Some problems on a plasma TV can be fixed at home.
A repair technician may charge hundreds of dollars to repair a plasma TV, but you can save time and money by repairing it yourself. You can fix internal plasma TV problems such as dead pixels, screen burn and other distortions.
Instructions
1. Connect your external DVD player to your plasma television and turn on the power. Use an external DVD player for this process, even if you have an internal DVD player on your plasma television.
2. Access the television's main menu, navigate to "Display Options" and change your settings to the highest resolution available for your set.
3. Put a Pixel Corrector DVD into the external DVD player. Access the main menu and choose the repair functions that you need, or let the wizard run all of the tests.
4. Let the repair wizard run the DVD and evaluate the improvement. Watch the washes, pixel corrector and other tests as it repairs your plasma screen, and rerun the repair wizard for problem areas that do not self-correct.
5. Use your Pixel Corrector DVD on a regular basis. Use the DVD on other flat screen television sets to keep the plasma screens in good condition and protected from damage.
Tags: external player, your plasma, main menu, plasma television, player your, player your plasma, repair wizard
In order to keep your refrigerator's ice maker working properly, there are some components that will require routine maintenance and inspection. Some of the most common problems that can occur with your ice maker are the ice maker not making any ice, making too much ice and not shutting off, the ice tasting bad, ice cubes too small or discolored and ice cubes not ejecting from the ice maker. Checking your ice maker for potential problems on a regular basis will keep it operating efficiently. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Inspect the water supply line for any signs of cracking or crimps in the line. A pinched water supply line can keep the water from getting to the ice maker, resulting in no ice or smaller than desired ice cubes. Check to verify that the water supply valve is open enough to provide an adequate supply of water to the ice maker.
2. Flush out the water supply lines if you are noticing a bad taste in the ice cubes. This can be done by disconnecting the lines and running hot water through them. Turn on the hot water at the kitchen sink and place one end of the water supply line near the tap, holding it in place to allow hot water to run through it. Place the other end of the supply line in the sink to allow the water to drain through.
3. Reattach the water supply lines to the water supply and refrigerator. Repeat step 2 for the water inlet hose which runs from the inlet valve to the ice maker. If the water supply lines are old or discolored, consider replacing them with new water supply lines.
4. Check the temperature in your freezer to verify that it is getting cold enough. The freezer's temperature should be at 5 degrees and can be set with a control dial, normally located in the refrigerator compartment of your appliance. To test the freezer's temperature, place a cup of cooking oil in the freezer with a cooking thermometer sitting in the cooking oil. Allow the oil to sit in the freezer for 2 hours and then check the temperature.
5. Check the ice maker's shutoff arm to verify that it is operating properly. To work normally, the shutoff arm should be in the lowered position. Inspect the arm for anything blocking it or preventing the arm from moving freely. Lift the arm up to see if the unit shuts off in the up position.
6. Unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet and remove the faceplate of the ice maker's shutoff switch with a screwdriver, located on the ice maker. Remove the entire ice maker unit from the freezer by undoing the screws that are holding it in place. Unplug the ice maker from the freezer and take it out of the freezer to work on.
7. Remove the mounting plate on the top of the ice maker by unscrewing the screws and lifting it off the unit. Locate the shutoff switch, which has three electrical wires attached to it. The shutoff switch is located directly under the shutoff arm of the ice maker. Pull the electrical wires off of the shutoff switch with needle-nose pliers and label them so you know put them back correctly.
8. Inspect the electrical terminals for any rust or corrosion. Use an electrical testing meter to verify that the shutoff switch is working properly. You should get a reading of 0 or infinity on the meter. If the shutoff switch is not giving a reading, replace it with a new switch and reattach the electrical wires to the switch.
9. Place the mounting plate back over the ice maker and attach it with screws, then reattach the entire ice maker unit to the freezer. Plug the ice maker wiring back into the freezer and put the face plate back over the front of the ice maker.
10. Plug the refrigerator back into the electrical outlet and allow the refrigerator to run for a couple hours. Inspect the ice maker to verify that it is working properly.
Tags: water supply, shutoff switch, verify that, supply line, supply lines, water supply lines, electrical wires
TV repair by yourself is easy when following a logical pattern including knowing your own limitations. Inside your TV are sources of potentially deadly 30,000 volts. This even remains when the set is turned off as the picture tube will carry a powerful charge. Before toting it off to your local qualified technician, there are a number of simple steps you can take to eliminate unnecessary costs and labor. Your picture may be snowy watching a ballgame in July or the sound is so bad you may think that someone was gargling. Blotches of color have appeared to make you think you were watching an old rerun of the "War of the Worlds". Take heart. Follow these simple DIY steps and your TV will be golden and survive the more modern invasions of baseball, bathroom and the "Invasion of the Body Snatchers".
Instructions
1. A snowy picture is always better than no picture at all. Try wiggling the antenna or cable connections. If this causes a brief clearing try tightening the loose cable. Check the cable itself all the way back to the antenna or signal source. If you have cable, the company may repair it for free if it is an equipment problem. The company will have to trouble shoot the equipment. Cable customers can protect the equipment further with a nominal insurance fee. If you have an antenna, check it out carefully and try a new one. If it was struck by lightening, call your insurance agent.
2. Check the speaker inside the TV. Disconnect the TV and remove the back. Make sure the face of the tube is cushioned. Also discharge the TV tube and power filter capacitors by grounding to the chassis with an insulated probe. It only takes a a few seconds to discharrge the TV tube. Press the point of your grounded insulated probe under the side anode cap of the TV tube. Remove the speaker and gently push with your fingers on the speaker cone and listen for a scratchy noise. If this occurs the speaker is bad. Replace the speaker with one of a comparable size from your local electronics shop. Look for an impedance in ohms stamped on the old speaker (usually 8 ohms) and match it up with the new speaker.
3. If blotches of color appear on your screen especially on the corners, the screen may have to be demagnetized. Most sets have automatic de-gaussing circuits to do this. It may be malfunctioning.You may also have a source of magnetism in the area like stereo speakers or large electric motors. Manually de-gauss your TV tube. You can use a special tool from your local hardware store or a magnetic soldering iron will work fine. Start from the upper left hand corner and push the gun's trigger. You will note a rainbow effect on the screen. Move the gun in small circles an inch or two from the screen. The pattern will fluctuate. Keep moving the gun in bigger and bigger circles. Cover the entire screen in this manner and when you release thes soldering gun's switch the blobs of color will be gone. Repeat until the screen is free of color distortion blobs.
4. If your TV shuts down intermittently, check the ventilation slots on the sides and on the top of the TV. A can of compressed air will do nicely and should eliminate these malfunctions.
Tags: your local, from your, from your local, insulated probe, simple steps
Examine the bulb wattage if your recessed lights blink.
Recessed lights are eye-appealing light sources that you can install throughout your home. Recessed lights are constructed as inserts in a ceiling, so the light bulbs are flush with the surface of the ceiling. They can be used as general purpose lights, border lights or spotlights that enhance architectural features. If you install new recessed lights and they start blinking, there are several ways to examine and repair the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Thermal Protection Switch
Evaluate whether your thermal protection switch, often referred to as a thermocouple, is causing your recessed lights to blink. A thermocouple is a tubular fixture that is wired between the line and load of a recessed light. Since the early 1980s, Underwriters Laboratory has required that all approved recessed lighting fixtures have thermal protection switches built into the fixtures. This switch automatically turns a recessed light off if the temperature inside the fixture gets too hot and turns the light back on once the fixture cools. The switch prevents wire damage and alerts you that there could be an internal heat problem. Listen for the internal click of the switch to evaluate if overheating is the problem.
Light Bulb Wattage
Determine if your blinking recessed lights are caused by excessive light bulb wattage. If the light bulb in your recessed light has too high a wattage, then the bulb emits too much heat. The overheating triggers your thermal protection switch and causes the light to blink. Remove the bulb and look at the labeling inside the recessed light housing to locate the maximum light bulb wattage specifications. Replace the light bulb with a lower-wattage bulb if it exceeds the limit. Use approved light fixture trims around your recessed lights to ensure that heat from the bulbs is properly contained.
Ceiling Insulation
Examine the ceiling insulation near your recessed lights. According to Ask the Builder, some recessed fixtures known as IC fixtures can be smothered in insulation. However, recessed light fixtures without IC designation must have a minimum of 3 inches of clearance between the fixture, the junction box, ballasts and insulation. The National Electric Code requires that nothing be installed above the light fixtures that could trap heat or block air from circulating through the fixture. If insulation is too close to your recessed lighting, the fixture will overheat and trigger the thermal protection switch. As a result, your lights will blink off and on.
Loose Wiring
Turn off your circuit breaker and examine the wiring, or hire a professional electrician to ensure that your wiring is not loose or malfunctioning. Bob Vila explains that recessed lighting installation requires you to connect white wires to white wires and black wires to black wires. When the wires are spliced together, they must be twisted in the same direction. Join the wires together with pliers, trim excess wire, and secure them with a wire nut. If the wires are not properly spliced, tightened and secured, the connection between them can cause recessed lights to flicker and blink.
Tags: recessed lights, your recessed, recessed light, thermal protection, your recessed lights, bulb wattage, protection switch
Apply for a business license to start a house-cleaning business in Las Vegas.
Clean the homes of busy clients in Las Vegas by starting a house-cleaning business. Cleaning tasks typically include vacuuming, dusting, wiping down countertops and appliances, cleaning bathrooms and washing windows and blinds. List regular and specialty cleaning services in your brochure so clients can choose the types of services they want. Maintain a small group of employees or clean houses yourself. Start your business today by applying for a business license and business insurance.
Instructions
1. Apply for a business license by contacting the Clark County Clerk's Office (see Resources). Complete the necessary licensing forms and pay all filing fees to receive a license. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Use this number to file state and federal taxes or to use on other business documents. Register your house-cleaning business with the Nevada Secretary of State's office if forming a limited liability company (LLC), corporation or partnership.
2. Purchase business insurance from an insurance provider licensed in Nevada. Business insurance such as general liability, property, product, auto and worker's compensation help protect business assets in the event of a lawsuit or settlement. Business insurance may also cover the replacement of cleaning equipment and supplies if damaged or stolen.
3. Purchase cleaning equipment such as vacuum cleaners, mops, cleaning cloths, cleaning chemicals, rubber gloves, scrub brushes, uniforms and buckets from janitorial supply stores or online. Purchase or lease a vehicle large enough to transport equipment and employees.
4. Market your house-cleaning business by handing out fliers, brochures or by creating a website. Include contact information, list of cleaning services and rates. Join the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce (see Resources) to attend networking functions and to list business services in the chamber of commerce small business directory.
Tags: house-cleaning business, business license, Apply business, Apply business license, cleaning equipment, cleaning services
Looking ahead at necessary home repairs often means using a roofing estimate calculator. These gadgets can be found free online (see Resources section of this article for links), and provide reasonably accurate estimates of the necessary repair work. They are easy to use, provided you have the necessary information.
This article will help you gather the information you will need to use most online roofing estimate calculators, and will help you find the calculator best suited for your needs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. FIND THE RIGHT ROOFING ESTIMATE CALCULATOR
Save time and frustration by making sure you are using the calculator that is best for you and your home. These calculators are often provided online for free by local roofing companies. If you know which company you wish to have perform your home repairs, see if they have a calculator available. If not, look for local or national contractors that provide a calculator with the materials the climate requires. Remember, the closer to home the better, but a national estimate will give you a general idea of costs and may provide some leverage in bargaining with local contractors.
2. GET THE RIGHT DIMENSIONS
If your roof is in need of a total make over, the dimension you will need are not of the roof, but of the entire building. To get the dimensions, measure the length and width of your home.
If you only require work on a section of your roof, you can provide the exact area to most roofing estimate calculators. ***Note*** When you require work only on a section of your roof, remember that the estimate will be less reliable. This is because the visible damage to your roof may not indicate the full extent of damages and repairs needed.
3. DETERMINE THE PITCH OF THE ROOF
Generally speaking, you will not need to provide any calculations to determine pitch. Many contractors ask only that you indicate whether it is a 'simple' roof, 'steep', 'multiple dormers', or 'extremely difficult,. This is a judgment call on the part of the home owner. Look at your roof and consider the intricacy. Are there windows that interrupt the roofing? Are their decorative peaks or dormers? The more complicated your roof is, the more likely it is to be considered 'difficult' or 'extremely difficult' by a roofing estimate calculator.
4. KNOW YOUR MATERIALS
If you are starting over completely, it's not necessary to know what existing material is already on your roof. You only need to know what material you want the contractor to use. Steel? Slate? Asphalt?
If you are estimating repair costs for a smaller job, it is essential that you know the material the roofer will have to match. In most cases, this will likely be asphalt. However, other popular materials might be in use.
5. TEAR OFF STRIPS
Some roofing estimate calculators will ask if your roof has a tear off strip. If you have no experience in roofing, you might not know. It is not always necessary to answer this question, but providing the information will offer a more accurate estimate. The presence of a tear off strip generally indicates less labor to remove the old roofing.
Tags: your roof, estimate calculators, roofing estimate, roofing estimate calculators, will need, your home, calculators will
Much of the siding used for mobile homes is vinyl siding, which offers a lot of choice on style the outside of your home. Whether you are putting up siding for the first time or replacing your old siding, if you haven't done it before, the project might seem a little overwhelming. Installing the siding isn't actually very difficult with some instructions and the right tools. Does this Spark an idea?
Starting Out
Be sure you have the siding that you need, plus some extra in case of mistakes. Gather the tools you need, such as a hammer, tin snips, pencil, tape measure, chalk line, and J-Channel. If you are installing insulation on the outside of the home, do this before installing the siding. You can use a wind wrap for this if desired, depending on your climate.
Use the chalk line to mark reference points for the bottom row of siding. Wrap J-Channel around corners, windows, and doors as well as the upper areas where the top row will end. Place it around any other areas where vinyl corners don't work. (Vinyl corners are best where you can use them.)
Siding
Install the siding starting at the bottom. Check to make sure the siding is level, because it is most important that this one is straight. Trim the siding at the bottom if necessary to make it level at the top of that panel. Cut the siding completely flush with the ground. Use the measuring tape for more accurate cuts.
Install the second row by snapping it into place with the first. Nail the top of the second row to secure it into place. Don't hammer the nails in too tightly because the material will need to expand and contract according to the temperatures. Stagger the panels on the sides of the home so the seams do not meet on subsequent rows. Repeat this process with the next rows each time, slipping the siding into the J-Channel. When you reach the top, trim the siding for a snug fit and use the clips and crimping tool to fix it into place.
Finishing Touches
If there are any places that serve as obstacles to the siding, cut holes in the vinyl to make room for them. This includes such things as electrical outlets or vents.
Do not nail the siding that fits under the J-Channel at doors, windows or eaves. Simply leave it the way it is. Add any trim to the eaves that you might want to place for decorative or protective purposes.
Tags: into place, areas where, chalk line, Mobile Home, Siding Mobile
There are many solutions out there for repairing scratched CDs, including fancy machines and special CD creams that claim to buff out even the toughest of scratches. However, you can get the same results with common household items.
Toothpaste
For the most superficial scratches, toothpaste is a great option. Place a small amount of toothpaste on the scratch and rub it in gently using a soft cloth. Then wash the extra paste from the surface of the disc. You cannot use gel toothpaste, as it doesn't have the correct texture to mend scratches. In this case, the toothpaste must really be paste.
Brasso
The chemical cleaner Brasso is a good substance to use for moderate CD scratches. Pour a small amount of the liquid solution onto the entire CD and use a soft cloth to rub it into the CD scratches. The Brasso may cause your CD to shine differently, and any discolorations that occur will be permanent. However, this should not interfere with playback.
Car Wax
Car wax should only be used in the case of extreme scratches, as it can ruin your CD if it is applied improperly. The best way to use car wax on your scratched CD is to dip the toothpick in the car wax and scoop some out, then gently apply it to the CD's scratch. Repeat the process until you have filled the scratch completely, then wipe the excess wax off with a rag. Wait 30 to 45 minutes for the wax to dry inside the scratch before playing the CD.
The elderly population needs outreach programs to assist with socialization and nutrition.
As people grow older, it becomes difficult to socialize as well as get around town. Many senior citizens are homebound for one reason or another and cannot get out of the house to run errands or visit with friends. In addition, many seniors have difficulty preparing meals for themselves, resulting in health conditions such as malnutrition. Outreach programs are available in most areas to help those who need it.
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels is a volunteer program that provides elderly and homebound patients the necessary nutrition to stay healthy. This program also gives the elderly recipient the chance for friendship and simply a person to check on the senior every day. Meals on Wheels is not a government-funded program, but is supported solely on donations from citizens and businesses. While many volunteers deliver meals to the homes of participants, some locations also offer community dinners and other locations offer both home delivery and community dinners.
Senior Centers
Many communities have senior centers available, where elderly people can meet others who are the same age, as well as play games and do various activities. Some senior centers offer meal preparation and community dinners. Many centers have volunteers who assist in preparing the activities that are offered. Some centers also offer transportation to shopping and medical appointments. Senior centers are an important part of the community, providing the elderly with social connections, transportation, meals and other activities.
Avenidas
Avenidas is a program located in California that provides various services to the community's senior citizens. This is a nonprofit organization that is funded by donations from the community. The Avenidas program offers low-cost and free services to senior citizens in the Silicone Valley area, including a senior day health center, which offers low-cost and free health care to members; Avenidas village, a membership program where members participate in social activities, volunteer programs and more; transportation to assist seniors with running errands, attending various appointments and other activities; and handyman services, which provides a reduced-fee home repair service to seniors. In addition to the services, Avenidas offers classes to members as well. These classes feature activities to keep the mind and the body healthy, including painting, computers, current events, writing, yoga, lip reading, life stories, needlework and more. Avenidas also offers counseling, games, workshops, support groups and trips to various locations.
Tags: community dinners, Meals Wheels, senior citizens, also offer, Avenidas program, donations from
Ontario homeowners can benefit from moneysaving grants and incentives when renovating.
Home renovations can be a costly yet necessary part of home ownership. Out-of-date heating and cooling systems, unsafe living conditions, and changing life circumstances such as aging, illness or disability are common reasons for making home improvements. There are a variety of home improvement grants and incentive programs in place to assist Ontario homeowners when renovating their homes.
Save on Energy Heating & Cooling Incentive
The Ontario Power Authority offers a heating and cooling incentive to homeowners installing Energy Star qualified heating and cooling systems. Products must meet specific energy-saving guidelines to earn the Energy Star rating granted by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Get $250 for upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace with an Electronically Commutated Motor, and another $250 for exchanging your central air conditioning unit for an Energy Star qualified unit. Upgrading to a more efficient Tier 2 central air system will earn an additional $400 in incentives.
Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation runs the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program to help homeowners renovate substandard and overcrowded homes. CMHC sets an income threshold to qualify homeowners who can't afford to renovate to make a house habitable. Loans of up to $24,000 fund improvements to fire safety, and to plumbing, heating, electrical and structural systems in a dwelling at least five years old, and valued at less than a maximum set by CMHC. Renovations completed prior to written approval are not funded. Fully forgiveable loans are not repaid as long as the homeowner owns and lives in the dwelling for the next five years. Loan amounts are determined by location and cost of work completed.
Emergency Repair Program
This program is also funded through CMHC and helps low income households in rural areas pay for urgent necessary repairs to keep their homes safe. Qualified emergency repairs include electrical systems, plumbing, heating and chimneys, foundations, doors and windows, roofs, vents, interior walls, floors and ceilings. Amounts granted depend on the location of the home, and range from $6,000 to $11,000. Applicants must have a household income below the maximum threshold set by CMHC.
GST/HST Rebates
Ontarions pay 13 percent Harmonized Sales Tax, including 5 percent federal Goods and Services Tax. The GST/HST New Housing Rebate covers GST paid on renovation costs, and the Ontario Provincial Rebate covers the provincial portion of HST. Individual homeowners should apply for both rebates when planning substantial renovations to their primary residence. Replace at least 90 percent of the interior or build an addition doubling the living space to meet the substantial renovations condition. Renovating a non-residential building to make it a residence is also considered a substantial renovation. Apply for the rebates through the Canada Revenue Agency.
Tags: Energy Star, Assistance Program, cooling systems, Energy Star qualified, five years
Due to changing physical and lifestyle needs and a lack of funds, seniors may require government assistance to keep their homes safe and in good condition. Local agencies, nonprofit organizations and volunteers offer labor, materials or funds to homeowners over a specified age who display a need for home improvements and inability to pay for repairs. Does this Spark an idea?
USDA
The Department of Agriculture Rural Development housing program offers loans to seniors aged 62 or over for the repair, improvement and modernization of their single-family homes, or removal of health or safety hazards. Sometimes referred to as "Section 504 loans," the lending maximum is $20,000 and loans have a 1 percent interest rate and 20-year repayment term. Eligible seniors must live in a rural part of the country, as designated by the USDA, be unable to afford credit elsewhere and have a very low income, which is no more than 50 percent of the median income for their rural area. To individuals who cannot repay a Section 504 loan, USDA will make a grant, up to a $7,500 life-time maximum in free money, for eligible repairs.
Mobile/Manufactured Homes
Minimal upkeep and low cost of mobile home living make them a popular housing option for the elderly. The Mobile Home Grant Program of King County in Washington, provides $5,000 for owners who need "quality-of-life" repairs, says the county's Department of Community and Human Services. Eligible seniors may not have assets that exceed $15,000 and must meet qualifying income levels. Eligible seniors must not own the land or pad where their home sits, and the program does not charge a fee for the service. In California, the city of Garden Grove offers seniors 62 and over up to $5,000 for exterior property improvements such as roof, window, paint, patio and stair repairs, says the city's Web site. A city-licensed contractor must complete all work, and the grant may be used once every five years. Residents of other counties and municipalities may contact their local Department of Housing and Community Development or a similar agency or nonprofit in their area for assistance with home repairs.
Other Housing Type Grants
Other free services for seniors provide labor, materials or funds for other housing types, such as single family dwellings, condominiums and town homes. For instance, the Volunteers of America of Colorado's Safety of Seniors (SOS) Handyman program helps seniors over the age of 60 who live in Denver and Larim County. They provide minor home repairs and focus on installing simple home safety improvements to prevent falls, says the organization's Web site. Trained volunteers perform the work and safety assessments. The program covers the time and labor, but the senior pays for materials. In San Diego County, the Home Repair Program for Owner-Occupied Property assists single-family homeowners with up to $8,000 for repairs. A senior's total household annual gross income must be at or below 80 percent of San Diego's average median income. For similar programs in other areas, homeowners should contact their local Department of Housing and Community Development or an agency or nonprofit that serves the elderly or disabled.
Tags: Eligible seniors, agency nonprofit, Community Development, contact their, contact their local, Department Housing, Department Housing Community
Using public transportation in some ways can cost more than owning a car. Without a car, everyday living, running errands and getting from point A to B becomes mentally and physically cumbersome. Not owning a car can be limit you in the job opportunities available to you. However, there are several programs that offer financial assistance and grants for buying cars.
Bonnie CLAC
Bonnie CLAC is a program centered on the philosophy that people's ability to travel easily to work, doctor's appointments and pick their children up from school directly impacts how they live their lives. "Since 2001, Bonnie CLAC has guaranteed more than $13 million in car loans and helped nearly 1,000 people buy cars in the New England area," according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The first step in the application process is a financial counseling. To qualify, applicants must be employed, have credit issues that prevent them from buying a car the traditional way and reside in New Hampshire, or the adjoining areas of Vermont, Maine, and Massachusetts.
Bonnie CLAC
Moody Building
24 Opera House Square
Suite 401, Box 10
Claremont, NH 03743
(866) 455-CLAC (2522)
bonnieclac.org/
Vehicles for Change
Vehicles for Change accepts car donations to assist low income families living in Maryland, Virginia and Washington. D.C. with car ownership "Since October 1999 Vehicles For Change has changed the lives of more than 9000 individuals, awarding over 3000 cars to people in need," says Martin Swartz, Executive Director of Vehicles for Change.
Studies performed by the program administrators show that 73 percent of program participants were able to get better jobs and an average of nearly $5,000 increase to their annual salary. To Qualify for Vehicles for Change, you must be have a clean driving record, be employed or have a verifiable offer and a reasonably clean criminal background.
Vehicles for Change
5230 Washington Blvd.
Halethorpe, MD 21227
(410) 242-9674
vehiclesforchange.org/
Working Wheels
This program is designed mainly to keep people from losing their jobs due to transportation issues.To qualify for the Working Wheels program, you must demonstrate the need for owning a car in relation to getting to and from your job. The original program is open only to Washington state residents; however, independent variations of working wheels programs offering a range of donated cars, donated motorbikes and donated trucks for commercial use can be found in various states. Contact your local chamber of commerce to find out if there is a program operating in your area.
Working Wheels c/o Solid Ground
1501 N 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 716-3855
working-wheels.org/
Tags: Vehicles Change, Bonnie CLAC, more than, Working Wheels, employed have
Covering a roof with a protective layer is a common procedure for some houses, mobile homes and recreational vehicles. Roof coating seals the roof and prevents any leaks, so it lowers your overall energy costs. Keeping a few things in mind can make this DIY project easier to accomplish. Does this Spark an idea?
Properly Prepare the Roof
Clean the roof thoroughly with a large broom to remove old leaves, branches and other debris. Use smaller wire brushes, a putty knife or sand paper to remove old roof coating. Make sure you do not leave any loose or flaking coating on the roof. Check the roof for any visible leaks. Look carefully around any seams, vents, or air conditioners. Get rid of any mildew buildup using a solution of water and chlorine. Use a pressure washer, if you have one and are sure there are no leaks, or use a garden hose to clean off the roof. Repair any holes or splits in the roof. Cover the usual leakage areas--such as roof seams, flashing, vents and other protrusions--with patching cement. Cover areas where water ponds or other problem parts with primer. Allow the roof to dry thoroughly.
Use the Best Roof Coating For Your Roof
Depending on your type of roof, find the best product for it. Elastomeric roof coatings are commonly used on metal, concrete, aged aluminum, brick, foam and flat & barrel cement tile. These are the most common roof types coated. Roof coating can be purchased at hardware stores in five-gallon containers at various prices. Check for warranty information or life of product. The typical gray and white coatings will reflect the sunlight, keeping the inside cooler in the summer. Find the correct type of roof coating for your specific roof. Read the label to make sure you get enough for two full coatings.
Apply Roof Coating Correctly
Plan your project ahead of time, making sure you have several hours of daylight and good weather. Study the directions on the roof coating container. Use a long-handled, soft roof rolling brush to apply a thin layer evenly on the roof in small sections. Start at one end of the roof and slowly work toward the other end, and make sure you have a way to get down there. Do not overcoat or undercoat any areas. Allow the coating to dry thoroughly (about four to six hours) and then apply a second coat.
Tags: make sure, roof coating, roof thoroughly, sure have, type roof
If your camp trailer is showing signs of wood dry rot, you have a problem that needs immediate attention. While a camper dry rot problem may seem insignificant, if left untreated, it can lead to extensive as well as expensive repairs. If you catch the problem in time, there shouldn't be any lasting damage. A do-it-yourselfer can often take care of dry rot repair with a minimum of effort. Does this Spark an idea?
Look for Camper Dry Rot
Know what you're looking for. Dry rot comes from fungus. It can be black or dark-colored but it can also just leave indentations in the wood (see Reference 1). Look for wood that is soft or squishy to the touch. Screws that easily pull out or that don't stay in are often signs of dry rot underneath. Paneling that has a lot of give may also indicate a hidden camper dry rot problem.
Check the camper thoroughly for wood dry rot. An obvious place to start is the windows and doors. Look under the camper. Check around all metal trim. Examine vents and skylights. Check the hard-to-reach places such as the front exterior of the camper. If you have a fifth-wheeler, the front window in this area is especially prone to moisture damage that leads to dry rot.
Locate the Source of the Moisture
Find where the water is getting into your camper. You may have to remove some of the outer camper shell to begin your dry rot repair and find the source of the wood dry rot. Replace broken lights. Remove plastic vents and replace them with metal ones as they are less likely to crack and allow moisture into the camper walls. Reseal the roof and the metal trim with caulking.
Wash your camper. Check the bottom edges of it a couple days later. If it's still wet, you still have a water leak (see Reference 2). Don't begin the dry rot repair until you fix all the leaks.
Repair the Damaged Wood
Take out and replace as much bad wood as you can. (See References 3) You may have to have an expert replace structural wood or you may opt for other treatments if the wood appears to have minimal damage.
Repair existing wood with epoxy-type wood fillers. These can help rebuild the structure of the damaged wood. Follow directions and allow the epoxy ample time to dry before covering it up again with paneling or exterior sheeting.
Treat the fungal problem with boric acid. This kills the existing fungus and prevents the development of new dry rot areas.
Tags: camper Check, camper have, camper problem, metal trim, your camper
Repair railroad ties to stop them from collapsing altogether.
Railroad ties are the long, wooden beams --often referred to as cross ties -- that are used to build railroad tracks. These same beams are often used to build retaining walls and to frame gardens in residential yards. Regardless of their use, railroad ties can rot and and splinter over time. If your ties get damaged, repair them rather than replacing them, as long as the damage isn't too substantial. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Examine each railroad tie on its own to see if it's damaged. If the railroad tie isn't damaged then there's no need to repair it and you can move on. If there are holes, rotting segments or splits in the railroad tie, remove it from the others for maintenance.
2. Determine the extent of the damage. If there are rotting sections in the railroad tie, figure out how big they are. If there are holes or splits, figure out how deep they run in that tie. If there's too much damage, such as more than one-third of the tie is going to have to go, consider just replacing it.
3. Repair the damage. If there is surface splintering on the tie, sand or grind it off. If there is rot, sand it away or saw it off. If there are holes in the tie, fill them with spike-hole filler compound, which is specifically meant to fill up holes in railroad ties.
4. Coat the railroad tie in a clear, protective compound. This is similar to painting your back deck, as the compound creates a barrier between the elements and the railroad tie. Use a coating that's meant to be used outdoors on wood. Alternatively, use environmentally safe paint that is designed to stand up to outdoor use.
Tags: there holes, damage there, railroad damaged, railroad ties, used build
Use a regular sewing machine to embroider letters and words.
While fancy embroidery machines allow you to program patterns into the machine's computer, they often cost a lot and may be out of reach for the average home stitcher. If you want to try your hand at machine embroidery, you can do so on a regular home sewing machine. It's best to start stitching letters and words since you can practice straight lines and curves. Try block letters first, then move on to more complex script letters Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Write your name, favorite saying or whatever you want on the fabric using the marker. Make each letter at least an inch high and an inch wide. Write in block letters, or use script if you want an extra challenge.
2. Take your embroidery hoop apart. Unscrew the small screw on the top of the hoop to loosen the outer hoop. The inner hoop will fall out easily after the screw is loosened.
3. Drape the fabric over the inner hoop. The side with the design should be on the inside of the hoop, the opposite of how you would position it if you were stitching by hand. Pull the fabric tight, then put the upper hoop over it. Pull the fabric as taut as possible as you tighten the screw on the hoop
4. Thread your machine. Set the stitch to zigzag and the stitch length to the shortest possible. Adjust the feed dogs, or the metal teeth found on the needle plate, so they are lowered and you can move the fabric about easily under the needle.
5. Place the fabric under the needle. The pattern you drew on the fabric should face up. Lower the needle into fabric, at the top tip of the first letter of the first word.
6. Stitch slowly. Move the fabric and hoop down, tracing the first letter with your needle. Be careful not to twist or rotate the fabric, even if you are going around a bend or curve on the letter. You risk breaking the needle if you twist. Keep sewing, following the lines of the letters you drew. You can stop after each letter and trim the thread before moving to the next one or stitch so that there is a piece of thread connecting every letter.
7. Keep an eye on the stitches as you sew. If you notice they are uneven or bunching together, adjust the tension of your thread. When embroidering, you may want the top thread, or the thread in the needle, to be more loose than the bobbin thread.
Tags: block letters, each letter, first letter, inner hoop, letters words, Pull fabric
Refrigerators manufactured before 1990 use three times more electricity than newer refrigerators.
An old, inefficient refrigerator can easily cost a household over $150 in utility bills. Since 2001, federal standards have required appliance manufacturers to produce refrigerators which use only 450 kWh of energy yearly, as opposed to the 1,500 kWh of energy which older models consume.
Refrigerator recycling programs all involve free pick-up and small rebates for used refrigerators which are clean, empty, and still working. Does this Spark an idea?
JACO Environmental Inc.
JACO Environmental Inc. has over twenty years experience in appliance recycling, with a refrigerator recycling program that is currently in operation through 61 different utilities in 26 different states. JACO recycles at least 90 percent of the refrigerator, and safely destroys harmful chlorofluorocarbons residing in the foam insulation of the refrigerator, via a waste-to-energy incinerator. Recycled steel from the refrigerator is used in rebar, which is used in buildings and roadways, and the recycled plastic is used for numerous new appliances.
Pickup of your refrigerator is free, but you need to be a paying customer of one of the 61 utility companies JACO is partnered with. In order to determine whether your utility company is partnered with JACO Environmental Inc., you will need to enter your zip code in the "Rebate Pickup Program" window of the JACO Environmental Inc. website.
There are additional qualifications for curbside pickup and rebate eligibility (the rebate is anywhere from $30 to $50). The old refrigerator will need to be clean, empty, and working; the unit has to have a capacity between 10 and 30 cubic feet; and someone 18 years of age or older will have to be present to sign off on the old unit.
JACO Environmental, Inc.
PO Box 1478
Snohomish, WA 98291-1478
Tel: 425-398-6200
Fax: 425-398-6218
Email: info@jacoinc.net
www.jacoinc.net/Default.aspx
ARCA Inc.
ARCA Inc. has been in the appliance recycling business for over 30 years, and has recycled over 2.5 million appliances since the company's inception in 1976. Like JACO Environmental Inc., ARCA Inc. works in tandem with numerous public utilities in many different states throughout the U.S.
ARCA Inc. recycles 90 to 95 percent of every appliance they collect. In 1993, the company developed the first equipment designed to extract levels of chlorofluorocarbons from compressor oil sufficient enough to make the oil recyclable. All metals, plastics, and glass in the used refrigerators is recycled, as well as any PCBs, mercury and used oil.
Pickup is free for those with used-but-still-working refrigerators, and most partnered utilities offer a small rebate upon pickup and sign-off.
ARCA Inc.
7400 Excelsior Blvd.
Minneapolis, MN 55426
Tel: (952) 930-9000, (800) 452-8680
Fax: (952) 930-1800
www.arcainc.com/home.html
National Grid
The National Grid is a northeastern, multi-state utility company that services New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Starting in 2009, the company has offered pickup and recycling services for used refrigerators. The refrigerators are taken to a recycling facility in Franklin, Massachusetts, where 95 percent of each appliance is recycled.
Pickup is free for National Grid customers, and a $30 rebate is available for program participants. The used refrigerators must be working, and must have an interior capacity of at least 10 cubic feet.
National Grid
Customer Service Center
300 Erie Boulevard West
Syracuse, NY 13202-4250
National Grid
Customer Service Center
PO Box 960
Northborough MA 01532-0960
Tel: 1-800-322-3223
www.nationalgridus.com/index.asp
Tags: JACO Environmental, National Grid, used refrigerators, appliance recycling, clean empty
Kentucky residents have a number of options when seeking housing assistance.
Residents of Kentucky that need assistance purchasing a home, paying the mortgage, or making repairs can apply for grant assistance. There are many grants available through non-profit organizations and the government. Programs are open to first-time home buyers and current homeowners. Each grant program has certain requirements that must be met to qualify.
Resources, Education, and Assistance for Community Housing (REACH)
The REACH grant program offers down payment assistance to first-time home buyers. Qualified applicants can receive down payment assistance to help purchase existing or newly-constructed homes.
Families must meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's criteria for low-income families to qualify for the grant. If awarded a grant, you must complete a home buyer counseling program and invest at least $500 of your own money toward the purchase price of the home.
REACH, Inc.
733 Red Mile Road
Lexington, KY 40504
859-455-8057
reachky.com
HOME Family Program
The HOME Family Program offers assistance up to $10,000 to qualified home buyers. The grant can be used toward the down payment or closing costs.
The program only covers existing homes and the purchase price cannot exceed $195,000. Qualified families must have a child under the age of 18 in the residence and meet certain income requirements. Although initially considered a loan, it is forgiven after five years with no monthly payments. Families must stay in the home during that five-year period to have the loan forgiven.
Kentucky Housing Corporation
1231 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
800-633-8896
reachky.com
USDA Rural Development Single Family Home Repair Grants
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Rural Development Single Family Home Repair program provides assistance to low-income families. The grant can be used to improve the living conditions of a home.
Applicants must be 62 years of age or older and meet certain income requirements. If the property is sold within three years of receiving the grant, it must be repaid.
Rural Development Housing Programs
859-224-7325
rurdev.usda.gov
HANDS, Inc.
HANDS, Inc. offers grants in the form of a second mortgage to qualified families. The program builds homes and sells the homes for the appraisal value.
If a family can only afford a portion of the home's sale price, HANDS grants the remaining balance on the home in the form of a second mortgage. The second mortgage does not have to be paid back as long as the family continues to reside in the home. To qualify for the program, certain income requirements need to be met.
HANDS, Inc.
PO Box 9637
Bowling Green, KY 42102
270-796-4176
handsinc.net
Tags: certain income, certain income requirements, down payment, home buyers, income requirements, Rural Development, second mortgage
Teaching your kids home repair skills can help them save money in the future.
Teaching your kids to save money can help them learn to be financially responsible. There are two different strategies you can use. One is to teach skills such as home and car repair and budget and shop for things on sale. The other is to teach the importance of saving money on a regular basis. These skills will help children manage their finances once they become adults.
Room Remodel
Most teenagers would like the opportunity to design and decorate their own room. Give your child the opportunity to plan and execute a design for her room. Begin by giving the child a budget for the entire room. Your child can determine how much to spend on furniture, paint and accessories for the room. Then let your child create a proposal, complete with budget and labor estimates, for you to look over. Together you can paint the walls of the room and install things like curtain rods, bookshelves and light fixtures. This is an opportunity to show your child redecorate and can give her skills she can use later in life.
Fix Up a Car
Basic car care and repair can save a lot of money. However, it does take time to learn the skills required to change the oil and air filters or to do a basic tune-up. Although many diagnostics are now done on the computer, you can still save money by changing the brakes yourself, changing your oil, rotating your tires and keeping all fluids topped off. Teach your child basic car repair skills as you work together to fix up an old car or as you do these things on the family cars.
Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning
A basic skill that is a part of any budget is meal planning and cooking. This skill should be taught to all children, since cooking at home can save money each month. Begin by putting your child in charge of cooking one night a week or a month. Once he has cooked a number of meals, have him plan a weekly menu and do the shopping for the week. The meal planning will give him the opportunity to find ways to save money. You may offer suggestions on ways to save based on what he has planned. Give him a budget he has to follow, and send him to the grocery store to complete the shopping.
Match the Savings
One way to teach your children to save is to offer a matching program. This works well if she is working toward a specific goal, such as purchasing a new bicycle, but it can work to just increase savings in general. The match may be a dollar-for-dollar match, where you pay one dollar for every dollar she saves. Or it may be a one-for-two-dollar match, where you pay one dollar for every two dollars saved. This can help establish a pattern of monthly saving.
Tags: save money, your child, dollar every, help them, home repair
Transferring real estate in Texas includes three options.
If you are involved in the sale of real estate in Texas, a key element is understanding what avenues to take to transfer property in the Loan Star State. The same holds true if you face a transfer of real estate for a reason other than the sale of the property. Texas law establishes specific guidelines to transfer real property. The failure to utilize a proper procedure and use a proper deed in the process of transferring real estate can result in a deficiency that impairs the conveyance of ownership in the property.
Instructions
1. Decide which type of deed to use to transfer real estate. In Texas you have three options, the most common being a warranty deed. A warranty deed is nearly always used in the event of a real estate sale. A warranty deed includes a guarantee that there are no liens or encumbrances on the title. The warranty provision reads:
"The seller grants, sells and conveys the property to the buyer ... to have and to hold it ... forever, and binds seller and seller's heirs to warrant and forever defend the property to the buyer."
The warranty language means that if a defect is found to the title, the seller or original owner agrees to incur the expense associated with resolving the title defect.
2. Consider your other deed alternatives. These include a quitclaim deed, which is not favored in cases of sales and similar transactions. A quitclaim deed essentially transfers whatever interest a person might have in real estate to someone else with no guarantee that there are not defects to the title, including liens. The owner is not even setting forth that she has an ownership interest in the property. The other alternative is what is known in Texas as a deed without warranty. This type of deed is not seen in most states. A deed without warranty sets forth that the person selling or otherwise transferring her ownership in property does have a real ownership interest in the property. However, she is not doing any title search or anything else to confirm that there are no liens or other people claiming ownership.
3. Obtain the deed form you desire to use form the registry of deeds' office in the county where the real estate is located. The registry of deeds' office typically is located in the county courthouse or county administrative services building.
4. Complete the deed form. You insert the name of the current owner, the name of the buyer (or person to take title to the real estate) and the legal description to the property. The registry of deeds can provide you the legal description of the property.
5. Sign the deed in front of a notary public. The current owner or owners sign the deed. Under Texas law, if the owner of the property is married, both spouses must sign the deed even if only one spouse is named as an owner on the records of the registry of deeds' office.
6. File the deed with with the registry of deeds.
Tags: real estate, registry deeds, deeds office, estate Texas, real estate Texas
Construct the rough opening that will hold your window.
When you frame a window, you are preparing the wall in which the window will be placed. During the construction of a new home, you will frame the window opening as you build the entire wall frame. In a remodel, you may remove an existing window or install a window in a solid wall. In all cases, the opening that will hold the window must meet specific guidelines in order for your window to sit evenly without receiving pressure from the weight of the wall. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Plan the rough frame to be 2 inches wider on all sides than the dimensions of the new window. For instance, if you're installing a standard 30-inch-by-36-inch window, you will frame the inside dimensions of your rough opening to measure 34 inches by 40 inches.
2. Remove the drywall so you can view the studs if you're framing the window in an existing wall. When the studs are visible, determine the placement of your window and cut away the studs that run through the desired location. Allow 3 inches on each side of your rough frame measurement in order to install the header and the king studs.
3. Install the king studs. A king stud is the supporting vertical stud that replaces the studs cut from the original wall. Measure and cut the king studs to fit between the floor plate and the ceiling plate. Install them, using the outer edge as your measurement guide. With our example window, that means the king studs will sit 36 inches apart.
4. Install your window header. Since you're removing a portion of the wall framing, you must make alternate arrangements for wall support. The header runs along the top of your window frame and is usually made of 2-inch-by-6-inch dimensional lumber. Cut two headers to the width of your opening and install them between the remaining studs in the wall at the top of the opening.
5. Fit each header into place, use a carpenter's level to make sure it is even, and nail it to the supporting studs on either side. The headers will sit sideways in the wall, side by side. Nail them securely to each other. Now, you're ready to install the sill plate.
6. Cut one stud the same length as the header boards and place it at the bottom of your proposed window frame. Adjust the space between the bottom of the header and the top of the sill to meet the size you previously determined for your rough opening. In this case, the distance would be 40 inches.
7. Nail your sill plate into place and cut at least three cripple studs to support the sill plate. A cripple stud is the exact same dimension as the distance between the sill plate and the floor plate. Install one cripple stud on each side, flush with the king plate, and one in the middle to support the weight of the new window.
8. Install trimmer studs last. These studs complete the sides of the rough opening where your window will sit. Measure the distance from your header to your sill plate and cut two trimmers studs to fit, one for each side. Nail them securely to the king studs. Now, you're ready to install the new window.
Tags: your window, king studs, sill plate, rough opening, each side, window will, your rough
Auto repair shop owners must meet strict requirements and obtain a number of licenses and permits before they can open their doors to the public. Auto shop owners must implement policies for dealing with hazardous materials, spillage procedures and safety measures; post approved signage; and maintain log books for all work completed. Requirements vary by state; the following is a general guideline.
Instructions
1. Establish a business entity, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or limited liability company. If operating as a partnership or individual, you may be required to file a "Doing Business As" certificate with your county clerk. Then obtain a sales tax permit and federal tax ID.
2. Find a location for your car repair shop that is in compliance with local zoning regulations. Then purchase fire insurance, workers' compensation insurance and liability insurance.
3. Contact the necessary authorities to obtain additional permits, such as your local department of environmental protection to learn your responsibilities for managing waste and hazardous materials and your licensing department. Depending on the type of work you will do and the materials you will house or sell or whether you will have vending machines on your property, you may need to obtain additional licenses. Your licensing department can guide you.
4. Get your auto body shop ready for inspection, and contact your building department to have it inspected. Have the required equipment, safety tools, literature on how you will estimate the cost of repairs, log books and safety policies in place prior to inspection.
5. Make copies of the required paperwork that must be included with your application, and take photographs of your shop, if necessary. You may need to include copies of your zoning certificate, proof of inspection and compliance to regulations, driver's licenses for all owners or managing members, sales tax permit, proof of insurance, certificate of occupancy and proof of your business location. Submit to fingerprinting, if necessary.
6. Submit your application, copies of business information and the application fee.
7. Wait up to eight weeks for approval for your automotive repair shop permit.
Tags: repair shop, Auto Repair, Auto Repair Shop, hazardous materials, licensing department, obtain additional, owners must
DVDs are used in many different applications, from movies and video games to computer storage. When a DVD gets dirty it may skip or not read information correctly preventing you from accessing the data. It is not very difficult to clean off a DVD and this can often solve many disk reading errors.
Instructions
1. Start from the center of the disk and clean straight out toward the edge. This will help prevent scratches that will affect performance. Never clean by rubbing in a circle around the DVD.
2. Use a soft cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe it off. If it is just dust on the DVD, a soft cloth can often remove it without cleaning solutions. Microfiber cloths work well because they have a very tight weave of cloth that attracts dust and helps keep it from scratching the surface of the DVD.
3. Mix rubbing alcohol and water in a one-to-one ratio and use it to clean the DVD to remove fingerprints or other oily residue. Rubbing alcohol works well because it is mild and evaporates quickly without leaving a residue. Rub the disk with a little of the solution and let it dry.
4. Clean the DVD with a glass cleaner. Spray the window cleaner on to a rag and apply it with the rag instead of spraying it directly on the DVD. This is good for difficult cleaning situations such as cleaning soda off of a DVD.
5. Apply toothpaste to buff out minor scratches. This may seem like a strange idea, but it works. Use mildly abrasive toothpaste, apply a dab to the scratched area, add a little water and buff it out. Make sure you rub from the center toward the edge instead of a radial pattern.
Tags: from center, soft cloth, toward edge, well because
Look to nonprofits and corporations for less competitive local grant programs.
Obtaining a grant is a competitive endeavor, and for good reason: a grant is a gift you don't have to repay. For grants that are based on merit and expertise, you may need to spend some time compiling an impressive application complete with references, transcripts and essays. For need-based grants, you may only need to meet economic criteria to qualify. Regardless of the reason for your financial need, there are many grants available to individual minority women to supplement the cost of education, career advancement and even periods of economic hardship.
AAUW Grants
The American Association of University Women pays grants and fellowships to women of all ethnicities with the intention of helping them break economic barriers. The AAUW's American Fellowships, for example, grant up to $30,000 to individual women to help them complete postdoctoral work. The AAUW also offers Career Development Grants of up to $12,000, which are meant to help women obtain a graduate degree or other professional credential. Additionally, this program favors women of color.
The Business and Professional Women's Association
Though the Business and Professional Women's Association is not currently accepting applications as of 2011, it will soon provide grant money to women looking to further their careers or obtain more education. Unlike other education grants or scholarships, this program grants money for a wider variety of purposes, including the opportunity for women to attend non degree-granting seminars and conferences.
Government Grants
The government only grants money to individuals in rare cases, but obtaining an education is one of these instances. If you're at an economic disadvantage, don't hesitate to apply for the federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity grant to help fund your education. The Pell Grant is a need-based renewable grant that pays up to $5,550 to an individual each school year. The FSEOG is a similar grant for people who are especially financially needy, and it pays up to $4,000 per school year. Both grants can only be used on tuition and school expenses, however, and often the government pays these funds directly to the school before sending you a check for the remainder.
Other Grants
Both the federal government and state governments extend money to individuals in specific circumstances. For example, the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Individuals and Households program (IHP) grants money to individuals to help them repair or rebuild their homes after a presidentially-declared natural disaster. The government also funds grants for individual schools to disburse to minority students in order to increase minority participation in a certain field. For example, the Minority Biomedical Research Support grant is offered at two and four-year colleges to boost the number of minority researchers in the biomedical sciences.
Tags: grants money, money individuals, Business Professional, Business Professional Women, grants money individuals, grants only, help them
Metal is prone to rusting. The primary role of car paint is to create a barrier between the car's metal and everything in the atmosphere that comes into contact with your car. Rust begins in little nooks and crannies on a car where the paint has chipped away exposing bare metal. The areas around the window are especially prone to rust because of the water that concentrates around those areas. It's best to remove the rust around the window before it eats through the metal. However, if the metal is badly corroded, the corroded parts need to be replaced.
Instructions
Remove the Rust
1. Tape the surrounding surface around the rusted areas and cover the window with newspaper. This protects the car and window from rust, dust and other debris.
2. Clean the rusted area with a hand-held grinder and sanding wheel. Grind the surface with the sanding wheel until most of the rust is gone and the surface is smooth and level.
3. Clean the area with a rust-removing solvent and sandpaper, which removes the last remnants of the rust.
4. Wipe the area with a clean cloth. If there are no spots or dust on the area, it's ready to be primed and painted. Repeat Step 3 if the cloth has rust dust or residue on it.
Repairing Rusted Holes
5. Tape around the affected area, and cover the window with newspaper.
6. Clean the rusted area with a hand-held grinder and belt sander. Grind the area until the area where the rust stops is clearly visible.
7. Cut out and trim around the rusted area. Cut out all of the rusted metal that's rusted through.
8. Purchase sheet metal or cut metal from a donor car. Use sheet metal if the area around the window is flat. If the metal around the window is angled, use angled metal from a donor car.
9. Patch the hole with the new metal. If you're working on a large area, the new metal needs to be welded to the car. Enlist the aid of a friend with welding skills if you have no experience in this area. More minor holes can be repaired without welding. Trim the new piece of metal so that it's slightly smaller than the hole. Apply roofing sealant to the edges of the new metal and to the edges around the hole. Place the metal in place and firmly press the edges together. Allow the repair to bond overnight before priming and painting.
Tags: area with, rusted area, area with hand-held, around rusted, around window, around window, Clean rusted
Buy an exterior shape that will look good for years.
Demand for mobile homes is almost always strong. Affordability is only part of the reason, say experts at the California Mobile Home Park Manager's Association. Mobile homes are fast solutions to living in the mountains or near a favorite lake. To build equity, take advantage of repossessed or foreclosed mobile homes or buy one at an auction or estate sale. Mobile homes depreciate because new models make old ones look dated so select a design that will stay in style.
Instructions
1. Follow the pricing of mobile homes with an appraiser at your bank. Search classified ads, estate sales and mobile home dealers routinely to hunt for bargains. Purchase property to park a mobile home you purchase or park a single mobile home in a mobile home park for a few months.
2. Look for mobile homes underpriced by at least $5,000. Ask the seller to transport, if possible, to save costs. Fix up the home as needed. Consider placing an underpriced home on a land tract, where appreciation of the land can boost the home's value. Search realty books to estimate the value of mobile homes on land tracts in your area.
3. Enlist professional appraisers and ask them to estimate profit on a sale in one to two years. Be aware that prices vary in different localities, so do your homework. A pre-owned, single-wide mobile home on a permanent lot in east Tennessee, for example, can sell for $50,000 to 60,000, according to the East Tennessee Realtors Association. Double-wide homes can sell for more in this area.
4. Scout for mobile homes that are underpriced and need few repairs; these will create equity from the moment the deal is closed. Be aware that if you pay too much, needed repairs will cut into future profit.
5. Fix up the space and lot with an eye toward who might buy the property. Build equity by making a sizable down payment or paying extra principal toward the mortgage.
Tags: mobile home, mobile homes, aware that, mobile homes, that will
It can cost you thousands of dollars to repair a cracked foundation.
If you have uneven flooring, cracked walls, cracked tiles and windows or doors that don't open or close properly, you probably have foundation failure, which is often caused when property shifts and settles after construction. The typical cost to repair a cracked foundation can be quite high. Therefore, it's important to know what's involved in repairs and to get estimates on how much you should expect to spend. Does this Spark an idea?
Inspection Cost
The first thing you need to do if you have a cracked foundation is to determine what's causing it to crack. To determine the cause, you need to have your home inspected by a structural engineer. At the time of publication, an inspection and report by a structural engineer runs about $300 to $800. A geotechnical engineer, who designs foundations for structures and deals with earth materials, including soil, might to need make a soil report. A soil report -- depending on how complex the problem is and the level of detail needed to analyze the situation -- can cost between approximately $500 and $2,000.
Repair Costs
At the time of publication, repairing a simple crack in a poured concrete foundation, depending on how badly damaged it is, can cost from $400 to $800. It will cost you an additional $200 to $400 if you have to replace the entire basement floor. Therefore, the total can add up to $600 to $1,200. Reinforcing the foundation in earthquake-prone areas with anchor bolts, which are embedded into concrete to attach objects or structures, costs about $1,500 to over $3,500. Repairs for a typical house with moderate foundation damage start at about $8,000 but can run as high as $30,000.
What to Expect
A major foundation repair project could require removing most or all of the landscaping surrounding your home. This process possibly involves digging tunnels underneath your home and the use of heavy equipment or construction machinery, such as foundation-drilling and pile-driving equipment. Repairing a cracked foundation, which usually requires a building permit, can be an invasive procedure that can last several weeks. The length of time for repairs may be shorter or longer, depending on the extent of the problem.
Tips
Financing is often available to repair a cracked foundation. Get more than one detailed cost estimate before having your cracked foundation repaired so you can compare the prices. The estimates of how much it will cost to repair a cracked foundation are based on a contractor's inspection of the interior and exterior of the property. Before hiring a company to repair your cracked foundation, make sure it is qualified and experienced by requesting and checking its references. Additionally, make sure it is properly bonded, insured and licensed and check with the Better Business Bureau that no unresolved complaints have been made against it.
Masonic Lodges throughout Michigan offer a scholarship to a local student who is planning to attend college or vocational training. Some lodges that raise higher amounts of money for their scholarship fund might choose to give out more than one Masonic scholarship in their areas. The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation offers matching scholarship funds up to $1,500 for individual lodges to boost the amount each has to award.
Masonic Scholarship
The Masonic Scholarship is available to high school seniors who are U.S. citizens and have a Masonic Lodge in their community or county. The scholarship is awarded on the basis of solid academic performance and demonstrated leadership skills, according to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. Many school Websites in the state name the Masonic Scholarship under their list of available scholarships for their students. If no such list exists, a student should ask the school academic counselor if a Masonic scholarship is offered in his area. Although Masons are always men, the scholarship is available to both young women and young men. Depending on the size of the local lodge, scholarships may be anywhere from several hundred dollars up to several thousand. The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation allows smaller lodges to award a more significant amount of money by offering a match. In 2007, the MMCF awarded 270 matching grants for school scholarships.The final scholarship amount awarded will be forwarded to the student's chosen college. The student will be awarded a certificate.
Local Masonic Grants
There are 61 Masonic districts in Michigan, and each district has four to six local lodges. Local Masonic lodges are responsible for dispensing the scholarship funds it has raised over the year. Some scholarships may be named for a former local Mason, perhaps a deceased member. Each year, the Masons will likely request applications from local students using local media or school fliers or Websites.
Applications
The scholarship application is five pages long and asks the applicant about things like academic honors and awards, membership in academic and extracurricular organizations, elective courses, favorite and least favorite courses, leadership positions held, employment and financial needs regarding secondary education. Accompanying the application are four letters of recommendation, ACT/SAT test results, a statement of professional or vocational goals and other miscellaneous signatures from the lodge. At least three lodge members are required to review applications, then a vote is taken by all members. Once an amount is approved, the lodge can submit it to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation for a possible match. The deadline for students to submit applications may vary by lodge, but the date will be before March 31.
The IRS allows you to claim the same deductions for your second home you claim for your main home. However, the amount of your deduction and the way in which you report it may be different depending on whether you use it as a second residence or treat it as an investment.
Second Home Mortgage
Most homeowners are eligible to claim an IRS deduction for the interest payments they make each month on their mortgage. The deduction is available for a second residence you own if used for personal purposes. However, the IRS imposes an aggregate mortgage balance limitation for which you can deduct the interest. As of February 2011, only the interest that accrues on a total of $1 million in mortgage balances is eligible for the deduction. For example, if you have a mortgage on your principal residence for $600,000 and one on your second home for $800,000 then all of the interest on your main home is deductible, but only half of the interest accruing on your second mortgage is deductible.
Property Taxes
State and local property tax payments are fully deductible on any number of homes you own. The only requirement is that you are legally responsible for paying the tax. You cannot assume the tax payment for another taxpayer and claim a deduction for it. In addition, the IRS only treats state and local taxes that are imposed on the entire community at a uniform rate and based on the value of the home as a deductible property tax. If the state raises the revenue for other purposes or special projects that don't benefit the community as a whole, then it's not deductible on your federal income tax return.
Rental Properties
If you use the second home as an investment to generate rental income, the property taxes and mortgage interest you pay are deductible. To do so, you must include all rental income in your taxable gross income. In most cases, there is no limitation on the amount of property taxes you can deduct; however, in order to deduct the mortgage interest, your rental income must exceed all deductible expenses that relate to the rental property, other than mortgage interest. Essentially, the deduction for interest cannot cause you to report a negative number or a loss on your tax return. If you are unable to deduct the interest in the year you pay it, the IRS allows you to carry it forward to another tax year you have sufficient income.
Claiming Deductions
To claim a property tax and mortgage interest deduction on your second home, you must be eligible to itemize your deductions. Eligibility requires that your total deductible expenses for the year exceed the standard deduction amount for your filing status. If you claim a deduction for mortgage interest on a rental property, you must still report it on the Schedule A attachment to your tax return, but must also prepare IRS Form 4952.
Tags: mortgage interest, second home, your second, claim deduction, rental income, your second home
A mobile home that is not level can develop structural damage if not corrected.
When your double-wide mobile home was placed on your lot, it would have been leveled as part of the installation process. Over time, settling may occur and cause the two sections of your home to become out of level. You can check your home to see if the floor is level by placing a marble on an open area of the floor. If the marble rolls, you will need to level the home. Leveling a double-wide mobile home is a difficult and time-consuming task, but you will save money by doing the work yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Make a diagram of your home. This will help you make an accurate list of where you need to place shims to level the mobile home.
2. Check every room in the home to see which foundation piers will need to be shimmed. In rooms with carpeting, you will need to use a 4-foot level rather than using the marble method of checking level. It is helpful to make a note for yourself regarding how far off level the floor is in order to reduce time placing shims.
3. Remove the mobile home skirting in areas where you will need to access the foundation piers. On most mobile homes, the skirting is designed as short pieces that interlock for ease in installation and removal. Place the pieces on the ground in front of where they came from to make replacement less stressful.
4. Place the hydraulic jack near the foundation pier you need to shim to lift the home off the pier. This will allow you to place plywood shims between the pier and the support beams of the mobile home.
5. Insert shims between the pier and the support beam. The number of shims you will need depends on how far off level the home is. The task will be less time consuming if you begin with an area that is closer to level so you can determine how much of the issue is corrected with fewer shims.
6. Lower the hydraulic jack once you have placed the shims on the first foundation pier. Do not move the jack at this point, you first need to make sure you have corrected the issue in this area of the home.
7. Place the level on the floor above the area where you have placed shims, and check for level. If the floor is level, you will move on to the next pier that needs to be corrected. If the floor is not level in this area, you will repeat the above procedure until you have leveled the pier.
Tags: mobile home, will need, floor level, level floor, your home, between pier
See what you housing grants you qualify for in Ontario, Canada.
According to the official website of Canadian Government, approximately $27 million dollars are allotted to individuals through over 800 organizations that are working for the benefit of Canadians. Much of this amount also goes toward homeowners and housing programs. Many of these programs provide financial assistance to homeowners in Ontario in the form of grants, rebates and financial assistance programs. Does this Spark an idea?
ecoEnergy Retrofit Grant
Canadian Government is allotting up to $5,000 in grant money to individuals who are willing to make eco-friendly changes around their homes. The renovations will have to include energy-efficient tools that are better for the environment, in order to qualify for the grant. For example, homeowners can include better insulation or energy-efficient furnace. This is a great way to take advantage of government grants and help save the planet.
Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
900 Bay Street, 4th Floor
Hearst Block
Toronto, Ontario M7A 2E1
888-668-4636
mei.gov.on.ca
Homeowner Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Homeowners
Homeowner RRAP Program is perfect for low-income people. The program is designed to financially assist homeowners who are earning below the standard set by RRAP. You may be eligible if your home is at least five years old and needs a major renovation. The assistance is available in the form of forgivable loans under certain conditions. The amount of loan varies, depending on where you live in Canada. This program is a great opportunity for those who cannot afford major repairs for their homes.
The Corporation of the City of Cambridge
50 Dickson Street,
PO Box 669,
Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5W8
519.623.1340
cambridge.ca
Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) for Persons with Disabilities
This program is designed for leasing authorities who provide low income housing for disabled people. If you qualify for this program, you will be given grant money to make renovations and provide better accessibility for residents. The loan amount varies depending on where you live in Canada, but you can expect to receive up to $36,000 dollars, if you are living in far northern areas.
CMHC Ontario Business Centre
100 Sheppard Ave. E,
Suite 300,
Toronto, ON, M2N 6Z1
416-221-2642
cmhc-schl.gc.ca
Tags: Assistance Program, Canadian Government, depending where, depending where live, financial assistance, grant money
Credit card fraud is a serious crime and should be immediately reported.
Credit card fraud quickly has the ability to wreak havoc on your life. Not only are you faced with an array of unauthorized charges, but your credit rating can take a major hit. If you're a victim, you must report the crime because credit card companies and credit bureaus require a police report with your claim. The statute of limitations on taking legal action against credit card fraud is four years in New Mexico, and state law starts the clock when the victim discovers the fraud, not from the date of actual charges.
Instructions
1. Gather all original documents and materials that could be used as evidence, including credit card and bank statements, e-mails, receipts, delivery records and surveillance video. Make at least two copies of all documentation, as you will have to hand over the originals.
2. Write down a time line of the alleged credit card fraud for authorities. Put the events in chronological order and include as many details as possible, including time and amount of purchase, location or Web address and items purchased. If more than four years have lapsed since the fraud, include in your time line when and how you discovered the charges. Ensure that falls within the past four years.
3. Send a fraud notice to your bank, each of your credit card companies affected, as well as the three major credit bureaus--Equifax, Experian and Trans Union. Make a copy of each notice to include with your police report.
4. Bring the documentation to your local police station or sheriff's department. Find the station through your municipal directory, town or county homepage or the phone book. Or, look up your local department online through a police department directory site, such as USA Cops.
5. Explain to the officer that you are a victim of credit card fraud and would like to file a report. An officer will help you with the paperwork.
6. Ask for a case number and contact information for the officer in charge of your case. Request that he or she keep in contact with you, and don't be afraid to call periodically to check on the case's progress. Immediately notify the officer about any new fraudulent charges or evidence.
Tags: credit card, card fraud, four years, card companies, card fraud, credit card