Make Sure The Insurance Company Pays For A Damaged Roof

Make Sure the Insurance Company Pays for a Damaged Roof

A damaged roof on your home is disruptive and can make your home vulnerable and uninhabitable if not quickly repaired. You can increase your odds for receiving a proper insurance settlement for your damaged roof by keeping it in good repair, checking it regularly for damages and having the proper coverages in place in the event of a loss. Some types of losses are not covered in a regular homeowner policy, so be sure to familiarize yourself with your policy language.

Instructions

1. Report the roof claim at once. Examination of roof structures should be made each season and after any heavy wind or storm activity to check for damages. It is easier to make a roof claim at the occurrence of the incident rather than well after the fact, and it is easier to prove.

2. Document all damage caused to the roof, adjoining structures and any personal property you have inside of the home. Photographs should display the damage before repair or restoration operations have commenced. Avoid disposing of damaged shingles, drywall or personal property before the claims adjuster has been out to your home to look at and evaluate the damage.

3. Check your homeowner policy to ensure the loss to your roof is covered. Roof damage that is caused by a flood is not covered under your regular homeowners policy, unless the flood was a direct cause of wind. An additional flood policy would have to be in place in order for you to be paid out on that type of peril.

4. Get professional estimates on the roof from a minimum of three reputable roofing contractors. Make a list of all damaged personal property before the adjuster visits. If you were forced to leave the home because it was uninhabitable, make copies of receipts for any additional costs incurred for meals out or hotels rooms.

5. Give a copy of the contractor estimates to the adjuster. Small damages may be offered a settlement immediately, while larger ones will be calculated by the adjuster after he leaves. If he sees you have three viable estimates that are similar in scope, it will be more difficult for him to justify a low claim payout.

6. Compare the adjuster's final estimate for roof repairs to your other three estimates. Check his estimate for missing repairs, materials or discrepancies in estimated labor costs.

7. Don't be afraid to deny the first offer. Many insurance companies low-ball claim settlements, especially for roofing repairs. If you are not satisfied, contest it.

8. Hire an independent adjuster. Public adjusters take on the duties of getting your claim processed efficiently by doing an independent inventory of the loss and negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. They are also trained to understand insurance contracts and what the company is responsible for. These adjusters charge fees, usually a percentage of your payout.

9. Contact the Department of Insurance for your state if you feel they are dragging their feet on the claim, not being fair or acting unethically. An official complaint can often get the ball rolling in these types of situations.

Tags: personal property, your home, Company Pays, Company Pays Damaged, damaged roof

Sears Craftsmen Garage Door Opener Troubleshooting

The garage door area should be free from obstructions.

Craftsman garage door openers by Sears have a variety of different features and functions depending on the specific model. Many of the commonly occurring problems with Craftsman garage door openers affect nearly every model. Performing troubleshooting steps when a problem arises will help identify the cause of the issue. In many cases, problems can be resolved by the owner of the garage door opener by following the troubleshooting process. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Test the electrical outlet that the opener is plugged into. Plug a small appliance or lamp into the outlet to see if it works.

2. Check the circuit breakers or fuse box if the outlet is not working. Reset the circuit if it has been tripped. Replace the fuse if it has blown.

3. Check the garage door manual locks if the door will not open. Make sure all manual locks are opened.

4. Allow the opener at least 15 minutes if it has been used repeatedly and stops working. Repeated use can trip the overload protector within the garage door opener. The unit will automatically reset after about 15 minutes.

5. Re-program the remote control if the garage door opener operates from the door control pad, but not from the remote control. The procedure for programming the remote will vary for each model.

6. Move the remote control to another location in the car if it is not working. The signal may not be reaching the opener from where it is.

7. Inspect the antenna on the back or side panel of the opener. Make sure the antenna is fully extended downward. The opener may not pick up the signal from the remote control if it is not fully extended.

8. Reprogram the remote controls if the garage door opens or closes by itself. Another device in the vicinity may be interfering with the signal.

9. Check the garage door area for obstructions if the door will not completely close. Remove any objects that are blocking the path of the garage door. In cold weather, make sure ice and snow is cleared from the floor area where the door closes.

10. Replace the light bulbs in the opener if the light does not turn on. Most models use a 60-watt bulb. Replace the bulbs with the same wattage as the old bulbs.

Tags: garage door, garage door, remote control, garage door opener, Check garage, Check garage door

Repair Rv Window Seals

A watertight RV is a happy RV.

Perhaps the most important key to keeping an RV livable and in good condition for the long haul is to keep moisture out. Water is one of an RV's biggest enemies; a leak threatens electrical systems, interior fixtures and the vehicle's structure, and many water leaks go undetected until damage has already been done. As an RV ages, sunlight and temperature degrade the seals, allowing water to seep into the walls.

Replacing window seals can be expensive at an RV dealer. Doing it at home is a relatively simple two-person job that can save a lot of money.

Instructions

1. Trim any excess or oozing sealing material from the outside edges of the window frame with the razor blade.

2. Remove the screws attaching the frame to the interior wall. Most RV windows use an inner ring that bolts to the exterior frame. It's a good idea to have a partner outside the vehicle on a stepladder at this point, in case the window falls away from the body when you remove the screws.

3. Push gently on the upper edge of the window frame to tilt it toward your partner outside. Remove the window and frame with slow, steady pressure. Do not use a hammer or attempt to jolt the window free as this risks breaking the glass or damaging the outside surface of the RV.

4. Clean any remaining sealant from the edges of the window opening on the RV with a scraper. Inspect the inner wall and other nearby surfaces for water damage and ensure that the edges of the window opening are free of debris.

5. Scrape all sealant from the window frame itself. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol.

6. Roll fresh butyl tape or window sealant onto the window frame. Make an unbroken seal all the way around the window.

7. Reinstall the window in the RV. Some of the sealant will be pushed out when the inner frame is reattached; trim it with a plastic scraper or razor blade.

8. Test the seal by spraying or pouring water across the outside of the window and performing a visual inspection for leaks.

Tags: window frame, edges window, edges window opening, frame with, partner outside, razor blade

Disband A Homeowner'S Association

You'll need more than a few owners on board to disband a HOA

A quick tour of your favorite search engine's menu on the topic of "disbanding homeowner's associations" sites would be mildly entertaining if inquiries weren't so fraught with rants and anger. A great HOA does nothing but help a community share expenses and responsibility, but when power is abused and members reach a collective breaking point, there's nothing to be done short of cutting the umbilical cord that holds residents to an existing, structured code of conduct. Every state has its own set of laws governing the dissolution of associations and HOAs fall into this category, so the guidelines in this article can take you only so far before you'll need to call in a lawyer to help you sort things out.

Instructions

1. Have a clear understanding of what your homeowner's association does. If you disband yours, every resident will become equally responsible for overseeing or paying for landscaping, pavement repair, security, waste disposal, snow removal and myriad other communal services included in the original covenant between residents and the association. Once the HOA is disbanded, there will be no common law to govern the property and associated structures, so you'll want to have another organization in place to pick up where the HOA leaves off.

2. Meet with all members to comb through your CC&Rs. Think of your property's Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions as the skeletal structure that keeps the community erect and functioning; the rules and documents that legally dictate how the association operates and the limits to which individuals may modify their residences. Every member of your housing neighborhood was required to sign a CC&R on the day the property closed and this subjugated their individual rights to the rulings of the association. Whether you live in a townhouse, condo or subdivision, restrictions governing what you may and may not do were set according to association rules. Only sanctions that conflict with federal, state or local law may be challenged.

3. Try to restructure the homeowner's association by majority rule before you make a final commitment to dissolution. With a super-majority of votes on behalf of the members, a plan for re-configuring the association and a community commitment to making certain new guidelines and restrictions are more egalitarian and equitable and can also save your association a lot of time and money. If at all possible, find a way to restructure the HOA without having to take the drastic step of disbanding it.

4. Contact your state's Housing and Urban Development office and speak with someone about your unique situation. They can give you valuable information about your legal standing and rights. Every state is different. For example, in North Carolina, an HOA dissolution requires 80% of the membership as set by the state's General Assembly if the association was formed after 1999, but if it was chartered before that year, only 67% of homeowners are required to pass the termination vote. This complex arrangement is just one state's guideline; find out specifically what your state requires to do the job.

5. Seek the help of a real estate attorney once a majority of HOA members agrees that there is no other recourse but disbanding. Schedule a community meeting with the attorney and advise all homeowners of the date and time since it is critical that all voices be heard at this important meeting. Send a copy of your CC&Rs to the attorney beforehand and have residents sign a statement saying that they are willing to help pay their share of legal fees incurred as a result of exploring HOA dissolution with a lawyer. Without this agreement, things are very likely to get contentious.

6. Make a community commitment to address all of the reasons residents took this radical step. Once residents are again in the driver's seat, the new board may even begin to have some compassion for the folks who had previously been seen as dictators. It's an enormous responsibility to govern a community--one that looks decidedly different once you're in charge.

Tags: about your, community commitment, Every state, homeowner association, what your, your state

Get Free Rent And Housing

Living rent-free can free up a lot of money for other uses.

As economic conditions have worsened, people are desperately trying to maintain and rebuild their financial status that has been lost. Household expenses can be the biggest trouble area, so an attempt to cut housing costs is something definitely worth considering. Living rent-free would be a dream come true to many and is something that can be attainable through a variety of options. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Rent out part of your apartment or house. By taking in boarders, you can dramatically reduce or eliminate your own mortgage or rent payments.

2. Become a caregiver. This is highly recommended for single people without children who enjoy working with the elderly or ill. There are many openings for live-in caregivers for people who require around-the-clock support. State programs, such as free home sharing programs, are similar to caregiving services in that you share a residence with an elderly individual and spend 12-15 hours per week doing chores and errands for the person.

3. House-sitting has become increasingly popular not just for travelers but also for people seeking long-term stays while they search for permanent residence. Look for homeowners who need sitters to tend to their homes while they are away for long periods of time.

4. Under a work and learn program, individuals can sign up to participate in specialized farming jobs where participants live on the farm rent-free while taking part in training programs and acquiring gardening skills.

5. Work as a live-in apartment manager. With this kind of arrangement you are on call 24/7 to handle problems and emergency repairs in a building or housing complex. If your rent is included in the position, you may or may not receive additional compensation. This situation is best for people with extensive knowledge of housing issues and repairs.

Tags: Living rent-free, while they, with elderly

Federal Grants For Home Repair For The Disabled & Elderly

A residential building could benefit from home repair grants if disabled or elderly residents live there.

There are federal programs available that sponsor grants to fund renovation and repair projects on homes owned by the elderly and disabled. These grants are used to purchase equipment, as well as to pay for labor and administrative costs. These grants are not required to be repaid by the recipients; however, some grant programs can recoup funds if the recipients fail to meet obligations outlined in the grant agreement.

Specially Adapted Housing Grant Program

Disabled veterans are eligible to apply for grants to pay for home renovations and repairs through the Specially Adapted Housing Grant program, funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This program provides three different grants for disabled vets: Specially Adapted Housing (SAH), Special Home Adaptation (SHA) and Home Improvements and Special Alterations (HISA). SAH and SHA grants, which provide grants up to $50,000 and $10,000, respectively, are available only to veterans who have service-related disabilities. HISA grants are available to veterans with service-related ($4,100) and non-service-related ($1,200) disabilities.

Brian N. Bixler, Chief

Specially Adapted Housing

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

202-461-9546

va.gov

Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program

Homeowners 62 years of age or older who need home repairs can apply for grants through the Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program. Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), these grants are used to remove health and safety hazards from homes. Funds are also used for financing home renovation projects. The grant program prohibits recipients from selling their homes for three years, or the grant funds will have to be repaid. Grant amounts can reach $7,500.

Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Room 5014, South Building

14th Street and Independence Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20250

202-720-9619

rurdev.usda.gov

Supportive Housing for the Elderly

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sponsors the Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, which provides grants to increase the number of housing units with supportive services for the low-income elderly. Grants from this program are used acquire real estate, demolish uninhabitable residential buildings, and construct and rehabilitate new and existing structures. Funds also cover the difference between the operating costs per unit and the income received from the tenants. Eligible grant sponsors include private nonprofit organizations and nonprofit consumer cooperatives.

Aretha Williams

451 7th Street SW

Washington, DC 20410

202-708-3000

hud.gov

Tags: Adapted Housing, Specially Adapted, Specially Adapted Housing, Adapted Housing Grant, apply grants, Avenue Washington, Department Agriculture

Clean Dvds With Furniture Polish

Apply furniture polish to help prevent DVDs from skipping.

Once your favorite DVD begins to skip, you may become irritated. When you inspect the DVD carefully, you more than likely will find out that it has several scratches. If you notice scratches on your DVD, repair it yourself with furniture polish. Although you cannot remove all the scratches on a DVD, a light coating of your preferred furniture polish will result in improved performance. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean the DVD to remove dirt and debris. Do not touch the surface of the DVD with your fingers. Hold the DVD by placing your thumb through the center hole and place your fingers on the outer edge.

2. Dip a soft, lint-free cloth or paper towel in rubbing alcohol. Wipe the surface of the DVD in a back-and-forth motion instead of a circular movement.

3. Place the DVD on a flat surface so it will air-dry. Allow it to dry completely.

4. Place a damp cotton cloth on a flat surface. Wring out as much water as possible. The damp cloth will keep the DVD from sliding around. Sit the DVD on the damp cloth with the shiny side facing toward you.

5. Shake the furniture polish can, and then spray lightly onto the DVD.

6. Rub the polish from the center hole to the outer edge of the DVD, using a clean, dry lint-free cloth.

7. Place your thumb through the center hole and pick up the DVD. Hold the outer edge of the DVD with your fingers, and wipe the label side of the DVD dry with a clean cloth.

8. Rinse the DVD off with cold water. Dry the DVD with a clean, lint-free cloth, starting from the center hole and working your way down to the outer edge.

9. Store the DVD in its jewel case or place it in a DVD player.

Tags: center hole, outer edge, furniture polish, lint-free cloth, your fingers, clean lint-free

Federal Grants For Home Renovations

Federal grants can cover home renovation costs.

There are federal grants that can help pay for home renovations. These grants can cover the purchase of tools and other equipment, along with land acquisition, and also fund labor and administrative costs. These grants do not have to be repaid but some grant programs can recoup funds if recipients fail to complete their obligations.

Very Low Income Housing Rehabilitation

The Department of Agriculture sponsors the Very Low Income Housing Rehabilitation program. These grants can be used to pay for removing health and safety hazards from homes. Grants amounts can reach $7,500. Eligible applicants have to be 62 or older and financially unable to pay any loans back. Recipients can't sell their homes within three years of receiving funds. If this obligation is not fulfilled, the grant program can take action to recoup the money.

Housing and Community Facilities Programs National Office

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Room 5014 South Building

14th Street and Independence Avenue SW

Washington, DC 20250

202-720-9619

rurdev.usda.gov

YouthBuild Grants

The Department of Labor sponsors the YouthBuild program, which provides grants to support educational and occupational opportunities for at-risk youths ages 16-24. Youths who participate in the YouthBuild program help construct or renovate homes that will be occupied by homeless or low-income families. Public and private nonprofit organizations, state and local housing development agencies, community action agencies and faith and community-based organizations are eligible for these grants.

Employment and Training Administration

U.S. Department of Labor

Frances Perkins Building

200 Constitution Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20210

1-877-US-2JOBS

doleta.gov

VA Specially Adapted Housing for Veterans

The Department of Veteran Affairs sponsors home renovation grants for veterans who have service and non-service-related disabilities. There are three types of grants awarded under this program. Two of them, Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) and Special Home Adaptions (SHA) are for veterans with service-related disabilities. SAH grants, worth up to $50,000, are used to modify homes to help veterans achieve independence. SHA grants pay for renovation costs to make homes more accessible for veterans with mobility issues. These grants can reach $10,000. The Home Improvements and Special Alterations (HISA) grant is used to make special-need alterations to veteran homes. Grant amounts differ for veterans with non-service ($1,200) and service-related ($4,100) disabilities.

Brian N. Bixler

Chief

Specially Adapted Housing

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

202-461-9546

va.gov

Tags: Adapted Housing, Specially Adapted, Specially Adapted Housing, These grants, veterans with, Avenue Washington

Do It Yourself Wicker Chair Repair

Wicker furniture is a wonderful alternative to traditional wooden pieces because it introducing a lighter, more natural feel to your furniture selections. However, wicker furniture is more apt to break, bend and warp than most traditional furniture pieces. But with the knowledge and abilities to tackle a DIY wicker chair repair, you won't have to spend money to hire a professional or purchase a replacement piece. Most repairs require reweaving. Does this Spark an idea?

Preparing Reeds for Reweaving

Replacement reeds are available at craft stores in a variety of diameters and styles. Buy reeds that match those on your chair. Also be sure they are at least 5 inches longer than the section you are replacing, because these ends will be tucked and woven in with the other reeds.

Soak the reeds in water for 30 minutes to an hour--or more, depending on the manufacturer's directions--until they become flexible. Dissolve a small amount of mild detergent in the water to prevent bacteria and mold from forming.

Fixing Missing, Broken or Warped Reeds

To replace missing or broken sections, follow the same weaving style used throughout your wicker chair. Insert and weave your reed through the existing reeds, keeping them tight and flush against the others until the faulty section is filled. It may help to take a photograph of the weave pattern used on your chair to be able to match the weaving style correctly.

If your wicker chair has a warped reed, simply wrap it in a damp cloth until the reed is again flexible. Reposition and tighten the reed into its original position. Secure with a clamp or small wood nail until the reed dries.

Rewrapping a Broken Arm or Leg

If the framework is still in good condition, rewrapping rattan reeds to fix the appearance of a leg or arm of a chair is easy. Secure the starting end of the wicker to the framework with a small wood nail. Begin wrapping the reeds or weaving the reeds in the same manner as used during the chair's construction. Wrap the reeds tightly and securely around the legs, periodically using small nails to keep them securely bound to the framework.

Finishing Touch

After replacing the broken section and letting reeds dry, apply a protective coat of lacquer or shellac to the chair to keep the wicker in its best shape. For extra color, paint the chair first with a high-quality primer designed for wood applications, and follow up with an oil-based, indoor-outdoor house paint in your desired color.

Considerations

If your wicker chair is an antique, do not attempt to repair it unless you are experienced in wicker repair. While repairs may be pricey, you do not want to diminish the value of the piece with shoddy craftsmanship.

Proper care and maintenance will extend the life and looks of your wicker chair. Keep it away from direct heat sources, since heat from fireplaces and the sun dry out rattan reeds and cause chipping and cracking. Avoid prolonged exposure to the elements as well.

To keep wicker furniture moist, use store-bought boiled linseed oil to nourish the reeds. Do not attempt to boil linseed, because it is extremely flammable.

Tags: your wicker, your wicker chair, wicker chair, keep wicker, rattan reeds, small wood, small wood nail

Improve Your Magicjack Connection

A hardwired connection will improve call quality.

MagicJack is a new way to make and receive phone calls through your computer's Internet connection. A small USB adapter plugs into your PC and the phone plugs into the adapter piece. Since you are making calls through Voice over Internet Protocol the connection is subject to data packet errors and other delays that may make your phone calls difficult to hear. The best way to improve your MagicJack connection is to improve your Internet connection. Use one of several methods to do this. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Call your Internet service provider and upgrade to a faster Internet speed. MagicJack may improve simply by subscribing to a faster download/upload speed.

2. Plug an Ethernet cable from your computer directly into your modem when you want to use MagicJack. Wireless Internet is convenient, but it decreases call quality.

3. Hold down the keys "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" on your keyboard. This will bring up the Task Manager.

4. Click "Applications" and then right-click "MagicJack."

5. Choose "Go to Process" and right-click "MagicJack" again.

6. Click "Set Priority" and choose "High" or "Above Normal." Click "OK" and then start using MagicJack.

7. Close down other unused software programs while you are using MagicJack. Pause any uploads or downloads that are currently running. Multiple programs slow down your speed and cause faulty phone connections.

Tags: call quality, calls through, Internet connection, into your, phone calls

Repair A Trampoline

Repair a Trampoline

Trampolines are great fun for the whole family. They are also fantastic for staying in shape. Trampolining is a good form of cardiovascular exercise. When a trampoline is damaged, it can be expensive to get someone to come out and fix it. Fortunately, most types of repairs are relatively simple. You can do the work yourself with basic tools and minimal effort.

Instructions

1. If a spring is broken, you will need to replace it. Carefully measure the broken spring. The replacement must be the same length and width as the original. Slide the old spring out through the grommet hole. Slide the new one in its place.

2. If there is a small hole in the trampoline, you can sew it up using a sewing machine. For larger holes (approximately 1-inch in diameter or more), you can buy specially designed patches.

3. If the trampoline "hops" when in use, secure it to the ground with anchors and straps. These can be purchased from a trampoline parts store. Tie the straps to the edge of the trampoline.

Tags: Repair Trampoline

Get Stimulus Money To Green Your Home

If you have some home improvements ideas in mind you may be able to get Stimulus money to green your home. Depending on how the money is spent,you could get help with things like getting an energy efficient fridge or putting in a solar water heater. With $8 billion of the $787 billion Stimulus funding set aside for home energy improvements, now may be the time to spend Stimulus money to green your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Under current tax law, homeowners can deduct 10% of the amount paid for an energy efficient furnace, better windows or thicker insulation. But the new plan allows you to take up to 30%, but the tax credit can't exceed $1,500. Coordinate with your service provider and tax preparer to get the maximum credit on your tax return.

2. Make a point of saving receipts from any home improvement projects and the deductions can be taken on your income tax return. You'll need a special form to claim the refund. You should be able to find them wherever income tax forms are handed out.

3. But be careful - the items have to meet certain efficiency levels to qualify for the credit. While almost all windows that get the government's Energy Star efficiency seal of approval comply, not all Energy Star appliances comply. It's recommended that you check manufacturers web sites to make sure your home improvement is covered.

4. Once you've spent money to green your home, just include the deductions on next years tax return. By following this outline you get Stimulus money for taking steps to green your home.

Tags: green your, green your home, Stimulus money, your home, energy efficient, Energy Star, home improvement

What Should Be Done With Rental Income On A Tax Form

More assets means more complex federal income tax returns. If you have rental income, you must report it to the Internal Revenue Service. Rental property income is subject to expense deductions for depreciation, insurance, repairs, maintenance, interest, property taxes and utilities, so not all your rental income is taxable. Complete your tax return by reporting all your income, but keep careful records of expenses for deductions.

Significance

Schedule E for Supplemental Income and Loss is the appropriate form to report rental income unless you are in the business of renting property and providing related services. A business for this purpose requires a Schedule C for Profit or Loss From Business.

Use Schedule E if you rent out a room, an apartment, a vacation home or a building. Report total rental income on Schedule E, and list the deductions for which you have receipts. Include repairs, insurance and taxes.

Income

Work with simple principles of cash accounting. Advance rent is income in the year it is collected, and any portion of a deposit withheld from return is income in the year you withhold it.

If you accept services in lieu of rental payments, you must claim the services as rent. If your tenant deducts utilities or similar expenses from the rent, you must add the full rental price as income and subtract the utilities as expenses.

Expenses

Use Form 4562 for depreciation, especially if this is your first year of rental income. Publication 946 from the IRS will give you information for depreciation. Form 4562 includes car expenses as well.

If you used the rental property for more than 14 days in the tax year or more than 10 percent of the rental time, you must divide your expenses between rental use and personal use. Information on do this is in Publication 527 on Residential Rental Property from the IRS.

Repairs are deductible, but improvements are not. Depreciation covers improvements, or value-added work, on your real property. Repairs do not materially add to the property but maintain the real estate in good operating condition.

Effects

Line 26 is your total rental real estate income or loss. Once you complete Schedule E, transfer the total on Line 26 to Line 41 on Schedule E and to Line 17 of Form 1040 to add into your gross income for taxation.

Result

Complete of IRS Form 1040 just as you have done in previous years. Include the rental figure on Line 17 in your total to arrive at your adjusted gross income. Completion of Schedule E will be part of your tax preparation routine for years if you have rental income. Rely on Publication 527 from the IRS to complete Schedule E each year.

Tags: rental income, rental income, complete Schedule, Form 1040, Form 4562

Buy Extended Warranties On Appliances

An extended warranty or service contract is like an insurance policy --your investment pays off only when the worst happens. But do you really need one? These days, the majority of brand-name appliances are well-built and will last their normal life span with few or no repairs, rendering extended warranties unnecessary. If you do choose to get one, make sure you do your homework.

Instructions

1. Research the brand's repair history via independent consumer agencies, such as ConsumerReports.org. Most appliances include a one-year warranty--five years for major parts--and you should have few problems during that time.

2. Consider who is offering the warranty. You'll get the best service from the manufacturer, which is most concerned with your satisfaction. Second choice is a dealer's warranty. Be cautious about third-party warranties sold by the dealer but independently serviced. Should that company disappear, you might be out of luck. Extended Warranty Buyer's Guide (extendedwarranty.info) offers links to independent companies.

3. Read the actual contract, not just the brochure that markets it. Understand what is covered and excluded. Compare the extended warranty to the original equipment warranty to make sure the extended one isn't just repeating coverage offered in the original warranty. Find out what the deductibles are and if you must get estimates or second opinions before repair. Ask what the standard minimum repair charge is.

4. Ask questions. What maintenance must you perform to validate the contract? Can you renew it annually? Do you get reimbursed for expenses such as for clothes ruined by a faulty washer or dryer, or food lost if the freezer fails?

Tags: extended warranty, make sure

Adjust A Doublehung Window Spiral Spring

Adjust a Double-Hung Window Spiral Spring

Vinyl double-hung windows use a spiral spring to keep the window sash in place when you open the window. When the sash slowly creeps back down or suddenly raises, the spiral spring requires adjustment. Home improvement centers carry a tool specifically designed for the adjustment of spiral springs. Removing the lower sash is necessary when adjusting the spiral springs. The spiral spring only requires adjustments in small increments. This prevent overadjusting the spring and possible damage to the spring or the window sash. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Raise the lower sash three inches from the bottom of the window sill. Lower the wash clips on each side of the window frame down to the top of the lower sash. Press the wash clips in place to unlock the top of the lower sash. Tilt the upper part of the sash into the house as if you were cleaning the window. Some double-sash windows use two stationary locking clips on the top of the sash that you simply press in with your fingers to disengage the top of the sash.

2. Hold the window sash as you disengage the bottom of the window sash from the opening, with assistance from a helper. Place the tip of a flat-head screwdriver into the shoe clip on one side of the window frame near the bottom corner of the sash. Press in on the clip while raising the corner of the sash above the clip. Repeat for the other side, and remove the window sash from the window.

3. Remove the balance cover from each side of the window frame. There is a seam on the inside of the window frame near the front track. Pry the seam with a flat-head screwdriver to remove the balance cover. The end of the spiral spring is inside a square mechanism. This square mechanism is the clutch. The end of the spiral spring has a T that hooks into the clutch.

4. Grasp the end of the spiral spring with the adjustment tool. If you do not have an adjustment tool, use a pair of locking needle-nose pliers. Pull down on the end of the spiral spring, and pull out to release the end from the clutch. Do not let go of the end of the spiral spring.

5. Turn the spiral spring clockwise one full turn if the sash is not staying where you want it. Allow the spiral spring to turn counterclockwise one full turn if the sash is raising on its own. Pull down on the spiral spring and insert it back into the clutch. Repeat for the spiral spring on the opposite side.

6. Place the balance cover back over the inside of the window frame and press the covers in until they snap into place. Insert the bottom of the lower sash back into the shoes on each side of the window frame until the sash engages in the shoe. Lift the top portion of the shaft back into the window frame and disengage the wash clips.

Tags: spiral spring, window frame, lower sash, window sash, side window, side window frame

Fix Holes In Mobilehome Wood Paneling

Mobile homes often have MDF paneling.

Many mobile homes are manufactured with printed-sheet paneling in synthetic-wood finishes. The panels are made of a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and are directly installed over wall studs. MDF panels are less expensive than solid-wood panels, but are thinner and easily damaged by doorknobs and furniture. Repairing a mobile home's wood paneling is a simple DIY project that only requires a few tools and some patience. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obtain a section of paneling with a pattern that matches the damaged paneling. Home improvement stores carry a wide selection of paneling from which to choose. Use a utility knife or saw to cut a square or rectangle patch large enough to cover the hole completely.

2. Tape the patch over the hole with masking tape. Outline the patch on the existing paneling by scoring with the utility knife.

3. Untape the patch from the paneling and set it aside. Score the outline until you cut all the way through the paneling. Remove the damaged section of paneling to make a cutout.

4. Make furring strips, which are thin strips of wood nailed to wall studs to support the paneling. Cut four pieces of scrap wood to frame the cutout. Use a caulk gun to place panel adhesive on half of the front of the scrap wood and adhere the half with the adhesive behind the cut out so that the other half of the scrap wood can be used to support the patch. Clamp the scrap pieces to the paneling with clamps until the panel adhesive is completely dry.

5. Squeeze construction adhesive with a caulk gun onto the other half of the four scrap wood furring strips and on the back of the patch around its perimeter. Press the patch over top of the furring strips so that the pattern matches.

6. Press the patch securely into place. Nail color-match paneling nails with a hammer by countersinking them around the perimeter of the patch. Fill the nail holes with a putty that matches the color of the paneling to make the patch less noticeable.

Tags: scrap wood, furring strips, around perimeter, other half, panel adhesive, paneling make

Grants For First Time Rural Home Buyers

The federal government spends millions to help rural residents become first-time homeowners

Every year, the federal government spends millions to help rural residents become first-time homeowners. If you're purchasing a home in a rural area, you may qualify for grant programs that eliminate your down payment, reduce your monthly mortgage bills or fund repairs for your new property. These grant programs are designed to help rural home buyers that do not qualify for traditional loans due to low income, poor credit or a limited work history.

Mutual Self-Help Housing Program

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Program offers payment assistance grants to rural families in exchange for hard work. A group of home buyers works as a team to build a home for each participant, with guidance from qualified construction supervisors. After the construction is complete, buyers are given a subsidized mortgage with payments no more than 22 to 26 percent of their income. With the grant, there is no down payment and the interest rate may be as low as 1 percent. To qualify, applicants must have a low income and be unable to secure adequate housing on their own.

Rural Housing Direct Loan Program

Through the Rural Housing Direct Loan Program, rural home buyers can get a low-interest, no-down payment loan directly from the government's Housing and Community Facilities organization. Grants are also available that subsidize the monthly payment for those that cannot afford these loans over a 33 or 38 year term. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that they have inadequate housing, low incomes, and the inability to receive credit elsewhere.

Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Program

Through the Rural Development Loan Guarantee Program, rural home buyers can take out a mortgage from a private lender for up to 100 percent of the home's value. The Rural Development guarantee makes it possible for residents to become homeowners without having to save for the usual 20 percent down payment and without having to pay mortgage insurance. To qualify, applicants must show they do not have adequate housing and that their income is no more than 115 percent of the median in their area. Many major lenders such as Wells Fargo and Bank of America participate in this program. Ask your local lender for the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan.

Home Repair Loan and Grant Program

New homeowners who find their properties in need of repair may apply for a grant or low-interest loan through the Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Program. These funds can be used to modernize a property, improve safety conditions, or make it accessible to people with disabilities. To qualify, all applicants must demonstrate a very low income. Grant applicants must be over the age of 62 and unable to pay back a loan with a 1 percent interest rate over a 20-year period.

Homeownership Voucher Program

Many rural home buyers also qualify for mortgage vouchers from their local Public Housing Agency. Vouchers subsidize the cost of homeownership, limiting mortgage payments to approximately 30 percent of the buyer's income. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a low income and one year of full-time employment.

Tags: applicants must, qualify applicants, qualify applicants must, home buyers, Rural Development, rural home

Faux Painting Techniques For Tree Bark

Faux Painting Techniques for Tree Bark

Artists and decorators sometimes use faux painting to create a particular look or pattern on a wall or other surface. There are several ways to use faux painting for a tree bark effect. Whether you are designing a set for a play, painting a bedroom door to match a wood set or decorating a community room for a special event, faux bark painting is a creative addition to any presentation. Does this Spark an idea?

Faux Painting Materials

Some artists and painters use products like Faux Tex to make bark wall painting look more natural and lifelike. Faux Tex is a flexible material made out of foam that rolls onto walls. It creates a natural looking background. Other artists and painters use sand texture added to joint compound to add the roughness one might expect in the texture of bark.

Faux Birch Bark Technique

To make faux birch bark, use a trowel to layer some joint compound on a wall. Lay thin plastic strips across the joint compound, making horizontal pleats in random places. Use a photograph of some birch bark to give yourself a guide.

When the joint compound dries to a point where it is still damp but not sticky, gently pull the plastic away from the joint compound. Smooth out any sections that don't look like birch bark.

If you want to add some authentic-looking knots in the wood, take some rolls of cardboard and place it on the joint compound until it makes an impression. After it dries, sand down anything that does not look like birch bark, prime the area and paint.

Painting with Glazes

You can use water-based glazes to make a suitable wood bark grain. After priming the surface with a base paint or a base glaze, apply a rusty brownish eggshell base color, then let it dry. Using a damp rag, wipe the surface with a thin coat of whiting, a type of plain chalk you can pick up at home improvement stores that is used to add opacity and body while lightening color.

Take a 2-inch brush and apply a mid-brown glaze. Drag a mottler (a tool used to streak color found in most home improvement or decorator stores) over the panel through the glaze using overlapping sweeps to create a bark design. Move from one corner of the surface to the other, adding tinted glaze with a 1-inch artist's brush. Work horizontally and then vertically. Apply a darker glaze if necessary and soften the look with a soft bristle brush.

Make graining bands by dragging the mottler through the wet glaze at various angles. Apply clear gloss urethane after the glaze dries.

Tags: joint compound, birch bark, Faux Painting, artists painters, faux painting, Faux Painting Techniques, home improvement

Do It Yourself Trampoline Repair

A trampoline is not only lots of fun for kids and family, but it can also provide great exercise. The more wear and tear it experiences, the more likely damage is to occur. Most repairs are simple if caught early on, and you can fix them instead of calling an expensive professional. Does this Spark an idea?

Holes

Small holes in trampolines are pretty common when used frequently. They can wear down after long term use or they may be caused by certain types of shoes. These kinds of holes can be stitched up with some thread and a sewing machine. If a hole is larger than one-inch in diameter, it may be necessary to get a specially designed patch. These are often provided by trampoline manufacturers and are good to have on hand in case of an emergency tear.

Springs

Sometimes springs get stretched out over and over to a point where they eventually break. In this case, there is no choice but to replace them. Be sure to carefully measure the length and width of the spring so your new one will have the exact measurements. Simply slide the broken spring out of the grommet hole and put the new one in its place.

Mats

Trampoline mats can develop holes with exposure to environmental elements and heavy usage. This part of the trampoline should get extra special attention since it is the main source of protection for the users. Once you spot any holes in the mat, remove it completely. Use a patch from the kit to cover the area. Sew the patch over the topside of the hole: there is no need to cover the bottom with a patch. Replace the mat onto your trampoline and hook the loops back on the springs.

Inspection

Remember, to inspect the trampoline at least once a week for any anomalies. Routine maintenance is much cheaper in the long run than letting a hole get larger and larger making the trampoline unsafe for use. It is easy to overlook small holes or tears on trampolines, but those eventually progress to larger, more unmanageable problems. It is always less expensive to use this do-it-yourself method than to hire a professional or replace the trampoline altogether.

Tags: hole larger

Make Money At Home Seamstress And Alteration Service

Make Money at Home - Seamstress/Tailor

Sew your way to success creating new apparel from a pattern as a seamstress or altering clothing to make money at home. Sewing is becoming a lost art and not all individuals wear the size clothes they pull off the store rack. If you are a skilled seamstress this is a home based business opportunity that is in demand. Here is start your small home business as a Seamstress/Tailor and make money at home.

Instructions

1. Small Business Seamstress/Tailoring Services To Offer

The basic alteration services include hemming, fixing or installing zippers, and sewing buttons patches. You could choose to offer sewing Brownie and Boy and Girl Scout patches to area Scout troops. Your home based business can offer making custom clothes (especially for the holidays), dresses for dance recitals, or curtains and drapes for home fashions.

2. Create Price List for Your Home Based Business

A detailed price list of what you will be sewing should be printed with your business name and graphic prominently showing. Each service you provide needs to be priced with the cost of materials and your time included. Customers want to know your pricing, timeline, and any other policies they should be aware of. Do not under value your time and price your hourly fee appropriately. Do your research to see what others in your area charge and price your seamstress/tailoring services competitively.

3. Small Business Policies

Join online chat groups and blogs to find out what other people have encountered in terms of having to set up policies. For example:

• How long will you hold the garments after the pick up date has passed?

• Is there a deposit necessary before you begin a job?

• What will your policy be for payment? Will you accept checks, credit cards, or only cash?

• What is your turn-around time for the specific jobs?

4. Getting Customers for Your Home Based Seamstress/Tailor Business

Finding your initial clients will be the biggest challenge. Some practical steps in generating customers include:

• Make a professional portfolio demonstrating the scope of your skills. If you do not have pictures ask friends and family if you could tailor or make clothing for them and document the before and after photos.

• Create a catchy business name and have business cards made up. Use the same graphic on the portfolio, business cards, and everything else you create. This will generate 'branding' of your business.

• Join your local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, or other creative clubs in your area.

• Talk to your local Dry Cleaner, Boutique, Dance Studio and formal wear business owners to see if a cross-referral relationship can be arranged. Referrals will become your best marketing tactic.

• Pass out your business cards to everyone you come in contact with. You will be surprised how many acquaintances you have at the grocery store, church, kid's events, etc.

• Post your business on Craigslist.com and other free online classified ad websites (see references section below).

• Join the online social networking communities such as MySpace, Linkedin, Twitter, and Facebook. Facebook has an application where you can sell services online. Take advantage of all these sites and remember to use your graphic on each website.

• Never underestimate the power of volunteering. This will allow you to meet new people within your community and spread the word about your home based business.

Tags: your business, based business, business cards, home based, Seamstress Tailor, business name, Home Based

Find Volunteer Opportunities For Senior Citizens

Your search for volunteer opportunities can start online.

Senior citizens looking for volunteer opportunities have a range to select from. Whatever your interests and abilities, you can put your time, skills and experience to good use.

Instructions

1. AARP offers volunteer opportunities in which seniors can working closely with community partners. Teams of volunteers ensure that AARP programs are available in communities.

2. If you have always wanted to travel when you retire, the Peace Corps offers chances to see the world, and give something back while you're at it.

3. The Foster Grandparent Program pairs older adults with children who need mentors. Senior Companions pairs volunteers with frail elderly people so they can remain independent in their own homes and stay out of nursing homes.

4. Experience Corps has volunteer opportunties for older Americans in 23 cities. Experience Corps members tutor and mentor, providing literacy coaching, homework help, consistent role models and committed, caring attention to America's youth.

5. SCORE -- originally Service Corps of Retired Executives -- offers free help to people starting or running small businesses.

Tags: Experience Corps, volunteer opportunities

Repair Door Dents

Repair your door with wood filler.

Door dents are repairable. With the use of a familiar product, you cab erase any dent and restore the door to like-new condition. The repair method makes use of wood putty as a filler. It has a dry consistency and spreads over wooden surfaces. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Assess the dented area. Sand lightly around the edges of the dent with 200-grit sandpaper, removing just the paint and burrs from the dent. Wipe the residue away with a towel when you're finished.

2. Wash the dented area thoroughly with water, soap and a sponge or towel. Wipe away all grease, dirt and foreign objects.

3. Scoop enough wood putty onto the scraper to cover the entire dented area. If the dent is very large, apply as generous an amount as the scraper will hold. Apply the putty to the dent with the scraper. Pull the end of the scraper across the putty to flatten it. If you are able to cover the dent in one swipe, it makes for a cleaner repair.

4. Allow the putty to dry for 12 to 24 hours or as recommended on the label. Once dry, sand the repaired area lightly with 300-grit sandpaper and wipe away the residue.

5. Spray a coat of matching exterior paint over the repair to hide it and blend the area with the rest of the door.

Tags: dented area, dent with, wood putty

Electromagnetic Dent Removal

For dent removal, there are a number of options to consider. How bad the damage is, whether the surface is painted or will need repainting and whether there is other damage to the metal are all considerations that should be examined. However, one method that's been saving people lots of time and money on dent repairs is to use an electromagnetic tool.

Electromagnetic Dent Removal

The process for removing dents via an electromagnet is very simple. A coil inside of the tool is used to create a strong electromagnetic field. As the tool creates a field, it causes an effect on the dented metal. The field on the dented side is collapsed, and the magnetic field on the back side tries to push forward. This results in the dent pushing itself out as the magnetic fields try to align themselves.

The entire process usually takes no more than 15 minutes per dent, and the equipment is readily available for a variety of repair needs if a person is willing to purchase it.

Advantages

Electromagnetic dent removal has a large number of advantages. It's fast--able many times to be set up and completed in less than half an hour. It's also cheap, since the tools are relatively simple and there's no need to get into small, cramped places.

However, if you're thinking about getting this service, it's best to find out whether it's applicable to your particular dent problem, and whether anyone in your vicinity has the necessary equipment to perform this service.

Appointment and Appraisal

Finding a place that performs commercial electromagnetic dent removal may be difficult. The Yellow Pages is a good place to look for a service shop in your area that may provide it.

If you find a service provider, describe your dent problem and see if they think it's appropriate to be removed with electromagnetic means. If the dent doesn't need to be repainted and is on an entirely metal surface that would otherwise need to be removed or opened in order to be fixed, chances are it's a good candidate.

This procedure usually is used on planes, but some automobiles may qualify, depending on their makeup and the individual service provider.

Tags: dent problem, dent removal, Electromagnetic Dent, service provider, this service

Start An Auto Glass Installation Business

There will always be a demand for auto repair and installation work.

It doesn't take much to crack a windshield, and the average driver isn't qualified to fix it. If left alone, a tiny crack can eventually grow very large and cause problems. As long as there are drivers, there will be a need for an auto glass installation. To start an installation business, you'll need some on-the-job experience, a skilled staff and a business plan.

Instructions

1. Determine how you will obtain financing for your business. You may be able to start a mobile auto glass installation business based at your home, if you have enough storage space for your tools and supplies. Otherwise, you will need funds to lease space for your shop, purchase your tools, insurance, permits, staff and advertising.

2. Become a certified auto glass technician (CAGT). Certification is offered by the National Glass Association. You will need at least six months experience working in the auto glass industry. If you have at least three years working experience and are currently certified as a CAGT, become a certified master auto glass technician.

3. Find a location for your auto glass installation business. Look for a locale with high visibility that is properly zoned. If you plan to make improvements, contact your building department to learn about any applicable building codes.

4. Select your business entity. Then obtain a federal tax ID, sales tax permit and business license. Purchase general liability, comprehensive liability and worker's compensation insurance.

5. Consider what services you will offer. You and your technicians should be skilled in repairing and installing a variety of glass types, such as doors and rear and front windows on different types of vehicles. You may offer mobile services, customer pick-up, lifetime warranties and 24-hour service. Eventually, you might want to consider branching out into commercial and residential glass repair.

6. Know the bidding process. As an auto glass installer, you may bid on city projects. You must have the right liability coverage in the amount specified by your state and you must also be OSHA compliant.

7. Familiarize yourself with national and local insurance companies. Auto glass repairs are typically covered by insurance companies. Generally, it will be you who deals with the insurance agent or assists the consumer in the insurance process.

8. Contact car dealerships and other commercial businesses about switching to your company. Look for new businesses that have yet to contract work to an auto glass installation company. Advertise in newspapers and online directories. Ask satisfied customers to write reviews online.

Tags: auto glass, auto glass installation, auto glass, glass installation, installation business, will need

Facts About Home Warranties

Pre-owned homes often come with home warranties.

Whether buying or selling a home, knowing about home warranties can change the way you look at the sale. It is helpful to check out a company and study the home warranty policy to make sure you are getting the coverage you expect. A well-rounded policy can eliminate large repair bills for you or the person to whom you sell your home.

Identification

A home warranty is an insurance service policy that most often covers repairs or replacements of home systems such as plumbing, as well some appliances. Specialty insurance companies generally sell these policies to home sellers or buyers. Home warranties cover types of home maintenance that regular home insurance will not cover. The warranty company works with local contractors to service these contracts.

Types

There are two main types of home warranties: those provided by builders of new homes, and those purchased by buyers, owners or sellers of pre-owned homes. While buyers or owners may purchase a home warranty to protect their investment, sellers are interested in making the sale more attractive to prospective buyers. The purpose of new home warranties is to ensure that the house is built properly. On the other hand, pre-owned home warranties are designed to ensure that used homes stay in good shape over the course of the warranty period.

Considerations

Providing a home warranty can help you sell your home more quickly. Real estate broker Laura B. Kopple suggests in ConsumerReports.org that you fix old appliances and then buy a warranty to cover them for the first year. Likewise, if you are buying a home, a home warranty can provide you peace of mind. In fact, according to MSN Money writer Liz Pulliam Weston, 55 to 65 percent of homeowners who start out with a home warranty decide to keep it, possibly to avoid paying for costly repairs or to avoid arranging their own service calls.

Cost

As of 2010, the average cost of a home warranty is between $250 and $600. You will have to pay service call fees when a repairman or contractor comes to your home, usually $25 to $75 as of 2010. The true cost of repairs may be hard to assess, however, because many of the contracts have loopholes that exclude certain repairs or replacements. Also, the warranty company, in conjunction with the service contractor, will decide whether to repair or replace an item. Since you pay a service fee for each service call, there comes a time when it is more expensive to keep repairing items.

Warning

Be sure that if you purchase a home warranty you are dealing with a reputable company. If the home warranty is being bought for you by a seller, ask for the name of the warranty company and check whether it is licensed. In a May 20, 2009 press release, Commissioner Poizner of the California Department of Insurance warned that certain home warranty companies were operating without licenses. These companies were not dealing fairly with their clients, and were failing to pay claims as promised.

Tags: home warranty, home warranties, warranty company, your home, buyers owners, companies were, ensure that

Use An Exhaust Pipe Expander

Use an exhaust pipe expander to repair your vehicle's exhaust system.

The exhaust system in your vehicle is made up of sections of exhaust pipe that fit into each other and are then clamped together. To replace a section of exhaust pipe, use an exhaust pipe expander to make the pipe closest to the rear of the vehicle large enough in its inside diameter to slip over the pipe ahead of it in the exhaust system. Simple and easy-to-use, exhaust pipe expanders are available at most auto parts stores and are designed to work with most common sizes of exhaust pipe.

Instructions

1. Clamp the pipe in a bench vise. Most bench vises have round jaws located below the flat jaws to securely clamp pipes and other round parts without damage. Be careful not to crush the pipe by over-tightening the vise, but tighten the vise enough to hold the pipe steady while expanding it.

2. Insert the pipe expander into the end of the pipe to be expanded and turn the center bolt on top of the expander by hand until it extends against the inside of the pipe. Begin expanding the pipe using an adjustable wrench to hold the expander body and 9/16-inch or 5/8-inch wrench, depending on the pipe expansion tool, to turn the center bolt.

3. Expand the pipe a few turns of the center bolt and then loosen the center bolt and remove the expander. Try to insert the second pipe into the expanded end of the exhaust pipe clamped in the vise. Continue expanding the pipe as required until the second pipe fits snugly in the end of the first pipe. Unclamp the pipe from the vise and install it in the vehicle.

Tags: exhaust pipe, center bolt, exhaust system, exhaust pipe expander, expanding pipe

My Roof Is Leaking & Staining My Ceiling Tiles

A ceiling stain can indicate leaks from the roofing materials.

The roof is a crucial structure on your house that protects everything inside it and home structure itself. Any problems with the roof can cause rotting of wood materials, unsightly damage to walls and staining on the ceiling. If you find staining on your ceilings, you must investigate the source of the problem and repair it as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to your home's structures. Does this Spark an idea?

About Ceiling Stains

Ceiling stains can appear overnight, discoloring the tiles or drywall and creating an ugly mess. These stains may occur in bathrooms or kitchen where the humidity is high from cooking or hot water use, creating the perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew. Roofs can develop leak problems from both structural and environmental conditions, like ice dams, creating separations that allow water to flow down through the attic areas and then onto ceilings. Not all ceiling stains come from roof problems, however, according to the Aplumbers website. Some may be simple condensation, while others may come from plumbing issues.

Finding the Roof Leak

Leaks do not always travel in a straight line, and where the ceiling stains appear may be different than where the leak originates. Start by marking exactly where the ceiling stain will be in relationship to the attic. If necessary, hammer a nail in the center of the leak to mark the place so you can locate it from the attic. Then, go into your attic area with a flashlight and investigate the structure above the leak, as well as the roof. Any discoloration of the wood can be a sign of leak damage, according to writer Sadiya Anjum of the ChoiceofHomes website. If you cannot see any particular roof damage above the leak, you may have to wait until it rains and then revisit your attic to see if you can detect leaking.

Fixing Roof Leaks

Roof leaks most frequently occur around flashing, in low areas of the roof and at junctions of structural materials. You may have to go up on your roof to find the problem. Caulking areas and nailing down flashing can help some minor roof problems. Consult with a roofing contractor to make repairs as soon as possible before further water damage makes the problem worse.

Repairing Ceiling Damage

Have your roof leak repaired before attempting to fix the interior damage on your ceiling. Without fixing the original leak, the ceiling stain will simply return. If the leak was a minor one, repairing the roof may allow the stain to dry without further damage. You can then sand and seal the area with a waterproof sealer, apply a primer and repaint the ceiling. If the leak has caused deterioration in the drywall, you may have to cut out the damaged area and replace it with a similarly shaped piece. You can fix this into place with drywall compound, then seal and prime the area. Repaint the area to match the rest of the ceiling.

Tags: ceiling stain, above leak, area with, ceiling stain will, come from, damage your, further damage

Do Your Own Weed Control

Keeping your lawn maintained helps keep weeds from growing.

Weeds keep an otherwise well-kept lawn from looking beautiful. The key to controlling the weeds in your own lawn is to understand what they are, get rid of them and keep them from returning. There are two different types of weeds: grassy and broadleaf, which have their own growing patterns. In order to treat the problem, there are several things that can be done, including pulling, mowing, watering and aerating, along with using fertilizers, herbicides and non-chemical alternatives. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine the type of weeds you have in your yard. "Most grassy weeds are annual weeds and therefore tend to reappear every year," says Dawn West from All About Lawns. Grassy weeds include Bermuda, bluegrass, crabgrass and dallisgrass. Broadleaf weeds are usually perennials and are the most common type of weed. Varieties include chickweed, dandelion, dock, ground ivy, plantain and spurge.

2. Pull the weeds and the roots. Dallisgrass, dandelions, dock, plantain and spurge are the best weeds to be removed with this method, according to All About Lawns.

3. Mow the lawn. Mowing the lawn regularly helps keep the grass at a manageable length as well as keep certain weeds at bay. Bluegrass and dock can both be removed by mowing. Crabgrass, however, grows when sunlight penetrates the soil, so it might be necessary to keep your lawn length a little higher than usual. Always bag clippings after mowing so that the unwanted seeds do not go back into the soil.

4. Water and aerate the lawn. Watering the lawn and letting it dry in intervals helps keep most weeds, especially bluegrass, crabgrass, dallisgrass, dock, ground ivy and plantains from growing. Aeration is particularly important for removing weeds like bluegrass and chickweed, according to All About Lawns.

5. Treat the lawn with fertilizer or herbicide. These treatments help prevent almost all weeds from growing on your lawn. Products used for the whole lawn should be applied in both spring and fall. In the spring, the soil should reach a consistent temperature of 65 degrees, according to Charles Phillips in an article for The Columbia County News-Times. It is important to spray a dose of fertilizer between August and November, before winter starts, according to Stephanie Dauphin from All About Lawns.

6. Treat the lawn with natural and chemical-free products. Fertilizers are filled with chemicals, which is why Planet Green, The Good Human and EPA recommend no-chemical landscape products as an alternative. Covering bare soil with mulch keeps weeds from growing, especially if the mulch is heated beforehand. Gardening Channel suggests using vinegar because it is a natural weed killer -- just mix it in a 20 percent solution with water in a spray bottle and apply to the weeds.

Tags: About Lawns, from growing, your lawn, helps keep, weeds from

Remove Uppercase Living Vinyl Decals

UpperCase Living decals are adhesive embellishments applied to walls and decorative accessories. The collection, which is sold through home parties and independent consultants, includes inspirational sayings and a variety of design motifs. Removing any decal can be a laborious process, depending on the surface adhesion. Removal can range from simple to slightly difficult. There are, however, several ways to smoothly peel the decal from the wall without causing any damage to the wall or object's surface. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lift the corners of the decal with your fingers. Slowly peel back the decal and remove from the surface. Do not forcibly remove the decal if it appears to be stuck.

2. Grasp the edge of the decal with a small needle. Stick the needle slightly into the decal and lift up. Alternatively, slide the needle underneath a corner or edge of the decal to loosen the adhesive.

3. Hold a blow dryer about 4 inches from the surface of the decal and and blow hot air onto it in 5- to 10-second increments to loosen the adhesive. Repeat as necessary.

4. Scrape the decal off of a glass surface with a razor blade. It's quick and the blade will not scratch the glass.

5. Sponge the wall or surface with soap and water to remove any remaining residue. Allow to air dry. Apply touch-up paint to any areas where paint was removed during the decal-removal process.

Tags: decal with, edge decal, from surface, loosen adhesive, surface with

About Deck Stairs

The stairs to your exterior deck deserve a few special words. That's because they are a well-traveled path that is always exposed to the outdoor elements. The steps are almost always made from wood, and they are usually cut from a wide piece of framing lumber. This adds strength and structural beauty to your outdoor deck. Does this Spark an idea?

Significance

Deck stairs are the entrance and exit to your wooden outdoor patio. This often acts as an extension to your house. Since outdoor decks usually become an important part of your living experience, it is very important to make sure that the deck stairs are properly placed. They need to be constructed in such a way that they allow safe and easy access to your deck.

Features

Deck stairs must be sturdy and they must be able to stand up to the elements. Stairs are usually notched in the usual method, but special precautions must be taken so that the wood can withstand the weather. Lumber is always treated in some manner, unless you choose to use a rot resistant type of wood such as redwood or cypress. In choosing one of these types of wood, the size may have to be beefed up a bit to maintain structural strength.

Function

Stairs function as easy passage to and from your deck. The distance between the ground and the deck may be small or large, but the stairs function in the same way regardless of the distance. They should be planned so that they cover the distance in even increments that are easily negotiated by all family members. Most stairs fall in the category of a 7-inch rise, for each step that is at least 10-inches wide. Guard rails or hand rails are almost always mandatory.

Expert Insight

Outdoor stairs should never be built dead level. They need to have a slight slant so that water doesn't collect on the step and send someone sailing down the stairs in bad weather. This unique feature is especially important if you live in a climate that might receive frequent rain or snow.

Warning

If you are building stairs out of standard framing materials that are not treated, you will have to paint or seal the stairs yourself. This treatment needs to be done every four or five years to prevent the wood from rotting. If your stairs do start to rot, then they have to be repaired or replaced right away.

Tags: almost always, that they, They need, your deck

Environmentally Friendly Drain Cleaning

Chemical cleaners unclog drains, but can hurt the environment and your plumbing.

A clogged sink or bathtub drain can disrupt your life and lead to unpleasant messes. Commercial chemical drain cleaners promise to remove clogs, but contain corrosive chemicals that can cause chemical burns or toxic reactions in both humans and animals. Many chemical drain cleaners also damage plumbing and can disrupt proper function of septic systems and sewers. Before turning to a conventional drain cleaner, consider using a safer, more environmentally friendly method of removing drain clogs. Does this Spark an idea?

Prevention

Preventing a clog spares you the time and effort of cleaning your drain later. The Southwest Michigan Solid Waste Consortium recommends keeping a drain basket in all sinks and tubs to catch hair and other debris. Letting solid material go down your drain greatly increases the chance of a clog. When remodeling, install PVC or copper pipe over galvanized or cast iron, as these pipes clog less easily.

Mechanical Means

Mechanical methods require some effort on your part, but are unlikely to damage your sink or drain. They also won't affect your septic tank, sewer line or the environment. Remove any stopper mechanisms from the drain, stop up all overflow drains, and plunge your sink or bathtub to dislodge the clog. If plunging fails, you may need to use a drain auger, or "snake," a piece of spiral steel fed into the drain to get rid of clogs. These are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, but do not reach more than about 25 feet. Drain augers can also scratch porcelain fixtures.

Homemade Cleaners

For minor clogs, use a homemade cleaner with a reduced environmental impact. These cleaners tend to be inexpensive and are very safe to use. The SMSWC recommends pouring 1/4 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and wait until fizzing sounds stop, then flush the drain with very hot water. The chemical reaction between the baking soda and vinegar can remove built-up material, but leaves no harmful residue behind. Homemade cleaners are best used on relatively small clogs, and may not work on severe drain problems.

Enzyme Cleaners

Enzymatic drain cleaners contain bacteria and enzymes that break down built-up material inside your pipes. These cleaners are relatively slow working, and may take several days to treat a clog. They're most commonly used as a maintenance cleaner to prevent problems later on, since they work so slowly. Enzymatic drain cleaners are relatively inexpensive, easy to use and have few safety or environmental concerns. They can cause irritation after prolonged contact with your skin, and may have a short shelf life.

Tags: drain cleaners, baking soda, built-up material, chemical drain, chemical drain cleaners, cleaners relatively, drain clogs

Sell A Mobile Home

Selling an asset such as a mobile home can be a relatively easy process given the correct preparation and knowledge base. Just remember to look at every step of the process from the buyers perspective and the progression from selling to sold can be a quick procedure.

Instructions

1. Determine the amount of money owed on the mobile home. Call the company that has financed the mobile home to get the figure. This amount will be the very minimum that the seller can accept for the home.

2. Ascertain the fair market value of the mobile home. Check local newspapers, Internet sites (see resources sections) and trade magazine for a list of comparable homes. Hiring an appraiser is another option to determine the market value; however, appraisers charge anywhere from two hundred to five hundred dollars.

3. Make repairs as needed. A seller will be surprised how much making even minor repairs can up the appeal for the buyer of a mobile home. For example fresh caulking in the bathrooms can be a inexpensive way to upgrade when selling the mobile home.

4. Stage the mobile home properly. Make sure the mobile home has been cleaned from top to bottom. Remove any unnecessary clutter. The buyer needs to able to picture himself living in the home and the more clutter there is the harder it is for the buyer to envision this.

5. Write the advertisement for the mobile home. Use welcoming words in the home description such as charming, appealing, affordable, delightful, marvelous. Avoid words that have negative connotations like inexpensive, cozy, and economical.

6. Establish contractual sales details. Do the appliances stay or go? What are the financing options? Will the seller finance? How much down is required?

7. Publicize the home for sale. Place an advertisement both in the local paper and on the Internet at myvillage. Also contact the management of the mobile park where you live, often the Mobile home can be listed through park management for free.

Tags: mobile home, mobile home, market value

Get Set Up For Mobile Homes In Ohio

Manufactured houses in Ohio mobile home parks must be installed by a licensed contractor.

Houses come in all shapes and sizes, most are developed on solid foundations but many are manufactured mobile homes that are built in trailer parks. Ohio law considers "mobile" and "manufactured" to be the same thing, so if you want to set up mobile homes in Ohio, you will need to follow state laws on licensing, installation and locations. You can get licensed yourself or hire someone that is currently certified in the state of Ohio.

Instructions

Becoming Licensed

1. Sign up for Ohio's recommended manufactured home training course online at the Manufactured Housing website. Students will receive a Manufactured Home Installation Guide and a CD of demonstration videos. Pay the required fees and start the course.

2. Obtain an Ohio Manufacturer's Home Reference study manual through the Ohio Manufactured Homes Commission (OMHC) and pay the required fee.

3. Set up a time to take the licensing test. Testing centers are operated by the International Code Council and are in various locations around Ohio. Pay the examination fee; the test will take about 1 ½ hours and contains approximately 40 questions.

Locations, Laws and Inspections

4. Choose the area where you want to set up the mobile home, there must be at least three manufactured houses on a piece of land to call it a "mobile home park." Local zoning ordinances may apply depending on the site's location and whether you are the home owner, tenant or landlord.

5. Choose a licensed contractor to install the mobile homes or do it yourself if you are certified. Ohio law requires a license for anyone putting in foundation elements such as electrical, mechanical and plumbing materials. Unlicensed contractors are prohibited from installing manufactured houses in mobile home parks or on private properties, however, you can do the work yourself if you live on your own land and plan to occupy the house.

6. Inspections must take place before the occupant can move in.

Contact the OMHC to arrange for inspections of the mobile home lots, foundations and connections. Ohio law requires that three inspections take place during the installation process. Have a footing (open hole) inspection before any concrete is poured. Have an electrical inspection done before the power is turned on and a final inspection after the home is completed and before anyone moves in.

Tags: mobile home, mobile homes, home parks, licensed contractor, mobile home parks

Fix An Ac Compressor

The compressor sits inside the air-conditioning system's condensing unit.

Fixing AC compressor problems increases the unit's efficiency and extends its life. An AC compressor contains a motor with start and run windings. The motor turns a piston that compresses the system's refrigerant. Because of the high-pressure load the piston creates during startup, the motor uses its start windings to reach full speed. The amperage load an air conditioning compressor draws throughout its start phase burns loose-fitting wire terminals. A failing run capacitor increases the amperage draw during both the compressor's start and run phase. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn off the AC system's condensing unit circuit breaker, usually located in the electrical panel next to the building's electric meter. The correct circuit breaker uses an "Air Conditioner," "AC" or "Heat Pump" label.

2. Open the condensing unit's electrical panel and its compressor cover, using the correct screwdriver. The electrical panel mounts to the side of the condensing unit where the wires enter the unit. If the unit's fan mounts on the compressor's cover, remove the screws holding the cover in place and rotate the cover to the side of the unit. The fan uses long wires that allow access to the compressor without disconnecting the wires from the fan relay.

3. Inspect the compressor's capacitor, located in the condenser's electric panel. The compressor capacitor looks like an oval or round galvanized-metal cylinder with wire terminals exiting its lid. If the capacitor has a swollen or leaking lid, replace the capacitor with an exact replacement model. Replacement capacitors must have the same capacitance and voltage ratings.

4. Pull the wires from the compressor capacitor's wire terminals, using needle-nose pliers to grip the wire connectors. Notice the wire from the condenser's contactor connects to the capacitor terminal with the "Com" label and the wire from the compressor attaches to the capacitor's "Herm" terminal.

5. Turn a multimeter to its capacitance setting. Hold a multimeter lead on each capacitor terminal and compare the multimeter's readout to the capacitor's capacitance rating, as stated on the capacitor's identification sticker. The multimeter's readout must remain within 10 percent of the capacitor's rating. If not, replace the capacitor. Return the condenser's wires to their respective spots on the capacitor.

6. Slip a slotted screwdriver into the small slot on the side of the AC compressor's wire terminal cover. Pry the cover off the compressor with the screwdriver.

7. Inspect the wire connectors attached to the compressor's wire terminals. If the terminals look burnt or do not grip the terminals tightly, replace the wire connectors with a compressor terminal repair kit. Follow the terminal repair kit's instructions, paying special attention to the kit's wire-splice instructions. Replace the compressor's terminal cover.

8. Replace the condenser's compressor cover. Tighten the cover's retaining screws, using the correct screwdriver.

9. Turn the multimeter to the amperage setting. Clamp the multimeter's amp-probe over the black-colored wire leading to the compressor's common terminal.

10. Find the condenser's "LRA" and "RLA" ratings on the condenser's identification label. The LRA ("Lock Rotor Amps") rating gives the condenser's maximum startup amperage. The RLA ("Rated Load Amps") rating gives the condenser's equipment run amperage.

11. Turn on the condenser's circuit breaker and watch the multimeter's readout. The multimeter's readout should approach the condenser's LRA rating. Once the compressor reaches full speed, the multimeter's readout should drop to the condenser's RLA rating. Turn off the condenser's circuit breaker. If the multimeter's startup readout exceeds the condenser's LRA ratings, install a hard-start capacitor across the compressor's run capacitor terminals, using the hard-start capacitor's instructions. If the hard-start capacitor does not solve the high LRA readout, replace the compressor. If the compressor has a high RLA readout, check the system for a high refrigerant level. If the compressor has a low RLA readout, check the system for a low refrigerant level. If the compressor does not show any amperage, troubleshoot the contactor and the defrost circuit board.

Tags: multimeter readout, circuit breaker, compressor capacitor, condensing unit, wire terminals, compressor cover, electrical panel