Install Self Adhesive Vinyl Tile

Install Self Adhesive Vinyl Tile

Installing self-adhesive vinyl tile is one way to update the look of a room without dealing with messy floor glues. It is important that the floor you are attaching the self-adhesive vinyl tile to is level and free of protruding nails. Although you can lay self-adhesive tile over your current vinyl or linoleum, most often it is necessary to provide a better base for the tile. Installing self-adhesive vinyl tile correctly ensures years of enjoyment from your do it yourself project. Measure your room to ensure that you purchase enough tile and plywood for your project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Prepare The Floor

1. Remove all of the bottom trim on the wall where it meets the floor. This trim is known as the shoe mold. Slide a flat pry bar between the trim and the wall to carefully pry the shoe mold away.

2. Inspect the current flooring for excessive damage. Self-adhesive vinyl tile adheres to undamaged linoleum and vinyl. However, if the current flooring is coming up in spots or is uneven it is best to remove the existing floor covering.

3. Cover the subfloor with 1/4-inch plywood. You can also cover over the top of the existing floor covering with the plywood. When covering the floor with the plywood, ensure that you stagger the joints between pieces so that you do not have single joints from one wall to the next. Secure the plywood to the subfloor with 3d nails and a hammer.

4. Spread leveling compound over the seams between the plywood with a trowel or large putty knife. Ensure that all nail heads are flush on the plywood. Allow the leveling compound to dry for 24 hours and sand smooth with 100-grit sandpaper.

5. Lay a piece of the self-adhesive tile on the plywood by the door jamb. Place an undercut saw on top of the tile and cut through the bottom of the door jamb. An undercut saw resembles a concrete trowel with saw teeth. Cutting the door jamb allows the tile to fit under the jamb for a clean appearance.

6. Sweep the entire area thoroughly to remove all debris. Divide the room into four quadrants with a chalk line. Measure the width of the room and find the center along two walls. Ask a helper to hold the chalk line at one wall at the center mark. Take the other end of the chalk line to the opposite wall at the center mark. Hold the line tight, lift the line up slightly with your fingers and let go, snapping a line of chalk on the floor.

7. Measure the width along the remaining two walls and snap a second chalk line. The point where the two lines cross in the center of the room is your starting point. There are now four quadrants to work.

Installing The Tile

8. Peel the backing off one of the self-adhesive tiles and place it in the center corner of one quadrant. Press the tile down firmly so that it adheres completely to the floor. Place tiles along the outer line of the first quadrant in the same manner and then lay tiles inward toward the walls. Repeat the process for the remaining three quadrants, leaving the last course near the walls for last.

9. Position a tile over the top of a tile closest to the wall. Line up the side edges of the loose tile with the edges on the installed tile so that it is on top of the installed tile perfectly. Place another tile on top of the loose tile, lining up the side edges and butting the second loose tile against the wall.

10. Trace the end of the second loose tile on top of the first loose tile. Cut the first loose tile at the line with a sharp utility knife. Peel the backing off the cut tile and place it between the wall and the tile you were working over. Repeat this process for the last course of tiles around the perimeter of the room.

11. Soften the tile with a heat gun to make cuts for heat registers in the floor. This makes the tile a little less difficult to cut through. Place your shoe mold trim over the tile and back against the wall to complete your flooring project.

Tags: loose tile, chalk line, door jamb, self-adhesive vinyl tile, shoe mold

Repair Car Dents

Repair Car Dents

A dent can come in all shapes and size. In some cases, a larger dent will require the entire body panel be replaced. In other cases, special pulling equipment is required to straighten the panel. This article will take you through the steps necessary to fix a small dent on a metal panel in no time at all (and for very little money)!

Instructions

Repair Car Dents

1. Have the dent pulled out. Dent repair will entail either pushing it forward from the rear of the dented surface, or if access from the rear is prohibited, pulling the dent out from a level surface to match the surrounding panel.

2. Level out the dent. Access to the underside of the panel is needed to work with the hammers and dolly. Use the proper dolly that will give you the correct contour to level out the dent through hammering. You will be holding the dolly over the dented area from the outside of the panel and hammering onto the area from the underside of the panel. Sometimes you will need to use different size dollies as you begin to move the dent forward. Your goal will be to bring the metal back to it's original surface level, or as close to it as possible. It is important that the dolly be held firmly onto the metal and not jump around as you hammer. A helper may be needed to hold the dolly in place. If you end up hammering the metal too far out and it exceeds the original surface, simply place the dolly on the underside of the panel and hammer from the outside. Hold the dolly on the underside of the panel until you get the metal just right.

3. Drill holes into the dent. If access to the rear of the panel is prohibited then you will need to put on your safety glasses and drill holes into the dent. Start at the center and work your way around as needed, screwing in your screws and pulling the dent back out as flush to the surrounding surface as possible. You may want to work with larger bits and screws for deeper dents. This will offer a better grip for the screw head. You will need to work with filler in any event so don't worry if the section pulled out is not perfect. Be careful not to pull the dent out too far, in which case you will have to grind the area back down or hammer back until flush or "below" the surrounding surface.

4. Sand down any loose paint and rough up the surface using 120 grit paper. Be sure all wax and oils are removed afterwards. Lacquer thinner or a similar product will work nicely.

5. Use your bondo or body filler to press in the remaining dented area. Build the surface a bit higher than the surrounding area. Try to feather out the filler as you move further from the dent onto the surrounding body surface. Allow the filler to dry.

6. Wrap your 120 grit sandpaper over the correct block and sand until you get a nice level surface. The dent should become invisible. You may have to add more filler to get it just right. For smaller sections, a hand block sander works just fine. You will have more control over your sanding. Your finish should be very smooth.

7. Spray the area with a high build primer. Use your Glazing or Spot putty to fill in any remaining pin holes or scratches in the filler. Just a small amount of compound on a putty knife pressed into the flawed area will suffice. Once this dries, use your 120 or 320 hgrit paper to get the surface really smooth. Use more glaze compound as needed, which is also good to build up a thin surface (1/8 inch if done in 2 seperate layers).

8. Sand with 320, then 600 grit paper to prepare your surface for primer sealer. Paint for a dent free professional job!

Tags: underside panel, Repair Dents, will need, work with, area from, dented area

Word An Invitation To A Cowboy Party

If you're throwing a cowboy-themed party, sending invitations that fit in with the theme is a creative idea.

A cowboy-themed party is a fun a creative way to get friends and family together. If you want to send invitations announcing the party, there are several ways you can word the invitation so that it fits in with the cowboy or western theme. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Take the pen and write down as many "cowboy" phrases as you can think of. Some of these phrases could be "Giddy up!" "Yee-Haw," "Ride 'em cowboy!" "Round 'em up," or "Wanted" (as in an outlaw poster).

2. Next, take the pen and write as many items you can think of that fit into the cowboy theme such as "boots," "10-gallon hat," "rattlesnakes," "broncos," "spurs," and "chaps."

3. Read through your list and see if you can come up with a creative slogan using some of the phrases and items to invite people to the party. For example, you could write, "Get out your boots and 10 gallon hats and giddy on up to the party!" or "Ride your bronco on over to my house for some ropin' and ridin' and watch out for rattlesnakes on the way!" If you want to make the invitation like an outlaw poster, you might write, "Wanted: All party-goers" or "Wanted: All friends and family of (name of person)."

4. Once you've come up with your creative slogan, make sure to add the details of the party. If you said "Giddy on up to the party," make sure to specify when and where the party is taking place and who it is for, so it would become, "Giddy on up to Sarah's 10th birthday party on Friday at high noon at 123 Main St." If you don't want to put the details of the party in the actual slogan, just make sure to include them somewhere on the invitation.

5. Once you have your slogan and party details written down, you are ready to order your invitations or make them yourself using your creative cowboy-themed wording.

Tags: make sure, come with, cowboy-themed party, creative slogan, details party

Claim Home Office Deductions

Claim Home Office Deductions

New rules were instituted in 1999 for claiming an office-in-home deduction on your tax return. If you couldn't deduct these expenses under the old tax law, you may be able to do so now.

Instructions

Qualifying for the Home Office Deduction

1. Determine if your home office is used exclusively and regularly to manage or administer your business. Make sure you have no other fixed location where you do the major managerial or administrative work.

2. Verify that your home office is also used for the convenience of your employer if you are an employee rather than an independent contractor or sole proprietor.

Calculating the Deduction

3. Use IRS Form 8829 if you are self-employed or Federal Worksheet 51A if you are an employee.

4. Take the square footage of your office and divide it by the square footage of your entire home to obtain the percentage of the costs you can claim.

5. Keep records of utilities, mortgage interest, real estate taxes, rent, insurance, trash removal and security service payments that you made during the year.

6. Include gas and electricity bills. Use water costs only in the rare case that you use water in your business.

7. Save bills for repairs and maintenance of the office or entire home.

8. If you own or are buying your home, calculate your investment in the home - the purchase price and costs plus improvement expenses - and then find out the market value of your home at the time you converted your space into a home office. You need this information, because you are required to depreciate the office.

9. Follow the instructions on Form 8829 or the worksheet to calculate the deduction.

Recording the Deductions

10. If you are self-employed, transfer the deduction to Schedule C.

11. If you are an employee, transfer the deduction first to line 4 of Form 2106, if you are using it, or directly to the miscellaneous deductions section of Schedule A.

Tags: your home, home office, Home Office, Claim Home, Claim Home Office, entire home

Program A Craftsman 139 53779 Garage Door Opener

The Craftsman 139.53779 garage door opener is designed to automatically lift and lower your garage door at the push of a button. The garage door opener typically has a switch hardwired to the mechanical door opener and to a button attached to the wall near the home's garage entry door. A garage door opener also includes two remote controls for opening the garage door from outside the garage, such as when you drive up in a car. The Craftsman 139.53779 is a garage door opener equipped with "smart" or "learnable" technology that allows the remote and receiver to sync automatically in a programming mode. This means you won't have to individually input each possible radio frequency until you find the one that works. The Craftsman 139-series 53779 model also allows you to program other remote control units to open the garage door, which is handy if one of your two Craftsman remotes is damaged or if you would like to have a third remote. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Insert the proper type of batteries into the replacement garage door opener.

2. Locate the "Learn" button on the rear of the garage door opener. It may be necessary to use a latter to locate the button. The button is located below the screw terminals and above the antenna wire.

3. Press the "Learn" button but do not hold it in. The LED light beside the button will illuminate and remain lit.

4. Press the button on the replacement garage door remote. You must press the replacement remote button within 30 seconds of pressing the "Learn" button. The LED light will go out after you have pressed the button.

5. Press the button on the garage door remote to verify that the programming was successful.

Tags: garage door, door opener, garage door opener, Craftsman 53779, Learn button

Seal Between A Driveway & A House Foundation

Concrete driveways should be painted to prevent further cracking.

Homes with a concrete driveway that runs from the house foundation can have water issues. If the driveway was built with an improper slope, the water will run towards the foundation. Over time, the driveway will crack where it meets the foundation and the water will run into the foundation. Failure to stop the water from entering the foundation can lead to serious foundation damage, costing thousands of dollars to fix. Fortunately, it is a simple fix to seal the gap between the driveway and foundation in no time, saving you from a more costly fix in the future. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Vacuum the crack between the driveway and the foundation that you want to seal.

2. Cut the caulk backer rod foam to size with the utility knife so it fits into the crack. Push in the backer rod with the metal spatula, so its about 1/8 of an inch from the surface.

3. Load the caulking tube into the caulking gun. Cut the tip of the caulking tube at a 45 degree angle with the utility knife. Use an exterior grade caulking to ensure it does not crack.

4. Spread a layer of caulking over the crack on the driveway. Smooth the caulking over by passing your fingers over the caulking. Let the caulking dry for at least 24 hours before exposing it to water.

Tags: between driveway foundation, caulking caulking, caulking over, caulking tube, driveway foundation, utility knife, water will

Auto Mechanic Colleges In Ontario

The Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities reports that the demand for automotive mechanics and service technicians in the province will remain steady from 2009 through 2013, but that high turnover rates will still lead to numerous job openings in the field. Due to the increasing importance of technology to automotive service, the Ministry explains that students with post-secondary education are likely to have an easier time finding employment than those without such training. A small number of schools in Ontario offer educational programs for would-be mechanics or individuals in the field who wish to improve their skills.

Automotive Training Centers

Established in 1984, the Automotive Training Centers is a private vocational college that provides education in a variety of automotive fields from three locations throughout Canada. The Toronto branch is located to the west of the downtown area near Islington. The school offers a comprehensive auto mechanic program, which covers topics like shop safety, preventative maintenance, wheels and tires, hydraulic brake systems, suspension, steering, wheel alignment, welding, drive lines, electrical systems, diagnostics, engine repair, ignition systems and fuel injectors. Online courses are available. The school also offers additional programs in automotive parts training, air-conditioning systems repair and auto detailing. All students in the full mechanic program complete a practicum internship prior to graduation. Automotive Training Centers participates in government grant and student loan programs and provides job placement assistance.

Automotive Training Centers

152 Norseman St.

Toronto, ON M8Z 2R4

Canada

800-458-7473

autotrainingcentre.com

Granton Insitute of Technology

A correspondence college based out of Toronto, the Granton Institute of Technology is approved to provide vocational training courses for students in the province and is accredited by both the Ontario Association of Career Colleges and the National Association of Career Colleges. Students enrolled in programs at Granton complete educational projects at home and then return them to the Institute either in person or through the mail service. The flexible, home-based education allows students to study at their own pace in one of the institute's four automotive programs: general mechanics and repair, diesel truck mechanics, automotive air conditioning and auto body repair. The school does not offer financial aid or job placement assistance of any kind.

Granton Institute of Technology

263 Adelaide St. West

Toronto, ON M5H 9Z9

Canada

416-977-3929

grantoninstitute.com

Canadian Automotive & Trucking Institute

The Canadian Automotive & Trucking Institute is a private vocational institute. The college's automotive technology program requires 39 weeks of full-time study to complete. The curriculum covers not only auto repair, but also communications, safety, performance standards, problem-solving and workplace professionalism. The program is offered at the college's campus in Cambridge, Ontario, and its graduates leave the school with government certifications in both Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning and Ozone Depletion, which are required to perform maintenance on automobile heating and cooling systems independently. Financial aid programs are available for qualified students.

Canadian Automotive & Trucking Institute

605 Beaverdale Road

Cambridge, ON N3C 2V3

Canada

519-220-1650

cati.ca

Tags: Automotive Training, Automotive Training Centers, Training Centers, Automotive Trucking, Automotive Trucking Institute, Canadian Automotive, Canadian Automotive Trucking

Clean Foreclosure Houses

Foreclosure that sat vacant

If you have just purchased a foreclosed house, get ready to clean everything from floor to ceiling and everything in between. Chances are the house has sat empty for at least several months. Local teenagers may have used the house as a temporary hangout, leaving graffiti on the walls, broken windows and garbage on the floors. Scavenging rodents may have set up housekeeping, leaving droppings and nests for you to clean up. Foreclosed houses in areas with freezing temperatures may have pipes that burst or pushed apart, leaving puddles everywhere. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Tear up dirty carpets and remove them from the house before you begin to clean. If the house has not been empty long and the carpets do not look terrible, consider steam or professional cleaning.

2. Sweep out the cupboards and closets, brush cobwebs off walls and ceilings, and then sweep the floors. Beginning at the top and working your way down is best, otherwise you will find yourself sweeping the floor several times.

3. Mix several buckets of hot water with your favorite cleaners. These should include disinfectants and stain removers. Use one bucket in each room to clean and disinfect.

4. Scrub ceilings, walls, and finally the floors using sponges and scrub brushes where appropriate. Be sure to wear rubber gloves when cleaning these areas. Dispose of broken, wet, or sagging ceiling tiles.

5. Clean windows, frames and ledges first with a sponge and your hot water disinfectant solution. Then use window cleaner wiped with crumpled-up newspaper. Crumpled newspapers will make your windows shine streak-free, honest. Remove broken glass carefully and discard by wrapping in old newspaper.

6. Hire professionals to help on projects that you do not feel qualified to do yourself. For example, copper pipes may push apart during freezing weather. If this has happened to your foreclosed home, you may need a pipefitter to help you. If carpets, wood floors or fireplaces seem salvageable, you may need professional help to clean them properly.

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Repair A Worn Leather Couch

Revive a worn-looking leather couch with a new coat of color.

Although leather couches are considered to be very durable, they can begin to show wear and tear after many years of service. This wear typically exhibits itself in the form of thinning, cracking or peeling. The best thing to do to keep such wear at bay is to actively maintain your leather couch; but once the damage has occurred, it can still be repaired. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wipe the worn leather couch down with warm soapy water to remove dirt, body oils or other contaminants. Anything left remaining on the leather can cause the repairing process to fail.

2. Rub a layer of leather prep solution all over the worn leather couch, working in small sections. Scrub the surface of the couch with a soft cloth to open the pores of the leather. The leather should dry completely, which takes 15 minutes to an hour, before you continue.

3. Sand the leather couch with light pressure, making sure that you don't deeply abrade the leather surface. You want to scuff the surface only slightly so the leather can absorb the product. Avoid sanding over the seams of the couch so they won't begin to fray. Clean the dust from the couch with a damp sponge and wait for the leather to dry.

4. Apply a light mist of the color coat with the provided spraying apparatus, using long, even strokes to avoid overlapping and missed areas. Apply several coats of color, allowing each to dry before applying additional applications. Leave the leather couch undisturbed for 48 hours.

5. Rub an ample amount of leather conditioner into the whole leather couch with a soft, lint-free cloth, taking care to get into the cracks and crevices. Allow the leather conditioner to cure for about two hours before using the couch.

Tags: leather couch, couch with, leather couch with, couch with soft, leather conditioner, they begin

Homeowner'S Insurance For Dishwasher Water Damage

Whether or not homeowner's insurance would cover water damage related to a dishwasher or other appliance depends upon a number of factors. The source of the damage, the nature of the damage and the terms and conditions of the homeowner's policy are a few of the questions to be explored.

The Policy Terms

U.S. insurance is regulated by states so there can be 50 varying regulatory regimes. Additionally, companies sell different insurance products within their own areas. Some homeowners opt for only the basic insurance requirements their lender demands. Others choose far higher levels of coverage. To understand what is either covered in a limited way or not covered at all, you would need to read the exclusions and limitations within your homeowner's policy. In general, homeowner's insurance is likely to cover the damage caused by sudden accidental eruptions of water.

A Sudden and Accidental Occurrence

One day during your dishwasher's regular operation a sudden gush of water might spew out under its door. You disconnect the electric power source for safety. You mop up all the water as soon as is humanly possible. You engage a qualified repair person as soon as you can to repair the dishwasher. You notice that the flooring material is newly discolored, bubbling and peeling away from the floor. You phone your homeowner's insurance company or agent.

Water Damage Covered

The damage to the floor would likely be covered because of several factors. First, there is nothing in your policy exclusions or limitations section that indicates such damage is not covered. Next, your dishwasher was in good repair and well maintained. The water eruption was sudden and accidental. Also, you took all reasonable precautions to ensure that no damage occurred beyond the immediate situation.

It is important to note that the cause of the flood, the burst or broken pipe in the dishwasher, may or may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance. You might have to buy the replacement parts or have the dishwasher repaired or replaced out of your own funds. If you have home warranty insurance, a different insurance product, the home warranty insurance may cover the appliance after your deductible is paid.

Deferred Maintenance

An alternative scenario could be that your dishwasher has been leaving a small puddle at the end of each dishwashing cycle for months. Sometimes you leave for work with the dishwasher on and return many hours later to find the pooled puddle in front of the dishwasher. The flooring material has lifted and curled back. One day, the puddle of water becomes a flood. You call your insurer.

Water Damage Not Covered

In the eyes of your insurance company, the damage may not be sudden or accidental. It may be attributed to negligence. An insurance adjuster who examines the floor and the dishwasher may determine that the leakage took place over an extended period of time. If you did not take reasonable precautions to remedy the damage the faulty appliance was causing, the insurance claim is likely to be denied.

Tags: homeowner insurance, your dishwasher, your homeowner, different insurance, exclusions limitations, flooring material

What To Write On Luau Invitations

Luaus are a great summer way to entertain friends and family. They provide guests with a jovial, festive atmosphere and always ensure a fun-filled party.

Luau decorations should have a tropical theme and invitations should provide your guests with a glimpse of what is to come at the party. They should have a Hawaiian theme as well, and provide all the pertinent luau information. Does this Spark an idea?

Greeting and Type of Celebration

Luau invitations should contain some type of greeting. The greeting is a festive way of actually inviting guests to your home. If you make your own invitations, be sure to make the greeting a catchy and uplifting phrase. If you purchase preprinted invitations, the greeting is often already included.

If the luau is being held for a particular type of celebratory event, such as a birthday or anniversary, be sure to state it on the invitation. Guests need to be informed so that they may be prepared or purchase gifts if necessary.

Date, Time and Location

Like any party invite, luau invitations should include the date, timeand location of the event. If guests are unfamiliar with the location, you may also want to include a small map with directions to your home. Additionally, you should include your complete street address, as opposed to simply stating the party will occur "at Julie's house."

Contact Information

All luau invitations should include your contact information. Providing your telephone number and email address not only encourages guests to R.S.V.P., but also allows them to contact you with questions if necessary.

Dress Code

Luaus traditionally have a relaxed dress code. Asking guests to wear tropical shirts often adds to the beach-like atmosphere. If you want guests to dress in a Hawaiian theme, you should clearly state it on the invitation.

Necessary Items

Invitations should also state any items that guests should bring. Food, drinks, swimsuits, towels, sunscreen or any other necessary items should be listed.

Special Requests

If you have any special requests for the luau, such as "adults only" or "no gifts," be sure to make a note of them on the invitation. Making guests aware of your special requests in advance alleviates an awkward or embarrassing situation later.

A proper luau invitation sets the tone for your party. By including all the necessary information, your guests are sure to be prepared for a wonderful tropical event.

Tags: invitations should, should include, guests with, Hawaiian theme, include your

Fha Guidelines For An Appraisal For A Reverse Mortgage

FHA's HECM insurance helps seniors use their nest egg.

The Federal Housing Administration has helped families obtain sustainable mortgages since its inception in 1934. In 1989, the Department of Housing and Urban Development introduced the agency's first reverse mortgage known as the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, or HECM. HUD selected 50 lenders by lottery to originate the first HECM loans. All FHA-approved lenders have been able to fund the loans since 1991. Appraisal guidelines are instrumental in ensuring the survival of FHA's reverse mortgage insurance.

The Basics

HECM reverse mortgages, also known as Section 255 loans, allow seniors ages 62 and older to access their home's equity. Homeowners borrow against their home's value, which is determined by an FHA-approved appraiser's inspection of the home and comparative market analysis. HECM loans are made on homes with no existing mortgage or limited outstanding debt. Eligible properties must consist of a maximum of four dwellings and be owner-occupied. Only appraisers listed on HUD's FHA Roster may conduct appraisals for HECM.

Identification

The same appraisal standards for FHA's 203(b) insurance -- the agency's most widely used program -- apply to the HECM valuation process. Appraisal guidelines are found in HUD Handbook 4150.1, and guidelines unique to HECM mortgages are found in Chapter 3 of HUD Handbook 4235.1.

FHA guidelines require that appraisers denote any deficiencies and repairs needed to meet HUD's Minimum Property Standards for insurance. HECM mortgages may also be taken out on FHA-approved condominium units and manufactured homes that meet HUD standards.

Considerations

The maximum reverse mortgage amount is based in part on the home's appraised value, its equity (its value less any existing liens) and the amount expected on the future sale or refinance of the home. Appraisers report their findings on a Uniform Residential Appraisal Report. They must analyze the site, which includes the neighborhood, and economic factors that affect the home's marketability as well as the property's interior and exterior structure. They must denote flaws that may affect the occupants' health and safety or structural soundness of the home, such as faulty or outdated electrical, plumbing, mechanical and septic systems and defective paint surfaces. Site flaws include inadequate access to the home such as streets without all-weather surfaces.

Exceptions

Repairs reported on the appraisal must be remedied or further inspected by an expert in the given field. For example, an appraiser may report signs of damage to the structure by wood-destroying pests but request an inspection by a termite specialist for an analysis of the damage. The appraiser may then require repair of the active infestation and damage incurred.

The appraiser may not reject a property for HECM insurance. If required repairs amount to more than 30 percent of the home's maximum claim amount, the Valuation Branch of the local HUD office must make the final determination of eligibility, says HUD Handbook 4235.1.

Tags: Appraisal guidelines, Handbook 4235, HECM insurance, HECM loans, HECM mortgages, home such, mortgages also

Schools For Cdl In Washington

There are several CDL truck schools in Washington State.

Washington state has several places you can attend school for truck driver training if you desire a commercial driver's license, or CDL. Whatever your schedule is, or whatever your circumstances are, you can find a school to suit your needs. If Monday through Friday is feasible for you, try Bates Technical College. If you can only handle a two-day week because of family responsibilities, or have low income, apply to Grays Harbor.

Commercial Driver Services

The Commercial Driver License program at Commercial Driver Services Inc., in Lakewood, Washington, is a four-week course in which you can graduate with a Class A CDL. You have the option after graduation of receiving job placement assistance throughout your career.

According to the Top Trucking Schools website, the school offers both day and evening classes. You will spend one week in the classroom, after which you will receive an additional three weeks acquiring field experience practicing out on the roads with a licensed teacher. The Class A course is 160 credit hours, the Class B session is 48 credits and the Class C endorsement course is 36. You may acquire on-site housing for no extra charge.

Check Ride

In 1989, Jeff Smith opened the Check Ride Trucking School with the purpose of teaching inexperienced drivers, helping them to improve their road skills with the goal of making them above average drivers. The school is in Woodinville. It sits on 3.5 acres, consisting of a classroom, an office and a large truck shop. The school uses the rest of the property to train driving students prior to taking them out on the road. Check Ride offers Class A training, which is 160 hours; Class B, both classroom and practical training; and refresher training, which the school offers experienced drivers on an hourly basis. The minimum time is four hours. To partake of this refresher training, you must produce a valid CDL and a current Department of Transportation medical card.

Bates Technical College

Bates Technical College in Tacoma offers the CDL Class A course. According to the college's website, classes take place in the classroom, on the Bates Truck Driving Range and on the road. The course operates full time, Monday through Friday. New training classes start throughout the year.

The Bates website says the school is the only Professional Truck Driving Institute-certified truck driving school in the state of Washington. The school operates between September and July, and enrolls on a quarterly basis. If you are low income, or on TANF food benefits, you may qualify for free training.

Grays Harbor College

Grays Harbor College is a school in Aberdeen that offers CDL training. The institution holds classes two days a week, Tuesday and Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the beginners' classes, with the advanced sessions meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The waiting list is long. To enter, you must take a test and achieve 220 or better on it. You must also submit a five-year employment history to the Workforce Education Office. You can obtain this form from the Department of Motor Vehicles, according to the school's website. You must take a drug test, and if you fail it, you may never reapply to this school again.

Tags: Bates Technical, Bates Technical College, Check Ride, Grays Harbor, Technical College

Do It Yourself Laptop Repair

Laptops are made from easily changeable components. Most components are modules---such as the hard drive, the CD/DVD optical drive, Random Access Memory chips and the processor---that can be changed in a few minutes. If you have an expensive laptop or just one that you really like and want to continue to use, repairing it yourself may be the way to go. Here are some hints to get started.

Inside the Computer

RAM chips generally are the easiest to replace because most laptops have an access door removable with several screws. You can get at the RAM chips in most cases by opening this rather than opening the entire computer. Again, each laptop is different. You can gain access to the processor on an Apple Macintosh Pismo or Lombard Powerbook just by popping up the keyboard. For newer computers, you may need to remove the upper or lower half of the entire shell which involves removing the keyboard, the RAM chamber door, the battery and possibly other internal components first.

Basics

While the wiring occasionally can be faulty in laptops, most often problems arise from the components that make up the bulk of the computer.

If your laptop is getting power, for example, but won't boot, the culprit probably is the processor, the hard drive or the RAM chips. Any of these can prevent boot-up. Start with the RAM chips because they are the easiest to check and the least expensive and difficult to replace. Unclip each RAM chip, pop it out and blow gently on the gold connectors. Reinstall the chips and try the computer. As simple as this sounds, dust and dirt on RAM chips can cause crashes or failure to boot.

Hard Drive

The next thing that can fail is the hard drive. If you have a second laptop computer, you can check to see if the first hard drive still works by swapping it in the second laptop. If it doesn't, there's little you can do to actually repair the hard drive. Hard drives are built in clean rooms---high-tech facilities filtered to keep particulates, dust and dirt out of the air during manufacturing---so unless you have one, you can't really open the hard drive to tinker with it. Laptop hard drives are readily available, both new and used, online and at computer stores. To remove a hard drive, disconnect the ribbon that attaches it to the processor and lift it out. Laptop hard drives usually are seated in some kind of carriage, so you will need remove it from this with a screwdriver. Most such drives have a multi-pin connector. To remove this, carefully hold the drive in both hands and rock the connector with both thumbs. Be careful not to bend the pins. A new hard drive will connect the same way. If you need to recover your data, try a data recovery service. These are all over the Internet.

Processors

If the hard drive and RAM chips both are working properly, it may be the processor or motherboard. These, too, can be removed and replaced. Since there is a lot of work involved---the motherboard is connected to everything in the laptop, so everything must be disconnected from it---and the price may be high, before doing it, consider whether a new laptop would be less expensive. If you decide to go ahead with replacing it, there are many step-by-step online tutorials to choose from for your specific model and brand of laptop.

Tags: hard drive, drive chips, dust dirt, hard drive chips, hard drives, Laptop hard, Laptop hard drives

Grants For Ssi Recipients To Renovate The Home

More than 7.9 million people received SSI benefits in 2010.

The Supplemental Social Income (SSI) program is funded by federal tax revenues which distributes benefit payments to the elderly and disabled so they can meet such basic needs as clothing, food and shelter. Based on their low incomes, SSI recipients are eligible to apply for grants from federal government agencies to renovate their homes. Grants cover project costs including equipment and supply purchases and labor and administrative expenses.

The Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program

SSI recipients 62 years of age and older who cannot afford loans apply for grants from the Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program to remove health and safety hazards from their homes. Grants also cover home repairs after the removal of hazards. The maximum grant amount is $7,500. The grant program requires recipients to not sell their homes for at least three years. If homes are sold within the time period, grant funds may be recouped by the program. This grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA.

Weatherization Assistance Program

SSI recipients whose homes need new windows, or need walls and ceilings insulated, can apply for assistance through the Department of Energy's Weatherization Assistance Program. This program pays for weatherization services to make homes energy efficient. Up to $6,500 can be spent on weatherizing homes, and services are provided free of charge to low-income homeowners.

Housing Preservation Grant Program

The USDA also sponsors the Housing Preservation Grant Program, which awards grants to low-income homeowners, including SSI recipients, to renovate and repair their homes. Homeowners in rural areas of fewer than 20,000 residents are eligible to apply for grant funds. Once received, grant recipients have 24 months to use the grants to fix their homes.

Individual Water and Waste Grants

The USDA funds grants for low-income SSI recipients in Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and California who own colonial-style homes that need new water and waste systems. Grants cover the installation of sinks, tubs and showers, outside spigots, toilets, water heaters and, if necessary, entire bathrooms. Water hookup fees are also paid for with grant funds.

Tags: their homes, grant funds, apply grants, apply grants from, Assistance Program, eligible apply, Grants cover

Bend Exhaust Pipes

Bending exhaust pipes yourself allows compensation for aftermarket muffler differences.

An inexpensive alternative to buying pre-bent pipes, bending exhaust pipes yourself allows you to replace a leaking or rusted pipe quickly and efficiently. Bending your own exhaust pipes ensures the best fit possible, because you adjust the bends as required, creating the custom fit needed. Improper bending of exhaust pipes, especially when making tighter bends, can ruin the pipe by causing it to crease at the point of the bend. There are two ways to prevent pipe creasing, mandrel bending and filled-pipe bending. Filled-pipe bending is easiest with shorter pipes.

Instructions

Mandrel Bending

1. Measure the length of the pipe to the bend. On 90-degree bends, measure this as the distance from the end of the previous pipe to where you want the far wall of the pipe after the bend. For smaller bends, this is where you want the change in direction to begin. Add two to three inches for pipe connection overlap where the pipe clamp connects. Mark this distance on the pipe slated for bending.

2. Locate the diamond or triangle mark on the bender mandrel and line up the point of this mark with the mark you measured and made on the pipe.

3. Bend the pipe until it reaches the desired bend angle. Remove the pipe from the mandrel.

4. Hold the pipe in place to verify proper fit and adjust as necessary to provide the custom fit desired.

Filled-Pipe Bending

5. Perform the same measurement and marking as in Step 1 for mandrel bending.

6. Pack the pipe tightly with sand and cap both ends of the pipe. There must be enough pressure in the pipe to prevent the walls of the pipe from collapsing when you make the bend. Put the welding gloves on.

7. Clamp the exhaust pipe firmly in the vise, with the mark you made in Step 1 just visible at the vise. Light the torch following the directions that came with it, heat the pipe at the point of the bend until pliable, and pull the pipe towards you to make the bend.

8. Remove the pipe from the vise and hold it in place to check its fit and adjust your bend as necessary.

9. Remove the caps from the pipe and flush the pipe with water.

Tags: exhaust pipes, pipe from, exhaust pipes yourself, make bend, mandrel bending, pipes yourself

Low Income Home Emergency Assistance Programs

Many individuals and families require financial assistance when it comes to affording housing and utilities. Various government agencies offer home emergency assistance programs to individuals and families in need.

Public Housing

Low income individuals and families may qualify for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) public housing program. Eligibility is based on income status, the number of family members and citizenship status. Under HUD's program, individuals and families are provided with shelter (apartments or houses) at a rate they can afford. According to HUD, approximately 1.2 million households live in public housing units in the United States (as of January 2011).

Utilities

Emergency utility assistance programs are available for low income households that are about to get their utilities disconnected due to lack of financial resources. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has a utilities program to assist such households with maintaining their utilities, such as water, heat and electricity. Assistance is short-term and households must apply to qualify for the program.

Repairs

If low income households have emergency home repairs to make because of pervading health or safety hazards, such as an asbestos release, some states have government assistance programs to help financially. To qualify for assistance, the household must prove there is an immediate hazard needing repair.

Tags: individuals families, assistance programs, income households, public housing, their utilities

Haunted Houses In The Bay Area

Haunted houses in the San Fransisco Bay Area offer Halloween fun for many different ages and preferences. According to Diane Davis of the San Fransisco Examiner, the Bay Area has haunted houses that are everything from low-key to scare-you-senseless. Check out these sometimes ghoulish but always fun Halloween delights. Does this Spark an idea?

Pirates of Emerson Haunted Adventure

Explore Pirates of Emerson Haunted Adventure and you'll find yourself immersed in a three-acre park designed to scare and thrill visitors. Pirates of Emerson has been operating each fall since 1991, and its attractions feature many special effects, as well as costumed actors. Pirates of Emerson offers several pirate-themed haunted attractions that change each year. Some past attractions in the Pirates of Emerson Haunted Adventure include a haunted pirate ship, a haunted pirate village and a haunted house. On its website, Pirates of Emerson calls itself the scariest haunted house in California, and it has been ranked among the top haunted houses in the United States by the Discovery Channel, readers of Hauntworld magazine and America Online's Cityguide. According to its website, there is no minimum age to enter Pirates of Emerson; however, some of its attractions may be frightening to young children.

Pirates of Emerson Haunted Adventure

45021 Warm Springs Blvd.

Fremont, CA 94539

(510) 657-2121

www.piratesofemerson.com

Gyro's 4D Fear Factory

Visit Gyro's 4D Fear Factory for a haunted house experience that you can not only see, hear and touch, but smell as well. According to Gyro's website, 4D refers to the addition of scents to the haunted house. Located at Raging Waters water park in San Jose, Gyro's 4D Fear Factory features attractions that have included Armageddon, a maze of metal chain links set to heavy metal music; Bad Mojo Bayou, where guests are chased by actors depicting a crazed family of butchers; and Action 3D, a thee-dimensional video gaming attraction. According to Gyro's website, there is no minimum age to enter; however, the haunted houses are recommended for adults and teenagers. Visitors should be advised that fog machines and strobe lights are used at Gyro's 4D Fear Factory.

Gyro's 4D Fear Factory

2333 South White Rd.

San Jose, CA 95148

(800) 461-4052

www.3dfearfactory.com

San Fransisco Zoo's Boo at the Zoo

Attend the San Fransisco Zoo's annual Boo at the Zoo event if you have young children, or are looking for a leisurely haunted house experience. Boo at the Zoo's attractions in the past have included a haunted nature trail, a haunted train ride and Halloween puppet shows. In the past, children have created Halloween crafts and trick-or-treated at designated stations around the San Fransisco Zoo. Other events have included mini Zoo Camp classes on topics such as animal skulls and teeth. According to the San Fransisco Zoo's website, the haunted attractions are not especially frightening.

San Fransisco Zoo

1 Zoo Rd.

San Francisco, CA 94132

(415) 753-7080

www.sfzoo.org

Tags: Pirates Emerson, Fear Factory, Gyro Fear, Gyro Fear Factory, haunted house

Get Home Repair Grants

If you live in a rural area and have low income, you may qualify for a home repair grant.

In most cases, you are on your own as a homeowner if you need money to repair or improve your home. However, if you are a low-income resident of a dwelling in a rural area, you may qualify for a grant or a low-interest, long-term loan from the government to apply to your residence. These types of home repair grants are formally known as Rural Housing Repair and Rehabilitation Grants or Loans and are funded by the Rural Development Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Instructions

1. Qualify based on bad credit. The government stands as a provider of last resort when it comes to the home repair grants. You cannot qualify for a government grant or loan unless you have been denied for credit elsewhere and cannot obtain any type of reasonably affordable credit. For example, if your only available lender is a payday lender, which may charge you 50 percent or more in interest, you may qualify for a government home repair grant.

2. Qualify based on income. In addition to the inability to obtain reasonable credit, you can only get access to a government home repair grant or loan if you have suitably low income. According to USDA eligibility requirements, you cannot have an income exceeding 50 percent of the median income in your area.

3. Qualify based on age. While you can qualify for a USDA home repair loan at any age, to qualify for a grant you must be 62 years of age or older.

4. Determine whether you need a grant or a loan. While you do not have to pay back a home repair grant in most cases, grants are capped at just $7,500. If you can afford and qualify for a home repair loan instead, you may receive up to $20,000 at just 1 percent interest for 20 years.

5. Complete the USDA eligibility tool. Found on the USDA website, the eligibility tool determines if your property qualifies as a rural property, if you qualify based on your income and even if you qualify for discounted satellite service.

6. Apply at the USDA. The USDA's website provides a list of all regional offices. Once you qualify and apply in person the Rural Development Office will make a decision within 30 to 60 days.

Tags: home repair, home repair, home repair grant, repair grant, grant loan, Qualify based

Get Rid Of Fleas In Carpets

Nothing is quite as annoying or embarrassing as fleas jumping up out of your carpet to bite at your ankles. In addition to the inconvenience of fleas taking up residence in your home, getting rid of them is difficult. Chemical fogs or sprays made to kills fleas are unsafe to humans and all pets. Rid your carpet of fleas naturally without risking your health. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Treat your dog or cat at the same time that you treat your carpet. Many pet owners have rid pets from fleas by bathing them in Dawn dish detergent.

2. Vacuum thoroughly and often as fleas in various stages of development probably live in your carpet. Either dispose of your vacuum bag in a secured plastic trash bag or add borax or diatomaceous earth (DE) to your vacuum bag to kill fleas.

3. Sprinkle your carpet with salt, which should kill fleas and eggs. Wait 24 hours and then vacuum up.

4. Rid your carpet of fleas in every inch of your carpet, including under and behind furniture.

5. Dust DE directly on carpet for stubborn pests. While DE is generally safe for humans, you still might want to wear eye protection and a dust mask so that you don't breathe in the dust.

6. Steam clean your carpet with a borax and water mixture in a carpet cleaner. The water drowns adult fleas and the borax attaches to the carpet to stop new fleas from maturing. This can be an effective treatment for up to a year.

Tags: your carpet, carpet fleas, carpet with, kill fleas, your carpet fleas, your carpet with, your vacuum

Grants For Seniors In Canada

Seniors in Canada have a number of grant options available to cover medical, housing and even education expenses.

Seniors in Canada have a number of grant options available to cover medical, housing and even education expenses. Some grants are also directed toward community organizations that provide programming to seniors. Grants offer financial support and opportunities for seniors who may live on a fixed income and who otherwise couldn't afford increases to their property taxes, unexpected health problems or access to seniors' programs.

Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant

The Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant is an annual program that provides financial assistance to low- to middle-income seniors who own their own home to help offset property tax costs. For seniors living in Ontario, the grants are administered through the Canada Revenue Agency and accessed by submitting Form ON479, Ontario Credits and Senior Homeowners' Property Tax Grant along with their personal income tax return. Once the personal income tax return and Notice of Assessment information have been reviewed, it takes 4 to 6 weeks for a check to arrive in the mail, or sooner if direct deposit is selected. Eligible seniors could receive a maximum of $500 in 2010.

Canada Revenue Agency

Ontario Ministry of Revenue

866-668-8297

rev.gov.on.ca

Grant for Students with Permanent Disabilities

While not exclusive to seniors, education grants are available to eligible seniors with permanent disabilities. The Government of Canada offers loans and grants to permanently disabled people seeking full- or part-time post-secondary education. To those eligible, grants of $2,000 per academic year are issued by the province or territory where the person lives. To be eligible, the senior must apply for a Canada Student Loan, be enrolled in a full- or part-time program and meet the criteria for students with permanent disabilities. The application must include proof of the disability, which may be a medical certificate, a psycho-educational assessment or other documentation demonstrating the need for disability assistance. Additional grants and financial assistance may be available for disabled students while studying to accommodate special living arrangements or equipment needs.

To apply for financial assistance in British Columbia:

Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development

Student Aid BC

Victoria, BC V8W 9H7

Canada

800-561-1818 (within Canada/US)

canlearn.ca

New Horizons for Seniors

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada provides grants through the New Horizons for Seniors Program to non-profit community organizations across Canada. The grants provide financial assistance for programs aimed at improving the quality of life for seniors and keeping them active and involved in the community. Annual grants of up to $25,000 are available through three programs: Community Participation and Leadership, Capital Assistance, and Elder Abuse Awareness. The Community Participation and Leadership Funding supports programs aimed at seniors being active in their communities. Capital Assistance Funding provides funds for upgrades to community facilities or equipment needs for seniors. Elder Abuse Awareness Funding supports programs that raise awareness and prevention of elder abuse. Applications can be submitted on line through their website.

New Horizons for Seniors Program

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

333 North River Road, 2A

Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L1

Canada

800-277-9914

hrsdc.gc.ca

Tags: financial assistance, Homeowners Property, Homeowners Property Grant, Horizons Seniors, Property Grant, Senior Homeowners, Senior Homeowners Property

Clean Mildew From Porch

Your front porch is the first thing visitors see when they enter your home. Unsightly mildew greeting them isn't necessarily the welcome you're looking for, but how do you remove it? Depending on whether your porch is wood or concrete, you have a couple of options for ridding your home of your unwelcome welcome party. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

For Wood Porch

1. Sweep your porch thoroughly to remove all loose debris.

2. Place safety goggles and protective mask over your face. While using a pressure washer is generally safe, using protective covering will prevent any microscopic debris or particles from entering your respiratory system.

3. Wash porch using pressure washer with a low-pressure nozzle. Use a sweeping motion to reach all areas of the porch. If you do not already own a pressure washer, rent one from a home improvement store.

4. Scrub any hard-to-reach, affected areas with a solution of one part chlorine bleach to five parts water.

5. Rinse porch completely with a standard water hose.

6. Let your porch dry.

7. Treat wooden porch with a clear wood sealer to protect against regrowth of mildew.

For Concrete Porch

8. Sweep porch to remove all loose debris and dirt.

9. Protect hands with protective gloves. Exposing skin to bleach for prolonged periods of time may cause your skin to become irritated.

10. Mix one part bleach with five parts water in a large cleaning bucket.

11. Scrub porch with a hard bristle brush using your bleach and water solution.

12. Let the solution stand on the concrete for 15 minutes. Allowing the solution to stand will give the bleach time to work through and remove the mildew.

13. Let the porch dry completely.

14. Apply a coat of clear concrete sealer to prevent the mildew from reappearing.

Tags: pressure washer, your porch, five parts, five parts water, loose debris, parts water, porch completely

Crosley Electric Dryer Troubleshooting

Crosley Corporation was formed in 1976. Over 3,000 independent dealers distribute Crosley appliances such as the Crosley electric dryer. Crosley provides a 10-year limited warranty in addition to the one-year full warranty offered by the manufacturer. Have the dealer contact Crosley for warranty service. Avoid waiting for a service technician by troubleshooting minor problems to determine the cause. Some issues can be resolved by making minor repairs or simple adjustments. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Clothes Do Not Dry Completely

1. Allow adequate time for drying. Lower wattage dryers require longer drying times.

2. Remove all lint on the lint screen.

3. Clean the exhaust system and remove all lint in the exhaust vent. Replace the plastic exhaust vent with a metal exhaust vent.

4. Select the appropriate cycle for the type of material being dried.

5. Remove extra dryer sheets. Extra sheets occasionally block the grille and cause longer drying times.

6. Determine the room temperature. The dryer requires a minimum temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit to operate efficiently.

7. Dry a smaller load. Remove some articles of clothing from the dryer.

Dyer Does Not Run

8. Replace regular fuses with time-delay fuses.

9. Close the dryer door completely.

10. Turn the control knob away from the "Off" position and select an appropriate cycle. Press the "Push to Start" button firmly.

Stains on Clothing After Drying

11. Avoid adding dryer sheets to a partially dried load of clothing to prevent stains caused by the fabric softener sheets.

12. Clean the clothing thoroughly before placing items in the dryer.

13. Sort clothes. Avoid washing dark and light clothing together. Color changes occur if the colors bleed during washing.

Wrinkled Loads

14. Remove the load from the dryer as soon as the cycle completes.

15. Avoid overloading the dryer. Clothes must tumble freely to prevent wrinkling.

16. Select an appropriate drying cycle for the type of clothing placed in the dryer. Overdrying causes wrinkling.

Tags: exhaust vent, appropriate cycle, cycle type, dryer sheets, drying times

Use An Industrial Sewing Machine At Home

Sew heavy-duty projects at home with an industrial sewing machine.

Stitching speed, precision, durability, high performance and heavy duty sewing projects are all positive attributes to purchasing an industrial sewing machine for home use. The machine's features, size and model type are contributing factors to the cost and expense. The selection process is narrowed by reviewing the machine's specific requirements, as well as your specific needs. Each machine type varies and certain stitching features are not included.

Instructions

Operating the Industrial Sewing Machine

1. Change the thread tension system dial to the appropriate setting prior to stitching multiple layers of fabric. Check the manual for fabric and tension charts, which include suggested settings. Certain models include an automatic thread tension system. The machine automatically self-adjusts the thread tension as you feed the fabric into the stitching area.

2. Change the stitching speed to the appropriate setting. Certain models have a switch or dial for manually setting to a low, medium or high setting. Keep in mind, these machines stitch at a high rate of speed such as 3,000 stitches per minute. The larger the motor, the faster the machine runs.

3. Test each speed setting by stitching a few rows on fabric scrap. Feed the fabric into the stitching area and pull down on the fabric lever. Gently press on the foot pedal. Certain models require fully pressing down onto the pedal to produce the fastest stitching speeds. Other machine models have a stitching lever connected to the side of the sewing table. The knee gently pushes the lever to activate and control the stitching speed. Do not have your fingers near the stitching needles to avoid injury.

4. Switch the auto lubrication feature to the "on" position to ensure the feature automatically lubricates the machine. For instance, if you are stitching several hours every day, this feature prevents sudden malfunctions during operation.

5. Change the built-in stitch dial to the appropriate setting. New models generally have a touch screen at the front face of the machine with illuminated stitch types for selection. Older models have a large dial at the front or side of the machine. A mini-stitch graphic illustrates the stitch type setting. Turn the dial clockwise. Avoid turning counter clockwise to avoid damage. Certain touch screen brands include more than 150 built-in stitch types.

6. Switch all automatic system features required for the project to the "on" position setting. Certain models have dials, knobs or touch-screen prompts for manually switching the settings.

Preparing the Home Sewing Work Space

7. Hire a licensed electrician to upgrade low-voltage outlets to the required voltage capacity for the machine. Operating the high-powered machine without sufficient energy could result in severe damage to the motor, and could also cause a power outage.

8. Check the weight of the machine; which are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. It is important the sewing table can support the weight of the machine for your protection, as well as for the machine. Excess vibration during machine operation can also cause the sewing table to collapse. Certain models also recommend a specific stand for accurate support. Heavier and bulkier industrial machines are less portable.

9. Read and review the owner's manual. If you purchased a used industrial machine, which does not include a manual, call the manufacturer and request a copy. Though websites are generally available, it usually does not include full details on older models. Bear in mind, older models do not include touch screen or touch-button controls.

Tags: Certain models, models have, appropriate setting, sewing table, thread tension, touch screen

Where To Donate Bicycles

Most people know that they can donate their old cars to different charitable organizations throughout the United States. You can also donate your old and unused bicycles to help those who are less fortunate. Many bikes that are donated are sent overseas to third-world countries where there is a vast need for any type of transportation. Your bicycle may also be given to people in the United States who simply need a way to get to and from work.

Instructions

1. Contact a local homeless shelter in your area. These bikes will then be given to homeless individuals who need transportation in order to pick up medication for children, food and other supplies. Most homeless shelters around the country will accept bike donations throughout the entire year.

2. Donate your bicycles to Bikes for the World (see Resources). Bikes for the World has sent thousands of bicycles to people all over Africa, Central America and South America. Many bicycles have also been given to people in need in both urban and rural areas of the United States. To find a drop off location near you, contact Bikes for the World at (703) 525-0931 or (571) 212-4139. You can also write Bikes for the World at info@bikesfortheworld.org.

3. Give your used bicycle to Pedals for Progress (see Resources). Pedals for Progress donates bikes and also teaches bike repair to people in need throughout third-world countries. The goal of the organization is to keep bikes out of landfills and put them into the hands of people who can use them on a daily basis. Call (908) 638-4811 for donation information.

4. Help those in need throughout Africa by giving your bike to World Bicycle Relief (see Resources). Like other charities, World Bicycle Relief gives used bikes to people who need some form of transportation throughout places such as Zambia and Sri Lanka. These bikes are also used by AIDS volunteers who need a way to pick up and deliver medication and other supplies. Call (312) 664-3836 to learn how you can give your bike to World Bicycle Relief.

5. Find local organizations accepting gift donations during the holiday season. Toys for Tots and The Salvation Army will accept bike donations from the end of November all the day throughout the Christmas season.

Tags: Bikes World, Bicycle Relief, people need, United States, World Bicycle, World Bicycle Relief, accept bike

Proof Your Home And Prepare Your Family For An Earthquake

All U.S. states are vulnerable to earthquakes.

The motto "be prepared" doesn't apply just to Boy Scouts; it's also a wise maxim to adopt for home and family safety. While it's possible to prepare for inclement weather or a hurricane bearing down on the coast, earthquakes typically happen with no warning, so the best way to survive an earthquake is to safeguard your home and to create a family action plan. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, in 2010, more than 8,000 earthquakes of a 2.0 magnitude or higher occurred in the U.S., making home and family safety of paramount importance. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparation

1. Secure large, heavy shelves, furniture and hot water heaters to wall studs with safety straps or fasteners available at your local hardware store. Rearrange heavy objects on lower shelves.

2. Place china, crystal and fragile items in closed cabinetry so that they don't become flying missiles of glass that can injure someone.

3. Rehang any photographs, mirrors or wall art away from seating areas or beds.

4. Secure overhead fans and light fixtures.

5. Repair existing cracks in windows, walls and foundations.

6. Repair any known plumbing or electrical problems, as well as gas leaks.

7. Place poisons, insecticides, herbicides and flammable liquids on the bottom shelf of a cabinet that latches closed.

8. Hold a family meeting every year to create or revisit an earthquake-preparedness plan, and review safety measures and plans for each family member. Point out the safest furniture under which to take cover, doorways against which you should brace yourself, and safe areas outside to run to, if necessary.

9. Choose a family member or close friend who does not live in your area or state to be the safe point of contact for each family member. Preprogram the contact's phone number is into all cell phones.

10. Designate a safe place for scattered family members to meet that is central to everyone, and remind each other that you should only meet there if it is safe to do so.

11. Assemble a disaster relief kit that includes several days' worth of water and nonperishable food (don't forget food for babies and pets), a nonelectric can opener, medicine and clothing. Add blankets, a radio with extra batteries, a flashlight with extra batteries, extra cell phone batteries, a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, tools, toys, books, a camera with extra batteries, extra car keys and a telephone with the cord attached. In a resealable, waterproof bag you should place cash, and copies of important family documents, such as birth certificates, insurance policies, bank statements and passports.

During and After an Earthquake

12. Drop, cover and hold on to something sturdy, such as a table or heavy desk, if you are indoors when an earthquake hits. Remain calm and try to stay away from windows, glass or areas where small objects become airborne. If you are in a public place, try to walk quickly to a framed doorway and away from glass and moving objects. Brace yourself by holding out both arms against each side of the frame. If you can't get to a doorway or under a table, crouch on the floor and cover your head with your hands.

13. Run clear of buildings, power lines and large objects that could fall on you, if you are outside. Try to stand in an open area.

14. Maneuver your car to a safe area, stop, and turn it off if you are driving when the earthquake hits. Try to stop the car where there are no buildings, overpasses or power lines that could fall on your car.

15. Vacate an unsafe area for safer ground after the earthquake is over. Remember that there will likely be strong aftershocks.

16. Call 9-1-1 if you, or anyone around you, is injured, and don't drive anywhere, so the streets can remain clear for emergency vehicles.

17.Contact family members, as well as the designated out-of-town contact, to let them know you are safe.

18. Retrieve your disaster supply kit, if possible, and turn on the radio to find out any important instructions or information from local emergency management systems or the police.

19. Check for any damage to your home or foundation, if it is safe to do so.

20. Leave a written message on your front door if you go to another location, alerting family and friends to the fact that you are fine and where you will be.

Tags: away from, extra batteries, family member, with extra, with extra batteries, batteries extra, could fall

Handle A Car Insurance Claim After An Accident

Handle A Car Insurance Claim After An Accident

If you have been involved in a car accident and you need to file a claim against your insurance company or another driver's insurance company, there are some things you can do to help yourself through the process.

Instructions

1. Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible when you know that you will be filing a claim against the insurance company. The same is true if you were involved in an accident and you expect that the other driver(s) may file a claim against your insurance company.

2. Plan for the deductible amount you will be required to pay.

If you are at fault for the accident then check your policy or with your insurance agent to find out how much your collision deductible will set you back. If the cost of the repair exceeds the deductible, your insurance company will cover the additional costs if they are within policy limits.

If the accident was caused by another driver, your insurance company will take the lead in getting the costs of the repairs covered. They will use subrogation or act legally in your behalf to recover the costs of your repairs including the deductible. If the driver who caused the accident did not have insurance or was underinsured, you may have to pay the collision deductible.

3. If your car requires repairs, you should expect that your vehicle is restored to the condition it was in just before the accident.

Your insurance company may try to require you to take your car to a specific collision shop, if so the insurance company must guarantee the shop's work and assess no extra cost to you.

The insurance company may be allowed to use used parts if your car is not within the current model year. Check the written estimate to find out the origin of the parts. If the estimate does not include details of the parts then make them rewrite it for you. If new parts are readily available and the repair shop is trying to fix your car with used parts, then insist they provide new parts and tell them where to find the parts. For older cars finding new parts may be impossible. Insist on OEM parts not generic parts. The insurance company may be able to substitute generic parts for OEM parts if it is stated in your policy. If the accident is not your fault stand strong in your insistence.

4. Try to get a rental car paid for by the insurance company.

If another driver damaged your car and you have a liability claim against their insurance, most states require the other driver's insurance to pay the rental cost of a similar vehicle during the repair of your vehicle.

If your vehicle is totaled, they may not be required to pay for a rental car, prior to you receiving final settlement, but insist anyway. It is in their best interest to avoid causing you added expense. If they are not willing to cooperate it is one more reason to seek legal council.

If the accident is your fault, the only way you will be able to receive reimbursement for a rental vehicle is if you have rental car insurance covered in your policy.

5. Once you have a settlement offer from the insurance company make sure that the amount will cover the damage bill. Try to first talk to the adjuster if you do not agree with the settlement offer. If you cannot come to an agreement, then talk to the claims supervisor. If you still cannot agree talk to your insurance agent if the accident was your fault. If the accident was another driver's fault you can either consult with an attorney or take the other driver to small claims court. Most states have a small claims maximum in the range or $3000-$5000, so first check with the county court where the accident occurred to find out the limit.

Once you accept the settlement you typically have at least 30 days to report either a problem with the settlement covering the expenses or additional damage caused by the accident that the service shop did not repair. Many shops do, however, will provide some type of warranty for the repairs they made. Talk to the insurance adjuster regarding any problems with your claim as soon as possible.

Tags: insurance company, your insurance, another driver, claim against, accident your fault

Grants For Repairing Your Home In The Buffalo New York Area

Several Buffalo agencies help the needy with the cost of home repairs.

Low-income, elderly or disabled residents of Buffalo, New York, who need repairs to their home may find assistance through various grant programs. These programs are designed to help qualifying recipients offset the cost of home repairs that make the recipient's home safe and energy-efficient. Most of these programs in the Queen City are based on need, and grant amounts vary. Does this Spark an idea?

HUD Repair Grants

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides grants to low-income homeowners. These need-based grants can be used to improve or repair the recipient's home in order to make it safer and more energy-efficient. The grants are distributed at the state level.

Elderly, disabled or low-income homeowners in Buffalo are eligible to apply for grants issued through HUD's New York division. Applicants must use the funds to repair their primary residence and must meet income guidelines. Interested homeowners should apply through their local HUD office.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 Seventh St. SW

Washington, DC 20410

202-708-1112

hud.gov

New York Homes

The New York Housing Finance Organization, also known as New York Homes, provides grant funds throughout the state for remodeling and repairs. Grants are distributed through the organization's Affordable Housing Corp. program. Applicants must meet income guidelines and use the funds to repair their primary residence. Qualifying repairs include roof replacements, flooring and doors, and any other structural or electrical issue necessary to maintain safety and mobility.

New York Homes

535 Washington St., Suite 102

Buffalo, NY 14203

716-853-1548

nyhomes.org

Buffalo HEAP Program

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is a national social service organization that issues grants to needy families to heat their homes and make them more energy-efficient. Buffalo's HEAP program is operated by the Erie County Department of Social Services. Approved repairs include insulation work, roofing and drywall.

Erie County Department of Social Services

95 Franklin St., 16th Floor

Buffalo, NY 14202

716-858-8500

erie.gov

Tags: York Homes, Applicants must, Buffalo HEAP, Buffalo York, cost home, cost home repairs

Open An Auto Body Shop

Open an Auto Body Shop

If you've always been interested in repairing cars and are always helping your friends out with free repairs or correcting your mechanic, consider opening an auto body repair shop. It is a solid business--there's always a steady stream of customers who need repair work after collisions, detail work or auto body paint jobs.

Instructions

1. Create a list of auto body repair services. Your shop will need to repair common scratches on auto bodies as well as collision damage from accidents. Body alignment, brake system repairs, panel replacement and electrical repairs are also common services. If you can't perform all these repairs yourself, you'll need to hire one or more mechanics.

2. Organize a business plan listing all the tools and equipment you will need. Shop rent, salaries, insurance and other concerns need to be itemized before you can secure financing.

3. Locate a space for rent. Auto body repair shops are sometimes housed in low-rent or industrial areas or in close proximity to gas stations or expressways. Scour ads and ask friends if they know of available repair shops for rent.

4. Use your line of credit or secure a small business loan to open your shop. Money-wise, an auto body repair shop is a low-risk business venture. Plan your business well, hire the right people and you're well on the way to turning a profit.

5. Set your rates. Be competitive, but don't go too low. Do research on rates charged by similar shops in your area and set your prices in the same range.

Tags: body repair, auto body, auto body repair, Auto Body Shop, body repair shop, Body Shop

Grants For Handicapped Accessibility In Ohio

Residents with disabilities in Ohio can contact a non-profit agency to get help to make modifications to their homes.

Non-profit agencies across Ohio offer funding and repair services to help low-income people with disabilities make accessibility modifications to their homes. Applicants must meet the income limit requirements to get help to modify their homes. During the application process, applicants will be asked to verify their incomes. Since funding is limited, they may be referred to an alternative agency that provides assistance to make accessibility modifications.

People Working Cooperatively

People Cooperatively of Cincinnati is a non-profit organization committed to helping low-income households make accessibility modifications and general repairs to their homes. To qualify for services, total household income cannot exceed 50 percent of the area's median income. The average client makes $13,000 annually. These services are for homeowners only. Typical modifications include constructing wheelchair ramps or installing grab bars in the bathroom. Applicants are required to provide verification of income and proof of ownership for the home that needs modification.

The Ability Center of Greater Toledo

The Ability Center of Greater Toledo's Home Accessibility Program helps residents in Defiance, Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Williams and Wood counties make accessible modifications to their homes. Homeowners must meet the income limit level requirements to qualify for help. The program helps disabled homeowners construct a wheelchair ramp or other minor accessibility modifications. Income-qualified households are provided materials and labor at no cost to them. Homeowners who do not meet the income requirements can apply for a below market rate loan with Directions Credit Union. The Ability Loan Program provides longer terms to help disabled homeowners pay for accessibility modifications.

Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission

The Northwestern Ohio Community Action Commission works with the Ohio Department of Development to provide funding for the Handicap Modifications Program to low-income homeowners. To qualify for a grant, the homeowner's income cannot exceed 35 percent of the area's median income. The homeowner can get help to install grab bars, handicap toilets and repair wheelchair ramps. The homeowner can also get help to make emergency repairs to the home.

Area Agency on Aging

Area Agency on Aging offices across Ohio offers low-income seniors help to make home accessibility modifications. To qualify for help, the senior must be aged 60 and over. His income cannot exceed 35 percent of the area's median income and he must own the home that needs modifications. The agency will assess the home for appropriate repairs and obtain a bid for the costs of the modifications. Interested persons can contact the Area Agency on Aging that covers the county in which they live to obtain an application for help.

Tags: accessibility modifications, their homes, Agency Aging, Area Agency, Area Agency Aging

Grants For Rebuilding A Home For Senior Citizens

Senior homeowners can apply for grants to fix their roofs.

Senior citizens who cannot afford home rebuilding projects can apply for grants from several sources. Grants are available from local, state and federal government agencies to cover the cost of home renovations and repairs needed by elderly homeowners. These financial awards also pay for project-related expenses such as equipment purchases and labor.

U.S Department of Agriculture

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sponsors certain grants to help pay for costs of rebuilding homes owned by seniors. The Very Low-Income Housing Repair Program awards grants to homeowners 62 years of age and older to remove health and safety hazards from their homes. Grants also cover projects to fix homes after the removal of the hazards. Recipients receive grants up to $7,500.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Grants are available from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to public housing authorities for renovations and repairs of housing units occupied by senior citizens. An example is the Supportive Housing for the Elderly program, where public housing authorities are awarded grants to make modifications to housing units to accommodate the elderly.

U.S Department of Veteran Affairs

Senior veterans who need to rebuild portions of their homes to make them more accessible can apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. There are three programs awarding grants to veterans with service-related and non-service-related disability to pay for home modification and alteration projects. Grant amounts range from $1,200 to $50,000.

State Grants

Senior homeowners can get financial assistance from state government agencies to cover the cost of rebuilding their homes. In Connecticut, for example, seniors can apply to the Department of Social Services for weatherization projects to make their homes energy efficient. Other states may have similar grant programs, and senior homeowners should check with their state government agencies for more information.

Local Grants

Home rebuilding grants are also available at the local government level. In Harris County, Texas, for instance, senior citizens who own their homes and are current on their property taxes can apply for home repair grants. Emergency repair grants up to $1,000 are available to senior homeowners in Wichita, Kansas. Senior citizen homeowners should check with their local authorities for available grant programs to fix their homes.

Tags: their homes, apply grants, government agencies, agencies cover, agencies cover cost, apply grants from, available from