Oklahoma City Volunteer Projects

Oklahoma City has several worthwhile volunteer opportunities to choose from.

There are a variety of worthwhile volunteer opportunities to choose from in the Oklahoma City area. The programs range from helping kids to come in contact with nature to medical assistance to helping to build homes for the unfortunate and reaching out to servicemen overseas. Whatever your interest and skill set, there is a volunteer opportunity for you in Oklahoma City.

Rebuilding Together

The Rebuilding Together project organizes volunteers and secured funding to rebuild or perform essential repairs on the homes of needy people over the age of 60 in the Oklahoma City area. Over 16 percent of the city population is projected to be aged 60 or older by the year 2020. Rebuild Together has repaired over 1600 homes since its inception in 1992 and each year on "Work Day" more homes are fixed. Each year volunteers are pooled from the local area and assessed according to skill level and assigned to different homes throughout the city to perform work like painting, cleaning, installation of new appliances and handicap conversions. Individuals are welcome to apply at no cost and no specific skill levels are required.

Infant Crisis Services

Infant Crisis Services works to provide the essentials to infants whose families are undergoing hard times. The service aids more than 1,000 infants every month and works to fight Oklahoma's ranking as 8th amongst U.S. states in childhood poverty. The federal and state aid agencies can take weeks or months to provide for newborns and infants, and so the Infant Crisis Service steps in during the interim to ensure constant care. Volunteers are always welcome and are needed in fields including client interviewers, food pantry operators, clothing sorters, greeters, events personnel, mother to mother assistance, baby shower hosts and translators for Spanish speaking clientele. Applications to volunteer are free and involve a background check.

Upward Transitions

Upward Transitions assists the needy, stranded or homeless to find their way, become self-sufficient and eventually lead productive lives in society. This nonprofit agency was founded in 1925 and today operates several programs within Oklahoma City. Volunteer opportunities with Upward Transitions include Community Outreach, Family Outreach and General Volunteer positions. The Travelers Aid Program is a unique volunteer opportunity as it is based in Oklahoma City's Will Rogers World Airport and involves manning the information booths, answering phones, paging passengers and providing travel information and advice to passengers. Some volunteer positions with Upward Transitions have the double distinction of being assessed as internships by universities as well as charitable activities.

Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation

The Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation provides assistance of all kinds to families with members who have been diagnosed with brain tumors. The foundation has been in existence since the year 2000 and helps those in need with "financial, physical, mental and spiritual" assistance. The annual Race for Hope occurs in November and is a major event for the Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation which involves a 5k or 12k sponsored charity walk/run. During the race, funds are raised which enable other projects to continue. The foundation is always accepting volunteer applications and will try to place applicants based on their existing skill sets and schedules. One-time volunteers and fundraisers are also welcome to join for the annual Race for Hope.

Tags: Oklahoma City, Upward Transitions, Brain Tumor, Brain Tumor Foundation, Infant Crisis, Oklahoma Brain, Oklahoma Brain Tumor

Fix A Subwoofer

A subwoofer, or a "sub," is an important part of your overall sound system, whether it's in your home or car. A sub's most important quality is bringing out sounds you can feel rather than just hear. However, they are also susceptible to wear and tear from overuse, and the sound quality will be greatly affected by this. Here are some steps to fix a subwoofer.

Instructions

1. Check with your manufacturer's Tech Support Web site. Usually with a subwoofer, the problem lies with the voice coil, which might just be burned out. These are usually fixed by sending them into the manufacturer, so determine how much you want to spend to repair it versus how much it would cost just to buy a new one.

2. Roam through the Tech Support forums. It's likely that someone had the same problem as you with your sub, and you can run the symptoms past a few other consumers to see what diagnosis they found.

3. Identify the specific problem if you can. You can look for tips to fix this problem on the manufacturer's Web site, or if you're technically savvy, you can try opening the sub and looking at it yourself. Two major manufacturers of subs include MTX and MK Sound.

4. Check the bronze-colored coil underneath the foam cover. Note whether it looks worn, burned, warped or distorted. This may be the cause of your sub sounding fuzzy or muffled, which means it needs replacement.

5. Look at the fuse inside the speaker and test it if you know how. This is a likely problem that causes your sub to power up improperly, play sounds at about half the volume or intermittently fade in and out. If the fuse is discolored or shows a short, you'll need to replace it.

Tags: Tech Support, with your

Repair Rust Above The Wheelwells On A Ford F150 Truck

As cars and trucks age, the ravages of road grime and salt take their toll. Trucks are very susceptible to rust in the wheelwell area since a lot of grime is picked up from the road and deposited in the wheelwell. No special tools or skills are needed to repair a rusty wheelwell. With a little time and patience, the rust can be dealt with and the wheelwell can be made to look like new.

Instructions

Prepping the Area

1. Remove all paint from the affected area with a wire brush or sanding disc mounted on a drill. If power tools are unavailable, then several sheets of sandpaper and elbow grease will do the job.

2. Remove any body trim pieces unless they help maintain the contour of the area.

3. Remove all loose metal and any pieces that are badly corroded using tin snips or a hacksaw. Hammer the edges of the metal to create a depression; fill material will be added later.

4. Remove all of the powdery rust with a wire brush and wash the area down with water. If the backside of the area you are working on is accessible, cover it with rust-inhibiting paint.

Finishing the Repair

5. Block off the hole from behind using sheet metal, fiberglass or a window screen. This will prevent you form using too much body filler.

6. Follow the body filler package directions to mix the filler. Use the supplied applicator to fill the repair area. Draw the applicator across the top to smooth the filler and have it match the contours.

7. Let the filler harden once you have matched the contour. Do not overwork the filler; it will start to harden and stick to the applicator.

8. Allow 20 minutes for the filler to set, then apply another thin coat of filler. Repeat this step until the filler is slightly higher than the surrounding metal.

9. Use the body file to remove excess body filler. Smooth the repair by using sandpaper: start with 180 grit and finish with 600 grit wet/dry.

10. Wash the repair area with clean water, then dry-spray the area with primer. The primer will show any imperfections; fix these with sandpaper and fresh body filler. The area is now ready for paint.

Tags: body filler, area with, repair area, wire brush, with grit, with wire

Repair An Old House After A Fire

Repair an Old House After a Fire

Correcting the damage of a house fire will require that you engage a builder to help assess the damage. Inspect every crevice of the home's foundation, living areas and attic spaces. Never cover up damage, but strive to cut away all damaged wood and other materials before you begin renovation. Use the reconstruction as an opportunity to upgrade the home's wiring and other features. This type of major repair project requires hands-on assistance from experienced carpenters and other professionals. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Hire a professional builder to be onsite as you inspect the damage. Ask your local fire department to assist as well. Your insurance company will have key personnel to work with you, since they will have criteria for paying for it. Gain an overview of how much damage will need repair and how far your budget or insurance coverage will stretch. A major repair is not a do-it-yourself project, but you should take on the responsibility of watching the work unfold. No one will watch after your interests more than you in such a project.

2. Get a renovation building permit and talk with the power company about safety issues. A construction supervisor should oversee cutting away damage at each entryway. Never go inside and start removing walls or framework. Start by tearing off sections from the exterior. This may require having a contractor use a jackhammer, or even a bulldozer. Masonry siding may require nothing more than a sledgehammer and a crowbar. Hire workers to help you saw away minor pieces of charred wood or haul off debris, but leave major wall removal up to professionals. Hire a master carpenter to build both temporary and permanent support framework as you tear away burned materials.

3. Examine the home's foundation. Replace any foundational materials such as cinder blocks and concrete footings before you start to repair the living areas. Move into the interior of the house and inspect attic spaces above rooms. A master carpenter will need to build overhead support beams and side support beams in damaged load-bearing walls, which hold up the weight of the building.

4. Repair the exterior of the house first. Replace all roofing materials and windows to protect the interior of the home from rain. Ask all building professionals involved to inspect the interior before you begin removing drywall, insulation and electrical wiring from burned areas. Pay a master carpenter to build wall framing, floor joists and attic support framework to replace burned materials. Offer to provide labor in installing drywall, painting or installing flooring if you are competent in those areas. Ask your insurance company if you can provide these services to save money. Every insurance agency works differently.

5. Carve out room in your budget for a new breaker box and new wiring. Never leave old electrical materials in a home that has caught fire. Hire an electrician to replace all light fixtures and electrical outlets and reconnect all wiring. New roll-type fiberglass insulation will need to be placed in exterior wall framing and attic spaces. Reduce expenses by trying to salvage kitchen and bath fixtures and cabinetry, if your budget is tight. Pay professionals to do all upgraded electrical and plumbing connections.

Tags: attic spaces, master carpenter, will need, your budget, After Fire

Buy A Foreclosure Property

Buying a foreclosure property is like buying a home that has a seller...except that it's much more complicated and involves a lot more work for you. A foreclosure property is often sold 'as is,' so while you'll get a great deal on the price of the property, you'll likely incur a lot more repair costs than you would when buying a home with a seller. When buying a foreclosed home, upfront cost isn't everything - there are a lot of factors to consider.

Instructions

1. When you buy a foreclosed home, start early. If you have a lease that will be ending, start looking for a foreclosed home at least four months before then. While buying a home from a seller may be fast, buying a foreclosure property from a bank is a long, extended process.

2. Be prepared to spend money when you buy a foreclosure. You will incur lawyer fees, home inspection fees, repair fees, and even fees that the seller would normally pay, like getting a CO or paying realty transfer fees. Banks want to get rid of properties, but they don't want to spend any money doing it, so be ready to pay fees that you wouldn't normally pay as a buyer.

3. If there doesn't seem to be a lot of competition to purchase the foreclosed home, bid low. The bank should be happy to get rid of the home, and in many cases, foreclosures are sold 'as is,' so you will have to pay for all updates and repairs. Banks are unlikely to do take backs (where they reduce the home price based on necessary repairs) so bid low from the beginning.

4. Be patient. Banks have a lot going on, so it may take weeks for the bank's lawyer to respond to your lawyer during the attorney review period. Typically, attorney review takes three days in real estate, but with a foreclosure, it could take weeks or even months, especially when there are a lot of foreclosed properties on the market. Be prepared to wait. Attorney review will likely drag on for quite some time.

5. Be ready to fight for things when you buy foreclosed homes. Banks like to take a lot and give a little or nothing at all. If you have an addendum that benefits you that was written into your contract, the bank is likely to refuse to sign it. Be ready to fight for it, and the bank may give in.

6. Get a great real estate lawyer. The contract that the bank will want you to sign may be filled with misinformation and clauses that benefit the bank, not you. There may also be a lot of mistakes in the real estate contract. Make sure your lawyer reviews the contract very well and asks for changes to the clauses that work against you.

7. Make smart decisions. A bank contract may state that the bank can keep any deposit that you've made if you back away from the home. If there is any doubt that you'll walk away from the home, don't risk your deposit, if it is a large one. Do your home inspection, CO and other necessary checks before signing anything. You'll spend some money on that, but it's less than what some banks want as a deposit, since the deposit amount can be thousands of dollars.

8. Get a thorough home inspection. You will be responsible for all repairs, so you need to know what all of the problems with the property are. Things like termite problems, which the seller would normally pay for, will be paid out of your own pocket, so make sure to get everything inspected properly. Otherwise, you could find out that your inexpensive house is very expensive due to needed repairs, like repairs from termite infestation.

9. Make a list of all of the home's repairs and when you'll need to have them completed by for safety reasons. If the cost of the repairs is too high, it may be worth walking away from the home and choosing a more expensive property that is better shape. However, if you can afford the repairs, it's a great idea to buy the foreclosure property because you won't be paying interest on the repair costs if you pay them up front, and you'll have the ability to update the home in a way that you like.

10. Bargain for what you want. You may not be able to get the price down of a home, but you may be able to bargain for a later closing date, if necessary. The bank wants to get rid of this home, so you should fight for what you want with this home.

Tags: foreclosed home, foreclosure property, away from, away from home, buying home

Compare Home Replacement Window Services

Choosing the right home window repair company is important.

There are many companies that repair, install, and replace home windows. Choosing an experienced window replacement company can help ensure your new windows are as energy efficient as they can be, for decades to come. Does this Spark an idea?

Cost versus quality

Although you may be tempted to go with the company that offers you the best price, sometimes the cheapest company may not be the one to go with. Compare the quotes from several different companies. Quality is more important than price when it comes to windows, since the brand of window and how they are installed will make a difference.

Licenses and insurance

A window replacement company must use licensed installers. When comparing companies, ask if the individual installation technicians are independent contractors. If they are, then they have to each have a contractors license. A contractor cannot be insured against damage and accidents unless they have a license. Using a non-licensed installer means that if something goes wrong, you, the homeowner, will end up paying extra for it.

Warranty

Another important aspect to look for when comparing home replacement window companies is a warranty. A warranty shows that they stand behind the quality of the windows they install, and will repair the problem if something goes wrong within the first 90 or 180 days.

Tags: goes wrong, replacement company, something goes, something goes wrong, they have

What Is The Real Tax Benefit Of Rental Property

A landlord can live in one unit and still receive tax benefits from renting out other units.

When a landlord rents out a home or apartment, he can claim several deductions when filing an income tax return. The landlord does have to report the rent payments as income, but there are many tax deductions available to a landlord that a homeowner who lives in a home cannot claim, such as house depreciation expenses.The landlord only receives tax benefits when the landlord makes the property available to renters.

Loss Deduction

When the landlord actively operates the rental business, she can deduct more than the total amount of rent income as business loss expenses. The landlord must perform management activities to qualify for this deduction, such as interviewing and selecting tenants, advertising the property and hiring and directing property managers and other staff, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Repair Costs

A landlord can deduct repair expenses as business costs. This includes the cost to purchase supplies at a hardware store, as well as wages the landlord pays workers to make the repairs. Normal repair costs are the landlord's responsibility, so the landlord has an obligation to pay the repair bills. If the tenant hires a worker to repair damage to the apartment, the landlord may offer to reduce the rent payment by the amount that the tenant paid the repair worker instead of reimbursing the tenant. The landlord can also deduct the tenant's repair bill as a business expense. If the tenant personally fixes up the property instead of paying rent, the landlord can deduct the unpaid rent.

Non-Occupied Property

A landlord receives tax benefits even when no tenant occupies the property. The landlord can still deduct the normal repair and maintenance expenses necessary to keep the property ready for a renter. According to the IRS, the landlord can not count the loss of revenue from an empty apartment as a business expense.

Landlord-Occupied Property

The landlord does not qualify for additional tax benefits when the landlord is occupying the entire property. When a landlord lives at a house for part of the year and then rents it out for the rest of the year, the landlord can proportionally deduct some expenses and may not deduct some other expenses at all. The landlord must rent the house out for more than 15 days a year to claim any landlord-specific deductions, such as repair expenses and depreciation, according to the IRS.

Multiple Units

A landlord can live at a rental property and still receive a tax benefit. If the property includes two units, the landlord must split repair costs and other deductible expenses between the units when reporting income. If the landlord lives in a house and makes certain rooms available to tenants but does not personally use them for more than two weeks a year, the IRS considers these rooms separate rental properties and the landlord can deduct the cost to maintain these rooms without dividing them up.

Tags: expenses landlord, landlord deduct, landlord must, more than, When landlord

Fix A Bowing Basement Wall

This is a big project, but it doesn't have to cost big if you follow these simple instructions. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. The first thing to do is to determine if the wall is bowing bad enough to warrant severe methodology to fix it. Use the rule of thirds. The easiest way to do this is to take a straight 2x4 that goes from floor to ceiling and put it against the wall. Use a level to plumb the board. Now measure the gaps at the top and bottom of the level between the level and the wall. If the gap is more than 1/3 of the overall height in inches, you need to fix this problem... yesterday.

Now that you have determined that your wall needs to be fixed, start by removing all of the fill on the outside of the house that is against the bowed wall. The dirt should be removed at least 4' back and all the way down to the wall footing. Use a mini excavator to remove most of the dirt. ALWAYS HAVE DIGGER HOTLINE COME OUT AND MARK YOUR UTILITIES PRIOR TO ANY DIGGING!!! Use a shovel and a push broom to clean any dirt off of the foundation wall. Then let dry for a few hours.

2. Now that the foundation wall is clean and dry you are ready to apply an elastomeric waterproofing material. This material is a paint, but acts as a water proofer. This product is used on roofs and siding as a seamless way to keep water out. Paint on 2 coats and let the coating cure for about 4 hours.

3. now you need to drill large 1" holes through the foundation above and below the crack in lines about 4' apart. The holes should go all the way through. Once the holes are drilled, insert one end of one of the rods with the threaded end, in through the holes. Slide the foundation plate over the rod, screw the nut on the plate, and secure the nut firmly by hand.

Now go outside and secure the anchor system that comes with the rod. DO NOT FORGET TO INSTALL THE OUTSIDE FOUNDATION PLATE!!!

4. Now it is time to put 3 more coats of your elastomeric waterproofing over the foundation. Make sure you get the areas with the wall plates especially well.

5. Now lay a piece of perforated 6" drain tile against the foundation footing. You will then dig underneath an area of the footing wear the drain tile will go under your basement slab into a sump pit. For details on install a sump pit, go to http://www.ehow.com/how_5792446_install-sump-pit-pump.html

6. Now you are ready to backfill the dug out area. Use 3/4" wash stone in the entire area. Use a plate compactor every foot to make sure the gravel compacts properly. Once the gravel is about half way up the wall and the anchors are buried in a few feet of gravel, go inside with some friends and turn the nuts. Use an impact wrench for quick and easy turning. make sure you distribute between the anchors when you turn them. Once the wall is plumb, go back outside and keep back filling. Do not fill the last foot.

7. Now lay down some filter fabric overlapping all seams at least 6". Then backfill the rest of the way with dirt. Use grass seed and straw after you have raked the yard so that there is a slight slope away from the house (for specific details on grading, see http://www.ehow.com/how_5830773_grade-yard.html ).

Congratulations! You have successfully fixed your bowing basement wall once and for all!

Tags: drain tile, elastomeric waterproofing, foundation wall, http ehow

Get A License For Air Conditioning Repair

A repairperson helps make things easier for homeowners.

There are some types of air conditioner repairs that can be made by a homeowner. However, home air conditioners are complex, expensive appliances that homeowners cannot always fix themselves. When this situation occurs, an air conditioning repair person in needed. Before you can have this job, you will need to get a license. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Contact your state or county office to find out more about the test that is required for air conditioning repair licensure, as well as the requirements. Each state or county has different regulations, so it's important to call and find out more.

2. Complete an apprenticeship program in air conditioning repair if this is required for licensure. Apprenticeship programs can be found through the National Association of Home Builders, local chapters of the Associated Builders and Contractors or a similar organization. These tend to last three to five years.

3. Gain work experience if is a requirement for licensure in your state. Work for an air conditioning repair company for approximately two to five years to gain the needed experience. Building groups and appliance stores might also employ air conditioning repair persons.

4. Sign up for the state or county test that is required for licensure once you have completed the other requirements. These tests will generally focus on key areas of air conditioning repair, such as HVAC knowledge or local electrical codes. Exams are administered by places like contract associations, building groups or trade schools. The place administering the licensure exam must be approved by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

5. Wait for your test results. The time frame for receiving your test results will depend on where you took the licensure exam. Once you pass the exam successfully you will receive a license for air conditioning repair.

Tags: conditioning repair, state county, your test results, conditioning repair, find more, five years, licensure exam

Verify A Title To A Mobile Home In Florida

A motor home title is at the Registry of Deeds or DMV.

Mobile homes that are considered real property are called manufactured homes. The title documents for these homes are found at the Registry of Deeds in your Florida town. However, if a mobile home is actually mobile, the title will be held either by an auto lender or at the Florida Registry of Motor Vehicles. You must first determine the status of the mobile home before you can verify the title.

Instructions

Registry of Deeds, Real Property

1. Find out if the mobile home is inhabitable. In Florida, this means that a property inspection confirms the home as real estate. The inspection must find a viable foundation (which can be merely solid ground). It also must be devoid of its axles and wheels.

2. Visit the Registry of Deeds for the Florida county in which the mobile home is located. You must have some of the following information: the Florida property address, the homeowner names or the name of the mortgage company who holds a loan secured with the mobile home.

3. Speak with an abstractor at the Registry of Deeds. You may be able to use an online database at the Registry. Some, but not all, Florida Registries have electronically registered the town deeds. An abstractor can use the information you culled together to search the physical land deeds.

4. Comb through the deeds, liens, mortgages and any other recorded documents that the abstractor finds. You may find Florida Department of Revenue tax liens. A title is only verified once you find the most updated deeds. For example, if a quitclaim deed was filed after the home was purchased, the ownership on title will reflect the quitclaim deed, not the original purchase deed (warranty deed).

Registry of Motor Vehicles

5. Check the mobile home. In order to qualify as personal property and not real property in Florida, the mobile home must still have the axles and wheels attached.

6. Find the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This is a unique series of numbers and letters that is used to track the mobile home's purchase history. This number will likely be on the vehicle's registration and insurance card. (You can also look up a Florida VIN number at the Registry listed in Resources.)

7. Bring the following information to the Registry of Motor Vehicles: the mobile home VIN, registration, insurance information and original loan contract (if applicable). Also bring two forms of identification.

8. Speak with a RMV representative. Ask to see all liens for the particular motor home. Once you verify that you own the mobile home (with the documents you bring), the representative can pull up all liens outstanding on the title. The original title will be held either at the RMV or at the auto lender (if you are still financing the vehicle).

Tags: mobile home, Registry Deeds, mobile home, Motor Vehicles, Registry Motor

Get Your Home Ready For An Appraisal For Refinancing

When a home is in good condition, it may appraise for a higher amount.

A homeowner who wants to refinance a mortgage should not let the lender schedule an appraisal until the home is in good condition. If the home does not appraise for the minimum amount that the lender requires, the homeowner may not be able to refinance the mortgage. In preparation for the appraisal, the homeowner should identify areas where the home needs repairs or other maintenance. Once the home is in good condition, the homeowner can tell the lender to schedule a day for the appraiser to perform the inspection.

Instructions

1. Make a list of what you need to do to prepare for the appraisal. Walk through each room in your house and look for things that you need to fix. Once you finish inspecting the inside of your home, walk around the exterior of the house to look for issues that you need to address. Check for things like broken bricks or paint that needs touching up. Review your complete to-do list once you finish looking over the exterior of your house.

2. Buy the materials that you need in order to prepare for the appraisal. Take your to-do list with you in case you cannot remember everything that you need to buy. Go to a home improvement store, and ask a salesperson to help you find what you need. If you are not sure exactly what product to buy, show the salesperson your to-do list. Make sure that you have everything that you need before you go to the checkout counter.

3. Take care of the most time-consuming items first on your list of preparations. If you are not sure that you have enough time to prepare for the appraisal, ask a family member or a friend for help. Divide your to-do list tasks evenly, or assign each person a specific task to perform. Check up on anyone who is helping you, to make sure that you are happy with the quality of the work.

4. Walk through your house once you finish with the preparations. Review your to-do list while you look over the house to make sure that you did not miss anything. Remove any clutter, such as magazines or old newspapers. An appraiser will not reduce the amount of the appraisal if you have a house that is messy, however it is still a good idea to make your home look as new as possible before the appraiser arrives.

5. Contact a real estate agent to help you determine whether you have done enough to prepare for the appraiser. Take notes while you are walking through your house with the real estate agent. Once the agent leaves, address any issues that you need to take care of, so you can be confident that your house will be ready for the appraiser's inspection.

Tags: that need, to-do list, your house, your to-do list, sure that

Build A Septic Tank Baffle

PVC pipe

A baffle is a vital part of your septic tank, preventing solid waste from entering the field lines and also from backing up into the house drain. If the baffle has been damaged, knocked off or has rusted out, it must be replaced or repaired. A plumber can knock off a baffle by using a drain router to unclog a pipe. The router strikes the baffle and it falls into the septic tank without anyone knowing it until a problem develops. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut a section of PVC pipe approximately 24 inches long. The pipe will normally need to be 4 inches in diameter but should match the drain line coming from your home (usually 4 inches). This section of pipe will connect to the drain line and then extend into the septic tank. (This is on the inlet side of the tank.) Clean one end of the pipe with the pipe cleaner and then apply glue and secure the pipe coupler to the pipe.

2. Clean the other end of the pipe as well as the center hole on the tee fitting. Apply ample glue to the pipe and insert it into the tee fitting. As the pipe slides into the fitting, twist it slightly to help evenly spread the glue. Hole the pipe in place for several seconds to allow the glue to dry slightly.

3. Cut another section of PVC pipe. This section will extend down from the tee fitting into the septic tank and must be long enough to pass through the surface sludge in the tank, which is generally no more than 6 inches thick. The pipe needs to extend down approximately 12 inches past the sludge. For safety, cut this section 24 inches in length. By extending below the sludge the baffle prevents the sludge from entering either the field lines or backing up into the house drain. This will help prolong the life of your system and reduce costly maintenance.

4. Clean one end of the pipe and apply the PC cement. Slide the pipe into one of the two openings on the tee fitting. Once again twist the pipe slightly and hold it in place until the glue has had time to set up slightly.

5. Cut a final piece of PVC pipe approximately 6 inches in length. Clean both ends of the pipe with the pipe cleaner and then apply pipe cement to one end only. Slide this end into the final opening in the tee fitting. Twist it slightly and hold it in place for a few seconds.

6. Clean the second pipe coupler and then apply cement to the end of the short pipe you just installed. Slide the coupler onto the pipe and hold it in place for a few seconds. Apply additional glue to the inside of the coupler and then push the grate insert into the coupler. Allow all fittings to dry completely before installing.

Tags: approximately inches, hold place, into septic, into septic tank, section pipe, then apply

Build A Second House On My Lot

A small second home takes a good deal of preparation and planning.

There are many good reasons for building a second home on your lot without subdividing the lot. You may want a home for a parent or adult child, you may have frequent out-of-town guests, or you might want to use it as a studio or office. You could also be looking for rental income. Every municipality has its own rules for second homes and guest houses, as well as who and how many can use them. Proper planning is the most important part of building a second house on your lot, since you will have a great deal of trouble selling any second structure that is not a legal structure. You may also be fined or have to tear the structure down. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decide what your needs are. Guesthouses or in-law suites may only have two rooms and a bathroom, while other in-law suites or rental suites need a fully equipped kitchen. Determine if it can be attached or if it must be detached.

2. Go to your local municipal zoning department offices or check the municipal website and see if the municipality allows a second building on the lot. Some municipalities do not allow such a building or require a variance. A variance is a request to make an exception to existing zoning rules and requires you to attend a meeting of a local zoning board.

3. Check if zoning allows for a full kitchen and if the home must be attached or detached.

4. Find out the size of your lot from your lot plat map showing the shape and dimensions of your lot, which is available by stopping in at your municipal tax office or building permit department and asking for it. Check on the minimum lot size needed for a home in your zoning area and how much extra is needed for two. Some areas require you to have a lot size that is double the minimum--one for each home.

5. See if there is enough room on the lot considering where the first home is located. If the existing home is smack in the middle, you may not be able to create a large enough lot space to meet the requirements.

6. Determine if the minimum and maximum square footages permitted for the project will meet your needs. Many municipalities tie the maximum size of the second home to the size of the existing home.

7. Find out what the rear and side setbacks are for your neighborhood. Your second home must fit inside these required distances between the home and the lot line.

8. Have an inspection done of your utilities to make sure that they will be able to cope with the additional capacity. You may be able to add additional capacity, but some municipalities require you to use the same lines and systems for both homes.

9. Consider parking and drainage when planning the project and its location. Adding paved surfaces and leveling out and providing the slight raise needed for the new house will likely call for a re-grading of the entire lot.

10. Check if there are any restrictive covenants for your property if you live in a subdivision. If you did not receive a copy at closing, they should be available from your home owner's association, builder's office, or local building permit office. Most covenants have some sort of rules in regard to additions to a property and/or the architectural style of any structures built in the neighborhood.

11. Pick a design that will complement your existing home. Most municipalities require this, but it is a good idea regardless for curb appeal and future resale value.

Tags: second home, existing home, additional capacity, building permit, building second, from your

Build A Roof Over A Mobile Home

Building a roof over a mobile home will not only improve the aesthetic quality of a mobile home, but it will also cut down on heating and cooling costs. A roof over a mobile home can also help prevent damage from falling tree limbs as well as cut down on the annoying noise of hearing heavy raindrops falling on the roof. Anyone with basic carpentry skills can build a roof over a mobile home. However, building the roof will be easier if there are two people working on the roof together. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Building a Roof Over a Mobile Home

1. It is a good idea to determine how you will put your roof together. Do you want a slanted roof or a flat roof? If slanted, how big of a slant do you want? Make a quick drawing of what you want the roof to look like. Remember, the taller the roof, the more 2 x 4's that will be needed.

2. Build the rafters on the ground and then lift them onto the roof. The rafters should be in a triangular form with an additional piece of 2 x 4 going straight up the center. The amount of rafters needed will depend upon the size of the roof. The rafters should be placed every 2-4 inches for proper support of the roof.

3. Once the rafters have been loaded on top of the roof, they are ready to be nailed together. 2 x 4s should be attached to each end of the mobile homes roof. The rafters will be nailed to these 2 x 4s.

4. A 2 x 4 is then nailed to the top of each rafter after it has been nailed into place. The top 2 x 4 will provide added strength for the plywood roofing material. Attach the plywood to the rafters using nails or screws.

5. Attach the tiles or shingles on the wood, starting at the bottom and working your way up. Using this method allows for the layering of the tile or shingles to prevent leakage. The final step is to attach the flashing at the top point of the new roof. Flashing can also be used to finish off the end caps around the entire roof.

Tags: mobile home, roof over, roof over mobile, roof rafters, home will

Fix A Cactus That Has Broken

Broken off sections of cactus may be planted for a new cactus plant.

Cacti are slow-growing succulent plants with well-developed vascular systems, or systems that transport food and water through the system. Thanks to this system, if a piece breaks off the cactus, there are several options to salvage it, whether it is grafting or planting the piece as a new specimen. Does this Spark an idea?

Grafting

Broken pieces often have jagged edges and damaged tissues, so if you were to simply put the broken piece back onto the cactus and bind it in place, chances for success are low. If the wounded end on the broken piece and the stub were cut evenly with a sharp knife and you bind the broken piece into place on the stub, the chances of the cactus healing are much greater. This is because of the ease of grafting cactus plants and the very high probability of cacti of the same species grafting successfully. Alternately, you may graft the broken piece onto another cactus, preferably of the same species.

Planting Pieces

You can also plant broken pieces to create new cacti. It is best, however, to let the broken piece scab over for a few days in a warm, dry area with good circulation to prevent problems with fungal disease entering along the broken edge. Alternately, you may dip the broken edge in an anti-fungal sulfur solution. If the piece broke off because of disease or infection of the main plant, remove the diseased parts with a sharp, disinfected knife first, or the disease will claim the broken piece as well.

Aesthetics

Grafting leaves scars. This isn't a big problem if you have a sectioned cactus and it was a whole section that broke off. For many cacti, however, a broken section grafted back into place looks wounded, even if the graft heals. It may be better to trim the stub back to a section further down or closer to the main section of the cactus, depending on the type of cactus, and then re-attach the broken piece. If you will plant the broken piece for a new cactus or simply dispose of it altogether, it helps to trim the cactus, if possible, to remove jagged edges or odd-looking stumps.

Considerations

If the break is next to or on the base of the cactus, it is usually easier to simply allow the broken cactus piece to scab over and then re-plant it rather than try to get a graft to take. The wound is susceptible to fungal infection, especially if the soil is moist or comes into contact with the grafting joint.

Tags: broken piece, broken edge, however broken, into place, jagged edges, piece scab, piece scab over

My Clothes Washer Won'T Drain

Draining problems may cause flooding of the washer tub.

After the wash and rinse cycle, your washer should drain any water left in the tub out of the drain tube at the back of the machine. Your washer has a water level switch that tells the washer to drain water once it reaches the correct level. If this switch is malfunctioning, your washer might not properly drain. The water pump, located at the bottom of the machine, will also prevent water from draining if it is clogged or malfunctioning. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pull out the washer from the wall and check the drain hose. Untwist it if it is kinked.

2. Open up the lid of the machine and inspect the striker coming off the lid. The striker is a piece of plastic or metal that inserts into the lid switch, telling the machine when to run. Remove the striker by taking off the screw if it is broken.

3. Remove the control panel of your machine by first unplugging the washer from the wall to prevent shock. Remove the screws on each end of the control panel then slide a putty knife under each end to unlock it. Pull up the control panel. Unplug any wiring.

4. Inspect the water level hose coming from the water level switch. Inspect it for kinks and untwist it if necessary.

5. Unhook the hose from the water level switch by pinching the retaining clip with a pair of pliers. Remove the wires from the switch and mark them so you remember where they go. Set your multimeter, a tool used to test continuity, to the lowest OHM setting possible. Touch the multimeter probes to the opposite sitting terminals on the switch. You should get a zero continuity reading. Otherwise, replace the switch.

6. Remove the bottom panel from the washer by removing the screws and pulling forward. Find the water pump filter and unscrew it by turning it counter clockwise. Pull out the filter and wash it in warm water. Replace and test the machine.

Tags: water level, control panel, drain water, level switch, water level switch, from wall, from water

Troubleshoot Sears Kenmore Dryers

Troubleshoot Sears Kenmore Dryers

Kenmore is a Sears-owned brand that is sold exclusively at Sears locations. Sears manufactures Kenmore refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers and dryers -- both gas dryers and electric dryers. Many of Kenmore's more modern dryers are energy-efficient models that include features such as "Small Load" cycles and express dry settings. Regardless of the exact features your Kenmore dryer includes, you may find that the dryer is not working as well as you think it should. There are a number of things you can do to troubleshoot a Kenmore dryer to diagnose what the problem might be before you have to call in a pro. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Make sure the dryer plug is firmly inserted into the wall outlet if the dryer will not turn on. Check the breaker box to make sure the switch labeled "Dryer" has not tripped. The "Dryer" switch should be in the "On" position. If it is in the "Off" position, slide it over to "On."

2. Make sure you dry only clean items in your Kenmore dryer if you are noticing dirty spots on your clothing. The dirt or grime from one item of clothing can spread to other items that were clean when you initially loaded the washer, or they can spread to the dryer drum, then onto clothing in a later load.

3. Select a "Sensor Dry" option when placing your clothing in the dryer if you are noticing the clothes have a buildup of static electricity or seem too dry. Keeping a load in the dryer longer than is needed increases static output and causes the clothing to become very hot as well, shrinking some.

4. Check the heat settings you choose and the size of loads you insert into the dryer if you notice that loads are taking differing amounts of time to dry. The larger the load is, the longer it will take to dry. Likewise, a load that is set to a hotter setting will dry clothes more quickly than a equal load on a setting that is cooler.

5. Remove the filter from the dryer and clean the lint from it if you are noticing extra-long drying times. The more lint on a filter, the longer it will take for the dryer to dry because there is less heat reaching the clothing.

Tags: Kenmore dryer, your Kenmore dryer, dryer noticing, Kenmore Dryers, longer will

Television Repair Tips

A broken or faulty television can frustrate you. With television technology rapidly advancing, terminology constantly updating, and internal parts going out of production and becoming obsolete, it can be difficult for even the craftiest do-it-yourselfers to keep up. With some basic knowledge of television operation and common problem, you just might be able to fix your television yourself, without a costly repair bill.

The Most Common CRT Problem

Most modern television are now flat panel displays, such as plasma or LCD. However, older televisions and cheaper new televisions, use a traditional CRT (cathode ray tube) system. The most common problem with CRT televisions is magnetic distortion, which affects the color or geometric purity of the display. Magnetic distortion can result from a number of causes: movement of the TV, nearby lighting strikes, magnets near the television or nearby unshielded electronic equipment.

Take preventive measures to avoid magnetic distortion. Keep magnets, commonly found it children's toys, away from the TV. When you purchase a speaker system, be sure than the speakers are shielded; speaker drivers are usually little more than large, powerful magnets.

If you're experiencing magnetic distortion, degaussing is the solution. The basic method of degaussing is simple. Cycle the power by turning the TV on for one minute and then turning the TV off for 20 minutes. Repeat this process until the distortion dissipates.

If this doesn't work, commercial CRT degaussers are available from electronic parts distributors. Turn on the degausser and bring it close to the screen. Slowly move the degausser to the edge of the screen, tracing the perimeter. Return the degausser to the center of the screen and slowly back away from the TV. Once you're more than 5 feet away, it's safe to turn the degausser off.

Television Troubleshooting

Often a television won't work after being removed from storage. This is typically due to a bad connection, and the solution may involve resoldering cracked joints in the transformers, power resistors or connectors. These connections might also simply be dirty. Try applying some electronics cleaning solution, available from most electronics stores.

You might sense a burning smell coming from your television. If this occurs after an hour of operation, it's probably due to dust buildup. Try vacuuming inside the TV set or using compressed air to blow away dust. If the burning smell starts shortly after powering the TV up, the problem is more likely due to a faulty power supply and should be serviced by a qualified technician.

Remember to always unplug your television before opening it up and attempting internal repairs. Take off any jewelry and wear rubber-soled shoes. Refer to repair guides specific to your model before attempting anything potentially damaging to the device.

Tags: your television, available from, away from, burning smell, common problem, magnetic distortion

Build A Permanent Foundation For A Mobile Home

Mobile homes have no foundations when purchased.

A mobile home is set on pier footings made of concrete. This means the home is elevated off the ground. Unless you install skirting, the underside of the home is exposed and open to animals and children. A permanent solution to this problem is to install a concrete cinder-block foundation. This is a DIY project for someone with masonry skills. It will take at least a week to complete. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay 1 inch of gravel directly under the mobile home where you plan to install the foundation. Tamp the gravel down with a tamping tool and let it settle overnight.

2. Mix up mortar and water in a wheelbarrow, using the proper mixing ratio specified on your cinder-block mortar. Use a trowel to mix the mortar until it is the consistency of a milkshake.

3. Trowel about 1 inch of mortar onto the gravel directly under the home in one corner. Place a cinder block into the mortar so the solid, flat side is facing toward you. Check to ensure the block is level, using a carpenter's level.

4. Spread mortar on the gravel next to the cinder block and apply some mortar to the side of the first block. Place the next block beside it about 1/2 inch away. Trowel additional mortar between the blocks if needed. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 until the entire first row of the foundation is complete.

5. Trowel 1/2 inch of mortar on top of the first cinder block and over half of the second block in the first row. Lay one half cinder block on top of the first block, flush with the end of the wall. Spread mortar on the side of this new block, then place the next block right beside it. Continue to apply mortar and cinder blocks to build the foundation up to your mobile home frame.

Tags: cinder block, about inch, block first, directly under, first block

Washington State Energy Star Incentives

Certain Energy Star appliances qualify for a rebate in Washington state.

The federal government's Energy Star initiative offers incentives, such as rebates and tax breaks, to encourage the replacement of inefficient appliances manufactured before 1993 with items that have earned the Energy Star rating. To earn the rating, a product must contribute significant and measurable energy savings; utilize widely available, non-proprietary technologies; and deliver features and performance, in addition to improved energy efficiency, according to the Energy Star website. Several programs offer Energy Star incentives to Washington state residents. Does this Spark an idea?

Puget Sound Energy

Puget Sound Energy, a Washington-based utilities company, offers Energy Star incentives to electric and natural gas customers through the PSE Energy Efficiency Rebates program. Existing single-family properties with four or less attached units are eligible to apply. As of November 2010, the program offers up to $1,500 for an Energy-Star-qualified geothermal heat pump, $250 for a qualified heat pump water heater, $350 for a qualified boiler, $100 for a qualified forced-air furnace, $200 for a qualified tankless water heater and $50 for a qualified water heating storage system. Washington residents who purchase new, Energy-Star-qualified manufactured homes can apply for a $150 to $300 rebate. Puget Sound Energy also offers incentives to multifamily home owners through the Multifamily Retrofit Incentives program. Rebates include up to $50 for each Energy-Star-qualified refrigerator and up to $20 for each pin-based, compact florescent light fixture installed.

Cowlitz County PUD

The Cowlitz County Public Utilities District (PUD) offers incentives through the Northwest Energy Star Homes program. The program offers up to $1,300 for each site-built, electrically heated home built and verified as an Energy Star home before September 30, 2010. Houses can be single-family or up to four units, and must be at least 15 percent more energy-efficient than required by Washington's residential code. To qualify, homes must receive electric service from Cowlitz County PUD, must have an electric zonal or heat pump, and must meet all certification requirements of the Northwest Energy Star organization.

Grant County PUD

The Grant County PUD offers bill credits for customers who purchase certain Energy Star products. Purchases must have been made after May 1, 2009. Eligible purchases include a $70 credit for Energy-Star-certified clothes washers and a $25 credit for certified refrigerators and freezers. The Grant County PUD also offers bill credits of up to $2.50 per bulb for Energy Star compact florescent light bulbs.

Snohomish County PUD

The Snohomish County PUD offers the Build with Energy Star Program to builders of new homes in Snohomish County and on Camano Island. The PUD provides rebates up to $1,000 for Energy-Star-qualified air-source electric heat pumps, up to $1,500 for ground-source electric heat pumps, up to $75 for a clothes washer, up to $50 for a refrigerator and up to $35 for a dishwasher. If at least 60 percent of light fixtures are certified as Energy Star, the PUD also offers a $10 incentive per fixture, up to $150.

Tags: Energy Star, also offers, Cowlitz County, Grant County, heat pump, offers incentives

Build A Mobile Home Park

Fully occupied mobile home parks can generate thousands in income.

A mobile home park can offer an owner significant income potential with little upkeep involved. Many entrepreneurs make the investment in an existing mobile home park to provide ongoing residual income or to build a retirement nest-egg. If you have access to a piece of property that might offer the space to fit multiple mobile homes, you might consider the possibility of building your own mobile home park. You can provide home sites for new and used single- or double-wide manufactured homes, or you can provide temporary and long-term connection pads to power mobile RV homes.

Instructions

1. A suitable location is important to a mobile home park.

Find a piece of property for your mobile home park, if you do not already own land. Look for a large property that offers several acres so you have room for streets, individual lots, common spaces and a mobile home park office if desired. Consider the location of the land in relation to your business. If you plan to cater to RV mobile homes for vacationers and retirees, you may want to choose an area close to attractions or activities such as hunting and camping. A mobile home park for residents of manufactured homes should be close to town for commuters.

2. Mobile home parks may be considered commercial property.

Research the zoning of the property you own or plan to purchase for a mobile home park. Make sure the property can be subdivided for multiple units, and verify if you need special permission to use the land as a commercial investment. Inquire at your town council or city planning and development department about the legalities involved in establishing a mobile home park. Certain areas may not allow a mobile home park due to zoning restrictions in rural or residential areas.

3. Submit an application to change the zoning for your property, if necessary. Register as a business with your city or state, and obtain a tax ID for your business from the IRS. Apply for a business license and all the necessary permits from the local municipality where the land is located. Consult with a business lawyer if you need assistance in determining what permits and licenses are required for construction and operation of your mobile home park.

4. Plan spaces for a tennis court, park or playground for residents.

Consult with a contractor or architect who specializes in designing and building mobile home parks. Determine the placement of each mobile home lot, the streets, driveways and common areas, such as a playground or pool area and shared laundry if applicable. Ask for an estimate on the building costs for the park and the installation of utilities such as water, electric and sewer.

5. Pay off financing quickly to reduce interest costs.

Arrange financing for the construction, if needed. There are some banks willing to make loans for mobile home parks, but you may need to draw money from your own savings for a down payment or if you are denied a loan. Install the utility connections for one or two mobile home units if you are able to clear the land yourself. As you collect rent and start to develop an income, invest the money in further expansion efforts.

Tags: mobile home, home park, mobile home park, home parks, mobile home parks, mobile homes, your mobile

Scouting Merit Badge Activities In Maryland

Boy Scouts of America's World Crest Flag

The trail to Eagle Scout requires the scout to earn 21 merit badges. Twelve of the required merit badges are chosen for them, while the scout may choose the other nine from the 129 available. Attending a program, class or other organized activity can help the scout achieve their goals in an environment that is suited for the merit badge requirements, with other scouts with similar goals and a qualified merit badge counselor.

Merit Badge Day Camp

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Venture Crew members sponsor merit badge day camps from May through July that focus on nature related merit badges. Badges are earned at the Department of Natural Resources Morgan Run Center in Westminster, MD and include fishing, bird study, insect study, tracking, environmental science, oceanography, soil and water conservation, nature, mammal study, camping and wilderness survival. The Venture Scouts hosting this camp are older, more senior scouts. They state on their website, "The Venture Crew's main objective in hosting Merit Badge Camp is to pass along the knowledge that we have obtained to younger scouts who are the future of American Boy Scouting."

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

Boy Scouts can earn the archaeology merit badge at this park which has archaeological facilities, a research library and an Indian Village for scouts to explore. The program teaches scouts the basic theories of archaeology by providing them hands-on experience through the scientific process, from research, to the field and then the laboratory. The scouts work with park archaeologists and a merit badge counselor throughout the program.

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum

10515 Mackall Road

St. Leonard, MD 20685

410-586-8501

jefpat.org

Meadowside Nature Center

The Meadowside Nature Center is part of the Montgomery County Department of Parks and offers more than 30 years of combined experience to guide scouts in achieving their merit badge goals. This organization offers multiple merit badges scheduled throughout the year including chemistry, astronomy, geology and environmental science. Meadowside's exhibits bring pioneer and woodland Native American lifestyles to life with the Legacy People exhibits. The aviary and nature exhibits along with seven miles of hiking trails through meadow, forest, lake and stream environments maximize the learning and earning opportunity while having fun.

Meadowside Nature Center

5100 Meadowside Lane

Rockville, MD 20855

301-924-4141

meadowsidenature.org

Reptile Wonders' The Nature Center on the Go

The Nature Center on the Go teaches courses for more than 16 merit badges throughout the year at their environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation center. Each class is a hands-on session led by a Park Naturalist who is also a BSA merit badge counselor. Merit badges currently offered include first aid, environmental science, Indian lore, insect study, bird study, fish and wildlife management, mammal study, forestry, home repair and entrepreneurship. These courses are intensive, one-day sessions that last from four to 10 hours.

The Nature Center on the Go

2242 Snydersburg Road

Westminster, MD 21157

410-374-0336

naturecenteronthego.com

Tags: Nature Center, merit badges, badge counselor, environmental science, Meadowside Nature, Meadowside Nature Center

Mobile Home Roof Repair Information

Like most parts of a mobile home, either a single wide or a double wide, the roof will not last forever. Weather and time take their toll on the roof and numerous resealing and repairs are necessary to keep the home from leaking and even prevent the roof from caving in. Experts recommend several ways to repair the various types of mobile home roofs. Does this Spark an idea?

Roof Materials

The design of mobile homes has changed over the years and so has the design and materials used on their roofs. They were once made of sheets of aluminum or metal, laid nearly flat with only a slight grade to run off the water. The pieces of metal were fused together at the seams. Now both singlewide and doublewide homes are designed like traditional ranch style homes, having more angled roofs that are often covered in shingles and top quality metal roofing.

Causes for Repairs

The most common cause of roof problems is the weather. The roof materials heat up during the day and cool down at night, causing warping. Wind also causes roof materials to flex and break loose. The smallest holes in the surface of the roof allow water to leak into the home and if the water freezes and then becomes backed up and expands, larger holes develop allowing more water to enter. Leaking roofs create ceiling stains and allow mold and mildew to grow in the home.

Seam Seals

A common quick fix for roof leaks is a sealant product such as Peel & Seal or paint-on roof sealant available at hardware stores. Match the sealant with the roofing type of your mobile home and paint onto the seams or cracks in the roof. This will prevent leaking for a while, but does not repair deeper damage inside the roofing materials and in your mobile home's attic.

Roof Sealants

Entire roof sealants will also work to prevent roof leaks for a while. Asphalt-based products can be applied to an entire roof and will work their way into cracks and expand to fill cracks and seams. Entire roof sealant products work temporarily but will eventually require additionally applications or other roof repair methods.

Major Repairs

Eventually mobile home roofs will either need to be replaced or have a new roof built over it. Placing a new roof over an existing roof is an easy task that will change the appearance of the home and prevent roof leaks for a much longer time than other roof sealing methods.

Tags: mobile home, prevent roof, roof leaks, your mobile home, Entire roof

Grants For Disabled People In Illinois

Access to a park is just one of the little luxuries that the disabled want to enjoy.

Disabled persons in a community face many challenges besides those posed by a disease or a medical condition. Access to services is a big problem many face. The State of Illinois is committed to the disabled and has developed grants to help maintain their independence. These grants impact housing, services and education, and ultimately improve the quality of life for the disabled in Illinois.

Housing Grants in Illinois

The State of Illinois recognizes that housing poses many different problems for the disabled. The problems include access to and from the building, need for modification to accommodate a specific medical condition, and maintenance of the dwelling when a disabled person can not. The Illinois Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development administers grants to cover these and other housing-related issues. It also manages a federal grant which is meant to assist in providing shelter to the homeless. The HUD website explains the various grants and has several on-line calculators to determine eligibility.

Financial Grants

Besides the income provided by Social Security, some disabled persons may be eligible for other financial benefits under the Aid to the Aged, Blind or Disabled Grant program. The grant provides financial assistance for basic needs to low-income disabled persons. This program is administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services.

Energy Assistance Grants

Utilities and fuel costs often force a disabled person to make a tough decision: either pay the utility bill or buy medication. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs administers energy assistance grants through offices in the State. The grants provide assistance with heating costs, furnace repair, weatherization and emergency situations such as when the heat is shut off during winter months. There are eligibility requirements for these grants and the funding is limited. The grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tags: disabled person, disabled persons, Illinois Department, medical condition, State Illinois

Find Work At Home Accounting Jobs

Work at Home Accounting Jobs

If you have a bachelors degree or experience in the field of accounting, there are work at home positions available today that were not available only a few years ago. Here are a few online companies that regularly hire employees for their work at home accounting jobs.

Instructions

1. Bookminders

Bookminders hires experienced accountants in the United States to work at home. Qualified candidates must have a 4 year college degree and have 5 years experience working in the field of accounting. Experience with general ledger accounting software is also required. They are looking for individuals with a high-speed internet connection and transportation available to meet with local clients. Employees must be willing to work at least 20 hours per week. Compensation at or above $10 per hour can be expected.

2. Bateman & Co., Inc.

This company is located in Houston, TX. They employ accountants throughout the state of Texas. To secure a work at home job with Bateman, you need to be a certified public accountant with 3 years of on the job accounting experience.

3. Accountants Inc.

Accountants Inc. is an accounting job board. The jobs listed are available in Arizona, California, Conneticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. Choose "project" as the type of position. Work at home accountants can find contract gigs through this website. The website also has full-time non-telecommuting positions available, so you will need to read through each job ad.

4. Nationwide Loan Processing

If you are an experienced loan processor, you can begin working from home for Nationwide. They require 3-5 years of loan processing experience. In addition to loan processing jobs, they offer loan underwriter positions also.

5. OSI Business Services

This company hires bookkeepers with at least 4 years of experience and certified pubic accountants to work from home. You will be asked to submit several tests, including a quickbooks test, before beginning employment with OSI. Visit their website or email a resume and cover letter to If you find one that interests you send an email to Jobs@OSIBusinessServices.com.

6. TAD Accounting

TAD Accounting only hires certified public accountants to prepare tax returns. Because they require their employees to be certified CPAs, TAD pays better than most work at home accounting jobs. Check the website to see if they have current openings. When they do, they ask that a resume and cover letter be sent to resumes@tadaccounting.com.

7. Total Business Care

If you have a business degree from a 4 year university, Total Business Care might be for you. They regularly have openings in accounting, and administrative assisting. They also have consulting positions for those with an MBA.

Tags: accounting jobs, Accounting Jobs, Business Care, certified public, cover letter, field accounting, from home

Estimate Contract Labor

Estimating contract labor costs is simple if you understand the labor involved.

If your home needs maintenance, repairs or voluntary upgrades, you may choose to hire help for any of several reasons. Whether it's because you're busy or simply uncomfortable completing the necessary tasks, the amount you budget for labor is an important consideration to make. While it's never possible to predict the exact amount you'll spend before your home improvement project is finished, making a good estimation of your contract labor costs is easier than you might think. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Make a list of all the repairs that need to be made and the parts needed to make them, if you plan to assign your contractor the task of obtaining them. For example, if you need a bedroom painted, consider any trips to the hardware store, time that the contractor will need to spend taping up and preparing the room for painting, whether or not he will need to prime the walls and how many coats of paint the job will ultimately take.

2. Estimate the amount of time each stage of the project will take. For a painting project, you may figure at least an hour at the hardware store (including the time to and from), an hour spent preparing the room and two hours spent priming and on each coat of paint. If the color you have chosen is dark, it will likely require three coats. Compute a total number of hours; in this case, ten--one hour at the store, one hour preparing the room, two hours for priming and two hours for each of three coats (in total, six hours) of painting.

3. Agree to an hourly rate with your contractor and multiply this hourly rate by your estimated number of labor hours to estimate contract labor. Then multiply by the number of contractors. For example, if you estimated ten hours, have agreed on an hourly rate of $22.50 and will need two laborers to complete the project, a good approximation of your cost is as follows: 10 x 22.50 x 2 = $450.00.

Tags: contract labor, hourly rate, preparing room, will need, contract labor costs, hardware store, labor costs

Real Estate Grants For The Disabled

There are many real estate grant opportunities for the disabled.

Finding adequate real estate or housing funding when you are disabled can be challenging. There are a number of limitations on federal grant funding that can make searching for assistance frustrating at best. The Department of Housing and Urban Development offers help for the disabled person as does the Social Security Administration. Whether it's a grant to help improve accessibility in the home, or to assist with rental payments, there are multiple funding options available for people with disabilities.

Rental Assistance Grants

The Housing and Urban Development (HUD) branch of the United States government offers federal grant funding to assist with rent for qualified disabled individuals. The grant assists disabled Americans with rent or mortgage payments. The grant is open to disabled non-elderly Americans and is only offered in 21 states. For specific application materials and to be paired with a HUD counselor contact the national HUD office.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 7th Street S.W.

Washington, DC 20410

202-708-1112

hud.gov

Housing Vouchers

The U.S. Department of Housing offers housing vouchers to non-elderly families or individuals with disabilities. Unlike the rental assistance grants, Mainstream Vouchers allow citizens to lease affordable housing of their choice. There is also a Designated Housing Voucher in which individuals are placed in public housing options and finally the Certain Developments Voucher program in which individuals receive funding for housing in which real estate owners specify preference for elderly or disabled persons. Contact Housing and Urban development for further eligibility information on housing vouchers.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

451 7th Street S.W.

Washington, DC 20410

202-708-1112

hud.gov

Specially Adapted Housing Programs

The Veteran's Administration Specially Adapted Housing Program is designed to help disabled veterans construct an adapted home or pay for refurbishment of an existing home to meet disabled needs. This grant can be supplemented with help from the Homes for Our Troops nonprofit organization which helps to supplement grant funds received from the VA that do not cover housing costs. For application materials contact the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs. For further information on nonprofit funding from Homes for Our Troops visit the website for application materials (see Resources).

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20420

800-827-1000

va.gov

Social Security

If you are recognized as a disabled American by the Social Security Administration you may be eligible for Social Security Income (SSI) to supplement any other income you may have. To be eligible you have to be aged, blind, or otherwise disabled and show financial need. The income supplement is designed to help American's secure housing and other basic needs. There is a screening process before you can become eligible for these funds.

Social Security Administration

Windsor Park Building

6401 Security Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21235

800-772-1213

ssa.gov

Tags: Housing Urban, Social Security, Department Housing, Urban Development, application materials, Department Housing Urban, Housing Urban Development

Build A Deck In Front Of A Mobile Home

An attractive deck can add style and extra living space to a mobile home. A freestanding deck will look like it is a part of your home, but still allows for easy relocation of your home if necessary and without adding stress to the wall structure of your mobile home. Check local zoning laws, and contact the mobile home park association to find out about regulations about installing decks and the types of footers allowed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Build a Deck on a Mobile Home

1. Measure the distance from the ground to the lower edge of the doorway. Cut 4-by-4 support posts to length, subtracting 1 inch for footer insertion and 2 inches for floor board. Example: 36-inch (3-foot) distance from ground to bottom of door minus 3 inches for above allowances equals 33-inch support posts. The number of 4 x 4s required will vary according to the deck size, but a standard 12-by-12 foot deck will need nine support posts. Always use treated lumber to prevent weather and termite damage.

2. Set footers every 6 feet around the perimeter of the deck for support. Deck footers do not have to be planted beneath ground level. They are also the preferred method for footers in mobile home parks where digging and permanent decks are not usually allowed.

3. Attach 12-foot 2 by 4 at front of deck by nailing it to the 4-by-4 posts.(see diagram).

4. Add 12-foot 2 by 4s to the sides and middle of the deck by nailing them to the support posts (see diagram).

5. Hang joist hangers every 2 feet along the side support beams. Screw joist hangers into support beams for a secure setting. Use stainless-steel or electroplated screws for the best weatherproofing.

6. Insert 6-foot 2 by 4s into joist supports, and attach with nails.

7. Lay 12-foot 2 by 4s across top of deck foundation, and attach with nails. Leave a 1/8th inch space between each piece for drainage and to prevent buckling. Create a 1/8th inch space by driving a 16d nail slightly into the support beams between each floor plank (removing after next plank is positioned). Leave a 1-inch space between the final piece of the deck and the side of the mobile home.

8. Stain the deck, and let dry overnight.

Tags: support posts, mobile home, support beams, attach with, attach with nails, between each, Build Deck

Grants For Nursing Homes

Grants for Nursing Homes

Nursing homes provide a much-needed resource for the community and the elderly. To improve the quality of life services, nursing homes can use grants from foundations.

John A. Hartford Foundation

The John A. Hartford Foundation provides grants of up to $50,000 for professional development opportunities for doctors, nurses and staff. To apply, contact the foundation by phone or letter.

The John A. Hartford Foundation, Inc.

55 E. 59th St., 16th Fl.

New York, NY 10022-1713

(212) 832-7788

http://www.jhartfound.org

Isabel Foundation

The Isabel Foundation provides grants from $10,000 to $300,000 for nursing homes' program development or equipment. Send a letter with organizations needs including a budget.

The Isabel Foundation

111 E. Court St., Ste. 3D

Flint, MI 48502-1649

(810) 767-0136

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation provides grants from $20,000 to $100,000 as seed money or program development to assist vulnerable populations, such as the elderly . Contact them with a brief electronic proposal.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

College Rd. E. and Rte. 1

P.O. Box 2316

Princeton, NJ 08543-2316

(877) 843-7953

http://www.rwjf.org

National Council on the Aging Foundation, Inc.

The National Council on the Aging Foundation gives grants from $1,000 to $50,000 for improving the quality of life for senior citizens. Submit a letter with organizational needs for funding.

National Council on the Aging Foundation, Inc.

1901 L St. N.W., Ste. 400

Washington, DC 20036-3506

(202 ) 479-1200

Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation

The Edward N. & Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation gives grants from $20,000 to $30,000 for general operating support for nursing care for the elderly. Apply with a letter stating needs.

Edward N. & Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation

c/o Bank of America, N.A.

100 Federal St., MA5-100-16-01

Boston, MA 02110-1802

(804) 788-2098

https://www.bankofamerica.com/philanthropic/grantmaking.action

Tags: grants from, Aging Foundation, Council Aging, Council Aging Foundation, Della Thome

Removing A Bat Infestation

Bats

Bats are not usually a problem for most people. In fact they are actually a good thing. They eat bugs such as mosquitoes that spread diseases. However, if they've made taken up residence in a house, it can get a bit unsanitary because of droppings they leave. Unfortunately for humans, bats seem to be sentimental to a home. They will come back to them time and time again even if they've been transported hundreds of miles away.

Professionals

Professional exterminators will come out and remove the animals, sealing off the entrance that the bats are using to get into the home. Some will exterminate the bats, which is not good for the ecosystem and others will release them. The representative will then clean up the mess that was created by the winged animals.

On Your Own

Don't use poison. You will just end up with a bio-hazard of dead animals to clean up and more bugs in your back yard.

Instead, find the entrance that the bats are using and install exit only doors or flaps over all of them. This way the bats will be able to leave the house but not come back in. Leave these doors up until you are sure that all bats are out. Next, take the doors down and repair or seal the areas that the bats were using to enter the home. Once all holes are sealed, the bat infestation is over. However you will want to check the rest of the home and out buildings to insure they don't find another way in or another nesting place. Lastly, clean up the mess left behind by the bats.

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Romantic Getaways In Austin Texas

Austin offers unique romantic getaways.

The city of Austin, situated in central Texas, is not only famous for being the capital of the state, but showcases a unique culture that is perfect for couples. The countryside around the city is green and hilly, unique for Texas cities and perfect for tours and walks. Three lakes are interspersed throughout the city--Lake Austin, Ladybird Lake (formerly Town Lake) and Lake Travis, which contribute to the picturesque beauty of the area. The quirky shops filled with Texas memorabilia and the musicians that make the city known as the music Capital of the World offset the natural beauty of Austin, filling the town with many ideas for the perfect date.

Lost Parrot Cabins on Lake Travis

Lost Parrot cabins, located in the Hill Country surrounding Lake Travis, offers a scenic retreat away from the bustle of the city. The cabins features Mexican artwork, unique decorations, as well as live music and beautiful sunrises. Other amenities include massages, free WiFi and a hillside swimming pool.

Lost Parrot Cabins

15116 Storm Drive

Austin, Texas 78734

512-266-8916

lostparrotcabins.com

San Jose Hotel

The San Jose Hotel is a romantic experience right in the heart of the quirky South Congress district close to downtown Austin. The hotel offers bungalow-style rooms and gardens, but is close to many unique shops that make the area famous. On the first Thursday of every month, the area puts on its First Thursday event, a street festival filled with tents of hand-made designs by local artists, while the restaurants showcase local musicians.

San Jose Hotel

1316 South Congress Ave.

Austin, TX 78704, United States

512-852-2350

sanjosehotel.com

Bluebonnet Austin Hill Country Wine Tours

Offering full or half-day tours, Bluebonnet Wine Tours offer the perfect daytrip into the wineries of Austin. Couples learn about wine-making, sample the wines, and enjoy the scenery all while being chauffeured in style. Date possibilities include tours from the North Hill Country, South Hill Country, and wineries in cities close by including Luckenback, historic Gruene, Spicewood, Driftwood and Comal Creek. Bluebonnet Wine Tours have been offering tours for eight years and all their drivers have been professionally trained to answer any questions about the wineries of the area.

Bluebonnet Wine Tours

512-420-0200

bluebonnetwinetours.com

Tags: Hill Country, Wine Tours, Bluebonnet Wine, Bluebonnet Wine Tours, Jose Hotel

Save Power In Your Home Using Capacitors

Save money by using energy-efficient capacitors in your home.

A capacitor stores energy so it can be evenly dispersed by the appliances that you use in your home. You may want to buy capacitors to save money, but they don't lower your home energy bill by a substantial amount. Ideally, though, a capacitor will ensure that the power drawn by an appliance in your home is used to actually power the device. This reduces the energy that is wasted instead of used. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a capacitor to power devices and appliances that use a low amount of energy, such as radios or even flashlights. Wind the crank on the capacitor or shake it up and down. Check the information included with the capacitor to find out which way to generate energy. If you're supposed to shake the capacitor, a magnet located inside the device will move up and down, charging the copper coils inside.

2. Place the capacitor next to the device you need to charge. The energy will be drawn out of the capacitor and into the device. This works with low-power devices because there is just enough energy generated by the capacitor to provide the necessary energy for the device to work.

3. Attach a larger energy-saving capacitor to the breaker panel in your home. The capacitor should store some of the energy used to power appliances in your home. The capacitor will release the energy at a later time when it's most needed.

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