such as for a painter or carpenter, and a place to list each step that you wish to take. (See Reference 1)
2. Have an index divider, planning sheets and lined paper for notes available for each project, as well as an envelope for storing receipts. Keep graph paper on hand for planning furniture placement, as well as for other projects. Punch holes in anything that does not currently have them, such as the envelope and graph paper, and place reinforcements around each hole to prevent these items from tearing. Put everything into the binder and label the index divider with the project name. (See Reference 2)
3. Use this planning binder to organize everything from beginning ideas to receipts. Start with the project names and dates, then decide on a budget. Contact people whom you may need help from, and add their contact information to the project sheet. Provide a description of what you want to accomplish, and the steps necessary to meet your goals. Make out a materials list, and add anything that you do not have on hand to the shopping list.
4. Keep receipts in the corresponding envelope for a specific project, and attach paint and fabric samples to the blank sheets of paper. Use the graph paper to plan garden projects, room additions and any other projects that you will be working on.
Tags: graph paper, other projects, anything that, each project, each step
Rot occurs whenever water gets into cracks or penetrates a wood finish and can't dry out. Seal these cracks and maintain the finish to protect wood's beauty and integrity. Consult a pro for structural rot repairs, but you can tackle small ones yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Repair decayed wood
1. Use a wood chisel, an electric drill with a spade bit, or another tool appropriate for the situation to remove all wet, loose and unsound wood.
2. Probe the surrounding area with an awl. If it feels as solid as unaffected areas, drill numerous closely spaced holes of 1/8-inch (3-mm) diameter in the wood and inject a liquid wood hardener as directed by the manufacturer.
3. Mix two-part epoxy or polyester wood filler as directed. Mix only what you can apply and shape in a few minutes. Once the material hardens--and it does so quickly--you must throw it away.
4. Fill the hole or build up the affected area with the wood filler, using a putty knife or flexible plastic spreader (see A). Press hard to work the initial layer into the surface for a good bond.
5. Clean off the applicator and mixing container immediately.
6. Use a rasp tool to roughly shape or level excess filler as soon as the filler sets up, but before it dries completely (see B).
7. Use medium or coarse sandpaper to further shape and blend the patch when the filler is completely dry. On flat surfaces, use a rubber sanding block or power sander. On contoured surfaces, use wood dowels or other appropriate shapes to back the sandpaper.
8. Blow off the dust and apply freshly mixed filler to fill any remaining depressions or pinholes, or to build up more material as needed to attain the desired shape.
9. Use medium, then fine sandpaper to smooth the patch and feather it into the surrounding wood.
10. Touch up the patched area with primer and paint.
Take preventive steps
11. Use naturally decay-resistant or treated lumber for decks and other outdoor structures. Never allow untreated lumber posts or lumber to rest directly on concrete.
12. Clean joints between deck boards or between a deck and a house so debris and dirt won't retain moisture.
13. Inspect for peeling paint or other paint failures, especially near joints, such as mitered trim corners at roof eaves or where window and door casings contact sills.
14. Probe these areas with an awl to search for soft or wet, spongy wood (wood that resists being probed is sound).
15. Seal cracks with caulk. If possible, use screws to close any open miter joints. Bore pilot holes for the screws to avoid splitting the wood, and then inject adhesive caulk into the joint before driving in the screws.
16. Sand any bare wood and apply wood preservative before you apply a primer. Caulk joints after priming and before the top coating. Preservative greatly increases the likelihood of a better, longer-lasting paint bond.
17.Create ventilation through trimmed posts or columns by providing space for air to circulate between the trim and the floor surface and an outlet vent at the top. In some cases, this requires cutting 1/2 inch (12 mm) off the bottom of the trim. Lay a board that's 1/2-inch (12-mm) thick on the floor against the post and rest a handsaw on the board as you make the cut. Use small metal louvers pressed into drilled holes to vent the tops of posts or columns.
18. Avoid positioning outdoor sheds, such as one for trash cans, against wood siding. Elevate sheds above the ground on concrete blocks or short sections of 6-by-6-inch (15-by-15-cm) pressure-treated posts.
19. Make sure crawl-space vents remain open, especially during the summer, or add vents where there are none.
Tags: area with, between deck, posts columns, wood filler, wood wood
Asphalt repair is like dental work: the longer you go without doing something about the problem, the bigger it gets. Sometimes asphalt damage occurs because it was either laid too thin or without the proper support. Often times, the damage only occurs in a small area. A simple repair can extend the life of your asphalt. There are three types of asphalt repair work: filling a depression, crack repair and filling a pothole. Crack repair and filling a pothole require preventative preparation while filling a depression is simply what it sounds like. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Saw or chisel a perimeter around the damaged area. Make certain no cracked or broken asphalt is outside this perimeter. Cut or chisel the perimeter through good asphalt.
2. Remove the loose chunks of asphalt with a pick and shovel. Break apart and remove the good asphalt inside the perimeter of your cut with the pick. Shovel out any loose or soft dirt and all debris. Shoveling out soft dirt is particularly important for depressions. Soft dirt is why you got a depression in the first place. You want a solid base for your patch.
3. Fill the area you cleaned with asphalt. Rake it level. Though level, you want the top of the patch 2 to 3 inches above the surrounding asphalt -- crowned. This will account for the compaction of the asphalt when you roll it. If you do not crown the unpacked asphalt, you will get a pot hole after traffic goes over your patch.
4. Roll the wheel of your vehicle over the patch five or six times to compact it. If the asphalt settles and you no longer have a crown, add more asphalt then repack the patch.
The federal government sets up various grants for the purpose of advancing the general welfare of the people of the United States. The government considers homelessness as one of the threats to the general welfare and provides grants to alleviate the burden associated with home ownerships such as home repairs.
Significance
Federal grants for home repairs permit low income households to obtain the necessary funds to keep their homes in good condition. Such grants give individuals with low incomes to repair their home's heating, electricity services, plumbing, roof, waste disposal and other such structures. The grant imposes no limits to the types of repairs made to a home.
Considerations
The federal government imposes limits on the types of applicants who can obtain grants for home repairs. Federal law requires that applicants for these funds must be at least 62 years old, be legally entitled to live in the United States (i.e. U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident), live in a home in a rural area and are unable to repay a Section 502 loan. A Section 502 loan gives low income individuals the money to repair, improve or modernize their home and also to be able to make their home habitable by removing health hazards. Also, the applicant must be defined as "very poor," according to the standards set by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development.
Geography
An applicant seeking to acquire these federal grants should know they are only available within the territories officially owned and controlled by the United States. The federal government lists Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Mariana Islands and the U.S. Pacific Islands as the only territories outside the United States where these grants are available.
Identification
The federal government established two places where an applicant can seek further information on these grants. First, it established Regional Agency Offices of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for Rural Development. These offices are located in counties across the U.S. Second, it established an office for the Department of Agriculture that is in charge of administering the grant. This office is located in Washington, D.C. and it can be contacted at (202) 720-1474.
Warning
The federal grant program limits an applicant to $7,500 for grants for home repairs.
Tags: federal government, United States, Department Agriculture, home repairs, their home, Agriculture Rural, Agriculture Rural Development
Plumbing vents are a vital part of indoor plumbing systems, but few people outside the plumbing industry know much about them. A basic understanding of the purpose and workings of plumbing vents can help any homeowner avoid dangers and take care of basic plumbing maintenance. Does this Spark an idea?
Significance
A building's drainage and waste disposal system consists of thee parts - the drainage system, the waste system and the venting system. Drainage pipes carry waste water from the sink and shower drains. The waste pipes carry waste from the toilet so that it is separate from the sink and shower drains. This prevents toilet waste from backing up into the sink and bathtub if there is a blockage.
Plumbing vents are pipes that run from every drain to the outside of the building, usually through the roof. They have two purposes. The first is to divert sewer gasses out of the building to the outside air. This prevents a dangerous build up of gas and bacteria. Without those vents, bacteria and gasses from the septic system would be released into the house where they could make people very ill.
In addition, plumbing vent pipes help equalize pressure in plumbing pipes when water goes through a drain. Without plumbing vents to let the sewer gas escape and bring in air to push water through the pipes, waste water can back up into drains and toilets and become a health hazard.
History
Joseph Bramah, a London cabinetmaker, invented the water closet in 1778. The plumbing for the flush toilet had no vent, a serious flaw in the design. Noxious gasses built up in water closets with sometimes fatal results. It only took four years for a solution to be found. In 1782, John Gallait patented a "stink pipe", which consisted of a drain trap and a vent pipe. Nearly all improvements to the modern flush toilet and indoor plumbing systems are based on Gallait's patented stink pipe vent design.
Function
The easiest way to understand the function of plumbing vents in your home plumbing system is to imagine draining a soda bottle. If you hold the bottle upside down at a 90 degree angle, the soda can't drain properly. As the bottle drains, it creates negative pressure inside the bottle because there is nothing to replace the soda flowing out. If you punch a hole in the top of the bottle, though, air is drawn into the bottle through the hole, keeping the pressure equal and allowing the soda to flow freely.
Plumbing vents serve the same purpose as the hole in the top of the bottle. If there is no way to introduce air into a closed plumbing system, negative pressure is created and the water can't drain freely through the drain pipes. At the same time, the vent system allows gas from decomposing waste to escape the house so that it doesn't build up and cause foul smells and toxic sewer gas buildup.
Each drain in the house has both a vent pipe and a trap. The trap is an essential part of the vent system because it seals the pipe off and keeps air from escaping into the house. Most traps are S or P-shaped pipes just below the drain. Their purpose is to trap water, which forms a barrier preventing air from entering the plumbing system through the drain.
Considerations
Vent pipes usually exit through the roof of a house or into the attic. Every city, state and town has specifications for the size of pipe that must be used for plumbing vents. Those specifications can usually be found in the town's health codes under sanitation. In most states and cities, new plumbing fixtures, including sinks, tubs and toilets, must meet code specifications. The town may require that plans be filed with the Sanitation Board or Health Department, and inspection upon completion of the work. This is important to make sure that all plumbing meets the town sanitation codes to protect the health of the home's residents and the community.
Types
There are several types of plumbing vents that serve different functions in a building plumbing system.
The WASTE STACK is the main vertical vent pipe that runs up through the roof of the house to vent sewer gas out of the house. The term refers to any vent stack that doesn't carry waste from a toilet or sanitary fixture.
The SOIL STACK is the vertical vent pipe that carries soil and waste from toilets and sanitary fixtures in the house.
A DIRECT VENT is the term used when a plumbing fixture like a sink drains directly into the waste stack. Typically, direct venting is only allowed if the drain is very close to the waste stack.
A STACK VENT is an extension of the main waste stack that runs from a fixture to the waste vent. If a drain is more than a few feet away from the waste stack, it requires its own stack vent.
A DRY VENT is a section of the vent stack that does not carry water.
A WET VENT may be used when a toilet is located a distance away from the waste stack. It is typically used if another plumbing fixture is located between the toilet and the main waste stack.
Prevention/Solution
Improper venting of plumbing fixtures or blocked plumbing vents can cause many plumbing and health problems. An odor of sewer gas in the house or building usually means that a vent is leaking. Slow drainage and funny noises from the drains when the toilet is flushed or a sink drains often means that a plumbing vent is blocked. A licensed plumber can easily find either problem, but you can make it easier by doing a little investigation on your own.
Look for leaks around plumbing traps. A leaking trap may fail to provide a water seal and allow sewer gas to back up into the building. Check under sinks for moisture or mold.
Look for dry plumbing fixtures. When a sink or toilet is not used for a long time, the water in the trap may evaporate, opening the seal and letting sewer gas into the house. Check laundry sinks in the basement or toilets in bathrooms that may not be used. In a multi-family dwelling, check the toilets in empty apartments. Often, all you need to do to cure the problem of a dry fixture is run the water or flush the toilet.
Check for clogged traps. If only one or two drains are slow, check the traps for those fixtures for blockage. Cleaning out the trap yourself is easy if you have basic handyman skills.
Tags: waste stack, plumbing system, vent pipe, waste from, carry waste, flush toilet, into house
Choose a recycling activity to earn the green petal.
Daisy Scouts are girls just beginning the scouting program, usually in kindergarten or first grade. Part of being a Daisy Scout is earning the petals for the Daisy badge. Each petal is a different color and represents a different part of the Girl Scout code. Some activities to earn a petal can be done individually while others can be earned as a troop. Does this Spark an idea?
The Blue Center
The blue center represents "promise" and is one of the first petals Daisy Scouts earn by learning the Girl Scout Promise while holding up their middle three fingers. Parents and troop leaders can help them learn the pledge by saying it at each meeting and working on it at home.
The Light Blue Petal
The light blue petal represents "honest and fair." To earn this petal, the Daisy Scout needs to understand the concepts of truth and fairness. One activity is to give every girl, but one, a piece of candy. See how the girls react and ask them why it isn't fair for one girl to be left out. For honesty, read the story of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" and then lead a discussion about why what the boy did was wrong. Ask the girls to share times they had trouble being honest.
The Yellow Petal
The yellow petal represents "friendly and helpful." For friendly, meet with another troop and pair each girl with a girl she doesn't know in the other troop. Have them work together on an activity, such as writing a poem or doing a puzzle. For helpful, assign each girl to help with setting up and cleaning up at a meeting or ask the girls to do an extra chore at home for a week.
The Spring Green Petal
The spring green petal represents "considerate and caring." For this petal consider working together as a troop to make cards for a local senior citizens' center or nursing home. Bake cookies to go with the cards, deliver them in person to the senior citizens and spend some time with them.
The Red Petal
The red petal represents "courageous and strong." For courageous, encourage each girl to try something new, whether it's a new food, a new hair style or standing up and singing in front of the troop. For strong, explain the importance of exercise and ask each girl to give up television or computer time to exercise each day. Visit a local gym and have a personal trainer talk to the girls about the importance of exercise to keep their bodies strong.
The Orange Petal
The orange petal represents "responsible for what I say and do." Ask each girl to make a promise to do something for one week, such as doing an extra chore around the house, doing homework without a fuss or not fighting with a sibling. Have them make a certificate that states their promise and then give it to their parents. If the girl completes the task, the parent signs off on the certificate.
The Magenta and Purple Petals
The magenta petal represents "respect authority," and the purple petal represents "respect myself and others." For respecting authority, take the children on a tour of a police station or have a police officer come to your meeting to discuss the importance of respecting authority. For respecting myself and others, have a discussion with the girls about respecting their own bodies and belongings as well as those of others. Incorporate respecting other's feelings as well.
The Green Petal
The green petal represents "use resources wisely." Ask the girls to collect things from home that would otherwise be trash, such as paper towel rolls, game pieces from a game that no longer has all the parts, water bottles or cereal boxes. Have the girls bring the items to the next meeting and make sculptures out of their collections.
The Rose Petal
The rose petal represents "make the world a better place." Arrange for the troop to do something in the community. Some ideas include planting flowers at a church, community center or municipal building or picking up trash in a park. Coordinate your activities on Earth Day or your meeting day closest to Earth Day, which is April 22.
The Violet Petal
The violet petal represents "be a sister to every Girl Scout." To earn this petal, you can find another Daisy troop in a distant location and pair up the girls to be pen-pals. Make swaps -- Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere -- for another troop. Consider incorporating the color violet in the swaps to reflect the violet petal they are earning.
Tags: petal represents, each girl, Daisy Scout, Girl Scout, green petal
Often passed down from generation to generation, vintage sewing machines may seem priceless in terms of sentimental value. On the market, vintage sewing machines can fetch hundreds of dollars depending on the model, make and age, with auction website prices for ranging from $50 to $300 as of May 2010.
History
VintageSewingMachines.org states that you can consider a sewing machine "vintage" if manufactured in the late 1800s or early 1900s, during the height of the Industrial Revolution. Vital to the textile and clothing industries during this era, sewing machines increased production and reduced costs for consumers. Lightweight versions of industrial sewing machines became widely available to the public at the turn of the 20th century. Singer, the most popular model of vintage sewing machine, according to the website, is perhaps the most well-known brand of modern machines as well.
Types
Knowing the exact type of the sewing machine you wish to sell or purchase can help you navigate the market. In addition to Singer, other common brands of vintage sewing machines include Jones, Frister, Muller and Bradbury. Being common doesn't tell the whole story, however. According to Sewmuse.co.uk, Bradbury sewing machines, largely forgotten after Singer began manufacturing sewing machines and now considered rare, typically fetch a higher price than a more common model.
Appraisal
Checking auction websites can give you an idea of how much people pay for a vintage sewing machine, if you can find a comparable make, model and year to the machine you wish to sell. If that proves impossible, an antique appraiser can come to your home to give you an estimate on the item in question. You could also list the vintage sewing machine in an auction--a bidding war can drive up its value.
Identification
Most sewing machines have their brand name printed on them. Singer and Jones machines, for example, typically have the manufacturer's name painted or embossed along the top. Model numbers were not commonly used until the middle of the 20th century. VintageSewingMachines.org states that Singer did not use model numbers until around 1960. However, a serial number can help identify a particular make and model of vintage sewing machine.
Warning
Most sewing machines, made by the hundreds of thousands in the 1800s and 1900s, have lesser value as antiques than other items from the same time period, according to Sewmuse.co.uk. As a collector, you usually can acquire a vintage sewing machine at a reasonable price, but if you have plans to sell an old machine, don't view it as a rare collectible.
Shred your paper to keep others from reading confidential information.
GBC designed its Shredmaster line of office and home paper shredders to help customers preserve their privacy and protect against identify theft. Though you can choose from dozens of Shredmaster models, each with its own specific characteristics and design, several general problems can occur in all Shredmaster devices. Troubleshoot such devices to find and fix the underlying problem so you can continue protecting your confidential data.
Instructions
1. Check that the Shredmaster device is powered on--the power switch is typically located on the top or side panel of the appliance--and plugged into a reliable power source if the device won't shred when paper is inserted or if it shuts down unexpectedly.
2. Empty the Shredmaster's internal storage bin if the light next to "Full Bin" is illuminated and the device won't shred any more paper. Open the front or side panel, depending on your specific model, and slide out the basket that holds the shredded paper. Dispose or recycle its contents and return the empty basket into the machine to resume use.
3. Reduce the amount of media you're trying to shred at once if the Shredmaster's shredding mechanism gets jammed repeatedly. Each model varies by the amount of media it can shred at once, depending on the size of its intake tray and the strength of its motor. Consult your model-specific manual for recommendations. Avoid shredding media that your model isn't prepared to take. For example, some Shredmasters can handle cardboard and CDs while others handle only office paper.
4. Lubricate the Shredmaster if performance slows or if the shredder gets jammed even when you're shredding the recommended amount of acceptable media. GBC recommends using its shredder oil (product #GBC1760049; see Resources). Spray several streaks of the oil across two pieces of plain paper and feed the lubricated paper through the shredder. This greases the Shredmaster's mechanisms and ensures consistent, smooth shredding results.
5. Contact the GBC shredder service line by dialing 800-723-4000 if you still cannot get your Shredmaster product to function correctly. Support representatives are available Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST.
Learn treat Phalaenopsis orchids infected with Botrytis.
Phalaenopsis is a botanical genus containing 60 species of tropical flowering epiphytic plants more commonly known as moth orchids. According to the University of Tennessee Extension, Phalaenopsis are among the easiest and most popular orchids to cultivate at home. Black spots on the flowers of Phalaenopsis orchids are the result of a fungal disease known as Botrytis. Botrytis control is difficult, but is not impossible. Does this Spark an idea?
Remove Affected Plant Matter
Remove infected foliage and flowers as soon as possible. Cut affected foliage from the plant with sharpened and sterilized pruning shears. Destroying the removed plant matter prevents the Botrytis fungal spores from spreading to other plants. After pruning the diseased foliage, wash the pruning shears in a solution of warm, soapy water and dry them with a soft cloth. Moisten a second cloth with rubbing alcohol and rub the blades to kill any lingering Botrytis spores.
Sterilize Surrounding Surfaces
Infected moth orchids may spread Botrytis spores to surrounding surfaces. Disinfecting these surfaces prevents nearby plants from infection. The Saint Augustine Orchid Society recommends wiping down any hard surfaces around infected orchids with a broad-range disinfectant, fungicide, viricide and algaecide. Create a homemade disinfectant solution by mixing 1/4 cup household bleach with 2-1/4 cups water. Discard any unused bleach solution.
Kill Fungal Spores on Plants
Botrytis spores linger on the moth orchid even after removal of the infected foliage and flowers. Wipe down the orchid's stems and foliage with a copper-based fungicide and bactericide. Always use fungicide products according to package instructions to avoid injury to yourself or your Phalaenopsis orchid. Copper-based fungicide products are not suitable for use on all parts of the moth orchid. Never apply fungicide to an orchid's flowers unless the product instructions explicitly direct.
Phalaenopsis Continued Care
Once the Botrytis is controlled, prevent future infections. Move the moth orchid to a spot offering better air circulation. Use a fan if necessary. Water moth orchids in the early morning and avoid wetting their foliage. Leaving an orchid's foliage wet overnight invites fungal disease. Provide daytime temperatures between 70 and 82 degrees and nighttime temperatures above 60 degrees. If the black spots reappear, swab the affected blossoms with a cotton ball dampened with hydrogen peroxide.
Cane bottom chairs are beautiful pieces of furniture that can be picked up at yard sales, consignment shops or thrift stores. With a few simple tools, the cane seat of the chair can be easily repaired or replaced. Repairing a cane bottom chair is a great way to give new life to old furniture. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use white vinegar to remove any adhesive from the spline. The spline is the wedge shaped piece of wood that holds the cane in place. Wipe vinegar onto the spine and let sit for 10 minutes to penetrate the adhesive.
2. Pry the spline loose from the chair with a chisel or screwdriver. Work carefully from the inside edge to prevent cutting into the wood.
3. Clean out the area where the spline used to be with a scraper. Remove any particles or debris from the area.
4. Cut a piece of cane seating about 3 inches larger than the area to be covered. Soak the cut piece in warm water for about 3 hours to make it pliable. Cut a new spline approximately 5 inches larger than the old piece of spline and soak it for 15 minutes prior to replacing the chair bottom.
5. Set the cane on the chair and tap the material into the channel using a putty knife and rubber mallet.
6. Run a bead of wood glue into the channel where the cane material has been tapped into place.
7. Tap the new spine into the channel over the bead of glue and trim off any excess spline and cane material.
Tags: into channel, cane material, inches larger, inches larger than, larger than
The original Phalaenopsis is large and stark white.
Orchids belong to the largest plant family in the world, with thousands of different species growing in Central and South America, Mexico and Asia, according to University of Arizona Cooperative Extension of Mojave County. Of those thousands, though, some orchid species do better in captivity than others. Phalaenopsis, or moth orchids, thrive with lower lighting, moderate humidity and standard household temperatures, and so do well as houseplants. They also rebloom within in a given season with the right care. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Allow the moth orchid to go through its complete blooming phase. Prepare the orchid for reblooming after the last bloom falls from the flower stalk.
2. Cut a healthy flower stalk back to half its length, or 1 inch above the last unused growing joint with pruning shears. New growth starts at these joints to allow the plant more blooms from the same stalk. The joints may produce new flower stalks or individual blooms.
3. Trim unhealthy flower stalks back to healthy sections, or all the way down to 1 inch above the crown of the orchid with your shears. If you cut the entire stalk down, the orchid may produce a new stalk at its base.
4. Water the orchid every two to three days to keep it lush and moist. Phalaenopsis orchids enjoy deep drinks and adequate moisture, especially during the blooming seasons. Use phosphorous-rich 10-50-10 or 10-30-10 water-soluble fertilizer once a week during the blooming season to encourage new growth and blooming. Mix the fertilizer at one-quarter power to keep from burning the plant.
Tags: during blooming, flower stalk, flower stalks, inch above
It's not easy being a Cub Scout leader, but few things in life will be as rewarding. Crafts, parties and other events excite the troops, and you are probably finding yourself constantly exhausting your resources for new ideas to incorporate so things don't get boring. If you haven't made them before, consider a simple project of making Cub Scout napkin rings. Does this Spark an idea?
Uses
If you are planning a party or event for your troops that will involve dining, you can use specially designed Cub Scout napkin rings as a way to make the table more festive and relevant to the troop. If you can't make them all yourself, you can make napkin rings a craft project for the troop. Let the boys make them for their own parties, or let them make napkin rings relevant to a special day, like Thanksgiving, to bring home and share with the family.
Napkin Ring Forms
If you're looking for a base for your napkin ring craft, look no further than your own bathroom. Use a cardboard tube from a toilet paper or paper towel roll to make the rings that you can decorate. If you don't have enough, rally the troops to collect them from home and bring them in at the next meeting. Snip the tubes into 2 inch sections for your craft. Alternately, cut thick cardboard into strips and tape them into tube forms.
Design
There are many Cub Scout themes you can draw from to make your napkin ring holders. If the rings are to be used at a dinner event, write the name of each child on a ring so it doubles as a place card. Alternately, paint them gold and paste a small cut-out image of a webelos, tiger or bear head onto the front to mimic the gold neckerchief slide of the scout uniform. If the kids are making napkin rings as a craft, let them design miniature badges to affix to the front of the ring.
Materials
You can paint your napkin rings with an acrylic craft paint, and decorate them with paint as well. Alternately, you can wrap them in ribbon or paper to cover the cardboard, then glue a band of thin ribbon or ric-rac around it to give it some pizazz. If making decorations for the front of the ring, use cardstock or craft foam with paint pens, rubber stamps or stickers. A little dab of clear-drying craft glue will hold all of the elements together.
Tags: napkin rings, your napkin, front ring, make napkin, make napkin rings, make them, Napkin Ring
The Crosley Corporation, headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, produces consumer home comfort, kitchen and laundry appliances and electronics. It offers standard and super-capacity washers, and top- and front-loading washers. While Crosley designs its products to work efficiently and trouble-free, the company encourages you to troubleshoot problems with your washing machine. This saves you money on service fees and reduces support calls to the company. Does this Spark an idea?
Not Filling or Filling Slowly
If your Crosley washing machine is not filling with water, check the water pressure with a water pressure gauge. Your water will not fill properly if the pressure is below 30 psi. Shut off the water in other parts of the home or wait for the water pressure to return to normal if abnormally low. If your water supply is low, contact your water supplier. Verify that the water supply valve is completely turned on and that the water inlet hose is not kinked. Remove any debris from the hose. If the water inlet hose is not turning or is leaking, replace it. If you are not getting hot water, check that you have not reversed the hot and cold water lines. Verify that the standpipe is at least 23.6 inches above the floor.
Not Starting or Spinning
Plug the power cord directly into a wall outlet and not an extension cord or adapter if your washer isn't starting. Turn the water supply faucets to the "On" position, and close the lid. Your washer won't spin if the lid is open. Select a washing cycle, and press "Start." Check your home fuses or circuit breaker. Appliances can trip a circuit breaker. Turn it back on. Change out any fuses that are black or have broken wires. Open up the main housing near the door frame and look at the lid switch, which is a black box with wires connected to it. If the connections are corroded or burnt out, replace the switch. If your washer runs, but still won't spin, check the spin bearing, drive motor and belt. Replace any component that is broken.
Drain/Leaks
If your Crosley washer won't drain, check the drainage hose, and see if it's kinked or clogged. Remove any clothing blocking the hose. Verify that only 4 inches of the hose enters the tub. Trim off the excess. Examine your home drainpipes. If they are filled with debris, you must flush out the debris. If the washer still won't drain, remove your pump and look at the pump pulley. If the pulley won't turn easily, replace it. Leaks are often caused by loose connections on the back of your machine. Tighten the hose connections, and verify that the sealing washers are properly installed. Close the dispenser drawer if open, and keep the lid closed. If your washer is sudsing a lot, do not use as much detergent for the next cycle.
Temperature Issues
Check your hot water heater if your hot water isn't hot enough. Set the heater to at least 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Water that is too cold causes dingy whites. Place a waterproof thermometer into the tub to test the water temperature. Avoid using hot water in other areas of the house while you are washing clothes.
Tags: water pressure, water supply, your washer, Check your, circuit breaker, hose kinked, inlet hose
The bane of laptop users, cracked screens can occur if you drop, sit on or even just grip the screen too tightly. However, "fixing" a cracked screen is a misnomer, because once a screen is cracked, it's the end of the road for that particular screen. However, the screen can be replaced, by anybody with the time and patience to do it.
Instructions
1. Decide if you want to spend the time and money installing a new screen or just throw in the towel and get a new computer. If you do buy a new one, you will have to transfer your data from the broken laptop to the new one. But that can be accomplished, even with a broken screen.
2. Locate a replacement screen. This might be the most time-consuming part of the entire process. Buying a replacement from the manufacturer is not advised, as it will cost almost as much as buying a replacement laptop. But a non-working computer with an intact screen can be found at a used computer shop, on eBay or though online message boards.
3. Unplug both laptops and remove the batteries. Open the bezel of the computer with the good screen first and remove the screen. This usually requires the small screwdrivers. This is where great care comes in, as it's a fragile area and can easily be damaged. The advantage of doing this on the other laptop is that you can see how it's put together and how best to proceed without breaking the screen or cracking the plastic on your laptop.
4. Carefully remove the cable that attaches the monitor to the motherboard of the computer. This is usually found right behind the hinge area. Again, this is a sensitive area to work in, so make sure you have plenty of light and work slowly. Also note that some laptops have a grounding-type wire that connects to another part of the computer. So locate it and take off the mounting screw.
5. Repeat the process with your laptop. Open the bezel and remove the screen carefully to avoid getting cut with broken glass. Since you've performed a dry run on the other computer, you'll know what to expect. Replace all the screws, covers, keyboard and bezels in the order in which you removed them.
Tags: computer with, laptop that, Open bezel, remove screen, screen This
Bamboo furniture is often found both in the home proper and on patios, porches and in Florida rooms. As many types of woven furniture, it is possible for bamboo furniture to require some repair from time to time. Fortunately, many of the repairs can be completed at home and with very little time or expense involved. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine the nature of the repair that is required. Many simple repairs such as scratches, cracking in one of the strands in the weave or similar problems can be repaired at home with little time or expense. If the problem involves the frame of the furniture, then the job may require the services of a professional.
2. Gather materials needed for the repair job. In the event of scratches, sandpaper and some type of varnish or lacquer will be required. If a section or strand needs replacing, then shears and replacement strands will be necessary. The strands will be easier to work with if coated with linseed or mineral oil, as this will make the strands pliable and easy to maneuver into place.
3. Prepare the work area. Depending on the materials used in the repair, the work area may need to be well ventilated. This is especially true if flammable agents or paint will be used in the repair process. Make sure there is adequate lighting so that the repair is not slowed down by an inability to see the section that needs attention.
4. Begin the repair. For scratches, gently sand down the area until the varnish or paint is removed. Wipe the area with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Apply an even coat of paint or varnish to the sanded area, allowing it to blend in with the remainder of the piece. When a strand needs replacing, use shears to remove the damaged strand and carefully work in the replacement. Use the shears to trim the new strand to fit. Paint or varnish as needed to have the patch blend in with the rest of the finish.
5. Allow the repaired furniture to remain in the work area until the replacement or repaired area is dry. Return the restored piece to the correct location around or in the home.
Tags: work area, area until, blend with, home with, little time, little time expense
The remote for a Craftsman garage door opener allows operation with the touch of a button. When the remote stops working, some of the problems are caused by the remote, others are caused by the opener. Make sure that you fully inspect both the remote and opener as anything that is out of tune may cause the remote to not work. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Inspect the opener's antenna if the remote works only within a few feet of the garage. Make sure the antenna, located behind the opener's rear panel, is pulled all the way down. If it isn't, the opener will not a receive a signal from more than a few feet away.
2. Wait 15 minutes after checking the antenna before trying to open the garage door with the remote. Repeatedly operating the opener in a short amount of time causes the opener to overload. Allow it to cool down, then try again.
3. Reprogram the remote--it may have lost the opener's code. You'll need a ladder to reach the back panel of the opener. Press the smart button on the opener's back panel and the remote's push button to synchronize the remote and opener.
4. Check the remote's battery by pressing the push button. If the remote's test light doesn't come on or is dim, the battery is dead or doesn't have enough juice to send out a signal. Pull off the front half off the remote housing and locate the battery, which looks like a larger version of a watch battery. Remove the battery and check the part number. Most Craftsman remotes use 2032 batteries. Buy a replacement battery, insert it into the remote and close the housing. The remote must be reprogrammed with the opener, so follow the procedure described in Step 2.
5. Make sure that the opener is getting power; without it, the opener can't receive the signal from the remote. Check the opener's power cord to make sure it is fully connected to the power outlet.
Tags: back panel, Make sure, Make sure that, push button, receive signal, receive signal from, remote opener
Applying for grants is like joining a competition to win the prize.
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development awards grants only to organizations and groups. It is a very competitive process. When asking for grants for senior housing, it is necessary that you present evidence that the project you are proposing is devoted to benefit the senior population in your area.
Instructions
1. Compose a cover letter. The cover letter should include an overview of your organization and your knowledge about the Department of Housing and Urban Development's provision to the elderly. Express why you believe that partnership with your organization will promote the agency's mission. The ideal cover letter is one page.
2. State your objective. You may be asking for grants to renovate a 25-unit apartment that houses 35 seniors. Your objective should be about upgrading and providing a safe dwelling place for those seniors. Include the timeline of the project.
3. State the need. The apartment might have been built 50 years ago and it is becoming a hazard to the residents. There might be an electrical or plumbing problem that became a regular occurrence. If the problem will not be taken care of for the next year, it may cause severe damage or danger to the occupants.
4. Present the budget. Do not just ask for a certain amount. Break down the expenses. Provide the cost of the materials, labor, permits, transportations, or any other expenses needed for renovation. You may also want to include the expenses for temporary relocation of the residents while the project is going on. The amount you are requesting should not be more than what the project needs.
5. Provide information about your organization. Give a brief history and a listing of all services you provide to the community. Provide a complete list of the board members. Show the staffs' credentials. If you have volunteers, specify their duties. Send the evidence of your tax-exempt status, articles of incorporation and a copy of your organization's annual operating expenses. You may also provide a list of your other benefactors. You have a better chance of getting the grants if the funder sees that you are well recognized and well supported by other institutions.
6. Write a strong concluding statement. Explain why funding the project is important. Tell the funder about the long-term benefit of the project to the present and future occupants of the senior housing. You can also express your desire to have a continuous partnership with the agency.
Tags: your organization, cover letter, asking grants, Department Housing, Department Housing Urban, Housing Urban
An air conditioner uses relays to switch the system's high-voltage parts on and off. The relay contains a low-voltage coil and a high-voltage switch, sometimes called "contact points." When the thermostat switches on, a low-voltage signal energizes the appropriate relay. The low-voltage signal passing through the coil creates an electromagnetic field, which closes the relay's contact points. Once the relay's contact points close, high voltage passes through the relay and continue on the electrical part the relay operates. Replacement relays must match the original's function, voltage and amperage. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Turn off the air conditioning unit's circuit breaker or disconnect switch. Most units have a disconnect box within 3 feet of the unit's control panel that contains a circuit breaker-type switch, or a pull-out buss bar. If not, turn off the system at the circuit breaker panel.
2. Compare the new relay to the old one. The relay's physical shape, design and electrical ratings must match. A sticker on the relay's housing gives the electrical information. Heat sequencing relays must have identical time delays, as stated on the sticker.
3. Wrap each wire connected to the relay with a piece of masking tape. Write the relay's terminal identification numbers, found next to each terminal, onto the tape. Some relays, like condensing-unit contactors, do not have terminal identification tags. In this case, write a different number on each wire's masking tape, then draw the relay on a piece of paper and write the wire's numbers on the drawing at their respective terminals.
4. Pull each wire's terminal connector off of the relay's terminals with needle-nose pliers. Grip the connector, not the wire, with the pliers.
5. Remove the screws holding the old relay in place with the correct screwdriver. Usually air conditioning units use 1/4- or 5/16-inch hex-head screws.
6. Lift the old relay out of the air conditioning unit. Set the new relay in its place. Secure the new relay in the air conditioning unit with the screws that held the old relay in place.
7. Push each wire onto its respective relay terminal, using the tape tags, or the drawing, as a guide. Use the pliers to push the connector over the relay's terminal. Each wire connector must slide completely over the relay's terminal.
Tags: relay terminal, conditioning unit, contact points, each wire, relay place, circuit breaker
Appliance repair technicians install and fix dishwashers, stoves, refrigerators, and washers and dryers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2008, appliance repair technicians made a median hourly wage of $16.20.
Types
Courses for appliance repair are available at some high schools, trade schools or community colleges, according to Career Overview. Manufacturers also provide appliance training courses.
Features
Formal training at a college or trade school typically takes one to two years, according to the BLS. Students take courses in electricity and electronics, and participate in shop classes where they work on demonstration appliances. Manufacturer courses provide supplemental instruction in two to three weeks.
Considerations
To keep their skills up to date, many appliance repair technicians take periodic classes, according to the BLS. The Environmental Protection Agency requires all repair technicians who work with refrigerants to pass an exam and gain certification. Some organizations offer courses to help with this certification.
If you have automobile insurance, chances are you have a deductible. A deductible is a predetermined fee you must pay when you file a claim if your auto is damaged. This is the insurance company's way of passing on some of the risk to you. You determine your deductible when you set up your insurance. A higher deductible lowers your monthly insurance premiums. When you file a claim there is a certain procedure you must follow when you are ready to pay your deductible. Often this step must be completed before the insurance company will pay its portion of the claim.
Instructions
1. Find out from the insurance company if your car is a total loss. A car is declared a total loss when the repair costs equal or exceed the actual value of the car. If your automobile is a total loss, the insurance company will subtract your deductible from the car's fair market value or actual cash value (before it was wrecked), and send you a check for the difference. You can use that money to purchase another car or use it as you see fit.
2. Call the insurance company or look at your policy to find out how much your deductible is. When you arranged your insurance policy, you decided what your deductible would be. You may have forgotten the amount over time, but the insurance company will have that information. You can also find it within the contents of the hard copy of your insurance policy.
3. Go to the body shop or auto repair place that's fixing your car and pay them. The sooner you pay the sooner you can receive your car after everything else is taken care, such as repair work and payment from the insurance company. If the total amount of the repair work is $4,000 and your deductible is $500, you have to pay the $500 and the insurance company will pay $3,500 to the auto body shop.
4. Get a receipt for your payment. Make sure the representative gives you a receipt. You will be able to provide proof of your payment to the insurance company if needed. The insurance company can also call the auto body repair shop to confirm your payment has been made. They will then issue a check for the balance.
5. Follow up with the auto body shop. Find out when your car will be finished and if the insurance payment has been made. You don't want your car to be ignored, if the auto body shop is over burdened, with other work that needs to be completed.
Tags: insurance company, your deductible, auto body, body shop, company will
Concrete is used in concrete foundations and raised slab foundations. Concrete foundations refer to concrete walls where poured concrete is impractical. Raised slab foundations involve poured concrete with reinforced steel bars. Does this Spark an idea?
Concrete Foundation
Concrete foundations are hollow concrete blocks walls measuring 16 inches long by 8 inches wide by 8 inches high. The blocks have reinforced steel bars put through them and are often filled with concrete.
Raised Slab Foundation
Raised slab foundations feature a poured concrete footing below the frost line. The footing buttresses a poured concrete wall that withstands sliding and movement of the land. The slab of concrete is poured over an insulation and a steel mesh to reinforce the strength of the slab.
Brick Vs. Slab
A concrete brick foundation is better when pouring concrete is impractical, such as on a steep slope or when the mobile home juts off a ledge. Both can be used for single-wide, double-wide, or triple-wide mobile homes. Mobile homeowners who own the land can install a concrete or raised slab foundation to prevent the alterations of the land affecting the mobile home's footing.
Tags: poured concrete, slab foundations, Concrete foundations, concrete impractical, mobile home, Raised Slab Foundation
Many homeowners choose a popular singlewide style of mobile home.
Buying a mobile home is one of the easiest ways to provide affordable housing for your family while keeping your maintenance and repair costs low. While the checklists are lengthy, they ensure that you buy the right home for your family’s size, and will save you time and money if repairs are needed.
Structural Checklist
A thorough inspection of the structural elements of a mobile home will reveal a lot about the condition and upkeep of the home. Inspect the roof; you will want ample overhang to stop water from running inside the wall and damaging the insulation and wall covering. Make sure the home has downspouts or gutters to direct water away from the structural elements of the home.
Be sure there is skirting--typically made of aluminum or vinyl--under the trailer and that it is in good shape. Carefully examine the underside of the trailer and look for sagging or torn insulation. If you are buying a previously owned mobile home that is already on a lot or parcel, state laws require the mobile home be secured with tie-downs and anchors that hold the home in place during high winds.
Examine the walls and ceilings. Look for bowed wall coverings and ceiling tiles that may signal water damage. Look for signs of rot or mildew, especially around trim and baseboards where it is difficult to hide damage with mere paint. Carefully inspect the floors for sagging or failure to support. Open all windows and doors and test locks for functionality and safety.
Mechanical Checklist
Mechanical functions of a mobile home refer to the electrical, heating and plumbing elements within a home. If possible, turn on each mechanical element, including light switches, garbage disposals, faucets, toilets and the thermostat. This will provide more information about how the mobile home operates than a visual inspection and will allow you to see if mechanical items work properly. Listen for drips, unusual humming, squeaking belts and any other odd noises that could signal potential repairs.
The circuit breaker box should be able to support 100 amps or higher. Take a circuit tester with you and test outlets to ensure proper electrical current flow. Remove a faceplate from a switch or electrical outlet and inspect the wiring for scorch marks. Also, watch for aluminum wiring, which is a fire hazard and is no longer accepted for use as a conductor. Examine the insulation behind the wall covering for adequacy.
Inspect the heating ducts and vents, checking for blockage, holes that will cause heat loss, and mold. Ask the seller what the fuel source is and contact the supplying company for an estimated budget. The company determines this estimate by reviewing the usage amounts of previous residents.
Plumbing and water heaters tend to pose many problems for new buyers. Supply lines must be copper, CPVC, or PEX tubing. PVC pipes are for drainage and ventilation pipes only since they do not withstand hot temperatures well. Make sure that pipes under the trailer are properly insulated to prevent cracking during cold seasons. Water heaters should be level and be equipped with shut-off valves for repairs and maintenance.
Checklist for Buying New
When buying a new mobile home, ask for all prices and guarantees in writing. Shop around for the best price on relocating and setting up the home. Get up-to-date information and manuals on warranties and appliances. Make sure the seller is licensed with the Division of Motor Vehicles or the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. If you are buying a singlewide model, you will receive one title for the home just as you would with a car. However, a doublewide model has two titles, one for each half of the home.
Checklist for Buying Used
If you are buying a used mobile home, you can still ask for a written guarantee promising that all major appliances, mechanical devices and structural elements of the home will be in working order when you take possession. Also, consider hidden extras like sewer costs and maintenance fees, especially when located in a mobile home park. Carefully examine your contract and have any verbal agreements secured in writing. Be sure to pay attention to exterior sections of the lots as well. Ensure there is enough parking for you and your guests as well as ample turnaround room. Also, look at the trees near your home and consider their condition before you purchase the home. You may ask the seller to remove the trees if they pose an immediate threat to the property.
Tags: mobile home, Checklist Buying, Make sure, structural elements, Carefully examine
In technical terms, any multipage Portable Document Format, or PDF, document is an e-book. In fact, PDFs were the original e-books -- long before e-books became so popular on the Internet. Auto-run PDFs display in full screen-mode, without displaying Acrobat Reader's menu bar and scrollbars, and they advance from page to page automatically. You can create auto-run PDFs with Acrobat Pro. You can also set animated transitions in your auto-run PDFs, as well as configure them to open in Acrobat Reader's full-screen, auto-run mode.
Instructions
Set a PDF to Auto-Run
1. Open the PDF you want to set to auto-run in Acrobat Pro: Click the "File" menu and choose "Open" to display the Open dialog box. Navigate to the PDF, select it, and then click the "Open" button.
2. Click the "Edit" menu and choose "Preferences." This opens the Preferences dialog box for the current PDF. On a Mac, Preferences is on the Acrobat menu.
3. Select "Full Screen" in the Categories list. This displays full-screen options for the current PDF.
4. Click the check box next to "Advanced Every" to select it, and then type the number of seconds you want each page to display in the "Seconds" field. For example, if you want each page to display for 10 seconds, type "10" in this field. You should allow enough time for the user to read the page.
5. Click the "Default Transitions" drop-down menu and choose a transition type. Acrobat supports 10, common transition types, such as fade, wipe, zoom in and zoom out.
6. Click "OK."
Set a PDF to Open in Full-Screen Mode
7. Click the "File" menu and choose "Properties" to display the Document Properties dialog box.
8. Click the "Initial View" tab. This displays the options for controlling how PDFs open in Acrobat Reader.
9. Click the "Navigation Tab" drop-down and choose "Page Only," and then click the check box beside "Open Full-Screen Mode."
10. Click "OK."
Tags: menu choose, Acrobat Reader, auto-run PDFs, Click File, Click File menu, each page, each page display
When a window air conditioner cools poorly, it doesn't necessarily mean you're in for an expensive trip to the repair shop. It could be the machine just needs a good cleaning and some tender care. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the front grill. Pry it off with a putty knife if it's held by clips, or use a screwdriver if it is screwed in place.
2. Unplug the air conditioner, slide it out of the window cabinet and set it on a sturdy table. You may need a helper to move the air conditioner if it's heavy.
3. Locate the mesh filter. It covers the radiator-like fins on the machine's evaporator coils.
4. Remove the filter, and wash it and the grill in a mixture of warm, soapy water and bleach--this will remove any mold. Shake out the excess water and set the filter and grill in your dish drain to dry.
5. Vacuum the evaporator coils thoroughly, using a vacuum with brush attachment. Remove any stubborn dirt with a plastic scrub brush.
6. Inspect the fins on the coils. If any fins are bent or flattened, buy a fin comb from an appliance store and run the comb up or down the fins to straighten them.
7. Turn the air conditioner around so the back is facing you. You will see a second set of coils--the machine's condenser coils.
8. Vacuum these coils thoroughly, using the vacuum and brush attachment. Remove any stubborn dirt with a plastic scrub brush.
9. Inspect the fins on the condenser coils, and if any are bent, use the fin comb to straighten them.
10. Remove any dirt or lint from inside the unit, using the vacuum and crevice attachment. Make sure you clean the fan blades, too, using the vacuum and brush attachment.
11. Put the air conditioner back into the window cabinet.
12. Reinstall the filter and front grill, and plug in the machine.
In 1850, Isaac Merritt Singer examined the sewing machines manufactured by Orson C. Phelps and saw opportunity. Singer found the design of Phelps' machine to be impractical, and he wanted to make something that could be used by all. Singer's new machine was revolutionary in that it was powered by a treadle instead of a hand crank. The first electric Singer sewing machine entered the market in 1889, but the treadle machine design endured. If you find one today, you can restore it for its value as an antique or for actual use.
Instructions
1. Examine the belt on the antique Singer treadle sewing machine. Unless the machine has been well taken care of, the belt will probably be cracked and in no condition to be used. Carefully remove it. Bring the belt with you to a shop that specializes in servicing old machines for help in finding the right belt for your machine. Alternatively, use the serial number on the machine to find the right replacement belt. The Singer company maintains a parts library online.
2. Apply plenty of oil to all of the moving parts. Apply oil to the gears, the wheels and any place you can reach. Dab any excess oil with a cloth. Check the action by running the treadle to see if the action is smooth. If not, add more oil.
3. Restore the case. If you have the Singer treadle sewing machine as a collector's item, then restoration should be mild, such as repairing any structural damage, cleaning it gently and applying tung oil. Otherwise, you run the risk of removing the patina that gives antiques character, notes Michael Flanigan, an appraiser who has appeared on the PBS series "Antiques Roadshow." If you are interested in using the machine, you can finish it in the manner you like.